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Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

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FY2023 Annual Report · Orion Group Holdings, Inc.
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Annual Report
2023

Transitioning 
from explorer 
to future metals 
producer  

Contents

About this Report

Forward-looking Statements

Corporate Profile

Highlights

Orion at a Glance

Values

Mission

Key Achievements in 2023

Orion Projects in South Africa  
and Australia

Strategy

Leadership

Chairman and CEO’s Report

Board of Directors

Senior Management

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

6

8

10

14

16

Business Review

Financial Statements

Health, Safety and Environment

Community, Stakeholder 
Engagement and Social 
Responsibility

Commodity Markets

Review of Operations

  South Africa

 Prieska Copper Zinc Mine

  Okiep Copper Project

  Jacomynspan Project

  Australia

 Fraser Range 

 Walhalla 

Ore Reserves and Mineral 
Resources Statement

Corporate

20

24

26

28

28

36

43

45

45

46

54

Directors’ Report

Auditor’s Independence 
Declaration

Consolidated Statement  
of Profit or Loss and Other 
Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement  
of Financial Position

Consolidated Statement  
of Cash Flows

Consolidated Statement  
of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Financial Statements

Directors’ Declaration

Independent Auditor’s Report

Additional ASX and 
Shareholder Information

Corporate Directory

60

77

78

79

80

81

82

116

117

121

IBC

Delivering growth and 
opportunity by discovering 
and developing a portfolio 
of base metals projects for 
a cleaner future

   
 
 
About this 
Report

This Annual Report is a summary of the 
operations, activities and performance of 
Orion Minerals Limited ABN 76 098 939 274 
and its financial position for the year ended 
30 June 2023. In this report, unless otherwise 
stated, references to Orion Minerals, Orion, 
Company, we, us and our, refer to Orion 
Minerals Limited. Monetary amounts in this 
document are reported in Australian dollars 
(AUD, $), unless otherwise stated.

Forward-looking Statements

This report may include forward-looking statements. 

All forward-looking statements made in this report are 

Such forward-looking statements:

qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. Readers 

 — Are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and 

of this report are cautioned that forward-looking statements 

assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Orion, 

are not guarantees of future performance and are cautioned 

are inherently subject to significant technical, business, 

not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements 

economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties 

due to the inherent uncertainty therein. 

and contingencies; 

 — Involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that 

could cause actual events or results to differ materially from 

estimated or anticipated events or results reflected in such 

forward-looking statements; and 

 — May include, among other things, statements regarding 

targets, estimates and assumptions in respect of metal 

production and prices, operating costs and results, capital 

expenditures, mineral reserves and mineral resources 

and anticipated grades and recovery rates, and are 

or may be based on assumptions and estimates related 

to future technical, economic, market, political, social 

and other conditions. 

Orion disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly 

any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new 

information, future events or results or otherwise. 

All information in respect of Exploration Results and other 

technical information should be read in conjunction with 

the Competent Person Statements in this report (where 

applicable) and relevant ASX announcements released 

by Orion. 

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Orion and any of 

its related bodies corporate and affiliates and their officers, 

employees, agents, associates and advisers: 

 — Disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release any 

updates or revisions to the information to reflect any 

change in expectations or assumptions; 

 — Do not make any representation or warranty, express or 

implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness 

of the information in this report, or likelihood of fulfilment 

of any forward-looking statement or any event or results 

expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement; and 

The words ‘believe’, ‘expect’, ‘anticipate’, ‘indicate’, 

 — Disclaim all responsibility and liability for these forward-looking 

‘contemplate’, ‘target’, ‘plan’, ‘intends’, ‘continue’, 

statements (including, without limitation, liability for negligence).

‘budget’, ‘estimate’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘schedule’ and similar 

expressions identify forward-looking statements. 

1

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Highlights

The IDC to become a strategic funding 
partner at project level in both the Okiep 
Copper Project and Prieska Copper Zinc Mine, 
with pre-development funding agreements 
reached, providing a total of ZAR 284.58M 
for Orion’s two flagship projects

Awarded the 
AAMEG Junior ESG Award 
for Enhanced Labour Standards

Health and safety
The Lost-Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) 
per 200,000 hours worked is: Zero

Triple Flag 
US$87 million secured funding package for 
PCZM, comprising of a precious metals stream 
and additional early funding arrangement

New cornerstone equity partner 
secured, with Clover Alloys investing 
in Orion at listed group level

Vision and long-term objectives

Unlocking the unique opportunity 
in the Northern Cape, South Africa 
to have an integrated value chain 
producing future-facing metals, bringing 
high ESG standards to a province with 
diverse, high mineral endowment and 
a large existing and rapidly growing 
renewable energy footprint. 

Orion’s Northern Cape mineral portfolio 
includes mining rights, prospecting rights 
and applications in progress. 

The properties have significant historical 
mining of: Cu, Zn, Pb, Au, Ag, W with 
notable occurrences and diggings on 
Li, REE, U and large virgin deposits of 
Ni-Cu-Co-PGE that have been identified.

Orion at a Glance

Building a high-quality pipeline 
of future-facing base metals 
development and exploration 
assets to help drive the global 
green energy revolution.

2

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Values

TRANSFORMATIVE

Striving to be an ethical agent and catalyst 

for beneficial change in society, including 

the economic and social well-being and health 

and safety of our people and host communities.

RESILIENT

Committed to achieving the goals of our business, 

anticipating and overcoming disruptions and 

challenges, while embracing change and 

adaptability as the key tools of success.

AGILE

Committed to proactively and responsively 

understanding and addressing the goals of our 

business and stakeholders, nimbly and flexibly 

recognising and harnessing opportunity and 

meeting expectations and challenges.

INNOVATIVE

Seeking to adapt, innovate and improve the 

way we conduct our business, embracing and 

expanding on good practices, while building 

and maintaining an industry leadership role across 

all facets of our business. 

SUSTAINABLE

Striving for ethical business excellence and success, 

being both realistic and ambitious in achieving the 

goals of the business and stakeholders by adopting 

a balanced approach to business/economic, 

environmental and social considerations, and 

embracing a culture of good governance. 

Mission

A

B

C

D

E

Build a  

Generate 

Exercise  

Create an 

Be welcomed 

high-quality and 

superior returns 

high standards 

inspiring workplace.

in all communities 

sustainable minerals 

for shareholders.

of ethical conduct 

exploration, 

development and 

production company.

when dealing with 

all stakeholders.

in which the 

Company operates.

3

02 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILEORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Key Achievements in 2023

Landmark funding package 

Orion commenced the mine 
development and construction phase 
at its portfolio of advanced base 
metals projects in the Northern Cape 
Province, South Africa, after finalising 
the key elements of an overarching 
strategic funding package.

This included an equity funding 
package, worth up to $73 million, 
which saw the introduction of privately 
owned South African mining group 
Clover Alloys (SA) as a cornerstone 
investor via a $13 million, two-tranche 
placement at 1.5 cents per share.

The $13 million placement 
includes a significant options 
package and, assuming all 
options are ultimately exercised, 
brings the total value of the 
equity funding package to 
~$73 million.

Clover Alloys has extensive experience 
in the development of modular 
processing plants to support open pit 
and underground chrome and PGM 
mining operations, bringing significant 
strategic expertise to Orion in the 
staged development of its key base 
metal assets. 

4

All substantive conditions were satisfied, 
allowing initial drawdown of funding 
facilities totalling ZAR370 million 
(~$30 million) for trial mining 
and dewatering to commence at 
Prieska Copper Zinc Mine. The funding 
comprises a ZAR250 million (~$20 million) 
convertible loan facility with the 
Industrial Development Corporation 
of South Africa (IDC) and a $10 million 
early funding arrangement with 
Triple Flag. Initial drawdown 
of ~$13.8 million was received in 
August 2023.

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Prieska Copper Zinc Mine

An updated bankable feasibility study (BFS) on the accelerated 
development strategy at Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (PCZM) has been 
substantially advanced, focusing on bringing forward mining of ore above 
water level from shallow underground, ensuring early production and 
phasing the implementation of the original BFS-20 plan via a staged 
development strategy.

Experienced South African-based 
mining contractor appointed for 
the trial mining of the +105 Level 
supergene ore to test 
conventional and alternative 
underground mining methods 
with learnings and efficiency 
improvements to feed into the 
revised mining feasibility study. 

Early dewatering and trial mining 
underway to provide key input 
parameters for completion of the 
updated BFS.

A successful BFS will underpin the 
drawdown of further funding to expand 
trial mining into sustainable early 
production, providing a source of 
cash flow. 

An updated Mineral Resource Estimate 
was completed for the +105m Level 
Crown Pillar Block, with an increase 
in both tonnes and grade to 2.3Mt at 
1.7% Cu and 1.6% Zn including an 
increase in the +105 Indicated Resource 
to 1.9Mt at 1.82% Cu and 1.70% Zn. 
The Prieska Copper Zinc Mine Total 
Mineral Resource has increased to 
31Mt, grading 1.2% Cu and 3.6% Zn. 

The trial mining phase will also 
evaluate extraction of potential 
broken ore in stopes at 143, 201 
and 269 Levels and will include 
bulk sampling of surface waste 
rock dump to assess the potential 
for early cash flow opportunities 
from these.

Okiep Copper Project

A Feasibility Study is well 
advanced for the Flat Mines Area 
at Orion’s second base metals 
hub, the Okiep Copper Project, 
with a tailings storage facility 
design completed in August 2023. 

The Mining Right for the Flat Mines Area 
was granted and executed, paving 
the way for the commencement of 
confirmation drilling and metallurgical 
sampling required to complete the 
Feasibility Study.

Innovative electrowinning and ion 
exchange technology for water 
treatment of the mine dewatering, 
with the potential to yield agricultural 
quality water, agri-minerals, potassium 
nitrate and ammonium sulphate 
fertilizer, was investigated. 

The Industrial Development Corporation 
of South Africa (IDC) agreed to become 
a strategic partner in the New Okiep 
Mining Company by funding its 
ZAR34.6 million (~$3.0 million) share 
of the pre-development costs for the Flat 
Mines Area and facilitating meaningful 
economic participation by Historically 
Disadvantaged South Africans, marking 
a key development milestone for the 
Okiep Project. 

5

02 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILEORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Orion’s Projects in  
South Africa and Australia

South Africa

Jacomynspan
Project

Prieska Copper 
Zinc Mine

Upington

Sishen

Okiep
Copper
Project

Gamsberg

Black Mountain

Kimberley

Pretoria

Johannesburg

South African Office:
Johannesburg, Gauteng

Springbok

Copperton

Prieska

Durban

Prieska, Northern Cape

OCP, Springbok

Saldanha

Cape Town

Port Elizabeth

Towns

Railways

Project area

6

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Australia

Projects

Fraser Range
Project: 
Western 
Australia

Australian Head Office:

Melbourne, Victoria

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (PCZM) 
•  70% owned development-ready and fully-permitted 
•  Globally significant VMS deposit in Northern Cape Province, South Africa, 

with updated Mineral Resources now estimated at 31Mt at 1.2% Cu 
and 3.6% Zn (ASX/JSE release: 25 July 2023)

•  Baseline 2020 Feasibility Study demonstrates a 12-year, 2.4Mtpa operation 

targeting production of 22ktpa copper and 70ktpa zinc at globally 
competitive costs, delivering strong margins and financial returns

•  Underground mine dewatering underway 
•  Phased development underway to facilitate early production and 
generate cash flow with the potential to reduce peak funding 
requirements and underpin a staged build-up towards achieving 
full-scale commercial production 

Okiep Copper Project (Okiep Project) 
•  Consolidated 56%-100% ownership of a portfolio of mineral rights
•  Compelling opportunity to develop a second base metal production hub 

alongside PCZM

•  Premier historical copper district that produced >2Mt of copper over 

a 150-year period ending in 2003

•  Targeting initial proof-of-concept-scale copper mining operation with 

potential for first production within 16 months of the start of construction
•  Feasibility Study underway, Mining Right granted and executed during 2022

Jacomynspan Project (JMP Project) 
•  50% interest and management of a large Class 1 nickel sulphide deposit, 

as the foundation for a development strategy targeting the production of 
future-facing battery precursor products to be locally refined from base 
metal concentrates 

•  Executed Mining Right over an extensive Ni-Cu-Co-PGE+Au Intrusive 

Complex

•  Intrusive-hosted sulphide Mineral Resource of 65Mt at 0.28% Ni, 

0.19% Cu and 0.02% Co, using a cut-off grade of 0.2% Ni; reported in 
terms of the Australasian Code (JORC Code)

•  Potential for both open pit and shallow underground mining
•  Investigating an innovative proprietary technology to recover battery 

metals and produce high-value refined metal powder products – 
a significant potential value enhancer

7

02 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILEORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 01 CORPORATE PROFILE

02 LEADERSHIP

03 BUSINESS REVIEW

04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Strategy

Orion is on track to become a new-generation mining company focused on the 
development of a high-quality portfolio of advanced critical metals projects in 
South Africa’s Northern Cape Province; projects which are ideally positioned to 
be long-term sources of ‘green’ and future-facing metals for global markets. 

The geographic footprint of Orion’s projects within South Africa has delivered significant historical copper production. 

Orion’s growth strategy for these assets is supported by the deployment of modern exploration and mining technologies, 

together with increasing market and investor interest in identifying and securing new viable long-term sources of critical 

minerals to meet burgeoning demand stemming from global decarbonisation efforts. 

KEY FOCUS AREAS

Targeting high-quality deposits  
in an under-explored district

Focus on exploring and developing globally significant, 
multi-commodity base metal deposits located in 
outstanding mineral belts and Tier-1 mining districts such as 
the Areachap Belt and Okiep copper district 
in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa.

Diversify the mix of the right commodities
Target projects capable of meeting growing demand 
for key future-facing metals – such as copper, zinc and 
nickel – which have strong market fundamentals because 
of declining global resource inventories, falling grades at 
major mines, a lack of investment in new mines and 
growing demand for the metals to support the rollout 
of renewable energy and electric vehicle technologies 
required to support the global low-carbon 
energy transformation.

Rapidly develop mineral prospects to achieve targeted 
production and industry leading operating efficiencies
Considerable focus on bringing the brownfields, 
fully-permitted Prieska Copper Zinc Mine into production, 
where a positive updated BFS was completed in May 2020 
and trial mining is now underway, as part of a phased 
development and ramp-up strategy.

The development of the initial production hub at Prieska 
is intended to be supplemented by future production from 
a second brownfields copper project, the Okiep Project, 
transforming Orion into a substantial diversified 
base metal miner.

Use advanced technologies and draw on our vast 
experience to make additional mineral discoveries
Continue exploration of the Okiep District and the 
Areachap Belt, using advanced geological and 
geophysical techniques to discover further clusters of base 
metal deposits, building a sustainable growth pipeline.

Utilising Metal Vapour Refining technology to produce 
high-value products and refined metal powders used in the 
electronics industry presents an opportunity for a major 
value uplift through beneficiation.

8

Continue organic and greenfield growth in key locations
Further evaluate recently discovered near-mine targets, 
including immediate extensions of the Deep Sulphide 
Resource and near-mine targets (such as the Ayoba 
discovery) to extend the mine life at PCZM.

Additionally, Orion is acquiring a controlling interest in 
several properties that constitute the Okiep Project in the 
Northern Cape, which includes mineral rights over the 
majority of the large historical mines of the world-class 
Okiep Copper Complex. Orion has completed extensive 
work on the Flat Mines (SAFTA) Area, part of the Okiep 
Project, resulting in the estimation of a JORC-compliant 
Mineral Resource totalling 11.5Mt at 1.4% Cu for 156k tonnes 
of contained copper. Numerous high-priority exploration 
targets are identified, and exploration activities have 
commenced with the objective of expanding the initial 
Mineral Resource. 

A positive Scoping Study for the Flat Mines (SAFTA) Area 
completed in May 2021 confirmed the potential for early 
cash flow and “Proof-of-Concept” copper production, 
supported by the potential for low-cost mining via open pit 
and underground mining methods.

There is excellent potential to achieve significant operational 
synergies between the Okiep Project and PCZM, which 
are expected to employ similar underground mining and 
metallurgical concentrator technologies and consumables.

Orion is also targeting the production of battery metals and 
premium value refined metal powder products from the 
JMP Project. A review and update of a 2012 Scoping Study 
completed by Orion’s project partner, Namaqua Nickel 
Mining (Pty) Ltd, is now underway and laboratory test work 
for metal refining using Metal Vapour Technology is yielding 
encouraging results.

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 2023  01 CORPORATE PROFILE

02 LEADERSHIP

03 BUSINESS REVIEW

Leadership

9

04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTSORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Chairman and 
CEO’s Report

Denis Waddell
Chairman

Errol Smart
Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer

Despite a challenging global macro-economic backdrop, 
the past year has been a transformational period for Orion 
Minerals. Orion responded to the changing finance landscape 
early and revised the development strategy for our projects. 
By adopting the “Start Small to Grow Big” strategy, 
Orion aligned itself to the changing investment appetite 
and succeeded in securing key development financing. 
Not only has the Company secured the backing of a new, 
highly credentialled cornerstone equity investor, it also 
raised significant capital and progressed its flagship project, 
Prieska Copper Zinc Mine, to become a fully-permitted, 
ready-to-mine project. With these milestones, Orion is now 
transitioning from explorer to an operating mining company.

10

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  South African entity, Clover Alloys, 
new cornerstone equity investor and 
strategic partner

Awarded the 
AAMEG Junior ESG Award 
for Enhanced Labour Standards

The IDC to become a strategic partner 
in both the Okiep Copper Project and Prieska 
Copper Zinc Mine, pre-development funding 
agreement reached

ZAR 370M funding secured for early mining, 
revised BFS and early dewatering for Prieska 
Copper Zinc Mine from the IDC and Triple Flag

and the growing recognition that Orion is now poised for 

a rapid transformation from explorer to developer and, 

ultimately, to an operating mining company with a portfolio 

of base metal mines and an attractive exploration portfolio, 

promising further growth.

In the six years since Orion exercised its option to acquire PCZM, 

we have successfully taken our first base metals asset to its 

current status as a fully-permitted, ready-to-mine project with 

a long mine life. We have also successfully expanded our 

business to include other base metal hubs within the Northern 

Cape, most notably the Flat Mines Project at Okiep, where 

permitting and BFS studies are nearing completion for a second, 

near-term production opportunity.

Project development in South Africa
The PCZM funding arrangement will allow us to get critical 

path pre-development work underway – including the 

pivotal mine dewatering project and a trial mining program 

on the +105-crown pillar – to support the BFS for the Early 

Production Plan. This represents a huge breakthrough for the 

PCZM. Support from the IDC, Triple Flag and Clover Alloys 

was pivotal to our efforts in reaching this stage. 

The IDC has also become a key partner at the Okiep Copper 

Project (OCP) where we have also completed the permitting 

and early-stage funding for a second base metals hub. 

In March 2023, the Company secured the backing of a new, 

highly credentialled cornerstone equity investor and strategic 

partner, Clover Alloys, who participated in a landmark 

equity investment funding package totalling up to $73 million 

As Orion moves ahead with its development and production 

plans, we have begun the all-important process of building 

our mining and operations team, with the addition of some 

high-quality individuals that will drive our Company into 

(~ZAR880 million). Clover has taken up approximately half of 

this equity-funding package, which also saw strong support 

the future.

from existing shareholders, including Delphi Group and 

As a result, our two base metal hubs in the Northern Cape 

Tembo Capital. This equity-funding package aligned 

are now moving rapidly towards realisation, which opens the 

perfectly with other funding deals secured by Orion for our 

way for South Africa to become a producer of the critical 

flagship PCZM Project – a US$87 million funding package from 

future-facing metals required for the global energy transition. 

North American streaming group, Triple Flag Precious Metals, 

and a ZAR250 million funding facility from South Africa’s IDC.

At the PCZM, we continue to make progress with our plans 

to begin early dewatering and trial mining – both of which 

The main elements of our strategic funding package are 

are critical aspects of our early works programme and 

now in place. Despite being a junior developer, Orion 

central to updating our BFS. The trial mining and updated 

has been able to secure total funding of ~$210 million 

BFS are expected to be complete by early 2024, and 

(ZAR2.5 billion), almost double our current market 

operations are then planned to transition to pilot scale 

capitalisation of $108 million (ZAR1.3 billion). Our ability 

production and continue seamlessly into a steady ramp-up, 

to raise this capital clearly reflects the quality of our assets 

with first sales from pilot operations targeted for 2024.

11

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Chairman’s and CEO’s Report continued

Plans to start mining at our Okiep Copper Project are also 

The PCZM Task Team continued to engage with host 

proceeding with the financial model for the project complete 

communities throughout the financial year. A roadmap was 

and the Feasibility Study nearing completion. We are excited 

prepared to guide Orion Minerals on how best to collaborate 

to move into a new phase of project development and 

and promote increased participation of local businesses and 

become a near-term base metals producer, initially with 

stakeholders, and the creation of employment opportunities 

a copper focus at our two operating centres. This transition to 

in the Siyathemba Local Municipality and Vanwyksvlei areas.

producer comes at a time when analysts are predicting global 

demand for the future-facing metals, such as copper, to soar.

Exploration in Australia
Orion maintains a sizeable tenement package in the 

Orion held meaningful engagements, including a site visit, 

with the Orion Siyathemba Stakeholder Engagement Forum 

and local officials during which the Company provided an 

update regarding the recent funding announcements and 

Fraser Range under a joint venture with ASX-listed 

the dewatering and early mining plans for PCZM. During the 

IGO Limited (IGO). Under the joint venture, IGO is 

year, numerous support and funding initiatives were provided 

responsible for the exploration of all the tenements while 

to the local community.

Orion is free-carried through to the first Pre-Feasibility Study. 

This allows Orion to maintain exposure to ongoing exploration 

and development of the project, managed by a top-class 

Australian exploration and mining company, without any 

ongoing financial commitment. 

Green future commitment
Orion favours projects that promote ‘green’ production. 

As such, discussions are underway for collaboration with 

key independent producers to establish a renewable energy 

supply for mining operations at the PCZM. The Prieska Power 

Reserve Project is an advanced stage, independently 

developed green hydrogen production facility, powered 

wholly by renewable energy sources, with the potential to 

significantly reduce mine operating costs.

In addition, the combination of renewable energy and ready 

local access to green hydrogen and ammonia has prompted 

discussions with base metals refining technology providers 

to investigate the potential for local value-accretive refining 

and production of high-value pre-cursor metal products used 

as feed for battery manufacturing plants. 

Community engagement
Orion strives to be an integral part of, and contributor to, 

the communities in which we operate. We also pride 

ourselves on being a safe, responsible employer and at the 

end of the financial year, the team celebrated 1,416 days 

without a Lost-Time Injury and 244 accident-free days. 

At our Okiep Project in Namaqualand, Orion continued to 

engage with stakeholders and visited the Ward Councillors 

and communities in surrounding towns to update them 

on the OCP and progress was made with the execution 

of the Social and Labour Plan. The Orion and Nama Khoi 

Stakeholder Engagement Forum (SEF) continues to hold 

quarterly meetings to engage directly with the community.

The Community Liaison Office (CLO) in the town of Springbok, 

one of the key economic hubs in the municipality, reopened 

in October 2022. The CLO provides an important channel for 

communication with host community stakeholders.

A Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) 
transaction for the New Okiep Mining 
Company (Pty) Ltd (NOM) was unveiled 
in November 2022. Orion, together with 
the IDC, will be facilitating the sale of 
30% of the shares to a black economic 
empowerment consortium, including BEE 
entrepreneurs and also to employee and 
community trusts. This resulted in full 
Mining Charter compliance for NOM being 
achieved as a condition for securing the 
Mining Right.

12

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Macro-economic review
From a macro point of view, the 2023 financial year was 

a story of two halves. The first half to 31 December 2022 

saw relatively strong conditions, with the prices of our 

key commodities – copper, zinc and nickel – rising 

steadily. However, markets weakened in the second half 

to 30 June 2023, largely due to tightening US central bank 

Securing a strategic partnership with a quality partner such 

as the IDC represents a major vote of confidence in Orion. 

The addition of a highly regarded South African company, 

such as Clover Alloys, as a cornerstone shareholder positions 

Orion superbly well to realise our long-term vision to become 

a rapidly expanding South African base metals producer. 

The quality of these partners is testament to the quality of 

monetary policy, a stronger US dollar and weaker demand 

our assets and the strength of the operations team we 

from China. This resulted in base metal prices declining in 

have assembled.

the second half. In addition, bank lending and debt financing 

rates showed steep escalation. 

As always, we also extend our appreciation to our broader 

stakeholder “family” – our BEE partners, host communities, 

It is important to note though, that prices ended the financial 

the Siyathemba Municipality, the Siyathemba Joint Corporate 

year on roughly the same level as where they started, and 

Social Investment Forum, the Orion Siyathemba and Nama 

those levels are still well above the forecasts used in Orion’s 

Khoi SEFs, consultants, advisors, contractors, suppliers, industry 

2020 BFS. In addition, the long-term outlook for base metals 

associations and regulators  –  for your contribution and 

remains very favourable due to global efforts to achieve 

assistance during the year.

Finally, we thank our fellow Board members for their 

unwavering support and guidance.

We are entering a landmark period in Orion’s history and 

we are tremendously excited to share it with you all.

Denis Waddell  
Chairman  

Errol Smart
Managing Director and 

Chief Executive Officer

decarbonisation. Copper is a key component of electric 

motors, batteries, wiring, and charging stations. Similarly, 

nickel and zinc are key ingredients in high-performance 

batteries, where they provide increased energy efficiency, 

durability and corrosion resistance.

Orion is perfectly positioned to be a supplier of these 

future-facing metals for the global energy transition 

and is on track to become a fully integrated mining and 

processing business, producing metals with a low-carbon 

footprint and strong ESG credentials. 

Appreciation
Orion is entering an exciting phase of its development and 

we take this opportunity to thank our stakeholders, partners 

and our dedicated team for their hard work and tenacity. 

The financial year delivered a number of challenges, but the 

team demonstrated strong resilience and was able to quickly 

adapt to the evolving operating environment.

We are also very pleased that, despite turbulent conditions 

in global markets, we have been able to attract investment 

and support, both from existing shareholders and from new 

investors and strategic partners who have underpinned our 

fund-raising efforts this year. 

13

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
Board of Directors

C

Denis Waddell
Chairman
ACA, FAICD
Appointed on: 27 February 2009
Denis is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in the 
management of exploration and mining companies. Denis founded 
Tanami Gold NL in 1994 and was involved with the Company as Managing 
Director and then Chairman and Non-Executive Director until 2012. Prior to 
founding Tanami Gold NL, Denis was the Finance Director of the Metana 
Minerals NL group. During the past 36 years, Denis has gained considerable 
experience in corporate finance and operations management of 
exploration and mining companies.

Errol Smart
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
BSc(Hons) Geology (University of the Witwatersrand), NHD Economic 
Geology (Technikon Witwatersrand), (PrSciNat)
Appointed on: 26 November 2012
Errol is a geologist, registered for JORC purposes, and has 30 years of 
broad industry experience across all aspects of exploration, mine 
development and operations with experience in precious and base 
metals. He has held positions in Anglogold, Cluff Mining, Metallon Gold, 
Clarity Minerals, LionGold Corporation and African Stellar Group. Errol’s 
senior executive roles have been on several boards of companies listed on 
the TSX, ASX and JSE and currently serves as Chairman of the Junior Mining 
Leadership Forum of the Minerals Council South Africa and is a Director on 
the Board of the Minerals Council South Africa.

Thomas Borman
Non-executive Director
BCom(Hons) (University of Pretoria)
Appointed on: 16 April 2019
Tom is a highly experienced global mining executive who served more 
than 11 years working for the BHP Billiton Group in various senior 
managerial roles, including that of chief financial officer. He also held 
senior roles in strategy and business development and served as the 
project manager for the merger integration transaction between BHP 
Limited and Billiton. After leaving BHP Billiton in 2006, Tom joined Warrior 
Coal Investments, where he was part of the executive team which 
established the portfolio of assets which became the Optimum Group 
of companies.

Member of the Audit Committee

C

Chairman

14

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  C

Godfrey Gomwe
Non-executive Director
Bachelor Accountancy (Hons) (University of Zimbabwe), Masters Business 
Leadership (University of South Africa), CA (Zimbabwe)
Appointed on: 16 April 2019
Godfrey is the former chief executive officer of Anglo American plc’s 
Thermal Coal business, where his responsibilities included oversight over 
the company’s manganese interests in the joint venture with BHP. Until 
August 2012, Godfrey was an executive director of Anglo American 
South Africa, prior to which he held the positions of finance director 
and chief operating officer. He was also chairman and chief executive 
of Anglo American Zimbabwe Limited and served on a number of 
Anglo American executive committees and operating boards, including 
Kumba Iron Ore, Anglo American Platinum, Highveld Steel & Vanadium 
and Mondi South Africa.

Philip Kotze
Non-executive Director
 Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Mineral Economics) (University 
of Witwatersrand), National Higher Diploma  Metalliferous Mining 
(Witwatersrand Technicon)
Appointed on: 5 April 2023
Philip started his career in 1981 with Anglovaal Mining Corporation. During 
his career, he worked for a number of companies including Anglogold 
Ashanti, Kalgold, Harmony Gold Mining Co Ltd, Deloitte and Anooraq 
Resources Corporation. Philip has accumulated significant operational 
experience over the last 40 years on a number of different mines and has 
distinguished himself as an expert in finding innovative solutions for 
complex problems.

Mark Palmer
Non-executive Director
BSc Mining Geology (Cardiff University)
Appointed on: 31 January 2018
Mark has 13 years of experience working with entities in Australia, including 
eight years with Dominion Mining. He previously worked with NM Rothschild 
& Sons Ltd for the London mining project as part of the finance team 
where he was responsible for assessing mining projects globally. He later 
moved to the investment banking team at UBS, where his focus was global 
mergers and acquisitions, and equity and debt financing. He also ran 
the EMEA mining team at UBS, later joining Tembo Capital in 2015 as 
investment director.

Board composition

1

5

Executive  
Director

Non-executive  
Director

15

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Senior Management

Errol Smart
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Errol is a geologist, registered for JORC purposes, and has 30 years of broad industry experience across 
all aspects of exploration, mine development and operations with experience in precious and base 
metals. He has held positions in AngloGold Ashanti, Cluff Mining, Metallon Gold, Clarity Minerals, 
LionGold Corporation and African Stellar Group. Errol’s senior executive roles have been on several 
boards of companies listed on the TSX, ASX and JSE and currently serves as Chairman of the Junior 
Mining Leadership Forum of the Minerals Council South Africa and is a director on the Board of the 
Minerals Council South Africa.

Peet van Coller
Chief Financial Officer
Chartered accountant who served his Articles of Clerkship at Ernst & Young. Peet has 23 years’ 
experience, predominantly in the mining and manufacturing sectors, including various senior finance 
and commercial positions at Jubilee Group Metals, Murray & Roberts, Master Drilling, Samancor Chrome, 
Anglo Platinum and ARM-Norilsk JV, Nkomati Nickel Mines.

Martin Bouwmeester
Company Secretary
Martin is an FCPA, highly experienced in exploration, mine development and operations. Prior to his role at 
Orion, Martin worked closely with a number of companies to identify and assess exploration, development 
and mining opportunities, evaluate and arrange various alternatives for exploration, development and 
mining activities, and develop and implement financial strategies. Martin was CFO, Business Development 
Manager and Company Secretary of Perseverance Corporation and was a key member of the executive 
team that developed the Fosterville Gold Mine. 

Marcus Birch
Executive: Sustainability and Business Support
Marcus holds a BSc Honours Geology degree from the University of Exeter and a BCom from the 
University of South Africa. He has over 30 years’ experience in the mining and minerals exploration 
industry, initially as a geologist in the South African gold mining sector with Anglovaal and AngloGold 
Ashanti. Marcus subsequently moved into the field of procurement and supply chain with AngloGold 
Ashanti, where he led a team of commodity specialists. Marcus then held senior general management 
positions in the junior exploration sector, with Clarity Minerals and High Power Exploration, responsible 
for the establishment and growth of minerals service companies and the operational management 
of exploration projects across Africa, Australia and South America.

16

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Nelson Mosiapoa
Group Corporate Social Responsibility Adviser
Nelson studied chemical engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. As an advanced 
policy scholar of science and technology, he served on the policy unit of the governing party in 
South Africa prior to the first democratic elections. His professional career started at Sasol Petroleum 
as a gasification process controller and then a learner official at Anglo American/De Beers. He is also 
the founder and trustee of the Mosiapoa Family Trust, a private and investment equity company in 
the resources sector with assets featured on the JSE.

Mark Meyer
Executive Operations
Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Engineer’s Certificate of Competency for Mines & Works, with 40 years’ 
experience in Mining. Mark began his career in the Anglovaal gold mines, with time in the  deep level 
gold mines in the Witwatersrand and gold mines in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Previously held positions 
at senior management level in junior gold mining operations in South Africa, Ghana and Zimbabwe.

Andre Bergh
General Manager – Prieska Copper Zinc Project
Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Engineer’s Certificate of Competency for Mines & Works with 30 years’ 
experience in both engineering and operational roles in the mining industry. Andre started his career with 
DeBeers on the opencast diamond mines and then moved on through various roles with Anglo American, 
Vedanta, African Barrick and Glencore in both opencast and underground gold and zinc operations 
in Africa. 

Theunis McDuling
Project Lead (Acting General Manager) – Jacomynspan Project and Stratega Project
Theunis is a qualified Mechanical Engineer, and a certified Project Manager (UNISA) with a Master’s 
degree in Business Leadership (MBL) from UNISA. He has 33 years of experience in the mining, 
metallurgical, EPCM and Engineering environment. The last 16 years he has worked in Africa 
on various mines as part of the senior management team and served as acting general manager 
for Boss Mining-DRC and general manager for Mammoet SA. He led and completed major projects 
for clients like Sasol Coal, Iscor-Saldanha Steel, Murray & Roberts, Columbus Stainless Steel, ERG-Africa, 
BCL-Botswana, Mammoet and Eramet. 

17

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE 01 CORPORATE PROFILE

02 LEADERSHIP

03 BUSINESS REVIEW

04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Business Review

18

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 2023  01 CORPORATE PROFILE

02 LEADERSHIP

Contents

Health, Safety and Environment

Community, Stakeholder Engagement and Social Responsibility

Commodity Markets

Review of Operations

  South Africa

  Prieska Copper Zinc Mine

  Okiep Copper Project

  Jacomynspan Project

  Australia

  Fraser Range

  Walhalla

Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Statement

Corporate

20

24

26

28

28

36

43

45

45

46

54

19

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202303 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 01 CORPORATE PROFILE

02 LEADERSHIP

04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Health, Safety and Environment

Orion remains committed to ensuring 
a high standard of safety and health 
management in all of our workplaces. 
Building on the understanding that 
Orion has an established “first-mover” 
advantage in the Northern Cape region 
of South Africa, our business model 
incorporates a strong Environmental, 
Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) 
focus, with the intent to leverage modern 
technology in all aspects of the exploration 
and mine development cycle.

Orion’s core objective is to create “mines of 
the future” and, with this in mind, the Company 
is implementing a modern, 4IR-enabled, 
operating philosophy that can contribute to 
achieving quantum changes in key output 
parameters that are traditionally slow to improve 
or have regressed in the local mining industry 
in South Africa. 

These include:
— Delivering improvements in workplace safety 

and employees’ health;

— Making positive contributions to the state of 
the natural environment, reducing pollution 
and negligible contamination from 
operational activities;

— Sourcing an increased proportion of 

renewable energy, resulting in improved 
energy efficiency and with commensurately 
lower energy costs;

— Achieving productivity improvements; and
— Delivering operating cost reductions.

20

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202303 BUSINESS REVIEW  Orion’s ESG responsibility is firmly 
embedded in all of its business plans 
and, as such, over the past year 
the Company has: 

Engaged in ongoing community 

involvement and upliftment programs, 

building on the strong foundation 

that is already in place, as a means 

of preparing host communities to 

actively participate and share in the 

benefits stemming from the imminent 

development of Orion’s projects.

Contributed to the planning of 
public water and infrastructure 
development in the municipal 
areas hosting the PCZM and 
Okiep Projects, which will 
provide additional benefits to 
the neighbouring communities 

Considered alternative 
energy sources such as solar 
and wind, as well as hydrogen 
energy storage

Placed additional focus on 
ensuring a low-carbon footprint

21

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Health, Safety and Environment continued

Health and safety 
No injuries were recorded during the financial year. The hours 

worked for the financial year are shown below:

During the financial year, 93,871 hours were worked on the 

Company’s South African project sites. At the end of the 

financial year, the team celebrated 1,416 days without 

Table 1: Hours worked at the Group’s Areachap and Okiep 
Copper Projects (South Africa)

Hours worked

Category of work

Exploration
Surface
Underground
Contractors

Total 

FY2023 
Total

8,947
9,108
41,208
34,608

93,871

FY2022 
Total

82,081

32,250

76,513

190,844

an LTI and 244 accident-free days. 

Environmental management
Orion recognises that its environmental performance is 

a critical component of its success. The Company strives 

to deliver the highest level of environmental compliance, 

with a commitment to monitoring and managing the 

environmental impacts of its activities during and beyond 

the life of its operations.

There were no environmental incidents recorded for the 

financial year.

22

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Green metals and green energy
Orion favours projects which promote ‘green’ production. 

The use of renewable energy, sourced locally from the 

CENEC industrial complex at the PCZM, has the potential 

In pursuit of this, Orion is investigating collaboration with 

to significantly reduce mine operating costs.

the Central Energy Corporation (CENEC) to establish a 

renewable energy supply for the power requirements of 

the mining operations at PCZM. 

The combination of renewable energy and ready local 

access to green hydrogen and ammonia has prompted 

discussions with base metals refining technology providers 

The Siyathemba Municipality was selected by CENEC 

to investigate the potential for local value-accretive refining 

as the preferred location to base its green hydrogen 

and production of high-value pre-cursor metal products used 

production industrial complex due to a range of favourable 

as feed for battery manufacturing plants. 

geographic, climatic, strategic and logistical factors. 

CENEC’s Prieska Power ReserveTM Project is planned to 

be a green hydrogen production facility, powered wholly 

by renewable energy sources. 

These battery pre-cursor metal products trade at a premium 

to London Metal Exchange (LME) metal prices and present 

a potential business opportunity, possibly in joint venture with 

specialist refinery businesses.

23

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Community, Stakeholder Engagement 
and Social Responsibility

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine
Host Community Participation Framework
The Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (PCZM) host community Task 
Team continued its work during the financial year. A roadmap 
was prepared to guide Orion Minerals, host community 
businesses and other stakeholders on how best to collaborate 
in order to achieve increased participation in procurement 
and employment opportunities in the Siyathemba Local 
Municipality and Vanwyksvlei areas. 

Comprised of host community representatives and business 
forums, the Task Team assessed the capacity of the available 
host community businesses and skill-sets, and compared 
these to the future needs of PCZM during both its construction 
and operational phases. 

The framework is the bridge between what will be required 
by the mine and what host communities can offer. It sets out 
the procurement, employment, training and development 
policies that will be implemented by PCZM to facilitate the 
ultimate target of enabling community participation of 50% in 
employment, 30% in the procurement of goods and services 
and 40% in sub-contracting opportunities at the mine. 

A Task Team report was completed and distributed to 
stakeholders including the attendees of the October 2021 
Bosberaad, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy 
(DMRE), the office of the Premier of the Northern Cape 
Province, the Siyathemba Local Municipality, the Orion 
management team and the Orion Siyathemba Stakeholder 
Engagement Forum (OSSEF). 

Orion remains committed to attaining the aspirational targets 
for host community participation and upliftment.

Stakeholder Engagement Forum and Underground Visit 
During the reporting period, Orion continued to hold 
meaningful engagements with the OSSEF and with local 
and district municipal officials during which the Company 
provided updates regarding funding arrangements and the 
dewatering and early mining plans for PCZM.

The OSSEF also participated in a visit to the PCZM site in 
February 2023 where they were given first-hand insight into 
the plans and preliminary work completed in preparation for 
the early dewatering and trial mining. 

Other PCZM community initiatives
 — PCZM has agreed to donate 200 pecan nut trees to Prieska 

High School to help promote agricultural studies and 
education in the community. More than 20 trees were 
handed over in the first phase of the donation. Prieska High 
School is the only school in the area to offer agricultural 
studies as a subject and Orion is committed to continuing 
its support for the advancement of education within its 
host communities.

 — PCZM assisted the Siyathemba Local Municipality by 

providing technical support and the equipment needed 
to connect a power generator to the local water pumping 
and reclamation plant. The pumps require an uninterrupted 
power supply to ensure continuous water delivery. The 
connection of the generator ensures that the community 
has access to running water during state utility induced 
power outages (“load-shedding”). Orion is proud to assist 
its surrounding communities to ensure they have access 
to clean running water.

 — Orion facilitated the sponsorship, in collaboration with 

the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and Qantas, 
of a trip to Perth, Australia for Zelna Barends, the founder 
of Zenisha’s Play and Learning Centre (ZPLC). The trip 

24

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  helped to raise funds for the centre and awareness for 
children with special needs including Down Syndrome, 
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and other intellectual or physical 
disabilities. During the trip, Zelna had the opportunity to 
share knowledge and common experiences with various 
organisations and NGOs in Australia including Autism WA, 
Downs WA and Development Disabilities WA, forming the 
basis of an ongoing mutually beneficial network. Orion is 
a previous donor to ZPLC and believes that Zelna’s work 
is truly inspirational and Zenisha’s is an initiative that could 
be replicated in communities throughout Africa.

 — Orion provided financial support to five locally based 

mechanics who conducted regular maintenance and 
inspections on the pre-loved bicycles that were donated 
by Bicycles for Humanity Western Australia (B4H), brought 
to Prieska by Orion and distributed to schools in Siyathemba 
and Vanwyksvlei. In collaboration with the principals of the 
nine schools, Orion is also currently monitoring the impact 
and benefits that the bicycle project has had, and will 
have, for the beneficiary scholars. 

 — Orion continues to intensify enterprise development and 

vocational training as development commences at PCZM.

Okiep Copper Project
Okiep Project – consultations continue with the 
Nama Khoi community
In Namaqualand, the Orion Nama Khoi Stakeholder 
Engagement Forum (ONKSEF) continues to hold quarterly 
meetings and Orion has regularly visited the ward councillors 
and communities in surrounding towns to update them on 
the Okiep Copper Project (OCP) and the progress made with 
the execution of the Southern African Tantalum (SAFTA) 
Social and Labour Plan (Flat Mines Area). 

In November 2022, the ONKSEF was provided insight into 
the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) transaction for 

the New Okiep Mining Company Proprietary Limited (NOM). 
Orion, together with the IDC, will be facilitating the sale 
of shares to a BEE consortium and securing employee and 
community ownership in NOM. The IDC will sell 22.22% of the 
shares it acquired in NOM to the BEECo, which is a “BEE 
Entrepreneur” entity led by Lulamile Xate. 

At the meeting, Mr Xate introduced himself to the community 
and explained the transaction, emphasising his commitment 
to economic development in the Namakwa District. In addition, 
the independent founding trustee of the Orion Nama Khoi 
Community and Employee Trusts (each with 5% equity interest 
in NOM), Mr Shaheem Samsodien, introduced himself and 
explained the objectives, structure, governance and 
establishment process of the Community Trust. 

Springbok Community Liaison Office reopens
The Community Liaison Office in the town of Springbok, 
one of the key economic hubs in the municipality, reopened 
in October 2022. Since the granting of the SAFTA Mining Right, 
there has been a sharp increase in enquiries and interest in 
Orion Minerals, and the Community Liaison Office provides 
an important channel for communication with host 
community stakeholders.

Social and Labour Plan for the SAFTA Mining Right
Orion established a dedicated project team, including 
the Nababeep Ward Councillor and other community 
representatives, for the implementation of the SAFTA Social 
and Labour Plan (SLP). The project team will develop a 
comprehensive plan for the completion of the projects and 
streamline the execution process to ensure that all aspects 
of the projects are adequately addressed. The plan will 
include the strategies and timelines required to execute 
the projects in order to meet the needs of the community 
whilst meeting all regulatory obligations. 

25

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Commodity Markets

Base metal prices continued their upward trajectory in the first 

Analysts at S&P Global expect global demand for copper 

half of the financial year, but then weakened somewhat in the 

to double by 2035. Demand growth will, however, be 

second half on the back of US central bank monetary policies, 

suppressed into 2023, causing the refined market surplus 

a strengthening US dollar and weak demand from China. 

to widen. “We expect the supply response to lag, however, 

The outlook hinges largely on the interplay between a slowing 

on a thinning pipeline caused by dwindling exploration 

global economic outlook and the green energy transition. 

budgets and a dearth of significant discoveries,” S&P said. 

Despite the weaker price performance in the second half, 

The zinc price held up well in the first half of the financial year, 

copper prices still ended the year higher than where they 

on tight supply concerns, but then succumbed to weaker 

started. Copper remains a long-term critical metal as the 

economic growth sentiment and increased mine supply 

world upgrades its energy infrastructure and transitions to 

concerns in the second half. However, Fitch Ratings pointed 

green renewable energy. The metal of electrification, 

out that “smelter and refining bottlenecks that kept the 

copper is essential to all energy transition plans.

market tight in 2022 will continue in 2023, despite growing 

Commenting on the outlook for copper, analysts at ING said: 

“Longer-term, we believe copper demand will improve amid 

the accelerated move into renewables and electric vehicles 

mine supply”. Tight supply conditions will continue into 2024, 

when new Chinese smelting capacity is expected to come 

on stream, alleviating refined metal scarcity. 

(EV). In EVs, copper is a key component used in the electric 

Nickel prices followed a roughly similar pattern as the other 

motor, batteries and wiring, as well as in charging stations. 

base metals, with a strong performance in the first half of the 

Copper has no substitutes for its use in EVs, wind and solar 

financial year before weakening in the second half, ending 

energy, and its appeal to investors as a key green metal 

the financial year at roughly the same level where it started. 

will support higher prices over the next few years.”

The outlook for nickel is mixed, with a strong increase in 

production in 2023 suggesting lower prices and surpluses for 

the year. Conversely, analysts at S&P Global point out that 

growth in demand from the electric vehicle market may 

create supply deficits.

26

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  LME copper official prices – 2022/2023

LME nickel official prices – 2022/2023

e
n
n
o
t

r
e
p
$
S
U

9 500

9 00

8 500

8 000

7 500

7 000

6 500

e
n
n
o
t

r
e
p
$
S
U

32 000

30 000

28 000

26 000

 24 000

22 000

20 000

18 000

Jul-22 Aug-22 Sep-22 Oct-22 Nov-22 Dec-22

Jan-23

Feb-23 Mar-23 Apr-23 May-23 Jun-23

Jul-22 Aug-22 Sep-22 Oct-22 Nov-22 Dec-22

Jan-23

Feb-23 Mar-23 Apr-23 May-23 Jun-23

Source: London Metal Exchange

Source: London Metal Exchange

LME zinc official prices – 2022/2023

e
n
n
o
t

r
e
p
$
S
U

4 000

3 800

3 600

3 400

3 200

3 000

2 800

2 600

2 400

2 200

2 000

Jul-22 Aug-22 Sep-22 Oct-22 Nov-22 Dec-22

Jan-23

Feb-23 Mar-23 Apr-23 May-23 Jun-23

Source: London Metal Exchange

27

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
 
 
 
 
Review of Operations – South Africa
Prieska Copper Zinc Mine

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine Development
Change in development strategy
The PCZM Bankable Feasibility Study completed in 2020 

(BFS20) focused on early shaft refurbishment running in 

tandem with a high rate of dewatering in order to access 

the virgin Prieska Deeps ore that will become the long-term 

mainstay of PCZM’s mining operation. Under this scenario, 

the 2.4Mtpa processing plant would only be commissioned 

when sufficient ore was available to justify larger-scale 

processing. This strategy was capital intensive and heavily 

reliant on debt financing. 

An ongoing review of start-up planning revealed the 

potential to significantly reduce upfront capital costs with 

a less intense dewatering and shaft refurbishment program, 

with the resultant effect of deferring a higher rate of 

profitable production. 

In 2021, the Company embarked on a review of the BFS20 

to examine the potential to secure profitable production 

at reduced scale earlier in the mine life, allowing for slower 

dewatering and shaft refurbishment rates and therefore 

reduced capital intensity. 

This new philosophy was aptly named “Start Small to Grow Big”, 

with an emphasis on achieving the same production rates 

early in the mining schedule from a combination of shallow 

ore sources located above the water line and bringing in 

increasing volumes of mineralised material from newly 

dewatered Mineral Resource blocks. The development focus 

moved away from achieving peak production of 200,000 

tonnes per month (tpm) with a short ramp-up timeline sourcing 

only mineralised material from dewatered areas of the mine, 

Two potentially viable options have been identified for this 

scaled ramp-up of operations:

 — Firstly, to bring forward mining of the +105 Crown Pillar 

using open pit mining methods from the end of the mine 

schedule to the front. This option remains relatively capital 

intensive due to a large pre-stripping requirement. Also, 

the initial Mineral Resource zones accessed via the open 

pit will be oxide, with a significantly lower grade than 

the underlying high-grade supergene sulphide ore and 

requiring a separate dedicated processing plant, which 

would also increase upfront capital costs.

 — The second and less capital-intensive option is to access 

and mine the +105 Level block from existing underground 

infrastructure. The most significant benefit of this option is that 

the highest-grade supergene sulphide ore can be accessed 

earlier in the mine schedule, with the potential to generate 

positive cash flows earlier in the ramp-up schedule. 

Insufficient data was available to properly evaluate the 

underground mining option (Option 2) at a comparable 

estimation accuracy to the open pit option (Option 1). 

This led the Company to initiate a trial mining exercise 

to gather the required geotechnical and mine planning 

data to a sufficient level of accuracy to be included in 

the Early Production BFS. 

Once completed, the established access development 

could also facilitate a rapid scale-up of underground mining 

achieving commercial production levels. 

Orion secured the required funding to carry out trial mining 

and simultaneously commence dewatering operations from 

a combination of sources in May 2023 and achieved the first 

to a staged development approach, based on the construction 

drawdown from these facilities in August 2023.

of a smaller modular processing plant capable of being 

incrementally expanded as more ore zones become available. 

The focus of work during 2023 has been on securing long lead 

time items such as employing high-quality site management 

As part of the phased strategy, Orion’s management team has 

and contractors with the required skills to undertake mine 

re-evaluated potential sources of ore to include mineralised 

material located immediately above the waterline and broken 

rock accumulations that remain on surface and in the 

underground sections.

development. Site establishment for long lead time supplier 

contracts and for reconnecting utilities such as power and 

water has also progressed, together with securing rented 

accommodation and the planning for a start-up contractor’s 

site camp.

28

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Operational readiness
With a continued focus on operational readiness, Orion 

A permanent underground refuge bay has been constructed 

on 163 Level, which will provide access to the trial mining 

commenced small-scale dewatering at PCZM during the year 

areas as well as the pumping station and second escape 

and plans are in place for the installation of mechanical 

located in the Hutchings Shaft. Department of Minerals and 

and electrical dewatering infrastructure in order for the first 

Energy (DMRE) approval has been received for the trial 

modules of the scalable system of underground dewatering 

mining phase to commence with all required licencing, 

to be commissioned by early 2024. 

permitting and operational approvals now in place. PCZM 

has also been granted permission for continuous operations 

The dewatering setup consists of a mine dewatering and 

water treatment network with a pumping rate that will build 

by the DMRE.

up incrementally from 100m3/hr to 500m3/hr over the next 

Amendments to the Integrated Water Use Licence (WUL) 

two years. This will allow the mine to be dewatered in time 

have been sought to facilitate the incorporation of improved 

for full-scale Deep Sulphide mining to commence within 

water treatment and secondary usage solutions to the 

five years. This is in line with the original mining start-up 

current grant conditions. A decision from the Department 

timeline in the BFS20 mine schedule.

of Water and Sanitation is imminent. 

The amendments allow for the incorporation of solutions 

like an ion exchange treatment process into the water 

management plan. This will result in the production of water 

for agricultural use with valuable by-products in the form of 

fertilizer, with insignificant waste generated from the mine 

dewatering and water treatment activities.

Human resources
Orion’s human resource strategy is to have site resident 

management. An Executive Operations role has been created 

and filled, and extensive recruitment for key roles in the project 

operational team at the PCZM has been undertaken.

Andre Bergh has been appointed as the PCZM site resident 

General Manager and will build a strong, focused team 

to support early production. Mr Bergh is an engineer with 

30 years’ experience in operations management and 

execution of feasibility studies for mining operations with 

similar characteristics to PCZM. Mining will initially be 

undertaken by experienced South African mining 

contractors, who will have an obligation to maximise 

host community employment and skills transfer.

Mr Bergh is building a strong team of site resident personnel 

including a Mining Manager, Engineering Overseer, 

Rock Engineer, Safety Officer, Procurement and Logistics 

Coordinator, Human Resources and Administration support 

and technical services roles such as geologists, surveyors 

and occupational hygienists. 

Recruitment is being undertaken in line with the Company’s 

uncompromising focus on employment equity commitments 

coupled with a strong Environmental, Social and Corporate 

Governance (ESG) focus, providing the capacity and 

resources for a 4IR-enabled workforce and promoting the 

host community’s participation in employment and 

enterprise opportunities. 

29

Figure 1: Drilling in progress for installation of rising main 
pump column from the 178 Level

The decline portal area, for primary underground access, 

has been re-supported in preparation for increased 

underground traffic. 

Figure 2: Portal access to the underground workings

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Review of Operations – South Africa continued

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine continued

Long-lead time workstreams
Operational work has focused on long-lead time workstreams 

Both the submersible pumps for use down the Hutchings Shaft 

as well as the high pressure multi-stage pumps for the first 

over the past year and orders for the plant, equipment and 

pump station at the 178 Level have arrived on site. The pump 

services required to commence trial mining and dewatering 

installation plan is being finalised. Underground dewatering 

have been progressed.

Key long-lead time workstreams being progressed are:

 — 15MVA Eskom electrical grid connection approval 

expected in late September 2023;

 — Underground and surface electrical reticulation and 

installation schedule in support of dewatering, ventilation 

and mining activities as well as the surface trial mining 

processing plant and water treatment options:

 — Detailed design and scheduling of work for trial mining of 

selected +105 ore blocks and bulk sampling of historical 

draw-points;

 — Installation of water treatment facilities for the treatment 

and discharge of water pumped from underground;

 — Installation of a 178m rising main water pipe in a large 

diameter drill hole (completed);

 — Installation of ring back ladderways in the Marais Shaft 

second escapeway to surface – in support of the already 

permitted second escape and installation of an emergency 

winder in the Hutchings Shaft; and

 — Installation of underground refuge chambers.

Early dewatering
The Early Dewatering program, referred to as Project 

Metsi-ka-Pela (“Water in-front”), is on track to complete 

installation of pumping equipment capable of dewatering 

at a rate of 100m3/hr initially and then incrementally building 

up to 500m3/hr in Q1 CY2025. The early dewatering setup 

will be established in a modular form that allows the system 

to be progressively scaled up. 

is dependent on the availability of the 15MVA power from 

Eskom. Current available power is dedicated to trial mining 

and underground ventilation.

Figure 3: Multi-stage dewatering pumps

The layout for pumping and piping from underground has 

been significantly improved, removing more than 1,600m 

of piping and one set of multi-stage pumps by using a large 

diameter percussion drill hole to install a rising main from 

the 178m pump station to surface, without undertaking 

shaft work. 

The main dewatering bypass hole has been drilled and fitted 

with screwed 250mm diameter steel pipe with flanged 

connections at both surface and 178 Level. The second hole 

to carry services such as power cables and compressed air 

from surface to 178 Level has also been completed.

Figure 4: Planned dewatering at Prieska Copper Zinc Mine for the next three years

30

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Mine water treatment trials 
Three options are under consideration for the purifying of the 

A Trailblazer plant, that may be relocated after completing 

PCZM dewatering, is seen as an important potential 

underground water and pilot-scale test work was completed 

contributor to Orion’s OCP projects, where long-term 

to test their performance on PCZM water. 

The original BFS considered a large scale Reverse Osmosis 

(RO) plant, to treat the underground water. The downside 

of RO purification is the production of a residual brine 

dewatering and mine water treatments are anticipated for 

Carolusberg, Okiep, Jan Coetzee and Nigramoep Mines.

Power reticulation
PCZM has continued to engage with South Africa’s power 

product containing 30% of the water treated. This brine 

utility, Eskom, for the approval of the design for the 

solution requires very specific storage in dedicated 

15MVA supply to support the first phase of PCZM early 

double-lined evaporation ponds, which can be further 

works development. Final approval and handover from Eskom 

reduced with forced evaporation, all of which come 

is expected by the end of September 2023 and the process 

at significant capital and operational expense.

of procuring long lead items has already commenced with 

During the year, Orion has actively reviewed alternative 

technologies that could deliver benefits including increased 

the aim of fast tracking the 15MVA electrical infrastructure, 

including a dedicated sub-station to be built by PCZM. 

water recovery and possibly recovering some minerals that 

The longer-lead delivery items for power reticulation have 

can be sold to help offset treatment costs, while limiting the 

been identified and ordered, with delivery to site expected 

storage or evaporation of brine.

Test work was completed for the “Rotowinner” electrolysis 

plant, and a proposal has been received from Rotowinner 

for a full-scale plant which is being commercially evaluated. 

The Rotowinner plant recovers relatively low value 

agri-minerals that could generate a small earnings stream 

that can contribute to operating cost recovery. This option 

is also less capital and operating cost intensive than the 

RO option.

A third water treatment option that produces high-quality, 

high-value fertilizer from the minerals recovered from the 

saline mine water using an ion exchange technology 

has now undergone pilot plant testing and a commercial 

from the end of September 2023. Medium voltage switchgear 

and transformers for extension of power to the ventilation 

fans, underground pump station and surface treatment plant 

have also been delivered and incorporated in the latest 

version of the electrical reticulation plan. The construction 

of an 11kV extension of power to the underground workings 

is underway, which will make electrical power available for 

ventilation, pumping and drilling, so that the early mining 

works can commence.

An interim solution to run a generator at surface to support 

the trial mining is being implemented. This will remain in use 

while the new dedicated substation is constructed and until 

the 15MVA Eskom switch-over is complete.

proposal has been submitted. This technology presents 

a compelling case for consideration, with the potential 

Trial mining
Planning for the execution of the trial mining of the 

to generate significant revenue from sales of this fertilizer 

+105 Mineral Resource progressed, with the evaluation 

potentially covering all dewatering water treatment costs 

of alternative mining methods to be considered.

and allowing for substantial capital cost recovery. 

A reputable mining engineering consulting company has 

A 30,000 litre sample of underground water has been treated 

been contracted to assist with the mine design and the 

by Trailblazer in their ion exchange and fertilizer manufacture 

drift-and-fill underground mining method that will be tested 

pilot plant. The ion exchange technology works by removing 

with trial mining for the +105 Mineral Resource. This mining 

all dissolved solids from the saline mine water and producing 

method provides the benefits of delivering improved safety 

high-value fertilizer with clean water available for agricultural 

and minimising waste dilution of the ore extracted to surface. 

use. The technology to produce clean water and a fertilizer 

product is proven, with the focus now shifting to analysing 

the potential offtake and market for the significant volumes 

of fertilizer produced. 

An open pit mining option for the exploitation of the 

near-surface oxide Mineral Resource (which cannot be 

accessed from underground) has been included as part 

of this planning phase, with further oxide metallurgical test 

The mine water treatment options will advance Orion’s vision 

work underway and the viability of mining and treatments 

of establishing a “green” footprint for PCZM, with broad 

being evaluated.

stakeholder benefits as part of its objective to have a 

world-class ESG framework to support its operations.

31

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Review of Operations – South Africa continued

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine continued

The open pit mining of lower grade, shallow oxide Mineral 

Contractor site establishment commenced mid-

Resources with lower stripping ratios would take place up-dip 

September 2023, to coincide with the long lead time, 

of previously mined and backfilled stopes. This mining sequence 

services connections and underground refuge chamber 

is considered optimal and removes the need for a large 

delivery and installation. A fixed refuge chamber has 

pre-strip mining exercise. 

already been constructed on 163 Level, allowing permanent 

underground access for mining to commence.

Figure 5: Conceptual layout of the +105 Mineral Resource 
drift-and-fill mining method

The underground trial mining program is designed to 

accurately determine and demonstrate the actual rock 

conditions in the +105 Mineral Resource and the performance 

of the proposed drift-and-fill or cut-and-fill mining method. 

Figure 7: ITC loader paired Paus bi-directional haul trucks 
to be used in the trial mining

PCZM has also contracted Hurst Mine Tec for the testing of 

an ITC120 continuous loader supported by two specifically 

paired bi-directional drive trucks in the +105 Level 

development cycle. This equipment will be operated 

by Newrak on behalf of PCZM. 

The combination of the continuous loader with the 

two bi-directional drive dump trucks is expected to deliver 

significant improvements in safety, cycle time reduction 

and reduced development costs with one machine doing 

all the scaling, mucking and loading in a face. Direct 

conveyor loading into 20 tonne dump trucks driven to 

the face removes the need for shuttling load haul dumpers 

and removes the requirement for loading and passing bays 

in the development tunnels. The bi-directional drive trucks 

improve safety, removing the need for reversing long 

distances by load, haul and dump loaders. 

During the reporting period, access and usage rights for the 

explosive magazines were finalised with the Armaments 

Corporation of South Africa (Armscor) and the process 

to licence the magazines was completed. Approval from 

the DMRE and the SAP (South African Police) has been 

secured to receive and manage explosives at the PCZM site.

Figure 6: Access ramp, reef drives/first cut at the +105 trial 
mining project

The trial mining scope includes the +105 Level underground 

trial mining, as well as a draw-point bulk sampling exercise 

to evaluate the grade and metallurgical quality of broken 

rock remaining in old stopes in the upper areas of the 

underground workings. While accessing the draw points 

on 143, 201 and 269 Levels, the bracketing pillars will also 

be evaluated using drone surveys in the open stopes for 

assessment of the potential for sequential extraction 

following cemented tails or paste void filling.

Contractor mining proposals were evaluated for the entire 

trial mining scope of work and following a wide ranging, 

competitive enquiry process the contract has been awarded 

to P2 Mining (PTY) LTD, a subsidiary of South African mining 

contractor, Newrak Mining Group (refer ASX/JSE release 

5 September 2023). Importantly, Newrak has a previous 

Production Manager of PCZM in their team, bringing valuable 

knowledge of the mine and ground conditions.

32

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Metallurgical process re-evaluation and early mining 
concentrator plant design
Orion is in the process of engaging with various technical 

Orion has contracted Mr Bryan Broekman, the former 

Chief Metallurgist for the Anglovaal Group, who was directly 

responsible for most of the metallurgical process plant 

and turnkey process plant service providers for the supply 

optimisations that successfully allowed Prieska Copper Mines 

of a 30ktpm process plant (with crushing, milling and flotation 

to treat mixed oxide, supergene sulphide and hypogene 

concentration capacity) to treat material from the Trial Mining 

sulphide ores from 1988 until mine closure in 1991. 

Phase at PCZM. Test work is currently being undertaken on 

supergene material obtained from reverse circulation drilling 

as initial feed into the sulphide process plant. 

Mr Broekman has undertaken a critical review of the extensive 

test work conducted by Orion during the past six years and 

has recommended testing a refined process flow that 

Orion is also investigating XRF and XRT ore sorting technology 

promises to deliver improved recoveries and produce higher 

to allow for the concentration of ore after waste removal. 

quality concentrates specifically from the ore sources in 

This will require the crushing and screening of ore into the 

the upper levels of the mine, above the current water level. 

25 to 90mm size fraction required for waste removal. The target 

The recommendations are supported by published research 

material for ore sorting is the surface waste rock dump and 

and Mr Broekman’s personal experience of the former 

the mineralised material from the historical stope draw points 

Prieska Concentrator Plant. This knowledge is proving 

on 143, 201 and 269 Levels. Documented test work done 

extremely valuable when considering our own test work 

on both supergene and hypogene ore indicated both XRF 

results and is providing an important basis for re-evaluation 

and XRT technologies are able to differentiate between ore 

of the plant design to process ore during early mining. 

and waste.

Following the recommendations, two laboratories have been 

Processing routes developed by Mintek in 2018 include 

secured to conduct pilot plant tests on 1.5 tonnes of fresh 

hypogene milling, sequential copper (Cu) flotation, zinc (Zn) 

metallurgical samples derived from RC drilling from the 

flotation, and ultra-fine grinding. However, opportunities 

+105 Mineral Resource Blocks. This test work is currently 

exist to improve on the processing route for the supergene 

underway.

sulphide portions of the deposit (+105 Level Crown Pillar). 

Shallow in-fill Reverse Circulation holes are also scheduled 

Flotation testing of hypogene samples, in line with historical 

to increase the amount of drilling data in the oxide Mineral 

recoveries of the mine, achieved over 86% recovery for 

Resource above the +105 Level supergene sulphide Mineral 

both copper and zinc, with copper concentrate grades 

Resource and to provide material for oxide leach test work 

above 28% and zinc at 53% achieved (refer ASX/JSE release 

purposes. This could facilitate the evaluation of the open pit 

26 May 2020). Test work is now being progressed to assess 

oxide mining concept.

the supergene sulphide recoveries from Locked Cycle testing. 

Results of this test work will be incorporated into the Early 

Production Scenario.

Figure 8: Long section reflecting supergene metallurgical and oxide drill holes

33

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Review of Operations – South Africa continued

The PCZM Early Production Scenario, which was first 
announced in January 2022 (refer ASX/JSE release 
20 January 2022), brings forward revenue generation 
and potentially reduces the upfront external peak funding 
requirements by phasing the mine build while retaining the 
option to scale-up to the full-scale project (as outlined in 
the Bankable Feasibility Study published in 2020, refer ASX/JSE 
release 26 May 2020) as sufficient funding becomes available.

Further information on Orion’s funding arrangements 
is provided in the Corporate Section on page 54.

Exploration
+105 Level Resource in-fill drilling
In-fill drilling of the +105 Level Crown Pillar Mineral Resource, 
required to support the Early Production Scenario, commenced 
in February 2022 and was completed in July 2022, with results 
confirming the presence of enriched copper mineralisation 
in the previously drilled supergene sulphide mineralisation 
(refer ASX/JSE release 11 July 2022). 

The updated Mineral Resource estimate is being used 
for optimisation of the mining plan and updated ore reserve 
estimation. Originally planned for mining by open pit 
after completion of the Deep Sulphide underground mining, 
the +105 Crown Pillar Mineral Resource is now being 
evaluated for early mining, with access from underground, 
concurrent with the dewatering.

Mineral Resources
An Independent Mineral Resource update has been carried 
out for the +105m Level Crown Pillar Block by Z Star Mineral 
Resource Consultants. The Mineral Resource estimate used 
all 2022 drilling data and an updated geological 
interpretation (Table 2 and Figure 9).

The update resulted in a significant increase in the +105 Block 
Mineral Resource to 2.3Mt at 1.7% Cu and 1.6% Zn including 
an Indicated Mineral Resource of 1.9Mt at 1.82% Cu and 
1.70% Zn (refer ASX/JSE release 25 July 2023). This includes 
a significant increase in the oxide mineral resource based 
on new more robust interpretations. The contained copper 
and zinc in the Mineral Resource Estimate have increased by 
11,000 and 300 tonnes, respectively, from the January 2019 
Mineral Resource estimate (refer ASX/JSE release 
15 January 2019).

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine continued

Additional sources of income and community support 
While trial mining is underway, Orion also plans to investigate 
other sources of opportunistic additional income with some 
of these activities creating business opportunities for host 
communities to generate income now and beyond the 
life of the mine. 

Some potential income from products produced:
 — Salvaging scrap from underground and surface;
 — Growing lucerne using pumped water;
 — Running stock feedlots;
 — Growing vegetables using pumped water;
 — Fish farming (tilapia) using pumped water; and
 — Production and sale of waste rock aggregate for 

a booming renewable power generation industry active 
in the district.

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine funding arrangements
Orion’s flagship Prieska Copper Zinc Mine is transitioning to 
the mine development and construction phase following 
the conclusion of the key elements of an overarching 
strategic funding package. In March 2023, Orion announced 
a $13 million two-tranche Share placement, which led to 
the introduction of a new cornerstone investor, Clover Alloys 
(refer ASX/JSE release 15 March 2023).

Clover Alloys is a highly regarded mining group with 
significant mine development and operational expertise, 
including a strong track record in the successful development 
and operation of modular, capital efficient metal processing 
plants at its chrome mines in South Africa. This expertise will 
be invaluable as Orion advances the development of 
its PCZM and OCP towards production. Orion has also 
received support from existing long-term shareholders, 
the Delphi Group and Tembo Capital Mining Fund II LP. 

The placement includes a significant options package 
and, assuming all placement options are ultimately 
exercised, the total value of the equity funding package 
amounts to ~$73 million. This equity funding, together with 
a US$87 million funding package from Triple Flag (refer 
ASX/JSE release 17 July 2023) and the ZAR250 million 
funding facilities secured from the IDC (refer ASX/JSE release 
17 July 2023), puts Orion in a strong position to execute its 
accelerated development strategy in the Northern Cape. 

This funding package is strategically aligned with the new 
strategy of “Start Small to Grow Big” and provides Orion with 
equity funding to progress and accelerate the development 
of PCZM, including the commencement of trial mining and 
processing of ore, mine dewatering and the completion of 
feasibility studies for the PCZM Early Production Scenario.

34

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  The Prieska total Mineral Resource, reported and classified in accordance with the JORC Code (2012), is now 31Mt grading 

1.2% Cu and 3.6% Zn.

Table 2: Global Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource Statement for the +105m Level Resource Block of the PCZM1

Classification

Indicated

Inferred

+105m Level Mineral Resource Total

Note: 

Mineralised 
zone

HW oxide
Oxide
Supergene 
sulphide
Hypogene

Tonnes 

200,000
490,000

1,100,000
120,000

Total

1,900,000

HW oxide
Oxide
Supergene 
sulphide
Hypogene

Total

30,000
300,000

60,000
20,000

400,000

2,300,000

Cu 
(tonnes)

Cu
 (%)

Zn
 (tonnes)

1,000
4,000

28,000
1,000

34,000

100
3,000

1,000
100

4,000

38,000

0.48
0.81

2.58
1.23

1.82

0.4
1.0

1.4
0.8

1.0

1.7

2,000
4,000

22,000
4,000

32,000

300
2,000

300
100

3,000

35,000

Zn
 (%)

0.90
0.73

2.06
3.78

1.70

1.0
0.8

0.6
0.4

0.8

1.6

+105m Level Mineral Resource bottom cut-off = 0.3% Cu.

Tonnes are rounded to second significant figure, which may result in rounding errors.

1  Mineral Resource reported in ASX release of 25 July 2023: “Prieska Mineral Resource Increases Ahead of Trial Mining” available to the 
public on www.orionminerals.com.au/investors/market-news. Competent Person Orion’s exploration: Mr. Paul Matthews. Competent 
Person: Orion’s Mineral Resource: Mr. Sean Duggan. Orion confirms it is not aware of any new information or data that materially 
affects the information included above. For the Mineral Resources, the company confirms that all material assumptions and technical 
parameters underpinning the estimates in the ASX release of 25 July 2023 continue to apply and have not materially changed. Orion 
confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings are presented here have not materially changed.

Figure 9: View showing the +105m Level Mineral Resource with the Supergene Sulphide Zone in red, the Hypogene Sulphide Zone 
in purple, the main Oxide Zone in yellow and the HW Oxide Zone in green. The area between the main Oxide and Supergene 
Sulphide zones is a leached (clay) zone (blue) with insignificant Cu and Zn values and is excluded from the Mineral Resource. 
Brown represents the interpreted overburden

Since the previous +105m Level Mineral Resource estimate 
was reported (refer ASX/JSE release 15 January 2019), 
a further 14 holes comprising 918m were successfully 
drilled to intersect supergene sulphide mineralisation 
(refer ASX/JSE release 11 July 2022). A further five holes 
were drilled and abandoned due to poor ground conditions 
and unacceptable core loss. This data was instrumental in 
the updated Mineral Resource reported in July 2023 (refer 
ASX/JSE release 25 July 2023).

Given the changes in the interpretation of mineralised 
domains, a direct comparison of updated and previous (2019) 
resource figures is difficult. The increase in overall tonnes can 
be largely attributed to the extension of the interpreted crown 

pillar mineralised zone towards the southeast to where it 
intersects the sidewall of a sinkhole. The more comprehensive 
interpretation of the mineralised zone in the hanging wall 
to the main crown pillar mineralisation also contributes 
significantly to this increase in tonnage (and to that of the 
oxide tonnage). The changes of the interpretation of the 
bottom of the oxide zone (particularly in the northwest) have 
a significant positive impact on the oxide tonnage.

The increase in contained copper can be largely attributed 
to higher grades in the southeast of the supergene sulphide 
zone from the 2022 drilling, the extended interpretation of the 
crown pillar mineralisation to the southeast and the changes 
in the interpretation of the bottom of the oxide zone.

35

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Review of Operations – South Africa continued

Okiep Copper Project

Figure 10: Okiep Copper Project

Flat Mines (SAFTA) – Feasibility Study report
The bulk of the technical studies required for the Flat Mines 
Feasibility Study were completed in 2022; additional studies 
and mine scheduling were required in 2023 to incorporate an 
updated mineral resource estimation, which included further 
geophysical surveys in the proposed TSF basin as well as 
geochemical analysis of the legacy evaporation paddy 
material also within the TSF basin area. 

The detailed TSF engineering design report and costing for 
construction were completed in August 2023, which was 
required before the Feasibility Study final report can be 
concluded and handed to The Minerals Corporation, as the 
debt financiers Independent Technical Experts, for their review. 

Environmental management 
Water Use Licence Application (WULA) 
The Public Participation Process for the Water Use Licence 
(in which participation in, and comment on, the draft Water 
and Waste Management Plan is invited from Interested and 
Affected Parties) closed during the March 2023 Quarter, in 
accordance with the specified timeframes. 

Following the completion of Phase I (the public participation 
process) of the WULA Process, a site visit by DWS officials 
was conducted in April 2023 to conclude Phase II. At the 
meeting Orion received, the list of technical documents 
and studies required to be submitted for the next phase of 
the application.

36

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Results from the Radiological Risk Classification of flotation 
tailings and development waste rock have confirmed that 
no significant radiological risks exist.

Waste classification of the flotation tailings, development 
waste rock, ore sorting discard material and the in-situ 
evaporation paddy material has been completed and has 
formed the basis of the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) design. 
Test work confirmed that leachable concentrations of all 
metals and compounds in the waste materials are below 
the thresholds for Class 3 waste classification and only the 
small mass of existing evaporation paddy residue material 
generates a leachate which could potentially significantly 
impact groundwater quality.

All planned aquifer drilling and testing in and downstream 
of the TSF basin has been completed and water analysis 
results received. The hydrological report including the 
groundwater and pollution-plume modelling around the 
planned TSF is complete. 

The Public Participation Process included comments and 
concerns that were received from various parties which have 
been addressed by the environmental consultants. Objections 
or additional concerns that were raised have been assessed 
and mitigated in the final Water and Waste Management Plan 
and a section 21 application that was submitted in August 2023.

Tailings Storage Facility (TSF)
The designed TSF is located on an area previously impacted 
by prior mining operations and comprises an embankment 
mechanically constructed using mine development waste 
and ore-sorter discard material. 

The design of the TSF embankment is for construction in 
four phases of downstream embankment raises. This process 
ensures adequate storage capacity for tailings deposition 
throughout the project life, while creating a single deposition 
site for all waste and tailings from the mining operation.

A meeting was held with DWS to discuss the TSF design options. 
Subsequent to this discussion, it was concluded that the design 
of a partially lined facility would have a high probability of 
being permitted, whereas a totally unlined design could be 
at risk of not being approved. 

Comprehensive geotechnical and geohydrological work 
has been completed on the TSF basin. The TSF will be partially 
lined in the lower portion where it overlies soils and old tailings 
and is located over mapped bedrock fracture zones. The TSF 
will have an unlined area where it overlies impervious 
granite outcrop. 

The complexity of the liner design and subsequent seepage 
modelling of the various design options led to a delay in 
completion of the final design. The outcome of the additional 
design work is a facility with the lowest possible seepage 
rates and reduction of existing impacts on groundwater, 
which is expected to be accepted by the authorities.

Additional test work has been undertaken to investigate 
the option of neutralising the legacy paddy material, and 
the suitability of fine tailings for use in the inverted liner design 
was completed during the first half of 2023. 

The small volume of historically contaminated evaporation 
paddy material will now be relocated to a dedicated lined 
impoundment outside, but in close proximity to the TSF basin 
area.

Figure 11: TSF design

Mine planning 
The layouts of the underground mining areas were 
completed early in the reporting period, resulting in a 
significant reduction in waste development requirements. 
During the first half of the reporting period, various iterations 
of the mining schedule were investigated, aimed at improving 
early availability and grade of run-of-mine (RoM) material. 

Based on the 2022 mine design, the mining fleet selection 
was completed and final development layouts approved, 
allowing ventilation modelling for determination of main fan 
duties and exhaust ventilation airway dimensions to begin. 
Stope designs and sequencing were submitted for rock 
engineering evaluation and approval.

37

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Review of Operations – South Africa continued

Okiep Copper Project continued

A site visit to the existing Flat Mine North underground 
workings was conducted by a geotechnical engineer 
to confirm local rock conditions. Final recommendations 
for stope and pillar layouts are included in the resultant 
geotechnical report based on observations of drill core 
and underground conditions, as well as rock strength tests. 
The backfill study was updated to incorporate backfilling 
of the Flat Mine East stopes following the finalised layouts.

Review of the Flat Mines’ Mineral Resource models by 
Independent Consultants resulted in minor changes to the 
geometry of the block model. In light of the delay in finalising 
the TSF design, revised mining layouts and production 
schedules based on the updated Mineral Resource Model 
were completed at the end of the reporting period. 

Metallurgical processing plant
The metallurgical process for the Flat Mines Project is based 
on the traditional milling and flotation process that had 
been historically successful in the Okiep Copper Company 
operations. Orion identified the potential of using the 
XRF ore-sorting technology to enhance the performance and 
reduce treatment costs of the Flat Mines ores. A metallurgical 
test work programme to determine the effectiveness of ore 
sorting and the impact on the process was commissioned.

The test work, including ore sorting, milling and flotation of 
diamond core samples from the core library on site, was 
completed. Samples from the Flat Mine North and Flat Mine 
South mineralised deposits were pre-sorted in a full-scale 
sorter to simulate the upgraded material which will report 
to milling and flotation once production is underway. 
Concentrates produced by the ore sorting tests were then 
used in the subsequent milling and flotation test work.

Results of the ore sorting tests generated characteristic curves 
for the mineralised material that can be used to predict 
copper recoveries and upgrade potential by ore sorting. 
These tests indicated that, on average, an upgrade ratio of 
35% was achievable with mass and overall copper recoveries 
of 71% and 96%, respectively.

Milling and flotation optimisation tests indicated copper 
recoveries of over 90% at concentrate grades over 30% Cu 
are achievable. Milling work index analysis on multiple 
samples produced Bond work indices varying between 
14 and 24.7kWh/t. The milling work index of 24.7kWh/t was 
used for the design of the mill.

Three-dimensional plant layout drawings were completed to 
form the basis for requests for quotations to selected OEMs 
and engineering construction companies. Costs received for 
the initial plant design led to a review of portions of the plant 
design, in the interest of reducing capital costs where possible. 
An optimised plant design was duly concluded and costed 
which forms part of the study.

The conceptual design and costing of the processing plant to 
feasibility level accuracy was completed in the second half 
of 2022. 

Infrastructure
The design and costing of upgrading the Nama Khoi 
Municipality (NKM) electrical infrastructure to accommodate 
the 10MVA supply to the mine site was completed and 
approved by the Orion-NKM Power Supply Steering Committee. 
A mechanism for determination of an applicable electricity 
tariff based on Eskom tariffs and a cost of supply study has 
been agreed. This will be submitted to the National Energy 
Regulator for approval, as required by municipal legislation 
which is expected to be granted.

Although the long-term cost of Eskom power to the project 
would be lower than from the NKM, the time required for 
Eskom to process applications and approve “self-build” 
projects is a high risk to the commencement of the Project, 
particularly for construction.

The supply voltage to the main incoming distribution 
substation at the process plant site will be at 11kV to avoid 
stringent environmental requirements for 66kV overhead 
lines and provision of early construction power from the grid. 
The surface 11kV reticulation design for all the remote decline 
portals and ventilation exhaust fans has been finalised.

Planned surface infrastructure servicing the operations 
includes prefabricated and containerised offices, 
change-houses and workshops for low cost and speedy 
construction. Layouts and specifications for these have 
been concluded and costed.

Potable water for the mine site will be drawn from a drill 
hole with good quality water close to the process plant. 
Rehabilitation of the Nababeep wastewater works by the local 
municipality using grant funding from National Government is 
due to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023. Management 
will be monitoring progress to ensure that the effluent water 
quality of the refurbished plant will meet the standards 
required for process water in the future.

38

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Communications with the NKM Executive Team continue to 
be regular and cordial. The Infrastructure Steering Committee, 
set up to manage the provision of power and water to the 
Project via the NKM Infrastructure, continues to meet on a 
quarterly basis. Construction of the temporary intake power 
point and construction of overhead lines to the mine site is 
planned to commence as part of the early works programme. 
Discussions with the NKM technical team are underway to 
finalise the details of this work.

Land access
Access to the land on which the bulk of the surface mining 
infrastructure will be located has been secured through a 
lease agreement with the NKM. The Rezoning Application 
for mining use is in progress, subject to the completion of 
the Engineering Services Report, which is being handled by 
a local engineering consultancy. This report can now be 
completed following the completion of the power supply 
design and resolution of the Sewage Treatment Works 
Refurbishment Plan.

Negotiations with other key landowners are ongoing and 
reaching finality. Orion continues to negotiate in good faith 
with all affected landowners to seek positive outcomes for 
all parties.

Late in the reporting period, two appeals were lodged by a 
landowner over which portions of the SAFTA mining right are 
located. The first appeal was lodged in terms of Section 43 
of the National Environmental Management Act with the 
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment 
against the decision by the DMRE to grant an environmental 
authorisation (EA) to SAFTA. The appeal was rejected due to 
the timeframe of receipt of the appeal and the allowed timing 
to lodge such an appeal.

The second appeal was lodged with the DMRE in terms 
of Section 96 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources 
Development Act (MPRDA) against the granting of the 
SAFTA mining right. As at reporting date, this appeal was 
still under review by the DMRE and it should be noted that 
the appeal does not suspend the mining right. The Company 
is considering all options available to ensure that access 
to land is secured in terms of the provision of the MPRDA. 
Cordial negotiations with the complainant landowner 
have been established and an amicable resolution is 
considered imminent.

Pre-development funding 
In September 2022, Orion announced that the IDC would 
become a strategic partner in the development of OCP, 
with definitive agreements between the two parties signed 
in November 2022 (refer ASX/JSE release 14 November 2022).

Under the strategic partnership, IDC acquired an initial 
43.7% of the New Okiep Mining Company, which holds 
the Flat Mines Project assets, by funding ZAR34.6 million of 
OCP’s pre-development costs. Orion has already advanced 
ZAR44.5 million in funding to New Okiep Mining Company. 

The IDC will thereafter facilitate the attainment of 
Mining Charter BEE compliance, with the sale of a 22.22% 
stake to a corporate entity consisting of 100% Historically 
Disadvantaged South Africans led by Mr Lulamile Xate, 
as the largest shareholder. 

Orion’s aspiration, with project partners the IDC and BEE 
partners, is the early re-establishment of mining operations on 
the brownfields Flat Mines site while conducting the required 
work and engineering studies to support the long-term 
aspiration of achieving production from the OCP at a similar 
scale to past owners, Newmont and later Goldfields under 
the Okiep Copper Company.

Okiep Project Mineral Rights 
Mining Right granted for Flat Mines Area 
The Mining Right over the Flat Mines Area was granted 
to SAFTA by the DMRE, and the Company was notified in 
August 2022 (refer ASX/JSE release 29 August 2022) (Figure 12). 
Orion is in the process of acquiring all of SAFTA’s Mineral Rights 
following its exercise of options in July 2021 to acquire certain 
assets in the selling companies. The Mining Right is valid for 
an initial 15 years and can be renewed for a further period 
of up to 30 years.

The status of the Mining Right and prospecting right 
applications pertinent to the NOM operations are as follows:
 — The SAFTA Mining Right application over the Flat Mines area 
was granted in July 2022, execution of the Mining Right was 
completed and registered in December 2022; 

 — Land access discussions/negotiations with the landowners 
on the Mining Right and adjacent prospecting right areas 
are continuing; and

 — SAFTA’s remaining prospecting right applications over the 
areas contiguous to the mining area are in process with 
the DMRE.

39

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Review of Operations – South Africa continued

Okiep Copper Project continued

Grant of Section 102 additions to existing Mineral Rights
This grant is the significant part of four amendment 
applications to existing rights acquired, adding surface area 
and additional minerals to a right in terms of Section 102 
(S102) of the MPRDA of South Africa, and gives the exclusive 
right to prospect for “copper ore” and “tungsten ore” over 
the area once the formality of execution is concluded. 

The newly granted rights add 15,400 hectares (shaded in 
grey, Figure 12), to Orion’s granted tenements.

The above-mentioned prospecting right is currently in the 
process of being ceded from Nababeep Copper Company 
(Pty) Ltd and registered in the name of Orion’s subsidiary, 
New Okiep Exploration Company (Pty) Ltd, at the Mineral 
and Petroleum Titles Registration Office.

Grant of three new prospecting right applications
In addition to the S102 rights, three new prospecting rights 
expanding Orion’s tenement holdings by 14,600 hectares 
have been granted by the DMRE to Orion’s New Okiep 
Mining Company (Pty) Ltd) (NOM) (previously Orion 
Exploration No. 6 (Pty) Ltd)(OE6) and SAFTA for a suite of 
minerals giving Orion the exclusive right to prospect on those 
areas for copper ore, tungsten ore, gold ore and silver ore, 
among other commodities. These prospecting rights each 
carry the inherent exclusive right to apply for a mining right 
(shaded in ochre on Figure 12).

In terms of the Transaction Agreement (refer ASX/JSE release 
2 August 2021), the SAFTA right will be ceded to NOM subject 
to MPRDA Section 11 approval being received from the 
DMRE for session of this right and all associated prospecting 
and S102 rights.

Figure 12: Location of the OCP mineral rights, including NOM – SAFTA Mining and Prospecting Rights. Grey shaded areas showing 
three recently granted S102 areas; orange shaded areas showing three newly granted prospecting rights, OCP Project

OCP Section 11 cessions 
During the June 2023 Quarter, the Section 11 permission to cede the granted and executed Nababeep Copper Company and 

Bulletrap Copper Co prospecting rights to New Okiep Exploration Company were received from the DMRE.

40

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Mineral Resources
Following a detailed internal review of the SAFTA (2018) 

The Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources, 

as stated below, have been re-estimated for the Flat 

geological models and mineral resource estimates for Flat 

Mine North (FMN), Flat Mine East (FME) and Flat Mine 

Mine North, Flat Mine East and Flat Mine South, it was 

South (FMS) deposits, and now total 9.3Mt grading 1.3% Cu 

considered necessary to upgrade the geological 

for 130,000 tonnes of contained copper (Table 3) (refer 

interpretation and models and to update the Mineral 

ASX/JSE release 28 August 2023).

Resource estimate. Initially, following the completion of 

a revised geological interpretation, an internal mineral 

resource estimate was completed for use in provisional 

mine planning activities.

Together with the previously reported Mineral Resources for 

Flat Mine (Nababeep), Jan Coetzee Mine and Nababeep 

Kloof Mine (refer ASX/JSE release 29 March 2021), these latest 

estimates increase the total Mineral Resource at the OCP to 

An Independent update of the Flat Mine North, Flat Mine East 

12Mt grading 1.4% copper for 160,000 tonnes of contained 

and Flat Mine South Mineral Resources has been completed 

copper (Table 4).

by Z Star Mineral Resource Consultants (Z Star). Following 

internal review of the Z Star results, an increase in the Mineral 

Resource Estimates for three deposits was determined.

The Mineral Resource estimations are based on historical 

drilling data and were estimated by a Competent Person 

and classified in accordance with the 2012 Edition of the 

Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral 

Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code 2012).

Table 3: Mineral Resource Statement for the Flat Mine North, Flat Mine East and Flat Mine South

Mine/prospect

Flat Mine North 
Flat Mine East
Flat Mine South

Total*

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Tonnes

440,000
–
–

440,000

Cu
(%)

1.13
–
–

1.13

Cu
(t)

Tonnes

5,000
–
–

940,000
3,400,000
2,600,000

5,000

6,900,000

Cu
(%)

1.42
1.37
1.35

1.37

Cu
(t)

Tonnes

13,000
47,000
35,000

200,000
1,000,000
800,000

95,000 2,000,000

Cu
(%)

1.5
1.0
1.6

1.3

Cu
(t)

4,000
9,000
13,000

26,000

*  Numbers may not add up due to rounding in accordance with the JORC Code guidance. 
  Resources are reported at a 0.7% Cu cut-off grade.

Table 4: Total Mineral Resource Statement for the Flat Mines Area of the OCP

Mine/prospect

Flat Mine (Nababeep) 
Jan Coetzee Mine
Nababeep Kloof Mine
Flat Mine North
Flat Mine East
Flat Mine South

Total

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Tonnes

–
–
–
440,000
–
–

440,000

Cu
(%)

–
–
–
1.13
–
–

1.13

Cu
(t)

–
–
–
5,000
–
–

Tonnes

–
–
–
940,000
3,400,000
2,600,000

5,000

6,900,000

Cu
(%)

–
–
–
1.42
1.37
1.35

1.37

Cu
(t)

–
–
–
13,000
47,000
35,000

Tonnes

1,000,000
1,000,000
500,000
200,000
1,000,000
800,000

95,000 4,500,000

Cu
(%)

1.4
1.4
1.2
1.5
1.0
1.6

1.3

Cu
(t)

15,000
14,000
6,000
4,000
9,000
13,000

61,000

*  Numbers may not add up due to rounding in accordance with the JORC Code guidance. 
  Resources are reported at a 0.7% Cu cut-off grade.

41

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Review of Operations – South Africa continued

Okiep Copper Project continued

Okiep Copper Project Exploration 
Exploration activities continued with ongoing target 

At Nigramoep, the copper mineralisation is very steeply 

dipping, plunging to the north-east, with the hanging wall of 

generation over the OCP area using SkyTEM™ magnetic 

the mineralisation nearly vertical. In plan view, the mineralised 

and electro-magnetic (EM) data together with geological 

body has an east-northeast trend with dimensions in the order 

and structural interpretive work.

of 250m by 100m. 

Digital compilation of historical drilling information over 

The full vertical extent of the drilled mineralised body is 

various old mines and prospects has continued, together 

approximately 800m. The east-northeast dimension increases 

with remodelling of the mineralisation aimed at re-estimating 

to a maximum 430m of strike and 80m of width on the 628m 

the Mineral Resources. The current focus of this work has 

Level where a sausage shaped appendix of mineralised 

been on the NOM-SAFTA Mining Right and contiguous 

diorite, referred to historically as the “Wors Orebody”, extends 

prospecting right application areas, with the objective of 

to the west-southwest with a vertical extent in the order 

including additional prospects as JORC Mineral Resources.

of 100m (Figure 13).

Nigramoep Mine Prospect

Copper oxide staining of outcropping diorite was first 

discovered at Nigramoep in the late nineteenth century. 

Intermittent drilling campaigns from the 1950s through to 

the 1990s led to the evaluation and development of the 

Nigramoep Mine that produced 7 million tonnes at 2.04% 

copper in the period 1991 to 2001.

The prospect is located on the western side of a rift of younger 

sedimentary rocks of varying thickness that obscures highly 

prospective basement sequences into which mineralised 

mafic rocks were intruded in irregular pipelike fashion. At 

Nigramoep, the intrusive displays copper oxide mineralisation 

on surface where exposed and is covered in part by the 

younger Nama sediments. Prospecting rights have now been 

secured over the area where these younger sequences 

obscure the highly prospective basement sequences that 

host the intrusive copper mineralisation in the district. 

While the Company’s initial focus will be on the pre-developed 

and drilled mineralisation at Nigramoep and other discoveries 

where Newmont and Goldfield undertook intense drilling 

programs, Orion will also commence the highly complex 

detailed analysis of the high resolution SkyTEMTM survey 

completed by the Company in 2021. These data sets are 

expected to assist in identifying blind intrusive copper bodies. 

This area of the Okiep Copper District is very mountainous 

and inaccessible, only becoming more accessible after 

the construction of haulage roads to reach the mine in 

the 1990s. The area has therefore had less intense surface 

exploration and presents a high priority exploration area 

with a key structural corridor linking the Nigramoep and 

Nababeep Mines (Figure 12).

42

Figure 13: Nigramoep deposit showing main mineralised 
zones (red and yellow), historical stoping (blue), main 
development and historical drill hole traces. View looking 
north-west

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Areachap Belt, Near-Mine Exploration and Jacomynspan Project 

The Areachap Belt is an under-explored belt with multiple 

In the reporting period, work focused on planning for a trial 

Cu-Zn and Ni-Cu-Co-PGE-Au intrusive targets within Orion’s 

mining exercise to generate a sufficiently sized representative 

tenements. Chief amongst these are:

bulk sample to test innovative metallurgical refining/battery 

 — The Prieska Copper Zinc near mine, open pit and 

pre-cursor production at pilot scale. Many projects globally 

underground targets with high-grade intersections;

are receiving renewed attention with downstream 

 — The Jacomynspan Project, with potential for sulphide 

metallurgical testing of innovative refining/processing with 

nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE-gold open pit and shallow 

potential to improve metallurgical recoveries and revenue 

underground mining;

generation from sulphide ores. These technologies present 

 — Several high-grade Cu-Au targets with historical and recent 

significant upside potential for deposits of this kind.

drill hole intersections; and

 — Several Li, Be, Rare Earth Element (REE) occurrences and 

old diggings to be investigated.

Orion, which holds a 50% interest and manages the project, 

engaged with its project partners who collectively hold 50% 

interest in the project, to agree a forward program and 

No field work was undertaken during the financial year, 

budget to maximise the project value.

with work rather focusing on evaluating the now extensive 

database of geophysical, geochemical and drilling data.

Stratega Metals Vapour Refining Project
Initial laboratory amenability test work undertaken on a 

During the reporting period the DMRE granted four prospecting 

sample of Jacomynspan concentrate has provided 

right applications by Orion Exploration No.5 located in the 

promising results. These results have been subjected to 

“near-mine” areas adjacent to the PCZM project.

thorough evaluation by a panel of international consultants. 

Orion is evaluating several options to maximise the value of 

A follow-up set of tests will now be conducted using 

this highly prospective exploration package outside of the 

two different laboratory facilities. The first set of tests, involving 

near-mine confines.

Jacomynspan Project and Metal Refining 
The Jacomynspan Project offers the potential for a class one, 

sulphide nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE-gold open pit and shallow 

underground mining project. The Namaqua Nickel Mining 

selective chlorination and extraction, will be carried out 

at a tailor-made facility, specifically for JMP concentrate, 

in Gauteng, South Africa. The second set of tests, focusing 

on carbonylation, will take place at a new high-tech 

carbonylation laboratory located in Toronto, Canada. 

Right, which was granted by the DMRE in September 2016, 

The objective of these follow-up tests is to assess the metal 

was notarially executed with the DMRE in December 2022. 

vapour process capability, to manage and control desired 

The right has been registered with the Mineral and Petroleum 

thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for selective 

Titles Registration Office.

Work is being progressed in parallel with a metallurgical test 

work program to produce battery precursor products and 

other critical metal micro-powders from Jacomynspan 

mineralised material. 

Orion signed an exclusivity agreement with Stratega Metals 

to undertake amenability test work on a 250kg sample of 

Ni-Cu-Co-PGE-Au concentrates from the Jacomynspan 

Project (refer ASX/JSE release 9 May 2022).

chlorination and extraction, metal gas transfer, distillation, 

and carbonylation. The desired outcome is the refining – and 

thus production – of value-added products such as pure 

elemental sulphur, refined separated metal products and 

compounds and metal carbonyl powders.

The data obtained from scientifically and empirically 

generated process parameters will provide detailed inputs 

for the design criteria, engineering design, and construction 

of a laboratory-scale pilot plant, required for the next phase 

of the project. Thereafter, this information will serve as the 

foundation for design criteria in the following phase, which is 

a full-scale demonstration plant.

43

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Review of Operations – South Africa continued

Areachap Belt, Near-Mine Exploration and Jacomynspan Project continued

Stratega Metals (Pty) Ltd (Stratega) has also progressed 

discussions with electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers who are 

potential end users of the metal vapour powder products to 

be produced. One large European EV manufacturer has 

accepted Stratega onto its accredited supplier listing and has 

expressed interest in funding a vertically integrated mine and 

refinery facility to produce its metal product requirements.

A scoping level feasibility study is underway with completion 

scheduled for Q1 CY2024.

Jacomynspan
Project

Prieska Mine

Figure 14: Jacomynspan Project mineral occurrences 
and deposits

44

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Review of Operations – Australia
Fraser Range

Nickel-Copper Projects (Western Australia) 
The Fraser Range Project is a belt-scale project highly 
prospective for high-value magmatic nickel-copper-cobalt 
sulphide discoveries, extending over a total strike distance 
of some 430km. ASX-listed IGO Limited (ASX: IGO) is the 
dominant landholder in the Fraser Range and owns the 
Nova Operation, which is mining and processing the 
Nova-Bollinger Ni-Cu-Co sulphide deposit discovered in 2015.

Orion maintains a sizeable tenement package in the Fraser 
Range under a joint venture with IGO. In terms of the joint 
venture, IGO is responsible for the exploration of all the 
tenements, while Orion is free-carried by IGO through to 
the first Pre-Feasibility Study. This allows Orion to maintain 
exposure to ongoing exploration and development of the 
project, without any ongoing financial commitment. 

The mineral riches of the belt have been demonstrated 
at IGO’s Nova nickel-copper-cobalt operation and other 
neighbouring discoveries including Silver Knight by the 
Creasy Group and Mawson by Legend Mining.

In the 2023 financial year, IGO developed several key targets 
at the Fraser Range Project, with work including diamond 
and reverse circulation drilling at more than 25 key targets.

Early in the reporting period, IGO completed 2km of 
rehabilitation works across E28/2367 and E28/2378, while 

clearing and preparing track access for the upcoming 
aircore program at Artemis (E28/267). Moving loop EM (MLEM) 
surveys were conducted at CE, Pennor North and Porpoise 
target areas. 

In 2023, IGO undertook work on JV tenements E39/1653, 
E39/1654, E69/2379, E69/2707, E28/2596, E28/2367, E28/2378 
and E28/2462. Results were received for Pike North (E28/2367) 
and five aircore holes totalling 507m were completed at 
Artemis target (E28/2367) with the sampling results also 
received at reporting period end from the laboratory. 
The drilling program was planned to be 18 holes, to test 
the mafic and ultra-mafic intrusions; however, due to weather 
conditions, difficulty in drilling and potential risk during the 
seasonal bushfire period, the program was shortened. 

IGO completed a high temperature SQUID (HTS) moving-loop 
electromagnetic (MLEM) survey at the Artemis target 
on tenement E28/2367 located within Kanandah Station. 
The survey was undertaken to follow up encouraging 
litho-geochemistry intercepts identified in the 2022 AC 
drill program and in-fill a gap in previous MLEM coverage.

Desktop review of the tenements was also undertaken, with 
E28/2378 and E28/2462 voluntarily surrendered. A rehabilitation 
work program was prepared and is expected to be 
undertaken in the second half of 2023 within tenements 
E63/237 and E69/2707.

Walhalla

Gold and Polymetals Project (Victoria) 
While the Walhalla-Woods Point District is best known for gold mining, high-grade copper-nickel and PGE mineralisation also occurs 
within the belt. Both the gold and copper-nickel-PGE mineralisation within this district are hosted within dykes from the Woods Point 
Dyke Swarm, a series of ultramafic to felsic dykes occurring over a 75km long north-south belt. 

No field or exploration work was carried out on the Walhalla Project during the reporting period. In February 2023, the Company 
received notification of the grant of two exploration licences for the Walhalla project.

45

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources 
Statement

Orion has a dual listing with the Australian Securities 
Exchange (ASX) and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) 
and reports Exploration Results, Mineral Resource and 
Ore Reserve Estimates in accordance with the ASX Listing 
Rules and the requirements and guidelines of the Australasian 
Code for Reporting Exploration Results, Mineral Resources 
and Ore Reserves, 2012 (the JORC Code).

The JSE requires reporting in terms of the South African Code 
for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources 
and Mineral Reserves, 2016 (SAMREC Code); however, the 
JORC Code requirements are considered similar enough 
to be accepted by the JSE. The Orion financial year end is 
30 June and all subsidiaries have been aligned to this 
annual reporting date. 

The 2023 Annual Report covers Orion’s eight exploration 
projects in the Areachap and Okiep areas in the Northern 
Cape Province of South Africa, as well as its interest in 
a number of Australian projects. By the end of FY2018, 
Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources were classified and 
reported from both Orion’s flagship Prieska Copper Zinc Mine 
(refer to ASX/JSE releases 8 February 2018 and 9 April 2018), 
as well as the Jacomynspan Nickel-Copper Project (refer to 
ASX release 8 March 2018). By the end of FY2019, the Prieska 
Project’s Mineral Resources had been upgraded to Probable 
Mineral Ore Reserves, Indicated Mineral Resources and 
Inferred Mineral Resources for both the near surface +105 
Level Mineral Resource (refer to ASX/JSE releases 15 January 
2019 and 26 June 2019) and the underground Deep Sulphide 
Mineral Resource (refer ASX/JSE releases 18 December 2018 
and 26 June 2019). The Prieska Deep Sulphide Ore Reserve 
was updated in FY2020 (refer to ASX release 26 May 2020). 
Following additional drilling, the +105 Mineral Resource was 
further updated in 2023 (refer ASX/JSE release 25 July 2023).

In 2021, two maiden Mineral Resources were announced for 
Orion’s Okiep Copper Project covering a number of known 
copper deposits (refer to ASX releases 10 February 2021 and 
29 March 2021). A further update of Mineral Resources for 
Flat Mine North, Flat Mine East and Flat Mine South was 
announced in 2023 (refer ASX/JSE release 28 August 2023).

Listings of the respective estimates as they stand at the end 
of FY2023 are tabulated on pages 47 – 52 for Orion’s total 
interests and for the operational and project divisions. 
A comparison of the FY2022 and FY2023 estimates are also 
summarised on a project-by-project basis. The tables are 
accompanied by the relevant JORC Code Competent 
Person statements. Refer to the Corporate section for 
Orion’s interest in each project.

Orion’s procedures for public reporting ensure transparency, 
materiality and competence in its governance of Mineral 
Resource and Ore Reserve estimates and release of results 
requires several assurance measures.

Firstly, the Competent Persons responsible for public reporting:
 — must be current members of a professional organisation 

that is recognised in the JORC Code framework;

46

 — must have at least five years’ relevant experience in the 
style of mineralisation and reporting activity for which 
they are acting as a Competent Person;

 — must have given a written consent for inclusion of the 

results and estimates that are reported, stating that the 
report agrees with supporting documentation regarding 
the results or estimates prepared by each Competent 
Person; and

 — must have prepared supporting documentation for results 

and/or estimates to a level consistent with standard 
industry practices.

This includes JORC Table 1 checklists for any results and/or 
estimates reported.

Orion also ensures that any publicly reported results and/or 
estimates are prepared using JORC and ASX guidelines, 
accepted industry methods and using specialised guidance 
for aspects where required, such as metal prices and foreign 
exchange rates. Estimates and results are also peer-reviewed 
internally by Orion’s senior technical staff before being 
presented to Orion’s Board for approval and subsequent 
ASX reporting.

Market-sensitive or production-critical estimates may also be 
audited by suitably qualified external consultants to ensure 
the precision and correctness of the reported information. 
Once operational, Orion plans to ensure that the estimation 
precision of actual mine and process production is compared 
to the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve forecasts.

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine Mineral Resources 
and Reserves
The BFS reported on herein contains production targets and 
forecast financial information supported by a combination 
of Probable Ore Reserves, Indicated Mineral Resources 
and Inferred Mineral Resources, all as defined, compiled 
and disclosed in compliance with ASX Listing Rules and 
the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, 
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, 2012 (JORC (2012) 
or JORC Code) reporting standards. The Ore Reserves 
and Mineral Resources underpinning the production 
target in this report have been prepared by Competent 
Persons in accordance with the requirements in 
Appendix 5A (JORC (2012)).

Mineral Resources
The Mineral Resource Estimate for the Prieska Copper Zinc Mine 
Deep Sulphide deposit is as reported in the 2020 Annual Report. 
Following additional drilling, the +105 Mineral Resources were 
updated in 2023 (refer to ASX release 25 July 2023).

The Mineral Resource Estimates classified and reported 
in terms of the JORC Code, 2012 guidelines, for both 
the Deep Sulphide Mineral Resource and the +105 Level 
Mineral Resource are as tabled individually on page 47 
and then combined in the final table.

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  PCZM

Vardocube

Deep Sulphide total

Deep Sulphide Mineral Resource for PCZM + Vardocube Tenements 
(Effective date: 18 December 2018)1

Classification

Tonnes

Cu 
(metal tonnes)

Cu 
(%)

Zn 
(metal tonnes)

Indicated
Inferred
Total
Indicated
Inferred
Total
Indicated
Inferred
Total

15,000,000
7,000,000
22,000,000
3,500,000
3,200,000
6,700,000
19,000,000
10,000,000
29,000,000

170,000
80,000
250,000
44,000
41,000
85,000
220,000
120,000
330,000

1.15
1.0
1.13
1.27
1.3
1.27
1.17
1.1
1.16

510,000
270,000
780,000
160,000
150,000
310,000
670,000
420,000
1,100,000

Deep Sulphide Resource bottom cut-off = 4% Equivalent Zn (Zn Eq = Zn% + (Cu%*2)). Tonnes are rounded to two significant 
figures, which may result in rounding errors.

Classification

Indicated

Inferred

+105 Updated Mineral Resource for the PCZM Tenement 
(Effective date: 25 July 2023)2

Mineralised
zone

HW Oxide
Oxide
Supergene 
Sulphide
Hypogene
Total

HW Oxide
Oxide
Supergene 
Sulphide
Hypogene
Total
Total Mineral Resource

Tonnes

200,000
490,000

1,100,000
120,000
1,900,000

30,000
300,000

60,000
20,000
400,000
2,300,000

Cu 
(metal tonnes)

Cu 
(%)

Zn 
(metal tonnes)

1,000
4,000

28,000
1,000
34,000

100
3,000

1,000
100
4,000
38,000

0.48
0.81

2.58
1.23
1.82

0.4
1.0

1.4
0.8
1.0
1.7

2,000
4,000

22,000
4,000
32,000

300
2,000

300
100
3,000
35,000

+105m Level Mineral Resource bottom cut-off = 0.3% Cu. Tonnes are rounded to two significant figures, which may result in 
rounding errors.

Combined Mineral Resource for PCZM + Vardocube Tenements 
(Effective date: 25 July 2023)2

Mineral Resource

Classification

Tonnes

Cu 
(metal tonnes)2

Cu 
(%)

Zn 
(metal tonnes)

Deep Sulphide
Resource
+105m Level Resource

Total

Grand total

Indicated
Inferred
Indicated
Inferred
Indicated
Inferred

19,000,000
10,000,000
1,900,000
400,000
20,000,000
11,000,000
31,000,000

220,000
120,000
34,000
4,000
250,000
120,000
370,000

1.17
1.1
1.82
1.0
1.23
1.1
1.2

670,000
420,000
32,000
3,000
700,000
420,000
1,100,000

Zn 
(%)

3.38
3.9
3.53
4.57
4.6
4.57
3.60
4.1
3.77

Zn 
(%)

0.90
0.73

2.06
3.78
1.70

1.0
0.8

0.6
0.4
0.8
1.6

Zn 
(%)

3.60
4.1
1.70
0.8
3.43
4.0
3.6

Deep Sulphide Mineral Resource bottom cut-off = 4% Equivalent Zn (Zn Eq = Zn% + (Cu%*2)); +105m Level Mineral Resource 
bottom cut-off = 0.3% Cu. Tonnes are rounded to two significant figures, which may result in rounding errors.

1  Mineral Resource reported in ASX release of 18 December 2018: “Landmark Resource Upgrade Sets Strong Foundation” available to the public on 

http://www.orionminerals.com.au/investors/asx-jse-announcements/. Competent Person Orion’s exploration: Mr Errol Smart. Competent Person: Orion’s 
Mineral Resource: Mr Sean Duggan. Orion confirms it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included above. 
For the Mineral Resources, the Company confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the ASX release of 
18 December 2018 continue to apply and have not materially changed. Orion confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings 
are presented here have not been materially modified.

2  Mineral Resource reported in ASX release of 25 July 2023: “Prieska Crown Pillar +105 Level Mineral Resource increases to 2.3Mt @ 1.7% Cu and 1.6% Zn ahead 

of Trial Mining” available to the public on http://www.orionminerals.com.au/investors/asx-jse-announcements/. Competent Person Orion’s exploration: 
Mr Paul Matthews. Competent Person: Orion’s Mineral Resource: Mr Sean Duggan. Orion confirms it is not aware of any new information or data that 
materially affects the information included above. For the Mineral Resources, the Company confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters 
underpinning the estimates in the ASX release of 25 July 2023 continue to apply and have not materially changed. Orion confirms that the form and context 
in which the Competent Person’s findings are presented here have not been materially modified.

47

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Statement continued

Ore Reserves
The Ore Reserve that follows is classified and reported in accordance with JORC Code, 2012. The Ore Reserve estimate for the 

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine is as reported in the 2020 Annual Report. There are no material changes to the estimate.

The Deep Sulphide Probable Ore Reserve1 estimate amounts to 14.0Mt grading 1.0% Cu and 3.2% Zn, including 146kt copper 

metal tonnes and 446kt zinc metal tonnes (Cu-Eq of 248kt metal tonnes at 1.8%) as tabulated below.

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine Deep Sulphide Ore Reserves 
(Effective date: 26 May 2020)3

Deposit

Deep Sulphide

Total

Ore Reserve 
classification

Tonnage
(Mt)

Probable

Probable

14.0

14.0

Cu

Zn

Cu equivalent4

Metal 
tonnes
(Kt)

146

146

Grade
(%)

1.0

1.0

Metal 
tonnes
(Kt)

446

446

Grade
(%)

3.2

3.2

Metal 
tonnes
(Kt)

248

248

Grade
(%)

1.8

1.8

The Deep Sulphide Ore Reserve is calculated using financial assumptions and modifying factors stated in the study. Tonnes are 

rounded to thousands, which may result in rounding errors.

The +105 Level Probable Ore Reserve1 is estimated at 480kt grading 1.5% Cu and 3.3% Zn, including 7kt copper metal tonnes 

and 16kt zinc metal tonnes (Cu-Eq of 11kt metal tonnes at 2.3%). The Probable Ore Reserve was calculated using the prior 2019 

+105 Mineral Resource (refer to ASX release 15 January 2019).

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine +105 Level Ore Reserves 
(Effective date: 26 June 2019)5

Deposit

+105 Level

Total

Ore Reserve 
classification

Tonnage
(Kt)

Probable

Probable

484

484

Cu

Metal 
tonnes
(Kt)

7

7

Zn

Cu equivalent4

Grade
(%)

1.5

1.5

Metal 
tonnes
(Kt)

16

16

Grade
(%)

3.3

3.3

Metal 
tonnes
(Kt)

11

11

Grade
(%)

2.3

2.3

+105m Level Ore Reserves is calculated using financial assumptions and modifying factors stated in the study. Tonnes are 

rounded to thousands, which may result in rounding errors.

3  Ore Reserve reported in the ASX/JSE release of 26 May 2020: “Prieska BFS – Long life, high margin project” available to the public on 

www.orionminerals.com.au/investors/asx-jse-announcements. Competent Person: Orion’s Ore Reserve: Mr William Gillespie. Orion confirms it is 
not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included above. For the Ore Reserves, the Company confirms 
that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the ASX release of 26 May 2020 continue to apply and 
have not materially changed. Orion confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings are presented here have not 
materially changed.

4  Method used to determine Cu equivalent Zn grades:

Underground Cu Equivalent Estimation

Open-pit Cu Equivalent Estimation

Combined Cu Equivalent Estimation

1% Zn = (Zn price x Zn NSR) x (Zn plant recovery)
= (2,337 x 68.3%) x (81.6%) = 0.23% Cu

1% Zn = (Zn price x Zn NSR) x (Zn plant recovery)
= (2,337 x 52.2%) x (75.8%) = 0.17% Cu

1% Zn = (Zn price x Zn NSR) x (Zn plant recovery)
= (2,337 x 67.8%) x (81.4%) = 0.23% Cu

(Cu price x Cu NSR) x (Cu plant recovery) 
(6,680 x 99.3%) (85.5%)

(Cu price x Cu NSR) x (Cu plant recovery) 
(6,680 x 91.9%) (61.7%)

(Cu price x Cu NSR) x (Cu plant recovery) 
(6,680 x 99.0%) (84.3%)

Therefore, Cu Equivalent grade = Cu grade +
0.23 x Zn grade.

Therefore, Cu Equivalent grade = Cu grade +
0.17 x Zn grade.

Therefore, Cu Equivalent grade = Cu grade +
0.23 x Zn grade.

  Metal price assumptions based on S&P Global commodity long-term forecast (April 2020).

  Plant recovery assumptions are based on metallurgical test work completed to date at Mintek Laboratories (South Africa) under the supervision of DRA. 
Refer to JORC Table 1 in the ASX/JSE releases 15 November 2017, 8 February 2018, 1 March 2018, 12 June 2018, 22 October 2018 and 31 October 2019.

5  Ore Reserve reported in the ASX/JSE release of 26 June 2019: “Prieska BFS – Long life, high margin project” available to the public on www.orionminerals.com.
au/investors/asx-jse-announcements. Competent Person: Orion’s Ore Reserve: Mr William Gillespie. Orion confirms it is not aware of any new information 
or data that materially affects the information included above. For the Ore Reserves, the Company confirms that all material assumptions and technical 
parameters underpinning the estimates in the ASX release of 26 June 2019 continue to apply and have not materially changed. Orion confirms that the 
form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings are presented here have not materially changed.

48

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Prieska Copper Zinc Mine Ore Reserves Estimate 
(Effective date: 26 May 2020)3

Deposit

+105 Level
Deep Sulphide

Total

Ore Reserve 
classification

Tonnage
(Mt)

Probable
Probable

Probable

0.5
14.0

14.5

Cu

Metal 
tonnes
(Kt)

7
146

153

Zn

Cu equivalent2

Grade
(%)

1.5
1.0

1.1

Metal 
tonnes
(Kt)

16
446

462

Grade
(%)

3.3
3.2

3.2

Metal 
tonnes
(Kt)

11
248

259

Grade
(%)

2.3
1.8

1.8

Project Ore Reserves is calculated using financial assumptions and modifying factors stated in the study. Tonnes are rounded 

to thousands, which may result in rounding errors.

Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Annual Comparison for the Prieska Project
Prieska Copper Zinc Mine Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Annual Comparison

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine

Financial year

July 2019 – June 2022

July 2022 – June 2023

Tenement

Mineral 
Resource

Classification

Tonnage
(Mt)

Probable Ore Reserve

14.0

Cu 
(%)

1.0

Zn 
(%)

3.2

Tonnage
(Mt)

Cu 
(%)

Zn 
(%)

Refer 
ASX 
release

No material change

26 May 2020

Deep 
Sulphide

PCZM and 
Vardocube

+105m 
Level

Indicated Mineral 
Resource

Inferred Mineral 
Resource

Probable Ore Reserve

Indicated Mineral 
Resource

Inferred Mineral 
Resource

19

1.17

3.6

No material change

18 Dec 2018

10

0.5

1.1

1.5

4.1

3.3

No material change

18 Dec 2018

No material change

26 Jun 2019

0.6

1.54

3.1

1.9

1.82

1.70

1.1

1.4

1.4

0.4

1.0

0.8

15 Jan 2019
25 Jul 2023

15 Jan 2019
25 Jul 2023

Mineral Resources are inclusive of Ore Reserves

Probable Ore Reserve

14.5

1.1

3.2

No material change

26 May 2020

Totals

Indicated Mineral 
Resource

Inferred Mineral 
Resource

19

1.18

3.6

20

1.23

3.43

11

1.2

3.8

11

1.1

4.0

18 Dec 2018
25 Jul 2023

18 Dec 2018
25 Jul 2023

The Mineral Resources are inclusive of Ore Reserves.

Competent Persons’ Statements – Prieska Copper Zinc Mine
The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results is not in contravention of the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code 
for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code) and has been compiled and assessed 
under the supervision of Mr Errol Smart, Orion’s Managing Director. Mr Smart (PrSciNat) is registered with the South African Council 
for Natural Scientific Professionals, a Recognised Overseas Professional Organisation (RPO) for JORC purposes and has sufficient 
experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being 
undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the JORC Code. Mr Smart consents to the inclusion 
in this report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources is not in contravention of the JORC Code and has been compiled 
and assessed under the supervision of Mr Sean Duggan, a Director and Principal Analyst at Z Star Mineral Resource Consultants 
(Pty) Ltd. Mr Duggan (PrSciNat) is registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professionals (Registration 
No. 400035/01), an RPO for JORC purposes and has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type 
of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 
Edition of the JORC Code. Mr Duggan consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on his information in the form 
and context in which it appears.

49

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Statement continued

The information in this report that relates to the Ore Reserves is based on mining-related information incorporated under the 

supervision of Mr William Gillespie, a Competent Person who is a fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IMMM), 

an RPO. Mr Gillespie takes overall responsibility for the Ore Reserve aspects of the release as Competent Person. Mr Gillespie is 

an employee of A & B Global Mining Consultants (Pty) Ltd which contracts to Orion. Mr Gillespie has sufficient experience that 

is relevant to the type of mining and type of deposit under consideration and to the activities being undertaken to qualify as 

a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the JORC Code. Mr Gillespie consents to the inclusion in this report of 

the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information in this report that relates to the metallurgy and processing plant information incorporated under the supervision 

of Mr John Edwards, a Competent Person, who is a Fellow of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), 

an RPO. Mr Edwards is an employee of METC Engineering Ltd, which provides consulting services to Orion. Mr Edwards has 

sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity 

being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the 2012 Edition of the JORC Code. Mr Edwards consents 

to the inclusion of the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

Jacomynspan Project Mineral Resources
The Mineral Resource Estimate for the Jacomynspan Prospect in the Namaqua-Disawell Project is as reported in the 2018 Annual 

Report. There are no material changes to the estimate.

A maiden Mineral Resource Estimate, based on drilling data from 1971 to 2012, reported at a 0.4% Ni cut-off grade gives 6.8Mt 

@ 0.57% Ni, 0.33% Cu, 0.03% Co, 0.19g/t Pt, 0.12g/t Pd and 0.087g/t Au at a 0.4% Ni cut-off (refer to ASX/JSE release 8 March 

2018). The Mineral Resources for the Jacomynspan Project were previously reported (refer to ASX release 14 July 2016) in 

accordance with the SAMREC Code (2007) as a “qualifying foreign resource estimate” as defined in the ASX Listing Rules.

The Mineral Resources have subsequently been reassessed by the MSA Group (Pty) Ltd on behalf of the Company and reported 

in compliance with the JORC Code, 20126.

Mineral Resource
Mineral Resource Grade-Tonnage Table for the Jacomynspan Project at a 0.40% Ni cut-off grade

Ni

Cu

Co

Pt

Pd

Au

Classification

Indicated
Inferred

Cut-off
%Ni

Volume
(m3)

Tonnes

Grade
(%)

Metal
tonnes

Grade
(%)

Metal
tonnes

Grade
(%)

Metal
tonnes

Grade
g/t

0.4
0.4

584,000
1,647,000

1,780,000
5,056,000

0.55
0.58

10,000
29,000

0.29
0.35

5,000
18,000

0.03
0.03

1,000
1,000

0.17
0.19

Metal
oz

10,000
31,000

Grade
g/t

0.11
0.13

Metal
oz

6,000
21,000

Grade
g/t

0.07
0.07

Metal
oz

4,000
11,000

Indicated Mineral Resource for the Jacomynspan Project at various Ni cut-off grades

Ni

Cu

Co

Pt

Pd

Au

Cut-off
%Ni

0.20
0.25
0.30
0.40
0.50

Volume
(m3)

11,252,000
4,205,000
1,501,000
584,000
284,000

Tonnes

33,000,000
12,393,000
4,461,000
1,780,000
872,000

Grade
(%)

Metal
tonnes

Grade
(%)

Metal
tonnes

Grade
(%)

Metal
tonnes

Grade
g/t

Metal
oz

Grade
g/t

0.26
0.32
0.42
0.55
0.66

86,000
40,000
19,000
10,000
6,000

0.18
0.20
0.24
0.29
0.37

58,000
25,000
11,000
5,000
3,000

0.02
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.04

6,000
3,000
1,000
1,000
300

0.10
0.11
0.14
0.17
0.16

101,000
45,000
20,000
10,000
5,000

0.05
0.06
0.08
0.11
0.11

Metal
oz

53,000
25,000
12,000
6,000
3,000

Grade
g/t

0.04
0.05
0.05
0.07
0.07

Metal
oz

44,000
19,000
8,000
4,000
2,000

6  Mineral Resource for Jacomynspan reported in ASX/JSE release of 8 March 2018: “Modelling confirms targets surrounding Jacomynspan Intrusive” available 

to the public on http://www.orionminerals.com.au/investors/asx-jse-announcements/. Competent Person Mineral Resource: Mr Jeremy Witley. Orion 
confirms it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included above. The Company confirms that all material 
assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the original release continue to apply and have not materially changed. Orion 
confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings are presented have not been materially modified.

50

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Inferred Mineral Resource for the Jacomynspan Project at various Ni cut-off grades

Ni

Cu

Co

Pt

Pd

Au

Au Cut off
%Ni

0.20
0.25
0.30
0.40
0.50

Volume
(m3)

11,022,000
3,974,000
2,303,000
1,647,000
982,000

Tonnes

32,304,000
11,863,000
7,008,000
5,056,000
3,041,000

Grade
(%)

Metal 
tonnes

Grade
(%)

Metal 
tonnes

Grade
(%)

Metal 
tonnes

Grade
(g/t)

Metal 
oz

Grade
(g/t)

Metal 
oz

Grade
(g/t)

Metal 
oz

0.29
0.42
0.52
0.58
0.67

94,000
49,000
36,000
29,000
20,000

0.20
0.26
0.31
0.35
0.41

63,000
31,000
22,000
18,000
13,000

0.02
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.03

6,000
2,000
2,000
1,000
1,000

0.10 108,000
55,000
0.15
42,000
0.19
31,000
0.19
16,000
0.17

0.06
0.09
0.12
0.13
0.12

60,000
34,000
27,000
21,000
11,000

0.04
0.05
0.06
0.07
0.07

44,000
20,000
14,000
11,000
7,000

Mineral Resource Annual Comparison for the Jacomynspan Prospect
Namaqua-Disawell Project Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Annual Comparison

Jacomynspan Project 2022

Financial year

July 2017 – June 2018

July 2022 – June 2023

Tenement

Mineral Resource Classification

Namaqua-
Disawell

Jacomynspan

Indicated Mineral Resource
Inferred Mineral Resource

Indicated Mineral Resource
Inferred Mineral Resource

Tonnage
(Mt)

1.78
5.06

1.78
5.06

Ni 
(%)

0.6
0.6

0.6
0.6

Cu 
(%)

0.3
0.4

0.3
0.4

Co 
(%)

0.03
0.03

0.03
0.03

Pt 
(g/t)

Pd 
(g/t)

Tonnage
(Mt)

Ni 
(%)

Cu 
(%)

Refer 
ASX
release

0.2
0.2

0.2
0.2

0.1
0.1

2.6
3.8

No material change
No material change

No material change
No material change

8 Mar 2018
8 Mar 2018

8 Mar 2018
8 Mar 2018

Competent Person’s Statement – Jacomynspan Project

The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resource at the Jacomynspan Project is based on information compiled 

by Mr Jeremy Charles Witley (BSc Hons, MSC (Eng.)), a Competent Person who is registered with the South African Council for 

Natural Scientific Professionals (Registration No. 400181/05), an RPO, included in a list posted on the ASX website from time to time. 

Mr Witley is a Principal Resource Consultant at the MSA Group (Pty) Ltd and a consultant to Orion.

Mr Witley has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and 

to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for 

Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Witley consents to the inclusion in the report of the 

matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

New Okiep Mining Project Mineral Resource

Maiden Mineral Resource estimates were reported in FY2021 for the New Okiep Mining Project. The Mineral Resource estimates 

are classified and reported in terms of the JORC Code, 2012 guidelines. Flat Mine North (FMN), Flat Mine South (FMS) and 

Flat Mine East (FME) Mineral Resources were released on 10 February 2021 with updated Mineral Resources released on 

28 August 2023. Jan Coetzee, Flat Mine Nababeep and Nababeep Kloof Mineral Resources were announced on 29 March 2021. 

The estimates are tabulated on page 52 with a combined total.

51

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Statement continued

Okiep Project Mineral Resource Estimates

Total Mineral Resource Estimate for the Flat Mines Area of the Okiep Project (0.7% Cu cut-off)7
Effective date: 28 August 2023

Mine/Prospect

Flat Mine East
Flat Mine North
Flat Mine South
Flat Mine (Nababeep)
Jan Coetzee Mine
Nababeep Kloof Mine

Total

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Mt

–
0.44
–
–
–
–

0.44

% Cu

–
1.13
–
–
–
–

1.13

t Cu

–
5,000
–
–
–
–

5,000

Mt

3.4
0.94
2.6
–
–
–

6.9

% Cu

t Cu

1.37
1.42
1.35
–
–
–

1.37

47,000
13,000
35,000
–
–
–

95,000

Mt

1.0
0.2
0.8
1.0
1.0
0.5

4.5

% Cu

t Cu

1.0
1.5
1.6
1.4
1.4
1.2

1.3

9,000
4,000
13,000
15,000
14,000
6,000

61,000

Refer 
ASX
release

28 Aug 2023
28 Aug 2023
28 Aug 2023

28 Aug 2023

28 Aug 2023

28 Aug 2023

28 Aug 2023

28 Aug 2023

Resources are reported at a 0.7% Cu cut off.

Numbers may not add up due to rounding in accordance with the JORC code guideline.

Mineral Resource Annual Comparison for the Okiep Prospect
Okiep Copper Project Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Annual Comparison

Okiep Project

Financial year

July 2020 – June 2021

July 2022 – June 2023

Tenement

Mineral 
Resource

Classification

Tonnage
(Mt)

Cu 
(%)

Cu 
(Kt)

Tonnage
(Mt)

Cu 
(%)

Cu 
(Kt)

Flat Mine East

Flat Mine 
North

Flat Mine 
South

Flat Mine 
(Nababeep)

Jan Coetzee 
Mine

Nababeep 
Kloof Mine

Okiep 
Copper 
Project

Measured Mineral Resource
Indicated Mineral Resource
Inferred Mineral Resource

Measured Mineral Resource

Indicated Mineral Resource

Inferred Mineral Resource

Indicated Mineral Resource

Inferred Mineral Resource

Inferred Mineral Resource

3.2
0.80
–

0.34

0.97

–

3.3

0.4

1.0

1.43
1.11
–

1.27

1.50

–

1.41

0.8

1.4

45
8.9
–

4.3

15

–

46

3.0

–
3.4
1

0.44

0.94

0.2

2.6

0.8

–
1.37
1.0

1.13

1.42

1.5

1.35

1.6

–
47
9

5

13

4

35

13

15

No material change

29 Mar 2021

Inferred Mineral Resource

1.0

1.4

14

No material change

29 Mar 2021

Inferred Mineral Resource

0.5

1.2

6

No material change

29 Mar 2021

Mineral Resources are inclusive of Ore Reserves

Measured Mineral Resource

3.5

1.41

Totals

Indicated Mineral Resource

5.0

1.38

Inferred Mineral Resource

3.0

1.3

49

69

38

4.4

1.13

6.9

1.37

4.5

1.3

5

95

61

29 Mar 2021
28 Aug 2023

29 Mar 2021
28 Aug 2023

29 Mar 2021
28 Aug 2023

7  Mineral Resource for Nababeep, Jan Coetzee and Nababeep Kloof mines reported in ASX/JSE release of 29 March 2021: “Additional Mineral Resource 
Estimate for the Okiep Copper Prospect, Flat Mines” available to the public on http://www.orionminerals.com.au/investors/asx-jse-announcements/. 
Competent Person Mineral Resource: Dr Deon Vermaakt. Orion confirms it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the 
information included above. The Company confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the original 
release continue to apply and have not materially changed. Orion confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings are 
presented have not been materially modified.

  Mineral Resource for FMN, FMS and FME reported in ASX/JSE release of 28 August 2023: “Orion upgrades Mineral Resources at the Flat Mines Area, Okiep 
Copper Project as BFS nears completion” available to the public on http://www.orionminerals.com.au/investors/asx-jse-announcements/. Competent 
Person Mineral Resource: Mr Sean Duggan. Orion confirms it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included 
above. The Company confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the ASX release of 28 August 2023 
continue to apply and have not materially changed. Orion confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings are presented 
have not been materially modified.

52

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Competent Person’s Statement – New Okiep Mining Project

The information in this report that relates to Orion’s Mineral Resource for Jan Coetzee, Flat Mine Nababeep and Nababeep 

Kloof mines at the Okiep Copper Project complies with the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration 

Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code) and has been compiled and assessed under the supervision of 

Dr Deon Vermaakt. Dr Vermaakt (PrSciNat) is registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professionals 

(Registration No. 400020/00), an RPO for JORC purposes. Dr Vermaakt has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of 

mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person 

as defined in the 2012 Edition of the JORC Code. Dr Vermaakt consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters 

based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information in this report that relates to Orion’s Mineral Resource for FMN, FMS and FME complies with the latest Edition of 

the JORC Code and has been compiled and assessed under the supervision of Mr Sean Duggan, a Director and Principal 

Analyst at Z Star Mineral Resource Consultants (Pty) Ltd. Mr Duggan (PrSciNat) is registered with the South African Council for 

Natural Scientific Professionals (Registration No. 400035/01), an RPO for JORC purposes. Mr Duggan has sufficient experience 

that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to 

qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the JORC Code. Mr Duggan consents to the inclusion in this 

report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

53

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Corporate

The Company recorded a loss of $17.13 million for the year 
ended 30 June 2023. The result was driven primarily by 
exploration expenditure incurred of $4.13 million which, under 
Orion’s deferred exploration, evaluation and development 
policy, did not qualify to be capitalised and was expensed. 
Finance income of $3.32 million principally related to interest 
receivable on the Company’s investment in preference 
shares issued to the Company (through its subsidiary Agama 
Exploration & Mining (Pty) Ltd (Agama)) by Prieska Resources 
Pty (Ltd) (Prieska Resources), to partly fund the acquisition 
by Prieska Resources of a 20% interest in the Company’s 
subsidiary, Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (Pty) Ltd (PCZM).

Net cash used in operating activities and investing activities 
totalled $14.39 million and included payments for exploration 
and evaluation of $8.34 million. Orion continues to focus 
strongly on the development of its Prieska Copper Zinc Mine, 
Okiep Copper Project and exploration and development 
within its Areachap Belt projects in South Africa.

Cash on hand as at 30 June 2023 was $7.56 million. 

Post-year end, in August 2023, Orion received ~$13.8 million 
in cash from the initial drawdown of the IDC Convertible 
Loan Facility and the Triple Flag early Funding Arrangement 
(refer below).

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine funding
On 17 July 2023, Orion announced that it had taken another 
important step in advancing the funding strategy for the 
PCZM after satisfying numerous substantive conditions 
required to commence drawdown on project development 
funding facilities totalling ~ZAR370 million (~$30 million), being 
the IDC ZAR250 million (~$20 million), Convertible Loan and 
the Triple Flag $10 million Funding Arrangement. 

Drawdown of the IDC Convertible Loan will be in tranches 
and will be pro rata matched by the drawdown requests that 
Orion will make under the Triple Flag Funding Arrangement. 
In August 2023, Orion received ~$13.8 million in cash from the 
initial drawdown of the IDC Convertible Loan Facility and the 
Triple Flag early Funding Arrangement.

Orion’s flagship PCZM is transitioning to the mine development 
and construction phase following the conclusion of the key 
elements of an overarching strategic funding package. 

This funding package allows Orion to progress the 
development of the PCZM, including the commencement 
of trial mining and processing of ore, mine dewatering and 
the completion of feasibility studies for the PCZM Early 
Production Scenario. 

The PCZM Early Production Scenario, which was first 
announced in January 2022 (refer ASX/JSE release 
20 January 2022), brings forward revenue generation and 
potentially reduces the upfront external peak funding 
requirements by phasing the mine build while retaining the 
option to scale-up to the full-scale project (as outlined in 
the Bankable Feasibility Study published in 2020, refer ASX/JSE 
release 26 May 2020) as sufficient funding becomes available. 
The Early Mining Works BFS for the PCZM is well advanced, 
with targeted completion in early 2024. 

Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa 
(IDC) Convertible Loan
Following the signing of a non-binding term sheet on 
21 October 2022, in February 2023 Orion signed definitive 
agreements with the IDC for a ZAR250 million (~$22 million) 
senior secured loan facility (IDC Convertible Loan) to fund 
early mining works and key pre-development activities at 
the PCZM. 

54

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Under the terms of the IDC Convertible Loan, the IDC will 
provide the ZAR250 million to PCZM HoldCo (Pty) Ltd (an 
indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Orion), which will be 
on-lent to PCZM (a majority-owned subsidiary of Orion) on 
similar terms to fund the completion of the Feasibility Study 
for the previously-articulated Early Production Plan at Prieska 
(refer ASX/JSE release 20 January 2022), while also allowing 
the Company to commence dewatering of the existing 
underground mine – a critical path activity required for 
the broader long-term development of the project. 

A summary of the material terms of the IDC Convertible 
Loan definitive agreement is provided in Appendix 1 of 
the 8 February 2023 ASX/JSE release.

Triple Flag Funding Arrangements
In December 2022, Orion signed definitive agreements with 
Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. (TSX/NYSE: TFPM) (with its 
subsidiaries, Triple Flag) for a US$87 million (~$127 million) 
secured funding package for PCZM made up of a precious 
metals stream (Precious Metal Stream) and an additional 
early funding arrangement (Funding Arrangement).

The Precious Metal Stream, which comprises US$80 million 
(~$117 million) of funding to be drawn down in tranches, 
alongside other bank and/or third-party funding during 
mine development, is conditional on the mine development 
being fully funded, finalisation of an executable mine plan to 
Triple Flag’s satisfaction, South African regulatory approvals, 
and fulfilment of drawdown conditions standard for 
such arrangements. 

Triple Flag has also provided an additional $10 million 
(~US$7 million) Funding Arrangement, to complete the 
Early Mining Works BFS and Dewatering Project. 

Under each of the Precious Metal Stream and the Funding 
Arrangement, PCZM and other obligors will agree to grant 
a first ranking security in favour of Triple Flag and the IDC over 
certain assets and claims related directly and indirectly to 
the project, with the security in respect of the Precious Metal 
Stream to be subordinated to PCZM financiers on terms to be 
agreed in an intercreditor arrangement that is consistent with 
the principles set out in the Precious Metal Stream agreement. 

A summary of the material terms of the Triple Flag 
definitive agreements is provided in Appendix 1 of the 
13 December 2022 ASX/JSE release.

Okiep Copper Project funding 
IDC Share Acquisition and pre-development funding
In November 2022, Orion and the IDC entered into definitive 
agreements in terms of which the IDC acquired 43.75% of 
the issued ordinary shares in New Okiep Mining Company 
(Pty) Ltd (NOM) and triggered pre-development funding 
arrangements for the Flat Mines Area (Flat Mines Project) 
(refer ASX/JSE release 7 September 2022).

Under the terms of the NOM memorandum of incorporation, 
the IDC funding of pre-development costs in the aggregate 
amount of ZAR34.6 million will be advanced to NOM as a 
shareholder loan on the same terms as the pre-development 
funding amount of ZAR44.5 million that Orion had already 
advanced to NOM, including that the loan is unsecured, 
interest free until such time as the Flat Mines Project 
commences commercial production, and will be repaid 
when NOM is in a financial position to make repayment. 

Pursuant to the definitive agreements having been 
implemented and the IDC becoming a shareholder in 
NOM, during the reporting period, the IDC advanced 
ZAR34.6 million (~$2.9 million) of its pre-development 
funding commitment.

55

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Corporate continued

Capital raising
March 2023 Placement
On 15 March 2023, Orion announced a $13 million capital 
raising by way of a two-tranche placement at 1.5 cents per 
fully paid ordinary share (Share) (Placement), which led to 
the introduction of a new cornerstone investor, Clover Alloys 
(refer ASX/JSE release 15 March 2023).

Clover Alloys is a highly regarded mining group with significant 
mine development and operational expertise, including a 
strong track record in the successful development and 
operation of modular, capital-efficient metal processing plants 
at its chrome mines in South Africa. This expertise will be 
invaluable as Orion advances the development of its PCZM 
and Okiep Copper Project towards production. Importantly, 
the placement also received support from Orion’s existing 
long-term shareholders, the Delphi Group and Tembo Capital, 
who both participated in the Placement. 

The Placement included a significant options package and, 
assuming all Placement options are ultimately exercised, 
the total value of the equity funding package amounts 
to ~$73 million. This equity funding, together with previously 
announced funding including the US$87 million (~$127 million) 
Triple Flag Precious Metal Stream and Funding Arrangement 
and the ZAR250 million IDC Convertible Loan (refer above), 
puts Orion in a strong position to execute its accelerated 
development strategy in the Northern Cape.

The Placement occurred in two stages, being:
 — Tranche 1: in March 2023, the Company issued 710 million 
Shares at an issue price of 1.5 cents (ZAR18 cents) to raise 
$10.7 million (Placement One). The Shares issued under 
Placement One were issued without shareholder approval, 
using the Company’s 15% placement capacity under 
ASX Listing Rule 7.1; 

 — Tranche 2: in May 2023, following receipt of shareholder 
approval, the Company issued 171 million Shares at an 
issue price of 1.5 cents (ZAR18 cents) per Share to raise 
$2.6 million, including $0.5 million from Orion Non-executive 
Director, Tom Borman, $0.25 million from Orion’s Chairman, 
Denis Waddell, $30k from Orion’s Managing Director and 
CEO, Errol Smart and $0.77 million from Tembo Capital 
(which were issued in satisfaction of amounts repaid by 
Orion under the Loan Facility (refer below)); and

 — Placement Options: for every Share issued under the 

Placement, each investor received four free attaching 
options (3.5 billion options). The options are unlisted, have 
an exercise price of 1.7 cents (ZAR20 cents) and an expiry 
date of 30 November 2023. 

56

June 2022 Placement
On 22 June 2022, the Company announced a capital raising 
of up to $20 million at 2.0 cents per Share, to underpin the 
next phase of development of its portfolio of advanced base 
metal assets in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province.

Given the significant volatility experienced in global financial 
markets at the time, the raising was undertaken in three 
tranches with first commitments received for the first two 
tranches (~$6 million). No Shares were issued in relation to 
tranche 3. The two tranches completed are summarised 
below:
 — Tranche 1: in June 2022 and July 2022, the Company issued 
a total of 156 million Shares at an issue price of 2.0 cents 
(being ZAR22 cents) to raise $3.1 million (together with one 
free attaching unlisted option for each two Shares issued, 
with an exercise price of 2.5 cents (being ZAR27.5 cents) 
and an expiry date of 30 June 2023), using the Company’s 
15% placement capacity under ASX Listing Rule 7.1; and
 — Tranche 2: the Company raised $2.9 million through the 
issue of 145 million Shares at an issue price of 2.0 cents 
(being ZAR22 cents) per Share (together with one free 
attaching option for each two Shares issued on the 
terms set out above), including $2 million from Orion 
Non-executive Director Tom Borman and $0.2 million 
from Orion’s Chairman, Denis Waddell.

Share Purchase Plan
In addition to the capital raising announced on 22 June 2022, 
Orion also announced a share purchase plan (SPP) providing 
shareholders an opportunity to increase their shareholding in 
the Company at the same offer price as the Shares issued 
under that capital raising (refer above).

Under the SPP, Eligible Shareholders could subscribe for 
new Shares in parcels starting from $2,000 (or ZAR20,000), 
up to a maximum of $30,000 (approximately ZAR330,000), 
at an issue price of 2.0 cents (ZAR22 cents) per Share, 
without incurring brokerage or transaction costs. The SPP 
opened on 28 June 2022 and closed on 12 August 2022. 
On 22 August 2022, the Company issued 67.3 million Shares 
under the SPP at an issue price of 2.0 cents per Share 
(ZAR22 cents), raising $1.35 million.

The SPP attracted strong support from shareholders, 
particularly those in South Africa, which was a pleasing result 
given the volatility experienced in global financial markets 
and commodity prices during the SPP offer period.

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  The Company and the other current shareholders in the 
Jacomynspan Project reached agreement to extend the 
date by which the Agreement must become unconditional 
from 27 February 2022 to 30 September 2022. The extension 
provided additional time for the parties to discuss a potential 
expanded and revised transaction whereby additional 
prospective Southern African nickel projects will be 
combined with the Jacomynspan Project.

Although the Agreement lapsed during the reporting period, 
the shareholders continue to discuss the future operational 
plans of the Jacomynspan Project, as they await the statutory 
approval for Orion to be issued the shares to achieve 50% 
shareholding in the Namaqua Disawell Companies following 
satisfaction of the obligations of the original earn-in agreement. 
Namaqua-Disawell has submitted its applications to the DRME 
for regulatory approval to issue the additional shares to Orion, 
resulting in a change of control of the companies holding the 
mineral rights.

Appointment of Chief Financial Officer
Highly experienced corporate finance executive, 
Peet van Coller, commenced as the Company’s new 
South African-based Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from 
1 April 2023. The appointment forms part of a series of recent 
and planned appointments to Orion’s leadership team in 
South Africa, as it gears up for operational readiness at its 
flagship Prieska Copper Zinc Project and Okiep Copper 
Project, in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. 

Mr van Coller succeeded Orion’s long-serving CFO, 
Mr Martin Bouwmeester, who remains Orion’s Company 
Secretary and corporate consultant on a part-time 
basis, ensuring that Orion will continue to benefit from 
Martin’s valuable corporate experience, financial and 
strategic capabilities.

Mr van Coller’s appointment followed a comprehensive 
executive search process, which was aimed at recruiting 
a South African-based CFO to support Orion’s near-term 
transition to mine development and production in 
South Africa.

Loans
Tembo Capital – Convertible Loan Facility
On 3 January 2023, Orion announced that substantial 
shareholder Tembo Capital Mining Fund II LP (Tembo Capital) 
had continued its strong support for Orion by providing a 
new unsecured convertible loan facility of US$0.50 million 
(~$0.73 million) (Convertible Loan Facility). 

Following receipt of shareholder and regulatory approvals, 
on 23 May 2023, under the terms of the Convertible Loan 
Facility, the Company issued 51.5 million Shares at a deemed 
issue price of 1.5 cents per Share and 205.9 million options to 
Tembo Capital (or nominee), the consideration for which was 
the repayment of the Convertible Loan Facility in full (being 
principal and capitalised interest totalling $0.77 million). 

Anglo American sefa Mining Fund – Loan
In November 2015, PCZM (a 70% owned subsidiary of Orion) 
and Anglo American sefa Mining Fund (AASMF) entered into 
a ZAR14.25 million loan agreement for the further exploration 
and development of the PCZM (Loan Facility). Under the 
terms of the Loan Facility, on 1 August 2017, AASMF advanced 
ZAR14.25 million to PCZM. 

In May 2023, the Company repaid $2 million (ZAR23.9 million) 
in cash, as repayment of the Loan Facility in full and 
importantly, AASMF released the security associated with 
the Loan Facility, being 29.17% of the shares held in PCZM 
by Agama (a wholly owned subsidiary of Orion), that were 
pledged as security to AASMF for the performance by 
PCZM of its obligations in terms of the Loan Facility.

Jacomynspan Project 
In September 2017, Orion entered into a binding earn-in 
agreement to acquire the earn-in rights over the 
Jacomynspan Project (South Africa) from two companies, 
Namaqua Nickel Mining (Pty) Ltd and Disawell (Pty) Ltd 
(Namaqua Disawell Companies), which hold partly 
overlapping prospecting rights and mining right applications.

In July 2020, the Company entered into an agreement 
whereby Orion (or its nominated subsidiary) will acquire the 
remaining minority interests in the Jacomynspan Project held 
by the Namaqua Disawell Companies and in August 2020, 
the parties entered into a comprehensive formal written 
agreement incorporating the principal terms and conditions 
set out in the initial agreement (Agreement). The Agreement 
is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified suspensive 
conditions. While certain suspensive conditions have been 
fulfilled, the Agreement remains subject to the satisfaction 
or waiver of certain remaining suspensive conditions of the 
Agreement, including that, on or before 27 February 2022, 
all regulatory approvals as may be required for the purposes 
of implementing the transaction have been received.

57

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE 01 CORPORATE PROFILE

02 LEADERSHIP

03 BUSINESS REVIEW

04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial Statements

58

Salient featuresORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 2023  01 CORPORATE PROFILE

02 LEADERSHIP

Financial Statements

Directors’ Report

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and 
Other Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Financial Statements

Directors’ Declaration

Independent Auditor’s Report

Additional ASX and Shareholder Information

Corporate Directory

60

77

78

79

80

81

82

116

117

121

IBC

59

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202303 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Directors’ Report

Your directors submit their report for the year ended 30 June 2023.

Board of Directors

Director

Designation

Qualifications, experience and expertise

Denis Waddell
Appointed 
27 February 2009

Non-executive 
Chairman

ACA, FAICD

Mr Waddell is a Chartered Accountant with extensive 
experience in the management of exploration and mining 
companies. Mr Waddell founded Tanami Gold NL in 1994 and 
was involved with the Company as Managing Director and 
then Chairman and Non-Executive Director until 2012. Prior to 
founding Tanami Gold NL, Mr Waddell was the Finance 
Director of the Metana Minerals NL group. 

During the past 37 years, Mr Waddell has gained considerable 
experience in corporate finance and operations management 
of exploration and mining companies.

Directorships 
of other 
listed 
companies

None

Other roles 
held during 
the year

Member of 
the Audit 
Committee

Errol Smart
Appointed 
26 November 2012

Managing 
Director

BSc(Hons) Geology (University of Witwatersrand)
NHD Economic Geology (Technikon Witwatersrand)
(PrSciNat)

None

Mr Smart is a geologist, registered with the South African 
Council of Natural Scientific Professionals, a Recognised 
Overseas Professional Organisation in terms of the 2012 Edition 
of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, 
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC) purposes. 
Mr Smart has 30 years of industry experience across all 
aspects of exploration, mine development and operations 
with experience in precious and base metals. Mr Smart has 
held positions in Anglogold, Cluff Mining, Metallon Gold, 
Clarity Minerals, LionGold Corporation and African Stellar 
Holdings. Mr Smart’s senior executive roles have been on 
several boards of companies listed on both the TSX and ASX 
and currently serves as a Director on the Board of the Mineral 
Council South Africa.

Chief 
Executive 
Officer

Member of 
the Audit 
Committee

Thomas Borman
Appointed  
16 April 2019

Non-executive 
Director

BCom (Hons) (University of Pretoria)

 None

–

Mr Borman is a respected and highly experienced global 
mining executive who served more than 11 years working 
for the BHP Billiton Group in various senior managerial roles, 
including that of Chief Financial Officer of an Australian-listed 
mining company. He also held senior roles in strategy and 
business development, and served as the project manager 
for the merger integration transaction between BHP Limited 
and Billiton.

After leaving BHP Billiton in 2006, Mr Borman joined 
Warrior Coal Investments (Proprietary) Limited, where he 
formed part of the executive team which established 
and consolidated the portfolio of assets which became 
the Optimum Group of companies. Optimum listed on 
the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2010 and was 
subsequently acquired by Glencore for R8.5 billion in 
March 2012.

60

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Director

Designation

Qualifications, experience and expertise

Godfrey Gomwe
Appointed  
16 April 2019

Non-executive 
Director

Bachelor Accountancy (Hons) (University of Zimbabwe)
Masters Business Leadership (University of South Africa)
CA (Zimbabwe)

Directorships 
of other 
listed 
companies

AECI Limited

Other roles 
held during 
the year

Chairman of 
the Audit 
Committee

Mr Gomwe has extensive experience as an executive in 
metals and mining industries. Mr Gomwe is the former Chief 
Executive Officer of Anglo American plc’s Thermal Coal 
business, whose responsibilities included oversight over 
Anglo’s Manganese interests in the joint venture with BHP.

Econet 
Wireless 
Zimbabwe 
Limited

Previously Executive Director of Anglo American South Africa 
until August 2012, Mr Gomwe’s Anglo American career 
included roles as Head of Group Business Development 
Africa, Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer of 
Anglo American South Africa and Chairman and Chief 
Executive of Anglo American Zimbabwe Limited. Mr Gomwe 
also served on a number of its Executive Committees and 
Operating Boards which included Kumba Iron Ore, Anglo 
American Platinum, Highveld Steel & Vanadium and Mondi 
South Africa, the latter two in the capacity of Chairman.

BSc Economics

None

Mr Haller is a principal of Zachary Asset Holdings. Previously, 
Mr Haller worked in the corporate finance division at 
JPMorgan Chase, advising on corporate mergers and 
acquisitions as well as financing in both the equity and 
debt capital markets.

Member of 
the Audit 
Committee

Alexander Haller
Appointed
27 February 2009
Retired

Former 
Non-executive 
Director

Resigned
5 April 2023

Philip Kotze
Appointed
5 April 2023

Non-executive 
Director

 Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Mineral Economics) 
(University of Witwatersrand, National Higher Diploma  
Metalliferous Mining (Witwatersrand Technicon)

None

–

Mark Palmer
Appointed  
31 January 2018

Non-executive 
Director

Mr Kotze started his career in 1981 with Anglovaal Mining 
Corporation. During his career he worked for a number of 
companies including Anglogold Ashanti, Kalgold, Harmony 
Gold Mining Co Ltd, Deloitte and Anooraq Resources 
Corporation. Mr Kotze has accumulated significant 
operational experience over the last 40 years on a number of 
different mines and has distinguished himself as an expert in 
finding innovative solutions for complex problems.

BSc Mining Geology (Cardiff University)

None

–

Mr Palmer has 14 years’ experience working with entities 
in Australia, including 8 years with Dominion Mining. In 1994 
Mr Palmer joined NM Rothschild & Sons Limited in the London 
mining project finance team assessing mines and projects 
globally. In 1997, Mr Palmer moved to the investment 
banking team at UBS to focus on global mergers and 
acquisitions, equity and debt financing in the mining sector. 
Mr Palmer ran the EMEA mining team at UBS for 8 years. 
Mr Palmer joined Tembo Capital as Investment Director 
in 2015.

Company Secretary
The name and details of the Company Secretary in office during the financial year and until the date of this report is as follows:

Name 

Experience and qualifications

Martin Bouwmeester
Company Secretary

Bachelor Business (Accounting) (La Trobe University)
FCPA (Aust.)

(Appointed 
1 April 2016)

Mr Bouwmeester is highly experienced in exploration, mine development and operations including 
more than 20 years’ experience as CFO and Company Secretary of ASX listed companies. Martin 
has worked closely with a number of companies, to identify and assess exploration, development and 
mining opportunities, evaluate and arrange various alternatives for exploration, development and 
mining activities and develop and implement financial strategies. Martin was CFO of Perseverance 
Corporation and was a key member of the executive team that developed the Fosterville Gold Mine. 
Martin also held the position of Group Chief Financial Officer until 31 March 2023. 

61

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Corporate structure
Orion Minerals Ltd (Orion or Company) is a company limited by shares that is incorporated and domiciled in Australia. The Company 
has prepared a consolidated financial report incorporating the entities that it controlled during the financial year, including those 
newly acquired (referred to as the Group).

Nature of operations and principal activities
The principal activity of the Group during the year was exploration, evaluation and development of base metal, gold and 
platinum-group element projects in South Africa (Areachap Belt and Okiep Copper Complex, Northern Cape). The Company 
also holds interests in the Fraser Range Nickel-Copper and Gold Project in Western Australia and the Walhalla Project in Victoria, 
Australia. There were no significant changes in the nature of the Group’s principal activities during the year.

Corporate
Results of operations – the Group
The Group recorded a loss of $17.13M (2022: $15.53M) after tax for the year. The result is driven primarily by exploration 
expenditure incurred of $4.13M which, under the Group’s deferred exploration, evaluation and development policy, did not 
qualify to be capitalised and was expensed, a $1.90M unrealised foreign exchange loss and finance income of $3.32M 
principally related to interest receivable on the Company’s investment in preference shares, issued to the Company (through its 
subsidiary Agama Exploration & Mining (Pty) Ltd (Agama)) by Prieska Resources Pty (Ltd) (Prieska Resources).

Net cash utilised in operating activities and investing activities totalled $14.39M (2022: $17.98M) which includes payments 
for exploration and evaluation of $8.34M (2022: $13.21M). The Group continues to focus on the development of its Prieska 
Copper-Zinc Project in South Africa’s Areachap geological terrane, Northern Cape (Prieska Project), the Okiep Copper Project, 
the Jacomynspan Project, both also in the Northern Cape and exploration within its Areachap Projects in South Africa.

Net cash from financing activities totalled $18.35M (2022: $1.85M) and included proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares 
of $17.17M (2022: $2.63M). 

Cash on hand at the end of the year was $7.56M (2022: $4.29M).

The basic loss per share for the Group for the year was 0.31 cents and diluted loss per share for the Group for the year 
was 0.31 cents (2022: loss per share 0.33 cents and diluted loss per share 0.33 cents). No dividend has been paid during 
or is recommended for the financial year ended 30 June 2023.

Risks to the business
Risks to the business are rated on the basis of their potential impact on the Group as a whole after taking into account current 
mitigating actions. Investors should be aware that the below list is not an exhaustive list and that there are a number of other 
risks associated with an investment in the Company. The Group regularly reviews the possible impact of these risks and seeks to 
minimise their impact through its internal controls, risk management policy and corporate governance. The following describes 
the principal risks and uncertainties that could materially impact the Group:

 — Capital – Each of the Group’s key exploration targets remain in the exploration and evaluation phase. Future exploration 

programs require substantial levels of expenditure to ensure that the Group’s tenements are held in good standing. 
The Group is currently reliant on the capital and debt markets to fund its ongoing operations and therefore any 
unforeseeable events in these markets may impact the Group’s ability to finance its future exploration projects.

 — Sovereign risk – The Group’s exploration, evaluation and development activities are carried out in South Africa and 

Australia. As a result, the Group is subject to political, social, economic and other uncertainties including, but not limited 
to, changes in policies or the personnel administering them, foreign exchange restrictions, changes of law affecting 
foreign ownership, currency fluctuations, royalties and tax increases in that country. Other potential issues contributing to 
uncertainty such as repatriation of income, exploration licensing, environmental protection and government control over 
mineral properties should also be considered. Potential risk to the Group’s activities may occur if there are changes to the 
political, legal and fiscal systems which might affect the ownership and operation of the Group’s interests in South Africa. 
This may also include changes in exchange control systems, expropriation of mining rights, changes in government and 
in legislative and regulatory regimes.

 — Title risk – The Group’s key projects, being the Prieska Project and the Okiep Copper Project, as well as the Group’s 

exploration projects, are located in the Northern Cape of South Africa. Interests in tenements in South Africa are governed 
by legislation and are evidenced by the granting of mining or prospecting rights. The Company also has an interest in 
several Australian exploration tenements. Interests in Australian tenements held by the Group are governed by Federal 
and State legislation and are evidenced by the granting of mining or exploration licences. These tenements are subject 
to periodic review and compliance, including the relinquishment of certain areas. As a result, there is no guarantee that 
these areas of interest will be renewed in the future or if there will be sufficient funds available to meet the attaching 
minimum expenditure commitments when they arise. 

62

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  —

—

Title risk and Native Title – It is also possible that in relation to the Australian tenements, which the Group has an interest
will in the future acquire such an interest, there may be areas over which legitimate common law native title rights
or
in
of
Aboriginal Australians exist. If native title rights do exist, the ability of the Group to gain access to tenements (through
obtaining consent of any relevant landowner), or to progress from the exploration phase to the development and mining
phases of operations may be adversely affected.
Rehabilitation – The Group is required to close its operations and rehabilitate the lands that it disturbs during the exploration
and operating phases in accordance with applicable mining and environmental laws and regulations. At the Prieska
Project, a closure plan and estimate of closure and rehabilitation liabilities for prospecting activity has been prepared.
These estimates of closure and rehabilitation liabilities are based on current knowledge and assumptions, however actual
costs at the time of closure and rehabilitation may vary materially. In addition, adverse or deteriorating external economic
conditions may bring forward closure and rehabilitation costs. The Group’s intention is to conduct its exploration and
operating activities to the highest level of environmental obligations, however there are certain risks inherent in the Group’s
activities which could subject the Group to future liabilities.

Subsequent events after the balance date
There has not arisen in the interval between the end of the financial year and the date of this report any item, transaction or
event of a material and unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the directors of the Company, to affect the operations of the
Group, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the Group in subsequent financial years except for the matter
referred to below:

—

On 17 July 2023, the Company announced that it had taken another important step in advancing the multi-pronged funding
strategy for its flagship Prieska Copper-Zinc Mine in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa where the Company fulfilled
all conditions precedent for the previously announced ZAR250 million (~$20 million) Industrial Development Corporation of
South Africa Limited (IDC) Convertible Loan and such other conditions to the Triple Flag $10 million Funding Arrangement,
enabling it to submit drawdown notices to both the IDC and Triple Flag for an initial drawdown totalling ZAR167 million
(~$13.8

million), with such funds received in July and August 2023.

Directors’ meetings
The number of meetings attended by each director of the Company during the financial year was:

Denis Waddell
Errol Smart
Thomas Borman
Godfrey Gomwe
Alexander Haller
Philip Kotze
Mark Palmer

Board meetings

Audit Committee meetings

Held and entitled 
to attend

Attended

Held and entitled 
to attend

Attended

27
27
27
27
24
3
27

27
27
26
27
24
3
24

2
2
–
2
2
–
–

2
2
–
2
2
–
–

Directors’ interests 
The relevant interest of each director in the ordinary shares, or options over such instruments issued by the Company, as notified 
by the directors to the Australian Securities Exchange in accordance with S205G(1) of the Corporations Act 2001, at the date of 
this report, is as follows:

Denis Waddell
Errol Smart
Thomas Borman
Godfrey Gomwe
Philip Kotze (i)
Mark Palmer

Ordinary shares

Unlisted options over ordinary shares

143,943,912
27,424,970
193,138,888
2,250,000
448,208,440
–

90,666,664
82,222,220
136,333,332
3,000,000
1,777,777,776
–

(i)  Mr Kotze holds relevant interests for Clover Alloys Copper Investments (Pty) Ltd. Mr Kotze does not hold any shares in 

the Company, in his personal capacity. 

63

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Share options
Options granted to directors and executives of the Company
During or since the end of the financial year, the Company granted 111,000,000 options for no consideration over unissued 
ordinary shares in the Company to key management personnel as part of their remuneration. 

Unissued shares under options and performance rights
At the date of this report unissued ordinary shares of the Company under option are:

Expiry date

30 November 2023
30 April 2024
30 April 2024
30 April 2024
17 June 2024
31 March 2025
31 March 2025
31 March 2025
31 January 2028
31 January 2028
31 January 2028

Total

Exercise price

Number of ordinary shares

$0.017
$0.04
$0.05
$0.06
$0.05
$0.028
$0.035
$0.04
$0.023
$0.027
$0.032

3,513,154,708
25,000,000
25,000,000
25,000,000
11,000,000
21,333,333
21,333,333
21,333,334
37,000,000
37,000,000
37,000,000

3,774,154,708

Shares issued to directors on exercise of options
There were no options exercised during the financial year by a director of the Company and there has been no options 
exercised by any director since the end of the financial year.

Remuneration Report – Audited
The Remuneration Report sets out remuneration information for Orion Minerals Ltd for the year ended 30 June 2023. 
The following were key management personnel (KMP) of the Group at any time during the reporting period and unless 
otherwise indicated were key management personnel for the entire period.

Key management personnel

Designation

Position held during the year

Denis Waddell
Errol Smart
Thomas Borman
Godfrey Gomwe
Alexander Haller
(ceased 4 April 2023)
Philip Kotze
(from 4 April 2023)
Mark Palmer
Peet van Coller
(from 1 April 2023)
Martin Bouwmeester 
(ceased CFO 31 March 2023)
Walter Shamu
(ceased 15 March 2023)
Michelle Jenkins
(ceased 15 March 2023)

Chairman – Non-Executive
Director – Executive
Director – Non-Executive
Director – Non-Executive
Director – Non-Executive

Chairman
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
Director
Director
Director

Director – Non-Executive

Director

Director – Non-Executive
–

Director
Chief Financial Officer

–

–

–

Company Secretary

Chief Operating Officer

Executive: Finance & Administration (South Africa)

64

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Remuneration Report – Audited (continued)
Remuneration Policy
Key management personnel have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group. 
Key management personnel comprise the directors and executives of the Company and the Group, which comprise executives 
who report directly to the Managing Director and CEO of the Company and the Group.

It is the Group’s objective to provide maximum stakeholder benefit from the retention of a high quality Board and management 
by remunerating directors and executives fairly and appropriately with reference to relevant employment and market conditions. 
To assist in achieving the objective, the Board links the nature and amount of executive directors’ remuneration to the Group’s 
financial and operational performance. 

The expected outcome of the Group’s remuneration structure is:

 — Retention and motivation of directors and executives; 
 — Attraction of quality management to the Group; and
 — Performance rewards to allow directors and executives to participate in the future success of the Group.

Remuneration may include base salary and fees, short term incentives, superannuation contributions and long term incentives. 
Any equity based remuneration for directors will only be made with the prior approval of shareholders at a general meeting. 
All base salary and fees, short term incentives, superannuation contributions granted to key management personnel during 
the year was fixed under service agreements between the Company and key management personnel and was not impacted 
by performance related measures. In relation to the payment of bonuses, options and other incentive payments, discretion is 
exercised by the Board, having regard to the overall performance of the Group and the performance of the individual during 
the period. 

The Board of directors is responsible for determining and reviewing compensation arrangements for the executive and 
non-executive directors. The maximum remuneration of non-executive directors is the subject of shareholder resolution 
in accordance with the Company’s Constitution, and the Corporations Act 2001 as applicable. 

The total level of remuneration for the financial year for all non-executive directors of $275,000 ($329,600 excluding $54,600 of 
consulting service fees provided by a director related entity (refer Note 24)) is maintained within the maximum limit of $350,000 
approved by shareholders. When setting fees and other compensation for non-executive directors, the Board may seek 
independent advice and apply applicable benchmarks. The Board may recommend additional remuneration to non-executive 
directors called upon to perform extra services or make special exertions on behalf of the Group.

There is no scheme to provide retirement benefits, other than statutory superannuation when applicable, to non-executive 
directors.

The Chairman will undertake an annual assessment of the performance of the individual directors and meet privately with 
each director to discuss this assessment. Basis for evaluation for assessing performance is by reference to Company charters 
and current best practice. 

Consequences of performance on shareholders wealth
In considering the Group’s performance and benefits for shareholders wealth, the Board of directors has regard to the following 
indices in respect of the current financial year and the previous five financial years.

Net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company
Dividends paid
Actual share price
Directors and KMP remuneration

2023
$’000

$(17,126)
–
$0.018
$1,500

2022
$’000

$(15,525)
–
$0.017
$1,814

2021
$’000

$(2,643)
–
$0.034
$2,935

2020
$’000

$(18,651)
–
$0.015
$2,613

2019
$’000

$(10,750)
–
$0.031
$2,533

65

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report – Audited (continued)
Long Term Incentive Based Remuneration
The Company has an option and performance rights based remuneration scheme for executives. In accordance with the 
provisions of the Orion Minerals Option and Performance Rights Plan, as approved by shareholders at a general meeting, 
executives may be granted options or performance rights to purchase ordinary shares. The number and terms of options 
or performance rights granted is at the absolute discretion of the Board, provided that the total number of options on issue 
under the scheme at the time of the grant does not exceed 5% of the number of ordinary shares on issue.

There were 111,000,000 unlisted options granted to employees during the year ended 30 June 2023 under the terms of the 
Orion Minerals Option and Performance Rights Plan. 

Service contracts
Key terms of the existing service contracts for key management personnel are as follows: 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Unlimited in term but capable of termination on 6 months’ notice by the Company or 3 months’ notice by Mr Smart. The Group 
retains the right to terminate the contract immediately, by making a payment of 6 months’ remuneration in lieu of notice.

Chief Financial Officer 
Unlimited in term but capable of termination on 6 months’ notice by the Company or 3 months’ notice by Mr van Coller. 
The Group retains the right to terminate the contract immediately, by making a payment of 6 months’ remuneration in lieu 
of notice.

Company Secretary
Unlimited in term but capable of termination on 3 months’ notice by the Company or by Mr Bouwmeester. The Group retains 
the right to terminate the contract immediately, by making a payment of 3 months’ remuneration in lieu of notice.

Certain key management personnel are also entitled to receive, on termination of employment, redundancy benefits.

The service contract outlines the components of compensation paid to the key management personnel but does not prescribe 
how compensation levels are modified year-to-year. Compensation levels are reviewed each year to take into account 
cost-of-living changes, any change in the scope of the role performed by the senior executive and any changes required to 
meet the principles of the Compensation Policy. 

Directors’ fees
Total compensation for all non-executive directors, last voted upon by shareholders at the 2007 Annual General Meeting, is not 
to exceed $350,000 per annum and is set based on advice from external advisors with reference to fees paid to other directors 
of comparable companies. The Chairman receives $75,000 per annum and each Non-executive director receives $50,000 per 
annum. Non-executive directors do not receive performance related compensation. Directors may be paid additional amounts 
for consulting services provided in addition to normal director duties. Such additional amounts are paid on commercial terms.

Remuneration report approval at the 2022 Annual General Meeting
The 30 June 2022 Remuneration Report received positive shareholder support at the Company’s Annual General Meeting with 
a positive vote of 98.7% in favour.

66

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Remuneration Report – Audited (continued)
Directors and Executive Officers’ Remuneration – 2023

Short term benefits

Post-
employment 
benefit

Long-
term 
benefits

Share-based 
payments (vii)

Cash 
salary 
and fees
$

Cash 
bonus
$

Non-
monetary
$

Superannua-
tion
$

Long 
service 
leave
$

Equity 
settled 
shares
$

Equity 
settled 
options
$

Total 
remune-
ration
$

% of 
remune-
ration 
in options
%

322,000

94,193
25,000
25,000
12,500
25,000

149,966
260,071

12,500
132,580
142,143

1,200,952

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–

83,333

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
4,013

–
–
–

4,157
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–

31,250
25,000
25,000
–
25,000

–

–
–
–
–
–

405,333

129,600
50,000
50,000
12,500
50,000

1,717
21,000

41,213
12,364

192,896
297,448

25,000
–
–

–
–
–

37,500
132,580
142,143

87,347

4,157

– 153,967

53,577 1,500,000

–

–
–
–
–
–

21
4

–
–
–

4

Remuneration
2023

Directors
Errol Smart

Non-executive Directors
Denis Waddell (i)
Thomas Borman 
Godfrey Gomwe 
Philip Kotze (ii)
Mark Palmer (iii)

Other key management 
personnel
Peet van Coller (iv)
Martin Bouwmeester (v)

Former Director and 
their key management 
personnel
Alexander Haller (vi)
Walter Shamu (vii)
Michelle Jenkins (viii)

Total

(i)  Mr Waddell’s fixed component of remuneration is $75,000 per annum, including superannuation. In addition to director fees, 
Mr Waddell received $54,600 for consulting services provided to the Company (refer to Note 24 for related party disclosure).

(ii)  Mr Kotze has held the position of Non-executive Director from 4 April 2023.
(iii)  Mr Palmer was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 31 January 2018 after nomination by Tembo Capital Mining GP LP. 

Mr Palmer does not receive any directors fees in his personal capacity, the fees are paid directly to Tembo Capital Mining GP LP.

(iv)  Mr van Coller has held the position of Chief Financial Officer from 1 April 2023. Prior to this, when Mr van Coller joined the 
Group in December 2022, he held the position jointly with Mr Bouwmeester. Mr van Coller also holds Directorship positions 
within the Group subsidiary companies.

(v)  Mr Bouwmeester holds the position of Company Secretary. During the financial year, Mr Bouwmeester also held the position 

of Chief Financial Officer until 31 March 2023.

(vi)  Effective 4 April 2023, Mr Haller resigned from the Board of Directors. Mr Haller’s remuneration is disclosed up to 

resignation date.

(vii)  Effective 15 March 2023, Mr Shamu resigned from the Group. Mr Shamu’s remuneration is disclosed up to resignation date.
(viii)  Effective 15 March 2023, Mrs Jenkins resigned from the Group. Mrs Jenkins’s remuneration is disclosed up to resignation date.
(ix)  Share based payments represent the fair values of options estimated at the date of grant using the Hull-White option 
pricing models. These amounts are not paid in cash. Options that were not exercised and expired are written back to 
accumulated losses.

67

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report – Audited (continued)
Directors and Executive Officers’ Remuneration – 2022

Short term benefits

Post-
employment 
benefit

Long-
term 
benefits

Share-based 
payments (vii)

Remuneration 
2022

Directors
Errol Smart (i)

Non-executive Directors
Denis Waddell (ii)
Thomas Borman 
Godfrey Gomwe 
Alexander Haller
Mark Palmer

Other key management 
personnel
Walter Shamu (iii)
Martin Bouwmeester (iv)
Louw van Schalkwyk (v)
Michelle Jenkins (vi)

Total

Cash 
salary 
and fees
$

322,000

191,182
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000

309,756
252,000
52,701
294,000

1,621,639

Cash 
bonus
$

Non-
monetary
$

Superannua-
tion
$

Long 
service 
leave
$

Equity 
settled 
shares
$

Equity 
settled 
options
$

Total 
remune-
ration
$

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
6,044
–
–

6,044

–

6,818
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

6,818

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

– 101,768

423,768

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

40,758
–
–
–
–

4,994
24,338
3,995
3,995

238,758
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000

314,750
282,382
56,696
297,995

– 179,848

1,814,349

% of 
remune-
ration in 
options
%

24

17
–
–
–
–

2
9
7
1

10

(i)  Mr Smart also holds Directorship positions within Group subsidiary companies.
(ii)  Mr Waddell’s fixed component of remuneration is $75,000 per annum, including superannuation. In addition to director 
fees, Mr Waddell received $123,000 for consulting services provided to the Company (refer to Note 24 for related party 
disclosure).

(iii)  Mr Shamu holds the position of Chief Operating Officer and is also a Director of certain Group subsidiary companies.
(iv)  Mr Bouwmeester holds the position of Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary.
(v)  Mr van Schalkwyk held the position of Executive: Exploration (South Africa) during the financial year and until 31 August 2021. 

From 1 September 2021, Mr van Schalkwyk is a consultant geologist to the Group. 

(vi)  (Ms Jenkins holds the position of Executive: Finance & Administration (South Africa) and is also a Director of certain Group 

subsidiary companies.

(vii)  Share based payments represent the fair values of options estimated at the date of grant using both the Hull-White and 
Black Scholes option pricing models. These amounts are not paid in cash. Options that were not exercised and expired 
are written back to accumulated losses.

Options and Rights over equity instruments granted as compensation
As at the date of this report, there were 147,000,000 unissued ordinary shares under option issued to directors and executives 
(2022: 153,000,000 unissued ordinary shares under option).

68

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Remuneration Report – Audited (continued)
Details on options over ordinary shares in the Company that were granted as compensation to each key management 
personnel during the reporting period and details on options that vested during the reporting period are as follows:

Directors

Errol Smart

Number 
of options 
granted 
during 
FY2023 (i)

Fair value 
per option 
at grant 
date

Exercise 
price 
per option
(ii)

Grant date

–

–

14 June 2019

$0.02

29 September 2020

$0.02

$0.06

$0.028
$0.035
$0.04

Number 
of options 
vested 
during 
FY2023

–

–

Expiry date

30 April 2024

31 March 2025

14,222,220 (iii)

23 May 2023

$0.01

$0.017

30 November 2023

14,222,220

Other key management personnel

Peet van Coller

Martin Bouwmeester

10,000,000
10,000,000
10,000,000

–

–

–

3,000,000
3,000,000
3,000,000

12 May 2023

$0.01

29 April 2019

26 March 2020

$0.02

$0.01

24 November 2020

$0.02

12 May 2023

$0.01

$0.023
$0.027
$0.032

$0.06

$0.04

$0.028
$0.035
$0.04

$0.023
$0.027
$0.032

31 January 2028

30 April 2024

31 March 2025

31 March 2025

31 January 2028

–

–

–

–

–

(i) 

The options were provided at no cost to the recipient. Each option gives the option holder the right to subscribe for 
one ordinary share in the capital of the Company upon exercise of the option in accordance with the attaching terms 
and conditions.
The options are exercisable between 1 and 5 years from grant date. 

(ii) 
(iii)  Mr Smart was granted free attaching options as part of his remuneration for period ending 30 June 2023. Mr Smart also 

received free attaching options following participation in the capital raising (refer ASX/JSE release 15 March 2023). The issue 
of the free attaching options was approved by shareholders at a general meeting held on 19 May 2023. 

69

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report – Audited (continued)
Analysis of Options and Rights over equity instruments granted as compensation 
Details of the vesting profile of the options granted as remuneration to each key management personnel of the Group as at the 
end of the reporting period are detailed below.

Number

Grant date

% vested in 
current year

% lapsed in 

current year (i) Date option vests (ii)

Directors

Denis Waddell

Errol Smart

Thomas Borman

Godfrey Gomwe

Other key management personnel

Peet van Coller

Martin Bouwmeester

4,000,000
4,000,000
4,000,000
4,000,000
4,000,000
4,000,000

14,222,220
10,000,000
10,000,000
10,000,000
10,000,000
10,000,000
10,000,000

1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000

1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000

10,000,000
10,000,000
10,000,000

2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
3,000,000
3,000,000
3,000,000

14 June 2019
14 June 2019
14 June 2019
1 December 2020
1 December 2020
1 December 2020

23 May 2023
14 June 2019
14 June 2019
14 June 2019
30 September 2020
30 September 2020
30 September 2020

14 June 2019
14 June 2019
14 June 2019

14 June 2019
14 June 2019
14 June 2019

12 May 2023
12 May 2023
12 May 2023

29 April 2019
29 April 2019
29 April 2019
26 March 2020
26 March 2020
26 March 2020
1 December 2020
1 December 2020
1 December 2020
12 May 2023
12 May 2023
12 May 2023

–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%

100%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%

–%
–%
--%

–%
–%
–%

–%
–%
–%

–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%

–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%

–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%

–%
–%
–%

–%
–%
–%

–%
–%
–%

–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%
–%

14 June 2019
30 April 2020
30 April 2021
1 December 2020
31 March 2021
31 March 2022

23 May 2023
14 June 2019
30 April 2020
30 April 2021
30 September 2020
31 March 2021
31 March 2022

14 June 2019
30 April 2020
30 April 2021

14 June 2019
30 April 2020
30 April 2021

31 January 2024
31 January 2025
31 January 2026

30 April 2019
30 April 2020
30 April 2021
31 March 2020
31 March 2021
31 March 2022
1 December 2020
31 March 2021
31 March 2022
31 January 2024
31 January 2025
31 January 2026

(i) 
(ii) 

The % lapsed in the year represents the reduction from the maximum number of options available to be exercised.
The vesting conditions attached to each option granted require the key management personnel to remain in employment 
with the Company until the vesting date, unless the Board of Directors elects to waive the expiry terms attached to the grant.

The Company issued certain options with vesting conditions to key management personnel during the reporting period as 
deemed appropriate by the Board to retain professionals with relevant expertise and provide incentives to members during 
our period of growth. 

70

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Remuneration Report – Audited (continued)
Analysis of movements in options 
Changes during the reporting period, by value, of options over ordinary shares in the Company held by each current 
key management person and each of the named current Company executives are detailed below. 

Denis Waddell
Errol Smart
Thomas Borman
Godfrey Gomwe
Philip Kotze
Mark Palmer
Peet van Coller
Martin Bouwmeester

Value of options

Granted in year
$

Exercised in year
$

Lapsed in year
$

–
–
–
–
–
–
390,000
117,000

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–-

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Options and rights over equity instruments
The movement during the reporting period, by number of options over ordinary shares in the Company held, directly, indirectly 
or beneficially, by each key management person, including their related parties, is as follows:

Balance at 
beginning 
of period
1-Jul-22

Granted 
as 
remune-
ration

Purchased 
or Acquired

Options 
exercised

Expired

Balance 
at end 
of period
30-June-23

Not 
vested 
and not 
exercisable

Vested and 
exercisable

Directors
Denis Waddell
Errol Smart
Thomas Borman
Godfrey Gomwe
Philip Kotze
Mark Palmer

Other key 
management 
personnel
Peet van Coller
Martin Bouwmeester

Former Director and 
key management 
personnel
Alexander Haller
Walter Shamu
Michelle Jenkins

24,000,000
60,000,000
3,000,000
3,000,000
–
–

–
14,222,220
–
–
–
–

66,666,664
8,000,000
133,333,332
–
1,777,777,776
–

–
18,000,000

30,000,000
9,000,000

3,000,000
18,000,000
12,000,000

–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

Total

141,000,000

53,222,220

1,985,777,772

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

90,666,664
82,222,220
136,333,332
3,000,000
1,777,777,776
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

90,666,664
82,222,220
136,333,332
3,000,000
1,777,777,776
–

30,000,000
27,000,000

30,000,000
9,000,000

–
18,000,000

–
(18,000,000)
(12,000,000)

3,000,000
–
–

–
–
–

3,000,000
–
–

(30,000,000) 2,149,999,992

39,000,000

2,110,999,992

71

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report – Audited (continued)

Balance at 
beginning 
of period
1-Jul-21

24,000,000
60,000,000
3,000,000
–
3,000,000
3,000,000

24,000,000
18,000,000
18,000,000
18,000,000

171,000,000

Directors
Denis Waddell
Errol Smart
Alexander Haller
Mark Palmer
Thomas Borman
Godfrey Gomwe

Other key management 
personnel
Walter Shamu
Martin Bouwmeester
Louw van Schalkwyk
Michelle Jenkins

Total

Granted as 
remuneration

Options 
exercised

Expired

Balance at 
end of 
period
30-June-22

Not vested 
and not 
exercisable

Vested and 
exercisable

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

24,000,000
60,000,000
3,000,000
–
3,000,000
3,000,000

(6,000,000)
–
(6,000,000)
(6,000,000)

18,000,000
18,000,000
12,000,000
12,000,000

(18,000,000) 153,000,000

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

24,000,000
60,000,000
3,000,000
–
3,000,000
3,000,000

18,000,000
18,000,000
12,000,000
12,000,000

153,000,000

Other transactions with key management personnel
A number of key management personnel, or their related parties, hold positions in other entities that result in them having 
control, joint control or a relevant interest over the financial or operating policies of those entities.

A number of these entities transacted with the Group during the year. The terms and conditions of the transactions with key 
management personnel and their related parties were no more favourable than those available, or which might reasonably 
be expected to be available, on similar transactions to non-key management personnel related entities on an arm’s length 
basis (refer Note 24).

72

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Remuneration Report – Audited (continued)
Movement in shares
The movement during the reporting period in the number of ordinary shares in the Company held, directly, indirectly or 
beneficially, by each key management person, including their related parties, is as follows:

Balance at 
beginning 
of period
1-Jul-22

Purchased 
or acquired 
during 
the year

Granted as 
remuneration

Disposals 
of shares

Other 
transfers 
of shares

Balance 
at end 
of period
 30-Jun-23

Directors
Denis Waddell
Errol Smart
Thomas Borman
Godfrey Gomwe
Philip Kotze
Mark Palmer

Other key management 
personnel
Peet van Coller
Martin Bouwmeester

Former Director and key 
management personnel
Alexander Haller (i)
Walter Shamu (ii)
Michelle Jenkins (ii)

115,714,746
21,869,415
58,555,555
1,000,000
–
–

26,666,666
2,000,000
133,333,333
–
448,208,440
–

1,562,500
3,555,555
1,250,000
1,250,000
–
–

–
6,664,490

–
1,533,222

115,740
700,000

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

108,735,320
7,166,041
7,998,995

–
–
–

1,250,000

–
–
–               (25,000)                         –
–
–

(857,954)

143,943,912
27,424,970
193,138,888
2,250,000
448,208,440
–

115,740
8,897,712

109,985,320
7,141,041
7,141,041

Total

327,704,562

611,741,661

9,683,795

(882,954)

–

948,247,064

(i)  Mr Haller holds relevant interests as follows: Silja Investment Ltd 106,321,961 shares and Pershing Securities 1,320 shares. 

Mr Haller personally holds interests of 3,662,039 shares.

(ii)  Mr Shamu and Ms Jenkins hold relevant interests as follows: WMP Mining Services Inc 7,141,041 shares (held equally).

73

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report – Audited (continued)

Balance at 
beginning 
of period
1-Jul-21

Purchased 
or acquired 
during 
the year

Granted as 
remuneration

Disposals 
of shares

Other 
transfers 
of shares

Balance 
at end 
of period 
30-Jun-22

Directors
Denis Waddell
Errol Smart
Alexander Haller (i)
Mark Palmer
Thomas Borman
Godfrey Gomwe

Other key management 
personnel
Walter Shamu (ii)
Martin Bouwmeester (iii)
Louw van Schalkwyk
Michelle Jenkins (ii)

Total

115,714,746
21,869,415
108,735,320
–
58,555,555
1,000,000

7,166,041
8,836,712
1,771,875
7,998,995

331,648,659

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

115,714,746
21,869,415
108,735,320
–
58,555,555
1,000,000

–
(2,172,222)
–
–

7,166,041
6,664,490
1,771,875
7,998,995

(2,172,222)

329,476,437

(i)  Mr Haller holds relevant interests as follows: Silja Investment Ltd 106,321,961 shares and Pershing Securities 1,320 shares. 

Mr Haller personally holds interests of 2,412,039 shares.

(ii)  Mr Shamu and Ms Jenkins hold relevant interests as follows: WMP Mining Services Inc 7,166,041 shares (held equally) and 

Ms Jenkins holds additional interests of 832,954 shares.

(iii)  Mr Bouwmeester held 4,344,443 shares in an entity not wholly owned by Mr Bouwmeester. The movement of 2,172,222 shares 
reflects the number of shares transferred to the joint holder, as part of the transfer of the 4,344,443 to the shareholders of 
the entity in which they were held and Mr Bouwmeester retained 2,172,221 shares from this joint holding, which are held 
in his nominated holding. 

Engagement of remuneration consultants
The Board of Directors from time to time, seek and consider advice from independent remuneration consultants to ensure 
that the Company has at its disposal information relevant to the determination of all aspect of remuneration relating to 
key management personnel.

The Board follows a set of protocols when engaging remuneration consultants to satisfy themselves that the remuneration 
consultants engaged are free from any undue influence by the members of the key management personnel to whom advice 
and recommendations relate and that the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 are complied with. The set of protocols 
followed by the Board include:

 — Remuneration consultants are engaged by and report directly to the Board; and
 — Communication between remuneration consultants and the Company is limited to those KMPs whose remuneration is 

not under consideration.

No remuneration consultants were engaged during the year.

This is the end of the remuneration report which has been audited.

74

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Environmental regulations
The Group is required to close its operations and rehabilitate the lands that it disturbs during the exploration and operating 
phases in accordance with applicable mining and environmental laws and regulations. Where necessary, provision for 
rehabilitation liabilities is made based on the net present value of the estimated cost of restoring the environmental disturbance 
that has occurred up to the reporting date.

As part of the Group’s Environmental Policy exploration and access sites are regenerated to match or exceed government 
expectations. Based on the results of enquires made, the Board is not aware of any significant breaches during the period 
covered by this report.

Dividends
There were no dividends paid or declared during the financial year (2022: $nil).

Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Auditors
During the financial year, the Company paid a premium in respect of a contract insuring the Directors of the Company and 
all office bearers of the Company and of any body corporate against any liability incurred while acting in the capacity of 
director, secretary or executive officer to the extent permitted by the Corporations Act 2001. The contract of insurance prohibits 
disclosure of the nature of the liability and the amount of the premium. Orion Minerals Ltd, to the extent permitted by law, 
indemnifies each Director or secretary against any liability incurred in the service of the Group provided such liability does not 
arise out of conduct involving a lack of good faith and for costs incurred in defending proceedings in which judgement is given 
in favour of the person in which the person is acquitted. The Company has not provided any insurance or indemnity for the 
auditor of the Company.

Proceedings on behalf of Company
No person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf of the Company or intervene in any proceedings 
to which the Company is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Company for all or any part of 
those proceedings.

Non-audit services
BDO, the Company’s auditor, has not performed other non-audit services in addition to their statutory duties during the year 
ended 30 June 2023.

The Directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services during the previous financial year, by the auditor (or by another 
person or firm on the auditor’s behalf), is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the 
Corporations Act 2001.

The Directors are of the opinion that the services as disclosed in Note 25 to the financial statements do not compromise the 
external auditor’s independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:

 — all non-audit services have been reviewed and approved to ensure that they do not impact the integrity and objectivity 

of the auditor; and

 — none of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 110 Code of 

Ethics for Professional Accountants issued by the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board, including reviewing 
or auditing the auditor’s own work, acting in a management or decision-making capacity for the Company, acting as 
advocate for the Company or jointly sharing economic risks and rewards.

75

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Directors’ Report continued

Rounding of amounts
The Company is of a kind referred to in Corporations Instrument 2016/191, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission, relating to ‘rounding-off’. Amounts in this report have been rounded off in accordance with that Corporations 
Instrument to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, the nearest dollar.

Group Auditor
BDO Audit Pty Ltd continues in office in accordance with section 327 of the Corporations Act 2001.

Auditor’s independence declaration
The lead auditor’s independence declaration is set out on page 77 and forms part of the Directors’ Report for the financial year 
ended 30 June 2023.

Corporate Governance
The Board of Directors recognises the recommendations of the Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Council 
for Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations and considers that the Company substantially complies with those 
guidelines, which are of critical importance to the commercial operation of a junior listed resources company. The Company’s 
Corporate Governance Statement and disclosures can be viewed on our website, www.orionminerals.com.au. 

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of the directors.

Denis Waddell
Chairman

Tuscany, Italy

Date: 29 September 2023

76

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Tel: +61 8 7324 6000
Fax: +61 8 7324 6111
www.bdo.com.au

BDO Centre
Level 7, 420 King William Street
Adelaide SA 5000
GPO Box 2018 Adelaide SA 5001
Australia

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

BY ANDREW TICKLE

TO THE DIRECTORS OF ORION MINERALS LTD

As lead auditor of Orion Minerals Ltd for the year ended 30 June 2023, I declare that, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, there have been:

1. No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in

relation to the audit; and

2. No contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

This declaration is in respect of Orion Minerals Ltd and the entities it controlled during the period.

Andrew Tickle
Director

BDO Audit Pty Ltd

Adelaide, 29 September 2023

BDO Audit Pty Ltd ABN 33 134 022 870 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO
Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of
BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and form part of the international BDO network of independent member
firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

77

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss 
and Other Comprehensive Income 

For the year ended 30 June 2023 

Continuing operations
Other income
Exploration and evaluation costs expensed
Employee expenses
Other operational expenses

Results from operating activities

Non-operating income/(expense)

Finance income
Finance expense

Net finance expenses

Loss before income tax

Income tax expense

Loss from continuing operations attributable to equity holders of the Group

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Other comprehensive income
Foreign currency reserve

Total Other comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Loss for the year is attributed to:
Non-controlling interest
Owners of Orion Minerals Ltd

Total comprehensive loss for the year is attributable to:
Non-controlling interest
Owners of Orion Minerals Ltd

Loss per share (cents per share)
Basic loss per share
Diluted loss per share
Headline loss per share
Diluted headline loss per share

Notes

3
11

3

3

18

23

23

19
19
19
19

The notes on pages 82 to 115 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2023
$’000

75
(4,131)
(1,653)
(4,783)

(10,492)

(9,523)

3,320
(430)

2,890

(17,126)

–

(17,126)

1,895

1,895

(15,231)

(1,795)
(15,331)

(17,126)

(1,795)
(13,436)

(15,231)

(0.31)
(0.31)
(0.31)
(0.31)

2022
$’000

58
(10,907)
(1,352)
(2,986)

(15,187)

(3,086)

3,036
(288)

2,748

(15,525)

–

(15,525)

246

246

(15,279)

(1,238)
(14,287)

(15,525)

(1,238)
(14,401)

(15,279)

(0.33)
(0.33)
(0.33)
(0.33)

78

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 30 June 2023

ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Rehabilitation bonds
Prepayments

Total current assets

Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables
Rehabilitation bonds
Right of use asset
Loans to related parties
Investment in preference shares
Plant and equipment
Deferred exploration, evaluation and development

Total non-current assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Loans
Leases

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Provisions
Leases
Loans

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY
Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company
Issued capital
Accumulated losses
Share based payments reserve
Foreign currency translation reserve
Other reserve
Non-controlling interest – subsidiaries

Total equity

Notes

4
5
6

5
6
7
8
9
10
11

12
13
14
7

13
7
14

16

16

17
23

2023
$’000

7,564
294
331
762

8,951

90
2,831
1,221
4,699
24,973
557
49,043

83,414

92,365

2,221
124
–
4

2,349

1,893
1,516
1,981

5,390

7,739

2022
$’000

4,288
394
348
428

5,458

93
2,684
1,897
4,743
24,602
386
49,773

84,178

89,636

2,522
189
1,959
1

4,671

1,953
2,115
–

4,068

8,739

84,626

80,897

207,625
(139,944)
2,837
1,871
20,482
(8,245)

84,626

189,755
(127,481)
3,606
(24)
19,956
(4,915)

80,897

The notes on pages 82 to 115 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

79

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 30 June 2023 

Cash flows from operating activities
Payment for exploration and evaluation
Payments to suppliers and employees
Interest received
Interest paid
Other receipts

Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of plant and equipment
Payments for exploration and evaluation
Term deposit funds (invested)/released
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Dividends received

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares
Share issue expenses
Borrowings provided to joint venture operations
Borrowings – net proceeds and repayment

Net cash from financing activities

Net increase/(decease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year
Effects of exchange rate on cash at end of financial year

Cash on hand and at bank at end of year

Notes

4

4

2023
$’000

(4,611)
(5,739)
251
(94)
229

(9,964)

(220)
(3,733)
(475)
2
–

(4,426)

17,170
(16)
(443)
1,641

18,352

3,962
4,288
(686)

7,564

2022
$’000

(8,873)
(4,307)
129
(98)
129

(13,020)

(341)
(4,339)
(372)
11
86

(4,955)

2,625
(100)
(678)
–

1,847

(16,128)
20,553
(137)

4,288

The notes on pages 82 to 115 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

80

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 30 June 2023 

30 June 2023

Issued 
capital
($’000)

Accumu-
lated 
losses
($’000)

Non-
controlling 
interest
($’000)

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve 
($’000)

Share 
based 
payments 
reserve
($’000)

Other 
reserve 
($’000)

Total 
equity
($’000)

Balance at 1 July 2022

Loss for the period
Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive loss for the period

Transactions with owners in their 
capacity as owners:
Contributions of equity, net costs
NCI Shareholder capital contribution
Transfer of share options expired 
Share-based payments expense
Transactions between owners

Total transactions with owners

189,755

(127,481)

–
–

–

(15,331)
–

(15,331)

17,870
–
–
–
–

17,870

–
–
924
–
1,944

2,868

Balance at 30 June 2023

207,625

(139,944)

(4,915)

(1,795)
–

(1,795)

–
409
–
–
(1,944)

(1,535)

(8,246)

(24)

19,956

3,606

80,897

–
1,895

1,895

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
526
–
–
–

526

–
–

–

(17,126)
1,895

(15,231)

–
–
(924)
155
–

(769)

17,870
935
–
155
–

18,960

1,871

20,482

2,837

84,626

30 June 2022

Balance at 1 July 2021

Loss for the period
Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive loss for the period

Transactions with owners in their 
capacity as owners:
Contributions of equity, net costs
Transfer of share options expired 
Share-based payments expense
Transactions between owners

Total transactions with owners

Issued 
capital
($’000)

Accumu-
lated 
losses
($’000)

Non-
controlling 
interest
($’000)

184,999

(113,924)

–
–

–

(14,287)
–

(14,287)

(3,677)

(1,248)
–

(1,248)

4,756
–
–
–

4,756

–
730
–
–

730

–
–
–
–

–

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve 
($’000)

Share 
based 
payments 
reserve
($’000)

Other 
reserve 
($’000)

Total 
equity
($’000)

(270)

19,956

3,919

91,003

–
246

246

–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

(15,525)
246

(15,279)

–
(730)
417
–

(313)

4,756
–
417
–

5,173

Balance at 30 June 2022

189,755

(127,481)

(4,915)

(24)

19,956

3,606

80,897

The notes on pages 82 to 115 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

81

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 30 June 2023 

1   Corporate information

Orion Minerals Limited (Company) is a company domiciled in Australia. The address of the Company’s registered office is 
Level 21, 55 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. The consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 
30 June 2023 comprised the Company and its subsidiaries, (together referred to as the Group). The Group is a for-profit 
group and is primarily involved in copper, zinc, nickel, gold and platinum group elements (PGE) exploration, evaluation 
and development.

Summary of significant accounting policies

2 
(a)  Basis of preparation

(i) Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements are general purpose financial statements which have been prepared in accordance 
with Australian Accounting Standards (AAS) adopted by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and the 
Corporations Act 2001. The consolidated financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) 
adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The consolidated financial statements were authorised 
for issue by the Board of Directors on 29 September 2023.

(ii) Basis of measurement
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except where otherwise stated.

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated 
financial statements and across the Group, except as required by the new accounting standards and interpretations 
adopted as disclosed in Note 2(b).

(iii) Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which contemplates continuity of normal 
business activities and the realisation of assets and discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business.

As disclosed in the financial statements, the Group recorded a net loss of $17.13M for the year ended 30 June 2023 and 
the Group’s position as at 30 June 2023 was as follows:
 — The Group had cash reserves of $7.56M and had negative operating cash flows of $9.96M for the year ended 

30 June 2023;

 — The Group had positive working capital at 30 June 2023 of $6.64M; and
 — The Group’s main activity is exploration, evaluation and development of base metal, gold and PGE projects in 

South Africa (Northern Cape) and as such it does not have a source of income, rather it is reliant on debt and/or 
equity raisings to fund its activities.

Current forecasts indicate that cash on hand as at 30 June 2023 will not be sufficient to fund planned exploration and 
operational activities during the next twelve months and to maintain the Group’s tenements in good standing.

These factors indicate a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt as to whether the Group will continue as 
a going concern and therefore whether it will realise its assets and extinguish its liabilities in the normal course of business 
and at the amounts stated in the financial report.

Subsequent to year end, during August 2023, Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (PCZM) received $13.80M in cash, from receipt 
of funds from the first funding drawdown, following the closing of the ZAR250M (~$20M) convertible loan facility with the 
IDC and $10M early Funding Arrangement with Triple Flag. The drawdown of the convertible loan will be done in tranches 
and will be pro rata matched by the drawdown requests made on the $10M early Funding Arrangement. Additional to 
the above, the PCZM also signed definitive agreements with Tripple Flag for an US$87M funding package to comprise of 
the acquisition by Tripple Flag of a precious metals stream (subject to the satisfaction of various conditions).

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2 

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
The Directors believe that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Group will be able to continue as a going 
concern, after consideration of the following factors:

 — Based on the updated high-margin PCZM bankable feasibility study (BFS-20) released May 2020, with an initial 12 year 

Foundation Phase (refer ASX/JSE release 26 May 2020), the positive results delivered by the value engineering, 
optimisation works and pre-development undertaken since the completion of the BFS-20;

 — In January 2022, the Company announced that it is investigating the potential to bring forward the start of production at 
the Prieska Project (Early Production Plan). The new plan brings forward revenue generation and potentially reduces the 
upfront external peak funding requirements by phasing the mine build while retaining the option to scale up to the 
full-scale BFS-20 project as sufficient funding becomes available;

 — In May 2023 Orion completed a two-tranche placement to sophisticated and professional investors to raise $13.2M at 

$0.015 per Share (being ZAR0.18). Participants in the placement also received four free attaching options for each Share 
issued under the placement, exercisable at $0.017 (ZAR 0.20) and expiring on 30 November 2023. Assuming all options 
are ultimately exercised, the value of the equity funding package totals ~$73M; and 

 — The Company’s ability to successfully raise capital in the past, the Directors are confident of obtaining the continued 

support of the Company’s shareholders and a number of brokers that have supported the Company’s previous capital 
raisings.

Accordingly, the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2023 have been prepared on a going concern basis as, 
in the opinion of the Directors, the Group will be in a position to continue to meet its operating costs and exploration 
expenditure commitments and pay its debts as and when they fall due for at least twelve months from the date of this 
report. 

However, the Directors recognise that if sufficient additional funding is not raised from the issue of capital or through 
alternative funding sources, there is a material uncertainty as to whether the going concern basis is appropriate with the 
result that the Group may relinquish title to certain tenements and may have to realise its assets and extinguish its liabilities 
other than in the ordinary course of business and at amounts different from those stated in the financial report. No 
allowance for such circumstances has been made in the financial report. 

 (b)  New accounting standards and interpretations 

New accounting standards
The Group has adopted all of the new or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian 
Accounting Standards Board (AASB) that are mandatory for the current reporting period.

Any new or amended Accounting Standards or Interpretations that are not yet mandatory have not been early adopted.

83

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

2 
(c)  Basis of consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all entities controlled by Orion Minerals 
Limited (Parent Company) from time to time during the year and at 30 June 2023 and the results of its controlled entities 
for the year then ended. The effects of all transactions between entities in the economic entity are eliminated in full.

The financial statements of the subsidiary are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent entity, using consistent 
accounting policies. 

(i) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, 
variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the 
entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date on 
which control commences until the date on which control ceases.

(ii) Loss of control
When the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognises the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary, and any related 
NCI and other components of equity. Any resulting gain or loss is recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss. Any interest 
retained in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value when control is lost.

(iii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, 
are eliminated. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with equity-accounted investees are eliminated against 
the investment to the extent of the Group’s interest in the investee. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way 
as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

(d)   Foreign currency translation

The functional and presentation currency of the Company and its Australian subsidiaries is Australian Dollars. For comparative 
purposes, the consolidated financial statements may make reference to South African Rand (ZAR). Transactions in foreign 
currencies are translated to the respective functional currency of the Group at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency at the 
exchange rate at the reporting date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in a foreign 
currency are translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate when the fair value was determined. Foreign 
currency differences are generally recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss. Non-monetary items that are measured 
based on historical cost in a foreign currency are not translated.

(e)  

Investment and other financial assets
Investments and other financial assets are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs are included as part of 
the initial measurement, except for financial assets at fair value through the Statement of Profit or Loss. Such assets are 
subsequently measured at either amortised cost or fair value depending on their classification. Classification is determined 
based on both the business model within which such assets are held and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the 
financial asset unless, an accounting mismatch is being avoided.

Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows have expired or have been transferred and the 
Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. When there is no reasonable expectation of 
recovering part or all of a financial asset, its carrying value is written off to profit or loss.

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2 

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
(i) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets not measured at amortised cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income are classified 
as financial assets at fair value through the Statement of Profit or Loss. Typically, such financial assets will be either: 
(i) held for trading, where they are acquired for the purpose of selling in the short term with an intention of making 
a profit, or a derivative; or (ii) designated as such upon initial recognition where permitted. Fair value movements 
are recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss.

(ii) Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income include equity investments which the Group intends 
to hold for the foreseeable future and has irrevocably elected to classify them as such upon initial recognition.

(iii) Measurement
At initial recognition, the Company measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not 
at fair value through the Statement of Profit or Loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of 
the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are expensed in the 
Statement of Profit or Loss.

(iv) Impairment
The Group recognises a loss allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets which are either measured at amortised 
cost or fair value through other comprehensive income. The measurement of the loss allowance depends upon the Group’s 
assessment at the end of each reporting period as to whether the financial instrument’s credit risk has increased significantly 
since initial recognition, based on reasonable and supportable information that is available, without undue cost or effort 
to obtain.

Where there has not been a significant increase in exposure to credit risk since initial recognition, a 12-month expected 
credit loss allowance is estimated. This represents a portion of the asset’s lifetime expected credit losses that is attributable 
to a default event that is possible within the next 12 months. Where a financial asset has become credit impaired or where 
it is determined that credit risk has increased significantly, the loss allowance is based on the asset’s lifetime expected 
credit losses. The amount of expected credit loss recognised is measured on the basis of the probability weighted present 
value of anticipated cash shortfalls over the life of the instrument discounted at the original effective interest rate.

For financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, the loss allowance is recognised within 
other comprehensive income. In all other cases, the loss allowance is recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss.

(f)  Associates

Associates are entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control or joint control. Investments in 
associates are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, the share of the profits or losses of the 
associate is recognised in profit or loss and the share of the movements in equity is recognised in other comprehensive 
income. Investments in associates are carried in the statement of financial position at cost plus post-acquisition changes 
in the Group’s share of the net assets of the associate.

When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, including any 
unsecured long-term receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations 
or made payments on behalf of the associate.

Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only when it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the 
expenditure will flow to the Group.

Non-current assets classified as held for sale and the assets of a disposal group classified as held for sale are presented 
separately from the other assets in the Statement of Financial Position. The liabilities of a disposal group classified as held 
for sale are presented separately from other liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position.

85

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

2 
(g)  Plant and equipment

Plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation 
is calculated on a straight line basis using estimated remaining useful life of the asset. The estimated useful lives for the 
current and comparative period are as follows:

Plant and equipment – over 3 to 15 years. Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each 
reporting date and adjusted if appropriate.

(h)   Impairment

(i) Non-financial assets
At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired. Where an 
indicator of impairment exists, the Group makes a formal estimate of recoverable amount. Where the carrying amount of 
an asset exceeds its recoverable amount the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.

Recoverable amount is the greater of fair value less costs to dispose and value in use. It is determined for an 
individual asset, unless the asset’s value in use cannot be estimated to be close to its fair value less costs to dispose 
and it does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets, 
in which case, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its 
recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss. Impairment losses 
recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill 
allocated to the units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit (group of units) on 
a pro rata basis. 

Impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss 
has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to 
determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount 
does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no 
impairment loss had been recognised.

(i)  Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method, less any allowance for expected credit losses. Trade receivables are generally due for settlement within 
30 – 60 days.

The Group has applied the simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses, which uses a lifetime expected 
loss allowance. To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on days overdue. 
An estimate for doubtful debts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts are written off 
when identified.

(j)  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and short-term deposits in the Statement of Financial Position comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term 
deposits with an original maturity of three months or less.

For the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents 
as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

Funds placed on deposit with financial institutions to secure performance bonds are classified as non-current other 
receivables and not included in cash and cash equivalents. 

(k)  Trade and other payables

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of the financial year and 
which are unpaid. Due to their short-term nature they are measured at amortised cost and are not discounted. The amounts 
are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

86

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE   
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

2 
(l)  Borrowings and finance costs

Loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received, net of transaction costs. 
They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Finance costs attributable to qualifying assets are capitalised as part of the asset. All other finance costs are expensed 
in the period in which they are incurred.

(m)  Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, 
it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and 
a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows 
at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks 
specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised 
as a finance cost.

(n)  Employee benefits

(i) Share based payments
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value at the date at which 
they are granted. The fair value is determined using both the Hull-White and Black Scholes models. Further details are given 
in Note 28.

The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period 
in which the performance conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully 
entitled to the award (Vesting Date).

The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until Vesting Date reflects (i) the 
extent to which the vesting period has surpassed and (ii) the number of awards that, in the opinion of the Directors of the 
Group, will ultimately vest. This opinion is formed based on the best available information at balance date. No adjustment 
is made for the likelihood of market performance conditions being met as the effect of these conditions is included in 
the determination of fair value at grant date. No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for 
awards where vesting is conditional upon a market condition. Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, 
as a minimum an expense is recognised as if the terms had not been modified. In addition, an expense is recognised for 
any increase in the value of the transaction as a result of the modification, as measured at the date of modification.

Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any expense 
not yet recognised for the award is recognised immediately. However, if a new award is substituted for the cancelled 
award and designated as a replacement award on the date that it is granted, the cancelled and new award are treated 
as if they were a modification of the original award, as described in the previous paragraph.

(ii) Employee benefits
Annual leave liabilities are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Long service 
leave liabilities are measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows for the services provided by 
employees up to the reporting date.

Liabilities not expected to be settled within twelve months are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on 
high quality corporate bonds with terms to maturity that match, as closely as possible, to the related liability.

87

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

2 
(o)  Revenue

Revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group is expected to be entitled in 
exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. For each contract with a customer, the Group: identifies the 
contract with a customer; identifies the performance obligations in the contract; determines the transaction price which 
takes into account estimates of variable consideration and the time value of money; allocates the transaction price to 
the separate performance obligations on the basis of the relative stand-alone selling price of each distinct good or service 
to be delivered; and recognises revenue when or as each performance obligation is satisfied in a manner that depicts the 
transfer to the customer of the goods or services promised.

(i) Interest
Revenue is recognised as the interest accrues (using the effective interest method, which is the rate that exactly discounts 
estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument) to the net carrying amount of the 
financial asset. 

(p) 

Income tax
(i) Tax consolidation 
The Company and its wholly-owned Australian resident entity are part of a tax-consolidated group. As a consequence, 
all members of the tax-consolidated group are taxed as a single entity from that date. The head entity within the 
tax-consolidated group is Orion Minerals Ltd.

(q)  Other taxes

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST) or value added tax 
(VAT) except where the GST or VAT incurred on a purchase of goods and services is not recoverable from the taxation 
authority, in which case the GST or VAT is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense 
item as applicable. Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST or VAT included. The net amount of GST 
or VAT recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables in the 
Statement of Financial Position.

Cash flows are included in the Statement of Cash Flows on a gross basis and the GST or VAT component of cash flows 
arising from investing and financing activities, which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority are classified 
as operating cash flows.

(r)  Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred by or on behalf of the Group is accumulated separately for each area 
of interest. Each area of interest is limited to a size related to a known or probable mineral resource capable of supporting 
a mining operation.

Such expenditure comprises net direct costs and an appropriate portion of related overhead expenditure which can be 
directly attributed to operational activities in the area of interest, but does not include general overheads or administrative 
expenditure not having a specific nexus with a particular area of interest.

Expenditure incurred on activities that precede exploration and evaluation of mineral resources, including all expenditure 
incurred prior to securing legal rights to explore an area, is expensed as incurred. For each area of interest, the expenditure 
is recognised as an exploration and evaluation asset where the following conditions are satisfied: 

 — such costs are expected to be recouped through successful development and exploitation of the area of interest or, 

alternatively, by its sale; or

 — exploration activities in the area of interest have not, at balance date, reached a stage which permits a reasonable 

assessment of the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves.

88

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE   
 
2 

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Exploration and evaluation assets include:

 — acquisition of rights to explore;
 — topographical, geological and geophysical studies;
 — exploration drilling, trenching and sampling; and
 — activities in relation to evaluating the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting the mineral resources.

General and administrative costs are not recognised as an exploration and evaluation asset. These costs are expensed 
as incurred. Exploration and evaluation assets are classified as tangible or intangible according to the nature of the assets. 
As the assets are not yet ready for use, they are not depreciated or amortised (for intangible assets). 

Assets that are classified as tangible assets include:

 — piping and pumps;
 — tanks; and
 — exploration vehicles and drilling equipment.

Assets that are classified as intangible assets include:

 — drilling rights;
 — acquired rights to explore;
 — exploratory drilling costs; and
 — trenching and sampling costs.

Exploration expenditure which no longer satisfies the above policy is written off. In addition, a provision is raised against 
exploration expenditure where the directors are of the opinion that the carried forward net cost may not be recoverable 
under the above policy. 

When an area of interest is abandoned, any expenditure carried forward in respect of that area is written off in the year 
in which the decision to abandon is made, firstly against any existing provision for that expenditure, with any remaining 
balance being charged to the Statement of Profit or Loss. Expenditure is not carried forward in respect of any area of 
interest/mineral resource unless the economic entity’s rights of tenure to that area of interest are current. Amortisation 
is not charged on areas under development, pending commencement of production.

Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment if:

 — the term of exploration licence in the specific area of interest has expired during the reporting period or will expire 

in the near future, and is not expected to be renewed;

 — substantive expenditure on further exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources in the specific area are not 

budgeted nor planned;

 — exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources in the specific area have not led to the discovery of 

commercially viable quantities of mineral resources and a decision has been made to discontinue such activities 
in the specified area; or

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

For the purposes of impairment testing, exploration and evaluation assets are allocated to cash-generating units to which 
the exploration activity relates. The cash-generating unit shall not be larger than the area of interest. Each area of interest 
is reviewed at the end of each accounting period and accumulated costs are written off to the extent that they are not 
expected to be recoverable in the future.

(s)  Rehabilitation provision

The Group’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of 
the environment. A provision has been made for the present value of anticipated costs for future rehabilitation of land 
explored or mined. The Group recognises a provision for rehabilitation based on independent environmental experts’ 
reports for anticipated future rehabilitation costs. Actual costs incurred in the future periods could differ materially from 
the estimates. Additionally, future changes to environmental laws and regulations, life of mine estimates and discount 
rates could affect the carrying amount of this provision.

89

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

2 
(t)  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of AASB’s management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about carrying values 
of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are 
based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstance, 
the results of which form the basis of making the judgements. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates 
and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the 
year in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that year, or in the year of the revision and future years 
if the revision affects both current and future years. 

Judgements made by management that have significant effects on the financial statements and estimates with 
a significant risk of material adjustments in the next year are disclosed, where applicable, in the relevant notes to the 
financial statements and include: 

 — Note 7 – Leases

The lease term is a significant component in the measurement of both the right-of-use asset and lease liability. 
Judgement is exercised in determining whether there is reasonable certainty that an option to extend the lease 
or purchase the underlying asset will be exercised, or an option to terminate the lease will not be exercised, when 
ascertaining the periods to be included in the lease term. In determining the lease term, all facts and circumstances 
that create an economical incentive to exercise an extension option, or not to exercise a termination option, are 
considered at the lease commencement date. Factors considered may include the importance of the asset to 
the consolidated entity’s operations; comparison of terms and conditions to prevailing market rates; incurrence of 
significant penalties; existence of significant leasehold improvements; and the costs and disruption to replace the 
asset. The consolidated entity reassesses whether it is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, or not 
exercise a termination option, if there is a significant event or significant change in circumstances.

 — Notes 8 and 14 – Loans

The Group has issued and received interest free loans with no fixed repayment terms. The fair value of the loans have 
been measured based on management’s best estimates of the effective interest rate (South African Prime lending 
rate) and the expected maturity date. The difference between the face value and fair value of the IDC shareholder 
loan has been recognised as a capital contribution on initial recognition, as it reflects the shareholders investment or 
contribution into the group (refer note 14 for further detail).
 — Note 11 – Deferred exploration, evaluation and development

Exploration and evaluation costs have been capitalised on the basis that exploration, mine development early works 
and BFS optimisation works are ongoing and that the Group may commence commercial production in the future, 
from which time the costs will be amortised in proportion to the depletion of the mineral resources. Key judgements 
are applied in considering costs to be capitalised, which includes determining expenditures directly related to these 
activities and allocating overheads between those that are expensed and capitalised. In addition, costs are only 
capitalised that are expected to be recovered either through successful development or sale of the relevant 
mining interest. 

 — Note 13 – Provisions 

A provision has been made for the present value of anticipated costs for future rehabilitation of land explored or 
mined. The Group’s exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the 
environment. The Group recognises management’s best estimate for assets site rehabilitations in the period in which 
they are incurred. Actual costs incurred in the future periods could differ materially from the estimates. 

 — Note 16 – Measurement of share based payments

The Group measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the 
equity instruments at the date at which they are granted. The fair value is determined by using the Hull-White model 
(from 1 July 2020) and Black Scholes model (prior to 1 July 2020), taking into account the terms and conditions 
upon which the instruments were granted. The accounting estimates and assumptions relating to equity-settled 
share-based payments would have no impact on the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next 
annual reporting period but may impact profit or loss and equity.

 — Note 20 – Incremental Borrowing Rate

Where the interest rate implicit in a lease cannot be readily determined, an incremental borrowing rate is estimated 
to discount future lease payments to measure the present value of the lease liability at the lease commencement 
date. Such a rate is based on what the consolidated entity estimates it would have to pay a third party to borrow 
the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right-of-use asset, with similar terms, security and 
economic environment.

90

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

2 
(u)  Earnings per share

The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated 
by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to 
ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding which have been issued for 
no consideration in relation to the dilutive potential ordinary shares, which comprise share options granted to employees, 
contract personnel, shareholders and corporate entities engaged by the Group, that are expected to be exercised.

(v)  Segment reporting

(i) Determination and presentation of operating segments
An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues 
and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group’s other components. 
All operating segments’ operating results are regularly reviewed by the Group’s Managing Director and Chief Executive 
Officer (Chief Operating Decision Maker of the Group) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment 
and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available.

Segment results that are reported to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer include items directly attributable 
to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly corporate 
assets (primarily the Company’s headquarters), head office expenses, and income tax assets and liabilities. 

(w)  Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares and share 
options are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects. Dividends on ordinary shares are recognised 
as a liability in the period in which they are declared.

(x)  Determination of fair values

A number of the Group’s accounting policies and disclosures require the determination of fair value, for both financial and 
non-financial assets and liabilities. Fair values have been determined for measurement and/or disclosure purposes based 
on the following methods. When applicable, further information about the assumptions made in determining fair values 
is disclosed in the notes specific to that asset or liability.

(i) Share-based payment transactions
The fair value of the employee share options and the share appreciation rights is measured using the Hull-White formula. 
Measurement inputs include share price on measurement date, exercise price of the instrument, expected volatility 
(based on weighted average historic volatility adjusted for changes expected due to publicly available information), 
weighted average expected life of the instruments (based on historical experience and general option holder behaviour), 
expected dividends, and the risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds). Service and non-market performance 
conditions attached to the transactions are not taken into account in determining fair value.

(y)  Fair value measurement hierarchy

The Group is required to classify all assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, using a three level hierarchy, based on 
the lowest level of input that is significant to the entire fair value measurement, being: Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) 
in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date; Level 2: Inputs other 
than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and 
Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Considerable judgement is required to determine what is significant 
to fair value and therefore which category the asset or liability is placed in can be subjective.

The fair value of assets and liabilities classified as level 3 is determined by the use of valuation models. These include discounted 
cash flow analysis or the use of observable inputs that require significant adjustments based on unobservable inputs. 

91

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

2 

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
(i) Right of Use Assets
A right-of-use asset is recognised at the commencement date of a lease. The right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which 
comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, adjusted for, as applicable, any lease payments made at or before the 
commencement date net of any lease incentives received, any initial direct costs incurred, and, except where included 
in the cost of inventories, an estimate of costs expected to be incurred for dismantling and removing the underlying asset, 
and restoring the site or asset.

Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful 
life of the asset, whichever is the shorter. Where the consolidated entity expects to obtain ownership of the leased asset 
at the end of the lease term, the depreciation is over its estimated useful life. Right-of use assets are subject to impairment 
or adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities.

The Group has elected not to recognise a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability for short-term leases with 
terms of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets. Lease payments on these assets are expensed to profit or loss 
as incurred.

(ii) Lease Liabilities
A lease liability is recognised at the commencement date of a lease. The lease liability is initially recognised at the present 
value of the lease payments to be made over the term of the lease, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease 
or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the consolidated entity’s incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments 
comprise fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, 
amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees, exercise price of a purchase option when the exercise of 
the option is reasonably certain to occur, and any anticipated termination penalties. The variable lease payments that 
do not depend on an index or a rate are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

Lease liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The carrying amounts are remeasured 
if there is a change in the following: future lease payments arising from a change in an index or a rate used; residual 
guarantee; lease term; certainty of a purchase option and termination penalties. When a lease liability is remeasured, 
an adjustment is made to the corresponding right-of use asset, or to profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use 
asset is fully written down.

(z)  Rounding of amounts

The Company is of a kind referred to in the Corporations Instrument 2016/191, issued by the Australian Securities and 
Investment Commission, relation to ‘rounding off’. Amounts in this report have been rounded off in accordance with 
that Corporations Instrument to the nearest thousand dollars or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar.

92

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE   
 
3  Revenues and expenses

Other income
Services rendered to associate companies
Costs recovered from associate companies

Total other income

Other operational expenses
Contractor, consultants and advisory
Due diligence expenditure
Investor and public relations
Communications and information technology
Depreciation
Impairment of equipment
Gain on lease modification
Loss on disposal of plant and equipment
Occupancy
Travel and accommodation
Directors’ fees and employment 
Other corporate and administrative 

Total other operational expenses

Non-operating income and expense
Net foreign exchange loss
Dividend Income
Non-operating other Income
Share based payments

Total non-operating expense

2023
$’000

49
26

75

3,248
25
381
106
172
105
(12)
(1)
42
235
342
140

4,783

9,371
–
–
152

9,523

2022
$000

50
8

58

1,589
28
364
117
145
–
–
–
64
170
398
111

2,986

2,766
(86)
(11)
417

3,086

93

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

4  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents 
Short term deposits

2023
$’000

2,941
4,623

7,564

2022
$’000

4,270
18

4,288

Cash and cash equivalents includes an amount of $1.21M held by New Okiep Mining Company (Pty) Ltd (NOM) 
(a subsidiary of Orion), from funds received from the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited (IDC) 
Shareholder Loan, as required under the terms of the memorandum of incorporation agreement between NOM and the 
IDC, that is ringfenced for Okiep Copper Project – Flat Mines Project expenditure (refer Note 9). 

Reconciliation
Net loss
Adjustment for:
Depreciation
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Dividends received
Share base payments expense
Impairment of equipment
Okiep acquisition consideration
Data acquisition consideration
Short term incentives – share issued
Deferred exploration and evaluation costs written off
Rehabilitation guarantee costs
Loss on foreign exchange
Finance income
Finance expense
Interest received
Interest paid
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
Increase other current assets
Increase in provisions

Net cash used in operating activities

2023
$’000

2022
$’000

(17,126)

(15,525)

172
(12)
–
152
105
–
–
389
385
133
9,371
(3,320)
430
251
(94)

(442)
(474)
116

(9,964)

145
(11)
(86)
417
–
(84)
1,860
–
–
–
2,766
(3,036)
288
129
(98)

399
(386)
202

(13,020)

94

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  5 

Trade and other receivables

Current receivables 
Security deposits (a)
Taxes receivable
Other receivables

Non-current receivables
Security deposits (a)
Deposits

2023
$’000

23
238
33

294

–
90

90

2022
$’000

24
312
58

394

3
90

93

Other receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30-day terms.

(a)  Security deposits comprise cash placed on deposit to secure bank guarantees in respect of obligations entered 

into for office rental obligations in South Africa and Australia. These deposits are not available to finance the Group’s 
day-to-day operations.

6  Rehabilitation bonds

Current 
Rehabilitation bonds
Non-current
Rehabilitation bonds

Total

2023
$’000

331

2,831

3,162

2022
$’000

348

2,684

3,032

Rehabilitation bonds are cash placed on deposit to secure bank guarantees in respect of obligations entered into for 
environmental performance bonds issued in favour of the relevant government body for projects located in South Africa 
and Victoria (Australia). 

The Group also has environmental obligations for various projects in South Africa, including the Prieska Project. The Group 
has engaged the services of Centriq Insurance Company Ltd (Centriq), a company established to meet the financial 
provisioning requirements of Mining Rights in South Africa. Funds held by Centriq relate to premium paid to Centriq and 
represent collateral held by Centriq against guarantees that have been issued. Funds held by Centriq on behalf of the 
Group are refundable to the Group when the guarantees expire. The bond can be applied by the government body 
for rehabilitation works should the Group fail to meet regulatory standards for environmental rehabilitation. 

95

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

7 

Leases and right of use asset

Right of use asset – Vehicles
Opening cost
Accumulated depreciation

Opening carrying amount

Depreciation expense for the year

Closing carrying amount

Right of use asset – Land and buildings
Opening cost
Accumulated depreciation

Opening carrying amount

Additions 
Lease modifications (a)
Effect of movement in exchange rate
Depreciation expense for the year (b)

Closing carrying amount

Lease liability reconciliation 
Opening cost
New lease
Interest
Repayments
Modifications (a)
Effect of movement in exchange rate

Closing balance

2023
$’000

53
(53)

–

–

–

2,152
(255)

1,897

–
(420)
(185)
(71)

1,221

2,115
–
141
(94)
(448)
(194)

1,520

2022
$’000

53
(53)

–

–

–

2,114
(96)

2,018

38
–
(71)
(88)

1,897

2,106
38
146
(97)
–
(78)

2,115

(a) 

Lease modifications – year ended 30 June 2023
From December 2022, the Group is no longer leasing the ammunition bunkers for Prieska Copper-Zinc Mine (PCZM) 
and therefore the lease amount decreased. 

This is a decrease in the scope of the lease. 
(i) 

The carrying amounts of the right-of-use (RoU) asset and the lease liability were adjusted to take into account 
the decrease in the loan, with the net effect taken to the profit or loss statement. 
The lease liability was adjusted to take into account the new discount rate and the corresponding adjustment 
taken to RoU assets. 

(ii) 

(b)  Depreciation

Depreciation for the RoU asset of ZAR845k (~$71k) (2022: ZAR975k (~$88k)) and interest on the lease liability 
of ZAR1.69M (~$141k) (2022: ZAR1.61M (~$146k)) is included in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and 
Other Comprehensive Income.

96

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  8   Loans to related parties

Non-current
Loan to Prieska Resources
Loan to joint venture partners

Total

2023
$’000

1,231
3,468

4,699

2022
$’000

1,367
3,376

4,743

Prieska Resources
The Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) restructure implemented in September 2019 involved the acquisition by 
Prieska Resources Pty (Ltd) (Prieska Resources) of a 20% interest in the Company’s subsidiary, Prieska Copper Zinc Mine 
(Pty) Ltd (PCZM), for a purchase consideration of ZAR142.78M (~$14.45M). To fund the acquisition, the Company has 
provided vendor financing comprising two components, being a loan and preference shares (refer Note 9).

A secured loan (repayable 12 months from closing date of securing Prieska Project financing) with principal totalling 
ZAR15.29M arose as a result of PCZM delegating a portion of a loan which was owed to the Company by Prieska Resources, 
in exchange for which PCZM issued ordinary shares to Prieska Resources. The terms of the loan initially included that interest 
is payable by Prieska Resources at the publicly quoted prime overdraft rate. Subsequently, the terms of the loan were 
amended such that:

 — all accrued interest up to 30 June 2021 that has been waived by the Company; and
 — from 1 July 2021 until the financial closing date of securing Prieska Project financing, the Loan shall be interest free, 

subsequent to which date the Loan shall bear interest at prime rate.

Joint Venture Partners
In September 2017, Area Metals Holdings No 3 (Pty) Ltd (an indirect, wholly owned, Orion subsidiary) (AMH3) entered into 
a binding earn-in agreement to acquire earn-in rights over the Jacomynspan Nickel-Copper-PGE Project (South Africa) 
(Jacomynspan Project) from two companies, Disawell (Pty) Ltd and Namaqua Nickel Mining (Pty) Ltd (Namaqua Disawell 
Companies), which hold partly overlapping granted prospecting rights and a mining right, respectively.

During the year ended 30 June 2019, AMH3 reached the next stage earn-in right, which will see its shareholding increase 
by a further 25% interest, making its total interest 50% (subject to, inter alia, certain regulatory approvals). Orion is the 
manager and operator of the joint venture. 

On 13 July 2020, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement whereby Orion (or its nominated 
subsidiary) will acquire the remaining minority interests in the Jacomynspan Project, through the acquisition of the remaining 
issued shares held by the minority shareholders of the Namaqua Disawell Companies. The key terms of this agreement are 
set out in Orion’s 13 July 2020 ASX/JSE release. On 31 August 2020, the parties entered into a comprehensive formal written 
agreement incorporating the principal terms and conditions set out in the initial agreement (Sale Agreement).

During the reporting period, the Group continued to advance exploration programs on the Jacomynspan Project, 
expending an additional $0.39M (excludes effect of foreign exchange rate movement on balance). This expenditure, 
under the terms of a consolidated shareholders’ agreement concluded in September 2017 between, amongst others, 
the Company, AMH3 and the Namaqua Disawell Companies, is held in a shareholder loan account. 

Although the Sale Agreement lapsed during the reporting period, the shareholders continue to discuss the future 
operational plans of the Jacomynspan Project, as they await the statutory approval for Orion to be issued the shares 
to achieve 50% shareholding in the Namaqua-Disawell companies following satisfaction of the obligations of the original 
earn-in agreement. Namaqua-Disawell has submitted its applications to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy 
for regulatory approval to issue the additional shares to Orion, resulting in a change of control of the companies holding 
the mineral rights. 

97

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

9  

Investment – preference shares

Non-current
Prieska Resources preference shares – principal
Prieska Resources preference shares – interest receivable

Total

2023
$’000

16,107
8,866

24,973

2022
$’000

17,878
6,724

24,602

To fund the acquisition by Prieska Resources of a 20% interest in the Company’s subsidiary, PCZM, the Company has provided 
vendor financing comprising two components, being a loan (refer Note 8) and preference shares. The preference shares 
issued by Prieska Resources to the Company (through its subsidiary Agama Exploration & Mining (Pty) Ltd (Agama)) have the 
following key terms:

 — The preference shares rank in priority to the rights of all other shares of Prieska Resources with respect to the 

distribution of Prieska Resource’s assets, in an amount up to the redemption amount in the event of the liquidation, 
dissolution or winding up of Prieska Resources, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of 
Prieska Resources, whether for the purpose of winding up its affairs or otherwise;

 — The preference shares are redeemable by Prieska Resources at any time after the expiry of a period of 3 years and 
1 day after the date of issue of the preference shares (being 11 September 2019 and 28 January 2020), and prior to 
the 8th anniversary of their date of issue at an internal rate of return of 12%; and

 — Any preference shares held by the Company (through its subsidiary Agama) after the 8th anniversary of their date 
of issue will be automatically converted pro rata into ordinary shares in Prieska Resources, up to 49% of the shares 
in Prieska Resources or, subject to compliance with South African laws, an equivalent number of shares in PCZM.

The movement year-on-year in relation to principal amount is related to impact of foreign exchange rate movement 
and not additional amounts classified as principal through the issue of additional preference shares.

10  Plant and equipment

Opening balance – 1 July
Cost
Accumulated depreciation

Opening written down value

Movement
Additions
Disposals or write offs
Impairment
Effect of movement in exchange rate
Depreciation expense for the year

Written down value at 30 June

Closing balance – 30 June
Cost
Accumulated depreciation

Total at 30 June 

98

2023
$’000

740
(354)

386

407
(1)
(105)
(28)
(102)

557

1,089
(532)

557

2022
$’000

475
(372)

103

341
–
–
(2)
(56)

386

740
(354)

386

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  11  Deferred exploration, evaluation and development

Acquired mineral rights
Opening cost
Exploration and evaluation acquired

Exploration, evaluation and development

Deferred exploration and evaluation expenditure
Opening cost
Effect of foreign exchange on opening balance
Expenditure incurred
Exploration expensed

Deferred exploration and evaluation expenditure

Net carrying amount at 30 June

12  Trade and other payables

Current
Trade payables
Other payables

13  Provisions

Current
Employee benefits – annual leave

Non-current
Rehabilitation (a)
Employee benefits – long service leave

Total

(a) 

2023
$’000

14,161
–

14,161

35,612
(3,847)
6,863
(4,131)

34,853

49,043

2023
$’000

1,273
948

2,221

2023
$’000

124

124

1,872
21

1,893

2,017

2022
$’000

14,161
–

14,161

30,997
(1,231)
16,836
(10,990)

35,612

49,773

2022
$’000

1,911
611

2,522

2022
$’000

189

189

1,935
18

1,953

2,142

In South Africa, long term environmental obligations are based on the Group’s environmental plans, in compliance 
with current environmental and regulatory requirements. Full provision is made based on the net present value of the 
estimated cost of restoring the environmental disturbance that has occurred up to the reporting date. The estimated 
cost of rehabilitation is reviewed annually and adjusted as appropriate for changes in legislation. The rehabilitation 
provision for the Group’s South African project is offset by guarantees held by Centriq Insurance Company Limited 
($2.8M) (2022: $2.7M) (refer Note 6).

In Australia, the state government regulations in Victoria require rehabilitation of drill sites including any other sites 
where the Group has caused surface and ground disturbance. The estimated cost of rehabilitation is reviewed 
annually and adjusted as appropriate for changes in legislation. The rehabilitation provision for the Group’s 
Victorian project is partially offset by a guarantee held on deposit (refer Note 6).

99

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

14  Loans 

Current
AASMF loan
Non-current
IDC Shareholder loan

Total

2023
$’000

–

1,981

1,981

2022
$’000

1,959

–

1,959

AASMF loan
On 2 November 2015, PCZM (a 70% owned subsidiary of Agama) and Anglo American sefa Fund (AASMF) entered 
into a loan agreement for the further exploration and development of the Prieska Project. Under the terms of the loan, 
AASMF advanced ZAR14.25M to PCZM on 1 August 2017. 

In May 2023, the Company repaid $2M (ZAR23.9M) in cash, as repayment of the loan in full. AASMF released the security 
associated with the loan, being 29.17% of the shares held in PCZM by Agama Exploration & Mining Proprietary Limited 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Orion), that were pledged as security to AASMF for the performance by PCZM of its 
obligations in terms of the loan.

IDC Shareholder loan
In November 2022, Orion and the IDC entered into definitive agreements in terms of which the IDC acquired 43.75% of 
the issued ordinary shares in NOM and triggered pre-development funding arrangements for the Flat Mines SAFTA 
area (Flat Mines Project), refer ASX/JSE release 7 September 2022. 

Under the terms of the NOM memorandum of incorporation (MOI), the IDC funding of pre-development costs in 
the aggregate amount of ZAR34.58M will be advanced to NOM as a shareholder loan on the same terms as the 
pre-development funding amount of ZAR44.46M that Orion had already advanced to NOM, including that the loan 
is unsecured, interest free until such time as the Flat Mines Project commences commercial production and will be repaid 
when NOM is in a financial position to make repayment. Pursuant to the definitive agreements having been implemented, 
the IDC becoming a shareholder in NOM. 

In November 2022, the IDC advanced ZAR21.91M ($1.90M) of its pre-development funding commitment, with a further 
ZAR12.7 ($1.04M) advanced in March 2023. The loan has been accounted for in accordance with IFRS 9, the discounted 
loan value with initial recognition is ZAR23.41M ($1.99M) and ZAR24.60M ($2.09M) as at 30 June 2023. The loan is discounted 
at a rate of prime lending rate in South Africa. Interest on the loan recognised in the current period of ZAR1.18M ($0.10M).

As part of the initial recognition, ZAR 11.1M ($0.9M) was recognised in other reserves of which ZAR4.88M ($0.4M) relates 
to non-controlling interest. 

15  Commitments – project related

Okiep Copper Project
On 2 August 2021, the Company announced that it had exercised a restructured option to directly acquire the 
mineral rights and other assets held by Southern African Tantalum Mining (Pty) Ltd (SAFTA), Nababeep Copper 
Company (Pty) Ltd (NCC) and Bulletrap Copper Co (Pty) Ltd (BCC) (collectively the Target Entities), rather than 
acquire the shares in the Target Entities themselves (OCP Sale Assets) (OCP Transaction). 

It is intended that the OCP Sale Assets will be acquired by two newly formed Orion subsidiary companies. 
New Okiep Mining Company (Pty) Ltd (initially 56.3% owned by Orion and 43.7% owned by IDC (in relation to 
SAFTA) and New Okiep Exploration Company (Pty) Ltd (initially 100% Orion-owned) (in relation to NCC and BCC) 
(each a Purchaser) will acquire all of the assets of SAFTA, NCC and BCC, respectively, comprising principally their 
respective mineral rights, mineral data, rehabilitation guarantees, any specified contracts and any other assets 
identified by the Purchasers (collectively, the Sale Assets) (Okiep Transaction). 

100

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE   
 
 
15  Commitments – project related (continued)

The aggregate purchase consideration payable by the Purchasers to the Target Entities and their shareholders 
(excluding the IDC) (Selling Shareholders) for the Sale Assets is ZAR76.5M (~$6.9M) (Purchase Consideration), to be settled 
as to ZAR18.4M (~$1.7M) in cash and ZAR58.1M (~$5.2M) in Orion Shares (Consideration Shares). The issue price of the 
Consideration Shares will be equal to the 30-day volume weighted average price of the Consideration Shares traded 
on  the ASX and the JSE in the period ending on the date that is the earlier of (i) the closing date of the applicable part 
of Okiep Transaction; and (ii) 30 days after the date on which the last of specified mineral right is granted in respect of 
the Target Entity that is the subject of that transaction. 

The Company will pre-pay a portion of the Purchase Consideration (Pre-Payment) to the Selling Shareholders with effect 
from the date that is 90 days after the date on which the last mineral right is granted in respect of the Target Entity that 
is the subject of that transaction until the closing date of the OCP Transaction concerned. The Pre-Payment amount 
is ZAR0.35M in respect of the SAFTA transaction and ZAR0.25M in respect of each of the NCC transaction and the 
BCC transaction. The aggregate of the Pre-Payments is deducted from the Consideration Shares.

Stratega Metals – Battery Metals Refinery 
The Company has agreed with Stratega Metals amenability test work (Test Work) and project definition as outlined 
in the binding exclusivity agreement signed. As part of this agreement, the Company is committed to funding the 
next phase of the Test Work for USD0.33M plus contingency of USD20,620. With the next phase of the Test Work started 
in August 2023, funding will likely be requested by Stratega Metals from the Company in four drawdowns, as per the 
agreed schedule. 

16  Issued capital and share based payments reserve

Ordinary fully paid shares

The following movements in issued capital occurred during the reporting period:

2023
$’000

207,625

207,625

2022
$’000

189,755

189,755

Ordinary fully paid shares
Opening balance at 1 July 2022
Share Issues:
Placement – 13 July 2022
Share Purchase Plan – 22 August 2022
Placement – 22 August 2022
Placement – Director fees (21 December 2022)
Placement – 22 March 2023
Placement – 31 March 2023
Placement – 23 May 2023
Placement – 23 May 2023
Placement – Executive STI (23 May 2023)
Placement – Director fees (23 May 2023)
Less: Issue costs

Number of Shares

Issue price

$’000

4,513,295,398

189,755

24,954,817
67,332,902
144,454,044
5,312,500
116,911,127
593,499,999
115,355,330
51,466,666
13,215,789
1,250,000
–

$0.020
$0.020
$0.020
$0.020
$0.015
$0.015
$0.015
$0.015
$0.015
$0.020
–

499
1,423
2,921
106
1,754
8,902
1,730
772
198
25
(460)

Closing balance at 30 June 2023

5,647,048,572

207,625

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on the winding up of the Company in 
proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. The fully paid ordinary shares have no par value and 
the Company does not have a limited amount of authorised capital.

On a show of hands, every member present at a meeting in person or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each 
share shall have one vote.

101

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

16  Issued capital and share based payment reserve (continued)

The following movements in issued capital occurred during the prior period:

Ordinary fully paid shares
Opening balance at 1 July 2021
Share Issues:
Placement – Okiep Copper Project (4 August 2021)
Placement – Whittle Consulting (22 December 2021)
Placement – Okiep Copper Project (10 February 2022)
Placement – 23 June 2022
Placement – 29 June 2022
Less: Issue costs

Closing balance at 30 June 2022

Number of Shares

Issue price

$’000

4,317,116,103

4,097,465
11,661,750
49,169,580
100,000,000
31,250,500
–

4,513,295,398

$0.034
$0.036
$0.034
$0.020
$0.020
–

184,999

139
420
1,672
2,000
625
(100)

189,755

Share based payments reserve – movement
The employee share option and share plan reserve is used to record the value of equity benefits provided to employees 
and directors as part of their remuneration. The following movements in the share based payments reserve occurred 
during the period:

Opening balance at 1 July 2021
Share based payments expense
Unlisted share options expired and transferred to accumulated losses (i)

Closing balance at 30 June 2022

Share based payments expense
Unlisted share options expired and transferred to accumulated losses (i)

Closing balance at 30 June 2023

$’000

3,919
417
(730)

3,606

155
(924)

2,837

(i)   During the current and prior year, previously recognised share based payment transactions for options which had 

vested but subsequently expired were transferred to accumulated losses.

The following options to subscribe for ordinary fully paid shares expired during the year:

Number of options

Expiry date

Exercise price

4,900,000
4,900,000
4,900,000
5,500,000
5,500,000
5,500,000
5,500,000
5,500,000
5,500,000

47,700,000

31/03/2023
31/03/2023
31/03/2023
31/03/2023
31/03/2023
31/03/2023
31/03/2023
31/03/2023
31/03/2023

$0.050
$0.060
$0.070
$0.040
$0.050
$0.060
$0.028
$0.035
$0.040

Class
Unlisted options
Unlisted options
Unlisted options
Unlisted options
Unlisted options
Unlisted options
Unlisted options
Unlisted options
Unlisted options

Total

102

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE   
17  Other reserve

Opening balance
Movement
Transactions between owners
IFRS 9 adjustment*

Closing balance

*  Refer note 14 for detail on the loan IFRS 9 adjustment

2023
$’000

19,956

–
526

20,482

2022
$’000

19,956

–
–

19,956

In accordance with AASB 10.23, the gain realised by Nabustax and Itakane on the sale of 20% of the shares in PCZM to 
Prieska Resources, is recognised directly in equity as transactions between owners without a loss of control. 

18  Income tax

Income tax expense
Loss before tax
Income tax using the corporation rate of 25.0% (2022: 25.0%)
Movements in income tax expense due to:

Effect of different tax rates in foreign jurisdictions
Non deductible expenses
Non assessable income
Employee share based payments expensed
Attribution of income from controlled corporations

Tax effect of tax losses not recognised

Income tax expense/(benefit)

2023
$’000

(17,126)
(4,282)

(296)
273
(8,576)
38
1,862

(10,981)

10,981

–

2022
$’000

(15,525)
(3,881)

(268)
678
(787)
103
–

(4,155)

4,155

–

103

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

18  Income tax (continued)

No income tax is payable by the Group. The directors have considered it prudent not to bring to account the future 
income tax benefit of income tax losses and exploration deductions until it is probable that future taxable profits will be 
available against which the unused tax losses can be utilised.

The Group has estimated un-recouped gross Australian income tax losses of approximately $23.2M (2022: $22.7M) which 
may be available to offset against taxable income in future years, subject to continuing to meet relevant statutory tests. 

The Group also has carry forward tax losses in South Africa of approximately ZAR10.15M (~$0.85M) (2022: ~$0.46M) and 
unredeemed capital expenditure carried forward, which can be offset against future mining income, of ZAR780.25M 
(~$65M) (2022: ~$47M). 

Benefits from the Group’s carry forward tax losses will only be obtained if:

 — the Group derives future assessable income of a nature and an amount sufficient to enable the benefit from the 

deductions for the loss to be realised;

 — the Group continues to comply with the conditions for deductibility imposed by tax legislation; and
 — no changes in taxation legislation adversely affect the economic entity in realising the benefit from the deductions 

for the losses.

Except to the extent that it does not offset a net deferred tax liability, a deferred tax asset has not been recognised 
in the accounts for these unused losses because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available to use 
against such losses.

Tax consolidation
For the purposes of Australian income taxation, the Company and its 100% controlled Australian subsidiaries have 
formed a tax consolidation group. The parent entity, Orion Minerals Ltd, reports to the Australian Taxation Office 
on behalf of all the Australian entities.

19  Loss per share

Basic loss per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net loss for the year attributable to ordinary equity 
holders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders by 
the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year (adjusted for the effects of potentially 
dilutive options and dilutive partly paid contributing shares).

The following reflects the loss and share data used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:

a) 

Basic and diluted loss per share

Loss attributable to owners of the Company

Diluted loss attributable to owners of the Company

b)  Reconciliation of loss used in calculating earnings per share

Loss from continuing operations attributable to equity holders of the Group
Less: Loss attributable non-controlling interest

Loss attributable to owners of the Company

2023
Cents

(0.31)

(0.31)

2023
$’000

(17,126)
1,795

(15,331)

2022
Cents

(0.33)

(0.33)

2022
$’000

(15,525)
(1,238)

(14,287)

104

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE   
19  Loss per share (continued)

c)  Weighted average number of shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator 
in calculating basic earnings per share. *

4,920,048,435

4,347,754,151

2023
Number

2022
Number

*  Shares are anti-dilutive.

d)  Headline loss per share

2023
$’000

(15,331)
105
–

(15,226)

2022
$’000

(14,287)
–
–

(14,287)

4,920,048,435
(0.31)
(0.31)

4,347,754,151
(0.33)
(0.33)

Loss before income tax attributable to owners of the Company
Impairment of non-current assets reversal
Plant and equipment written off

Adjusted earnings

Weighted average number of shares
Loss per share (cents per share)
Diluted loss per share (cents per share)

20  Financial instruments
Financial Risk Management
Overview
The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

 — Market risk
 — Credit risk
 — Liquidity risk

This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to each of the above risks, its objectives, policies and processes 
for measuring and managing risk, and the management of capital. 

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the risk management framework. 

Risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate risk limits 
and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly 
to reflect changes in market conditions and the Group’s activities. 

The Group’s Audit Committee oversees how management monitors compliance with the Group’s risk management 
policies and procedures and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by 
the Group.

The Group’s principal financial instruments are cash, short-term deposits, receivables, loans and payables.

Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices will 
affect the Group’s income and expenses or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk 
management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising the return.

105

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

20  Financial instruments (continued)

Equity price risk
The Group is currently not subject to equity price risk movement.

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the instrument will fluctuate 
due to changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk arises from fluctuations in interest bearing financial assets and 
liabilities that the Group uses. Interest bearing assets comprise cash and cash equivalents, which are considered to be 
short-term liquid assets and investment decisions are governed by the monetary policy. 

During the year, the Group had one variable rate interest bearing liability. 

It is the Group’s policy to settle trade payables within the credit terms allowed and therefore not incur interest on overdue 
balances.

The Group is not materially exposed to changes in market interest rates. A 1% variation in interest rates would result in interest 
revenue changing by up to $14,000 (2022: $14,000) based on year-end cash balances, and up to $18,000 (2022: $18,000) 
based on year-end security bonds and deposits balances, assuming all other variables remain unchanged.

The Group does not account for any fixed rate financial assets and liabilities at fair value through the Statement of Profit 
or Loss.

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its 
contractual obligations, and arises principally from the Group’s receivables from customers and investment securities.

The Group does not presently have customers and consequently does not have credit exposure to outstanding receivables. 
Other receivables represent GST refundable from the Australian Taxation Office, VAT refundable from the South African 
Revenue Service and security bonds and deposits. Trade and other receivables are neither past due nor impaired.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group’s approach 
to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, 
under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group’s 
reputation. Refer to Note 2(a)(iii) for a summary of the Group’s current plans for managing its liquidity risk.

The Group’s objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility. The Group’s exposure to 
financial obligations relating to corporate administration and projects expenditure, are subject to budgeting and reporting 
controls, to ensure that such obligations do not exceed cash held and known cash inflows for a period of at least 1 year. 

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and non-interest bearing financial assets and financial liabilities of the Group 
is equal to their carrying value.

The carrying amounts of trade and other receivables and trade and other payables are assumed to approximate their 
fair values due to their short-term nature. The fair value of financial liabilities is estimated by discounting the remaining 
contractual maturities at the current market interest rate that is available for similar financial liabilities.

Foreign currency risk
The Group is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies arising from expenditure in currencies other than the Group’s 
measurement currency. The Group has foreign operations with functional currencies in South African Rand (ZAR). The Group 
has not formalised a foreign currency risk management policy, however, it monitors its foreign currency expenditure in light 
of exchange rate movements.

106

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE   
 
 
 
 
 
20  Financial instruments (continued)

The Group has significant exposure to foreign currency risk, particularly between AUD/ZAR, at the end of the reporting 
period. Foreign exposure risk arises from future commercial transactions and recognised financial assets and financial 
liabilities which are denominated in a currency other than the Group’s functional currency. 

30 June 2023

30 June 2022

ZAR
$’000

USD
$’000

CAD
$’000

EUR
$’000

GBP
$’000

ZAR
$’000

USD
$’000

GBP
$’000

Consolidated
Financial Assets
Trade and other receivables
Loan to joint venture partners
Investment in Prieska Resources
Loan to Prieska Resources
Financial Liabilities
Trade and other payables
IDC Shareholder loan
AASMF loan

277
3,468
24,973
1,231

1,473
1,981
–

–
–
–
–

10
–
–

–
–
–
–

10
–
–

–
–
–
–

594
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

376
3,376
24,602
1,367

2,327
–
1,959

–
–
–
–

1
–
–

–
–
–
–

19
–
–

The Group’s exposure to foreign exchange is predominately ZAR. Should the Australian dollar weaken by 10%/strengthen 
by 10% against the ZAR (2022: 10% weaken/10% strengthen), with all other variables held constant, the Groups loss 
before tax for the year would have been $1.28M lower/$1.28M higher (2022: $1.12M lower/$1.12M higher). The change 
is the expected overall volatility of the ZAR:AUD, based on management’s assessment of the possible fluctuations, with 
consideration given to the last 6 months of the reporting period and spot rate at reporting date.

Commodity price risk
The Group’s exposure to price risk is minimal at this stage of the operations. Commodity price risk is the risk that the value 
of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market rates. The risk 
arises from fluctuations in financial assets and liabilities that the Group uses. 

Capital management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern 
in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders. The management of the Group’s capital 
is performed by the Board. 

The Board manages the Group’s liquidity ratio to ensure that it meets its financial obligations as they fall due and 
specifically allowing for the expenditure commitments for its mining tenements to ensure that the Group’s main assets 
are not at risk. 

Refer to Note 2(a)(iii) for a summary of the Group’s current plan for managing its going concern.

None of the Group’s entities are subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

107

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

20  Financial instruments (continued)

The following table sets out the carrying amount, by maturity, of the financial instruments that are exposed to interest 
rate risk:

30 June 2023

Financial assets
Cash on hand and at bank
Loan to Prieska Resources
Investment in preference shares
Other receivables

Total

Financial liabilities
Loans
Lease liability
Trade and other payables

Total

30 June 2022

Weighted 
average 
interest 
rate

Floating 
interest 
rate
$’000

Fixed 
interest 
rate 
maturing 
in 1 year 
or less
 $’000

Fixed 
interest 
rate 
maturing in 
2 to 5 years 
$’000

Fixed 
interest 
rate 
maturing 
in 5 years 
$’000

Non-
interest 
bearing 
$’000

6.11%
0.00%
12.00%
10.23%

0.00%
9.32%
0.00%

7,053
–
–
–

7,053

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
421

421

–
98
–

98

–
–
–
–

–

–
465
–

465

–
–
24,973
2,831

27,804

–
3,546
–

3,546

511
1,231
–
294

2,036

1,981
–
2,221

4,202

Weighted 
average 
interest 
rate

Floating 
interest 
rate
$’000

Fixed 
interest 
rate 
maturing 
in 1 year 
or less
 $’000

Fixed 
interest 
rate 
maturing in 
2 to 5 years 
$’000

Fixed 
interest 
rate 
maturing in 
5 years 
$’000

Non-
interest 
bearing 
$’000

Financial assets
Cash on hand and at bank
Loan to Prieska Resources
Investment in preference shares
Other receivables

Total

Financial liabilities
Loans
Lease liability
Trade and other payables

Total

1.04%
0.00%
12.00%
3.59%

8.25%
7.01%
0.00%

4,128
–
–
–

4,128

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
438

438

1,959
107
–

2,066

–
–
–
–

–

–
653
–

653

–
–
24,602
2,684

27,286

–
4,111
–

4,111

160
1,367
–
397

1,924

–
–
2,522

2,522

Total
$’000

7,564
1,231
24,973
3,546

37,314

1,981
4,109
2,221

8,311

Total
$’000

4,288
1,367
24,602
3,519

33,776

1,959
4,871
2,522

9,352

108

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  21   Commitments and contingencies

Tenement commitments – South Africa and Australia
The Group has a portfolio of tenements located in South Africa and in Victoria, Australia, which all have a requirement for 
a certain level of expenditure each and every year in addition to annual rental payments for the tenements. 

Guarantees
The Group has the following contingent liabilities at 30 June 2023:

 — It has negotiated bank guarantees in favour of the South African Government towards obligations of mining 

and exploration tenements. The total of these guarantees at 30 June 2023 was $2.92M (2022: $2.78M), including 
a guarantee towards Eskom for Contract Work Security for the amount of $33k (ZAR415K).

 — The Group also has bank guarantees in favour of the Victorian Government for rehabilitation obligations and the 

total of these guarantees at 30 June 2023 was $0.24M (2022: $0.25M). The Group has sufficient term deposits to cover 
the outstanding guarantees; and

 — It has guaranteed to cover the directors and officers in the event of legal claim against the individual or as a group 

for conduct which is within the Company guidelines, operations and procedures.

As part of the Group’s environmental policy, exploration and access sites are regenerated to match or exceed 
local government and state government expectations. The costs are not considered to be material by the Group, 
however, this policy will be reviewed as exploration and development activities increase as the Company moves 
closer towards commercial production.

Guarantees – Rental Agreement
The Group has the following bonds at 30 June 2023:

 — It has negotiated guarantees in favour of rental agreements. The total of these guarantees at 30 June 2023 was 

$NIL (2022: $3,117). 

109

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

22  Controlled entities

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and the subsidiaries listed in 
the following table.

Parent Ownership
Interest

Non-controlling 
Interest

County of 
incorporation

2023
%

2022
%

2023
%

2022
%

Entity
Parent Entity
Orion Minerals Ltd

Subsidiaries
Goldstar Resources (WA) Pty Ltd
Kamax Resources Limited
Areachap Holdings No 1 Pty Ltd
Areachap Holdings No 2 Pty Ltd
Areachap Holdings No 3 Pty Ltd
RSA Services (Pty) Ltd
Orion Group Services International Ltd
Areachap Investments 1 B.V.
Areachap Investments 2 B.V.
Areachap Investments 3 B.V.
Areachap Investments 6 B.V.
Agama Exploration & Mining (Pty) Ltd
Area Metals Holdings No 1 (Pty) Ltd
Area Metals Holdings No 2 (Pty) Ltd
Area Metals Holdings No 3 (Pty) Ltd
Area Metals Holdings No 4 (Pty) Ltd
Area Metals Holdings No 5 (Pty) Ltd
Area Metals Holdings No 6 (Pty) Ltd
New Okiep Exploration Company (Pty) Ltd
New Okiep Mining Company (Pty) Ltd
Orion Exploration No 1 (Pty) Ltd
Orion Exploration No 3 (Pty) Ltd
Orion Exploration No 4 (Pty) Ltd
Orion Exploration No 5 (Pty) Ltd
Orion Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd
PCZM HoldCo (Pty) Ltd
Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (Pty) Ltd
Rich Rewards Trading 437 (Pty) Ltd
Vardocube (Pty) Ltd
Bartotrax (Pty) Ltd
Aquila Sky Trading 890 (Pty) Ltd 
Masiqhame Trading 855 (Pty) Ltd

Associates
Namaqua Nickel Mining (Pty) Ltd
Disawell (Pty) Ltd

Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Seychelles
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa

South Africa
South Africa

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
56.25
100
100
100
100
100
100
70
100
70
100
68
50

25
25

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
–
70
100
70
100
68
50

25
25

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
43.75
–
–
–
–
–
–
30
–
30
–
32
50

N/A
N/A

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
30
–
30
–
32
50

N/A
N/A

Associates Note:
Associates listed above are not controlled by the Group and have no material impact on the Consolidated Financial 
Statements as at 30 June 2023 (refer Note 8). 

110

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  23  Non-controlling interest

Opening balance – 1 July
Movement
Partial disposal of subsidiary(a)
Shareholder capital contribution(b)
Accumulated losses

Closing balance – 30 June

2023
$’000

(4,915)

(1,944)
409
(1,795)

(8,245)

2022
$’000

(3,677)

–
–
(1,238)

(4,915)

(a)  On 8 November 2022, Orion sold 43.75% of its shareholding in NOM to the IDC. 
(b)  Upon becoming a shareholder, the IDC advanced ZAR34.58M (~$3.0M) to NOM, IFRS 9 was applied to the loan 

received, resulting in a ZAR4.88m (~$0.41M) Shareholder capital contribution.

The non-controlling interest parties have the following interest in the Group South African subsidiaries:

Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (Pty) Ltd 30% (2022: 30%), Vardocube (Pty) Ltd 30% (2022: 30%), New Okiep Mining Company (Pty) Ltd 
43.75% (2022: NIL) and Aquila Sky Trading 890 (Pty) Ltd 31.78% (2022: 31.78%). Masiqhame Trading 855 (Pty) Ltd 50% (2022: 50%) 
do not participate in the profit/loss and has no impact on the NCI value.

24  Related parties disclosure

Key management personnel compensation
The key management personnel compensation included in administration expenses and exploration and evaluation 
expenses (refer Note 3) and deferred exploration, evaluation and development (refer Note 11) is as follows:

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share based payments

Total

2023
$

1,439,296
7,127
53,577

1,500,000

2022
$

1,627,683
6,818
179,848

1,814,349

Individual directors and executives compensation disclosures
Information regarding individual directors and executives’ compensation and some equity instruments disclosures as 
required by Corporations Regulations 2M.3.03 are provided in the remuneration report section of the Directors’ Report.

Key management personnel and director transactions
A number of key management personnel, or their related parties, hold positions in other entities that result in them having 
control, joint control or a relevant interest over the financial or operating policies of those entities. A number of these 
entities transacted with the Group during the year. The terms and conditions of the transactions with key management 
personnel and their related parties were no more favourable than those available, or which might reasonably be 
expected to be available, on similar transactions to non-key management personnel related entities on an arm’s length 
basis.

111

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

24  Related parties disclosure (continued)

From time to time, Directors of the Group, or their related entities, may provide services to the Group. These services 
are provided on terms that might be reasonably expected for other parties and are trivial or domestic in nature. 
The following transactions occurred with related parties:

Payments for services to Tarney Holdings Pty Ltd

Total

2023
$

54,600

54,600

2022
$

123,000

123,000

Tarney Holdings Pty Ltd is an entity associated with the Company’s Chairman, Mr Denis Waddell. Mr Waddell provides 
consulting services to the Group through Tarney Holdings by way of agreement between both parties.

25  Auditor remuneration

Amounts received or due and receivable by BDO Audit Pty Ltd for:
An audit or review of the financial report of the Company and any other entity 
in the Group

Total amount for BDO Audit Pty Ltd

Amounts received or due and receivable by BDO South Africa for:
An audit or review of the financial report of the Company and any other entity 
in the Group

Total amount for BDO South Africa

Total amount for auditors

26   Segment reporting

2023
$

84,000

84,000

115,568

115,568

199,568

2022
$

91,250

91,250

93,368

93,368

184,618

The Group’s operating segments are identified and information disclosed, where appropriate, on the basis of internal 
reports reviewed by the Company’s Board of Directors, being the Group’s Chief Operating Decision Maker, as defined by 
AASB 8. Reportable segments disclosed are based on aggregating operating segments where the segments have similar 
characteristics.

The Group’s core activity is mineral exploration within South Africa and Australia. During the 2023 financial year, the Group 
has actively undertaken exploration in South Africa, with segment recording from 29 March 2017.

Reportable segments are represented as follows: 

30 June 2023

Segment net operating profit/(loss) after tax
Depreciation
Finance income
Finance expense
Exploration expenditure written off and expensed

Segment non-current assets

Australia
$’000

South Africa
$’000

(3,944)
(4)
161
(21)
(467)

11,045

(13,182)
(168)
3,159
(409)
(3,664)

72,368

Total
$’000

(17,126)
(172)
3,320
(430)
(4,131)

83,413

112

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  26  Segment reporting (continued)

30 June 2022

Segment net operating profit/(loss) after tax
Depreciation
Finance income
Finance expense
Exploration expenditure written off and expensed

Segment non-current assets

Australia
$’000

South Africa
$’000

(4,345)
(5)
110
–
(1,116)

11,053

(11,180)
(140)
2,926
(288)
(9,791)

73,125

Total
$’000

(15,525)
(145)
3,036
(288)
(10,907)

84,178

27  Parent entity disclosures

As at, and throughout, the financial year ended 30 June 2023, the parent company of the Group was Orion Minerals Ltd.

Result of parent entity
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive loss for the period

Financial position of parent entity at year end
Current assets
Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total net assets

Total equity of the parent entity comprising:

Issued capital
Accumulated losses
Other reserves

Total equity

2023
$’000

(2,636)
–

(2,636)

12,700
104,003

116,703

(719)
(331)

(1,050)

115,653

207,625
(94,808)
2,837

115,653

2022
$’000

(2,482)
–

(2,482)

9,127
89,577

98,704

(314)
1,878

1,564

100,268

189,755
(93,095)
3,608

100,268

The total net assets of the Parent Entity exceed those of the consolidated Group total net assets. The Group has a 
conservative capitalisation policy alongside low-value capital expenditure. The Directors are of the opinion that no 
impairment is required as the loans to Company subsidiary entities are recoverable once the projects are in production.

113

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 30 June 2023 

27  Parent entity disclosures (continued)

Parent entity contingencies
The directors are of the opinion that provisions are not required in respect of these matters, as it is not probable that 
a future sacrifice of economic benefits will be required or the amount is not capable of reliable measurement.

Contingent liabilities
The Company has issued bank guarantees in respect of its rental agreements and mining tenements. Under the terms 
of the financial guarantee contracts, the Company will make payments to reimburse the guarantors upon failure of the 
Company to make payments when due. Refer to Note 20 for further detail.

28  Share based payments

The Group has an Option and Performance Rights Plan (OPRP) for the granting of options or performance rights to 
employees. There were 111,000,000 options granted during the financial year (2022: NIL options) under the Company’s 
OPRP. Options granted to Directors and the CEO during the year, are reported in the Remuneration Report. 

Total expenses arising from share-based payment transactions recognised during the year as part of employee benefit 
expense was $0.15M (2022: $0.42M). Options which expired during the financial year were written back to accumulated 
losses, $0.92M.

Outlined below is a summary of option movements during the financial year for options issued to key to employees under 
the OPRP:

Average 
Weighted 
Exercise Price
$

0.045
0.027
–
0.064

0.031

Average 
Weighted 
Exercise Price
$

0.045
–
–
0.045

0.045

Number of 
Options

90,700,000
111,000,000
–
(47,700,000)

154,000,000

Number of 
Options

126,500,000
–
–
(35,800,000)

90,700,000

30 June 2023

Balance outstanding at start of year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Expired/lapsed during the year

Balance outstanding at end of year

30 June 2022

Balance outstanding at start of year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Expired/lapsed during the year

Balance outstanding at end of year

114

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE   
 
28  Share based payments (continued)

The weighted average contractual life for the share options outstanding as at 30 June 2023 is between 1 and 4 years 
(2022: 1 and 4 years). The exercise price range for outstanding options as at 30 June 2023 is between $0.023 and $0.07.

The weighted average share price, on options exercised, during the year ended 30 June 2023 was $0.0 as no options were 
exercised (2022: $0.0)

Set out below are the unlisted options exercisable by Directors, KMPs and all employees at the end of the financial year:

Grant date

Expiry date

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

24 Nov 2020
20 Nov 2020
29 Sep 2020
26 Mar 2020
14 June 2019
29 April 2019
4 May 2023
21 Sep 2018
31 May 2017

Total

31 Mar 2025
31 Mar 2025
31 Mar 2025
31 Mar 2025
30 April 2024
30 April 2024
30 Nov 2023
31 May 2023
31 May 2022

21,333,334
21,333,333
21,333,333
25,000,000
25,000,000
25,000,000
199,999,992
–
–

9,000,000
16,000,000
30,000,000
31,500,000
30,000,000
58,500,000
–
14,700,000
–

4,666,666
8,000,000
20,000,000
21,000,000
30,000,000
58,500,000
–
14,700,000
35,800,000

–
–
–
10,500,000
20,000,000
39,000,000
–
10,000,000
24,400,000

–
–
–
–
10,000,000
19,500,000
–
5,100,000
12,300,000

2,138,999,992

189,700,000

192,666,666

103,900,000

46,900,000

The fair values of the options are estimated at the date of grant using the Hull-White option pricing model. The following 
table outlines the assumptions made in determining the fair value of the options granted during the year:

Grant date

Expiry date

4 May 2023
4 May 2023
4 May 2023

31 Jan 2028
31 Jan 2028
31 Jan 2028

Share price 
at grant date

Exercise 
price

Expected 
volatility

Risk-free 
interest rate

Fair value 
at grant date

$0.017
$0.017
$0.017

$0.023
$0.027
$0.032

87.38%
87.38%
87.38%

2.97%
2.97%
2.97%

$0.010
$0.010
$0.010

29  Subsequent events after the balance date

There has not arisen in the interval between the end of the financial year and the date of this report any item, transaction 
or event of a material and unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the Directors of the Company, to affect the operations 
of the Group, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the Group in subsequent financial years except for 
the matter referred to below:

 — On 17 July 2023, the Company announced that it had taken another important step in advancing the multi-pronged 
funding strategy for its flagship PCZM in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa where the Company fulfilled all 
conditions precedent for the previously announced ZAR250 million (~$20 million) IDC Convertible Loan and such other 
conditions to the Triple Flag $10 million Funding Arrangement, enabling it to submit drawdown notices to both the IDC 
and Triple Flag for an initial drawdown totalling ZAR167 million (~$13.8 million), with such funds received in July and 
August 2023.

115

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Directors’ Declaration

1 

2 

3 

4 

In the opinion of the directors of Orion Minerals Ltd (the Company) the consolidated financial statements and notes that 
are set out on pages 78 to 115 and the Remuneration Report set out on pages 64 to 74, identified within in the Directors’ 
Report, are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i) 

giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 2023 and of its performance for 
the financial year ended on that date; and

(ii)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and 

the Corporations Regulations 2001.

The Directors draw attention to Note 2(a)(iii) to the consolidated financial statements, which the Directors have considered 
in forming their view that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and 
when they become due and payable.

The Directors have been given the declarations required by Section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 from the 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the financial year ended 30 June 2023.

The Directors draw attention to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, which includes a statement of 
compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors:

Denis Waddell
Chairman

Tuscany, Italy

29 September 2023

116

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Independent Auditor’s Report

Tel: +61 8 7324 6000 
Fax: +61 8 7324 6111 
www.bdo.com.au 

BDO Centre  
Level 7, 420 King William Street  
Adelaide SA 5000 
GPO Box 2018 Adelaide SA 5001 
Australia 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT 

TO THE MEMBERS OF ORION MINERALS LTD 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

Opinion  

We have audited the financial report of Orion Minerals Ltd (the Company) and its subsidiaries (the 
Group), which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2023, the 
consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, the consolidated statement 
of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes 
to the financial report, including a summary of significant accounting policies and the directors’ 
declaration. 

In our opinion the accompanying financial report of the Group, is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including:  

(i)  Giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 2023 and of its financial 

performance for the year ended on that date; and  

(ii)  Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.  

Basis for opinion  

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.  Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial 
Report section of our report.  We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s 
APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) 
that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia.  We have also fulfilled our other 
ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. 

We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been 
given to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the 
time of this auditor’s report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion.  

Material uncertainty related to going concern  

We draw attention to Note 2(a)(iii) in the financial report which describes the events and/or conditions 
which give rise to the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the 
Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and therefore the Group may be unable to realise its 
assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. Our opinion is not modified in 
respect of this matter.  

BDO Audit Pty Ltd ABN 33 134 022 870 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO 
Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of 
BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and form part of the international BDO network of independent membe r 
firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

117

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report continued

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report of the current period.  These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 
a separate opinion on these matters. In addition to the matter described in the Material uncertainty 
related to going concern section, we have determined the matters described below to be the key audit 
matters to be communicated in our report. 

EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION COSTS 

Key audit matter  

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

The Group has incurred significant exploration 

Our audit procedures included, but were not limited to: 

and evaluation expenditures which have been 

capitalised.  

•  Obtaining evidence that the Group has valid rights to 
explore in the areas represented by the capitalised 

AASB 6 Exploration for and Evaluation of 

exploration and evaluation expenditures by obtaining 

Mineral Resources contains detailed 

independent searches; 

requirements with respect to both the initial 

recognition of such assets and ongoing 

•  Confirming whether the rights to tenure of the areas of 
interest remained current at reporting date as well as 

requirements to continue to carry forward the 

confirming that rights to tenure are expected to be 

assets.   

renewed for tenements that will expire in the near future;  

We consider this a key audit matter as the 

•  Agreeing a sample of the additions to capitalised 

carrying value of exploration and evaluation 

exploration expenditure during the year to supporting 

expenditures capitalised represents a 

significant asset of the Group. 

Note 2(r) and note 11 to the financial 

statements contains the accounting policy and 

documentation, and ensuring that the amounts were 

capitalised correctly;  

•  Reviewing the directors’ assessment of the carrying value 
of the exploration and evaluation expenditure, ensuring 

disclosures in relation to exploration and 

that management have considered the effect of potential 

evaluation expenditures. 

impairment indicators;  

•  Reviewing public (ASX) announcements and reviewing 

minutes of directors’ meetings to ensure that the Group 

had not decided to discontinue activities in any of its areas 

of interest; and 

•  Reviewing the status of the Group’s project to 

support/corroborate management assessment of the 

classification of the capitalised exploration asset to ensure 

the correct presentation at the reporting date. 

118

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE   
 
 
 
IDC SHAREHOLDER LOAN  

Key audit matter  

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

During the period the Group triggered pre-

Our audit procedures included, but were not limited to: 

development funding arrangement for the Flat 

Mines SAFTA area, resulting in the receipt of an 

unsecured, interest free loan from the Industrial 

Development Corporation of South Africa Limited 

(IDC). 

We considered this a key audit matter due to the 

significance of this transaction to the Group’s 

financial position and the unsecured, interest free 

nature of the loan. 

Note 14 to the financial statements contains the 

accounting disclosures in relation to this 

transaction. 

Other information  

•  Evaluating management’s position paper in respect of 

the loan; 

•  Engaging BDO’s IFRS technical accounting experts to 

assess the position paper; 

•  Agreeing key inputs included in the resultant 
calculations to supporting documents; and 

•  Reviewing the adequacy of the disclosures in the 

financial statements. 

The directors are responsible for the other information.  The other information comprises the 
information in the Group’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2023, but does not include the 
financial report and the auditor’s report thereon.  

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and we do not express any 
form of assurance conclusion thereon.  

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial 
report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this 
other information, we are required to report that fact.  We have nothing to report in this regard.  

Responsibilities of the directors for the Financial Report  

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the 
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.  

119

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report continued

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report  

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free 
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 
includes our opinion.  Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an 
audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists.  Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material 
if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report.  

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the 
Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at: 
https://www.auasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/ar1_2020.pdf 

This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

Report on the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report  

We have audited the Remuneration Report included on pages 64 to 74 of the directors’ report for the 
year ended 30 June 2023. 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Orion Minerals Ltd, for the year ended 30 June 2023, 
complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.  

Responsibilities 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the 
Remuneration Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.  Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with 
Australian Auditing Standards. 

BDO Audit Pty Ltd 

Andrew Tickle
Director

Adelaide, 29 September 2023

120

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional ASX Information
Shareholder Information 

For the year ended 30 June 2023 

The following additional information not shown elsewhere in this report is required by ASX Limited in respect of listed companies 

only. This information is current as at 8 September 2023. 

Distribution of ordinary shares and options 

1 – 1,000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 and over

Fully paid ordinary shares

Unlisted options

Number 
of holders

Number 
of shares

2,569,786
11,899
10,221,655
4,226
10,879,645
1,464
4,028
153,755,286
2,191 5,509,274,976

23,808 5,686,701,348

%

0.05
0.18
0.19
2.70
96.88

100

Number 
of holders

Number 
of options

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
57 3,774,154,708

57 3,774,154,708

Holders of non-marketable parcels
Shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel on the ASX register was 398.

Twenty largest holders of ordinary shares

The names of the twenty largest holders of ordinary shares are:

Ordinary shares

Sparta AG

IGO Limited
Tarney Holdings Pty Ltd
Ratel Growth Pty Ltd
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

1 Ndovu Capital X BV 
2 Clover Alloys Copper Investments (Pty) Ltd
3
4 Delphi Unternehmensberatung Aktiengesellschaft
5
6
7
8
9 Deutsche Balaton Aktiengesellschaft
10 GEPF – M and G Investments
11 Silja Investment Limited
12 Peresec Prime Brokers (Pty) Ltd 
13 Netwealth Investments Limited
14 Mr Petrus Fourie
15 Mosiapoa Capital (Pty) Ltd
16 Dr Leon Eugene Pretorius
17  African Exploration Mining and Fina Soc Ltd 
18 Belair Australia Pty Ltd
19 Anglo American sefa Mining
20 Anglo American Zimele Pty Ltd

Total issued ordinary share capital

Substantial shareholders
The following shareholders are recorded in the Company’s register of substantial shareholders:

1,081,799,892
448,208,440
349,738,758
277,360,191
154,166,666
143,943,912
133,333,333
127,560,794
126,995,064
123,187,773
106,321,960
62,662,264
59,861,149
55,546,487
54,320,235
51,190,000
43,522,276
42,000,000
38,783,706
38,783,706

3,519,286,606

5,686,701,348

%

–
–
–
–
100

100

%

19.02
7.88
6.15
4.88
2.71
2.53
2.34
2.24
2.23
2.17
1.87
1.10
1.05
0.98
0.96
0.90
0.77
0.74
0.68
0.68

61.89

Holders giving notice

Date of 
notice

Ordinary shares 
as at date of notice

% holding 
as at date of notice

Ndovu Capital X BV
Delphi Unternehmensberatung Aktiengesellschaft
Clover Alloys Copper Investments (Pty) Ltd

06-04-2023
15-05-2021
31-03-2023

1,029,083,226
568,844,513
444,444,444

18.83
13.79
8.13

This information is based on substantial holder notifications provided to the Company.

Voting rights 
The Company’s issued shares are one class with each share being entitled to one vote.

Franking credits
The Company has nil franking credits.

121

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Additional ASX Information
Tenement Table

Project 

Right/tenement

Status

Ownership
interest

Grant date 

Expiry date

Holder1

South Africa

Prieska Copper  
Zinc Mine (PCZM) 

Prieska Copper  
Zinc Mine (PCZM) 

PCZM Near Mine

PCZM Near Mine

NC30/5/1/2/2/10138MR Granted

ORN 70.00%

4/12/19

3/12/43

PCZM

NC30/5/1/2/2/10146MR Granted

ORN 70.00%

14/8/20

13/8/32

VAR

NC30/5/1/1/2/11840PR 
NC30/5/1/1/2/13752PRR 

NC30/5/1/1/2/11850PR 
NC30/5/1/1/2/13528PRR

Granted

ORN 70.00% 

29/8/18

28/8/23

PCZM

Granted

ORN 100.00% 

9/3/18

8/3/23

Awaiting 
execution

Awaiting 
execution

Awaiting 
execution

Awaiting 
execution

18/09/46

8/11/22

PCZM Near Mine

NC30/5/1/1/2/12257PR  Granted2

ORN 100.00% 

15/12/22 

PCZM Near Mine

NC30/5/1/1/2/12258PR  Granted2

ORN 100.00% 

27/10/22

PCZM Near Mine

NC30/5/1/1/2/12287PR  Granted2

ORN 100.00%

2/12/22

PCZM Near Mine

NC30/5/1/1/2/12405PR  Granted2

ORN 100.00% 

10/11/22 

Namaqua-Disawell 

NC30/5/1/1/2/10032MR  Granted

ORN 25.00% 

Granted

ORN 25.00% 

19/9/16

2/10/14

Namaqua-Disawell 

Namaqua-Disawell 

NC30/5/1/1/2/10938PR 
NC30/5/1/1/2/13397PRR

NC30/5/1/1/2/11010PR 
NC30/5/1/1/2/13398PRR 

Namaqua-Disawell 

NC30/5/1/1/2/12216PR  Granted

Boksputs North

Masiqhame 

Flat Mines Mine

Flat Mines Mine

NC30/5/1/1/2/12197PR  Granted

NC30/5/1/1/2/12292PR  Granted

ORN 50.00% 

NC30/5/1/2/2/10150MR  Granted

NC30/5/1/1/2/12850PR  Granted

ORN 56.25%

ORN 56.25%

ORN 25.00%

ORN 70.00%

Granted

ORN 25.00% 

2/10/14

8/11/22

14/1/21

14/1/21

24/3/22

28/7/22

27/6/23

13/1/26

13/1/26

23/3/25

27/7/37

Awaiting 
execution

Okiep Copper Project

NC30/5/1/1/2/11125PR 
NC30/5/1/1/2/13395PRR 

Granted

ORN 100.00%

9/11/17

8/11/22

Okiep Copper Project

NC30/5/1/1/2/12357PR  Granted

ORN 100.00%

14/1/21

13/1/26

Okiep Copper Project

NC30/5/1/1/2/12852PR  Granted

ORN 100.00%

22/8/23

Okiep Copper Project

NC30/5/1/1/2/12854PR  Granted

ORN 100.00%

22/8/23

Okiep Copper Project

NC30/5/1/1/2/12897PR  Granted2

ORN 100.00%

15/12/22 

Marydale

Marydale

Flat Mines Mine

Flat Mines Mine

Okiep Pipeline

NC30/5/1/1/2/12721PR

Application

NC30/5/1/1/2/12196PR 

Application

NC30/5/1/1/2/12755PR 

Application

NC30/5/1/1/2/12848PR 

Application

NC30/5/1/1/2/13010PR 

Application

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Awaiting 
execution

Awaiting 
execution

Awaiting 
execution

–

–

–

–

–

BAR

OE5

OE5

OE5

OE5

NAM

DIS

DIS

NAM

OE1

MAS

SAFTA

SAFTA

NOEC 
(ceded 
from NCC)

NOEC
(ceded 
from BCC)

OE6

OE6

OE6

–

–

–

–

–

1  Holder abbreviations – ORN (Orion Minerals Ltd); GRPL (Geological Resources Pty Ltd); IGO (IGO Ltd); KMX (Kamax Resources 
Limited); NBX (NBX Pty Ltd); PON (Ponton Minerals Pty Ltd); NAM (Namaqua Nickel Mining (Pty) Ltd); DIS (Disawell (Pty) Ltd); 
MAS (Masiqhame 855 (Pty) Ltd); NOEC (New Okiep Exploration Company (Pty) Ltd); PCZM (Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (Pty) Ltd); 
VAR (Vardocube (Pty) Ltd); BAR (Bartotrax (Pty) Ltd); OE1 (Orion Exploration No. 1 (Pty) Ltd); OE5 (Orion Exploration No. 5 (Pty) Ltd); 
OE6 (Orion Exploration No. 6 (Pty) Ltd); SAFTA (Southern African Tantalum Mining (Pty) Ltd); NCC (Nababeep Copper Company (Pty) 
Ltd); BCC (Bulletrap Copper Co (Pty) Ltd).

2	 Grant	rectification/s	in	progress.
R  Prospecting Right renewal application accepted; the right remains active.

122

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE  Project 

Right/tenement

Status

Western Australia

Fraser Range 

Fraser Range 

Fraser Range 

Fraser Range 

Fraser Range 

Victoria

Walhalla 

Walhalla 

E28/2367 

E28/2596 

E39/1653 

E39/1654 

E69/2707 

EL5042

EL6069 

Ownership
interest

KMX 30.00% 

KMX 30.00% 

KMX 35.00% 

ORN 10.00% 

ORN 10.00% 

Granted

Granted

Granted

Granted

Granted

Granted

ORN 100.00% 

Granted

ORN 100.00% 

Grant date 

Expiry date

Holder1

7/5/15

6/9/16

20/4/12

23/4/12

19/6/15

20/2/23

20/2/23

6/5/25

5/9/26

IGO

IGO

19/4/24

IGO & GRPL

22/4/24

IGO & NBX

18/6/25

IGO & PON

19/2/28

19/2/28

ORN

ORN

1  Holder abbreviations – ORN (Orion Minerals Ltd); GRPL (Geological Resources Pty Ltd); IGO (IGO Ltd); KMX (Kamax Resources 
Limited); NBX (NBX Pty Ltd); PON (Ponton Minerals Pty Ltd); NAM (Namaqua Nickel Mining (Pty) Ltd); DIS (Disawell (Pty) Ltd); 
MAS (Masiqhame 855 (Pty) Ltd); NOEC (New Okiep Exploration Company (Pty) Ltd); PCZM (Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (Pty) Ltd); 
VAR (Vardocube (Pty) Ltd); BAR (Bartotrax (Pty) Ltd); OE1 (Orion Exploration No. 1 (Pty) Ltd); OE5 (Orion Exploration No. 5 (Pty) Ltd); 
OE6 (Orion Exploration No. 6 (Pty) Ltd); SAFTA (Southern African Tantalum Mining (Pty) Ltd); NCC (Nababeep Copper Company (Pty) 
Ltd); BCC (Bulletrap Copper Co (Pty) Ltd).

123

ORION MINERALS ANNUAL REPORT 202302 LEADERSHIP03 BUSINESS REVIEW04 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS01 CORPORATE PROFILE Corporate Directory

Board of Directors
Denis Waddell (Non-Executive Chairman)

Errol Smart (Managing Director/CEO) 

Thomas Borman (Non-Executive Director)

Godfrey Gomwe (Non-Executive Director)

Philip Kotze (Non-Executive Director)

Mark Palmer (Non-Executive Director

Company Secretary
Martin Bouwmeester

Registered Office and  
Principal Place of Business
Level 21

55 Collins Street

Melbourne, Victoria 3000

Telephone: +61 (0)3 8080 7170

Auditor
BDO Audit Pty Ltd

Level 18

Tower 4, 727 Collins Street 

Docklands, Victoria 3008

Share Registry
Link Market Services Limited

QV1, Level 2, 250 St Georges Terrace 

Perth, Western Australia 6000 

Telephone: +61 1300 306 089

Stock Exchange
Primary listing:
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) 

ASX Code: ORN

Secondary listing:
JSE Limited (JSE)

JSE Code: ORN

JSE Sponsor
Merchantec Capital

13th Floor, Illovo Point

68 Melville Road

Illovo, Sandton 2196

Website
www.orionminerals.com.au

 www.orionminerals.com.au