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Afarak Group

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FY2015 Annual Report · Afarak Group
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ANNUAL 
REPORT

A F A R A K

G R O U P

2015

A  vertically-integrated  producer  of 
speciality  alloys,  Afarak  is  a  global 
organisation with operations in South 
Africa,  Turkey  and  Germany.  Afarak 
is listed on the NSDAQ OMX Helsinki 
Stock  Exchange  and  the  London 
Stock Exchange.

A F A R A K

G R O U P

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CONTENTS

STRATEGIC REVIEW

GROUP HIGHLIGHTS
CEO REVIEW
BUSINESS MODEL
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR CLIENTS
OUR STRATEGY
2015 FOCUS
YEAR IN REVIEW
THE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
OPERATIONAL REVIEW
FINANCIAL REVIEW
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
RISK STATEMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

RESOURCE STATEMENTS

GOVERNANCE REVIEW

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR PEOPLE

THE BOARD
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM
CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
THE BOARD OF 2015
BOARD COMMITTEES
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
INTERNAL CONTROL
INSIDER ADMINISTRATION
RESOLUTIONS OF AGM
REMUNERATION REPORT

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

KEY FIGURES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT AND 
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL 
POSITION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH 
FLOWS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN 
EQUITY
1. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS
1.1 COMPANY INFORMATION
1.2 ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
1.3 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND 
ACQUISTION OF NON-CONTROLLING 
INTEREST
1.4 IMPAIRMENT TESTING
1.5 OPERATING SEGMENTS
1.6 NOTES TO THE INCOME STATEMENT
1.7 NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL 
POSITION
1.8 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
1.9 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT 
LIABILITIES
1.10 EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

PARENT COMPANY’S FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (FAS)

INCOME STATEMENT (FAS)
BALANCE SHEET (FAS)
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (FAS)
2. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF 
THE PARENT COMPANY (FAS)
2.1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
2.2 NOTES TO THE INCOME STATEMENT
2.3 NOTES TO ASSETS
2.4 NOTES TO EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
2.5 PLEDGES AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 
2.6 OTHER NOTES

SIGNATURES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
REPORT AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AUDITOR’S REPORT

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STRATEGIC 
REVIEW

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2015 GROUP
HIGHLIGHTS

Strong turnaround in performance & profitability

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CEO
REVIEW

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Dr Alistair Ruiters
CEO

We Delivered.

2015 was a transformational year for Afarak. 

Against a difficult external environment, Afarak 

delivered a turnaround with significant operational 

and financial improvements. As a matter of fact, 

2015 has been Afarak’s strongest year. 

Our efforts to focus on specialized products and 

our ability to offer unique speciality alloys to 

each and every customer has provided us with 

added resilience in the face of adverse market 

conditions. Our reputation in this niche sector 

has allowed us to conclude additional long-term 

sale agreements and to build deeper relationships 

with our clients. In essence, it helped us protect 

our margins. It confirms Afarak’s vision of 

investing in research & development. In a market 

characterised by susceptibility to external factors, 

it is the speciality products that make us resilient 

to adverse market conditions.

Afarak has assembled an able team of 

professionals who were capable of transforming 

the business. Today, we are also pioneering 

logistics and delivery services to our clients apart 

from our bespoke speciality alloys. 

Delivering on commitments --------------------------------
This vision has allowed us to register a strong 

financial performance too. We delivered on 

our commitment to create shareholder value 

by delivering high profitability and long-term, 

sustainable growth remains at the heart of the 

Group’s operations. The Group’s continued focus 
on its core business and the production of special 

grade material resulted in an improvement of 

social responsibility. Looking ahead, we want to 

its operative cash flow and profitability. In fact, 

continue engaging with all stakeholders including 

Afarak’s EBITDA doubled when compared to 2014 

our valued shareholders. Our commitment 

as EBITDA improved both in the Speciality Alloys 

to continue creating value throughout all our 

segment and the Ferro Alloys segment.

operations remains central to our business 

strategy and vision. We plan to do so through mix 

Resumption of mining activities at the Turkish 

of investments, corporate social responsibility 

mines of Tavas and Kavak and at the South 

programs and other projects. 

African mine of Mecklenburg during 2015 

enabled the Group to increase production in 

both segments. Furthermore, the introduction of 

Looking ahead -----------------------------------
The economic conditions remain subdued. A weaker 

bulk sample mining at Vlakpoort in the second 

than expected economic recovery together with 

quarter contributed positively to the increase in 

China’s slowing economy will continue to present 

production volumes.

a very challenging scenario. However, we are ever 

more determined to continue delivering on our 

As part of its growth strategy, the Group proudly 

commitments. Our results for 2015 encourage us 

announced the completion of the shaking 

to continue moving forward with our strategy. We 

9

table plant at the FerroAlloys mine of Stellite in 

will continue to build on our already significant 

February 2016. The shaking table technology 

operational investments whilst we will continue 

will increase the mine’s total plant mass yield 

pursuing our drive towards an efficient and effective 

significantly, leading to a decrease in the 

organization that creates value to all its stakeholders. 

operating cost per ton. In 2015, the Speciality 

Alloys Turkish operation TMS invested in the new 

plant at Tavas and a fines tailing processing plant 

Thank you -----------------------------------
On behalf of my executive management team, I 

at Kavak, increasing annual mining volume by 

would like to thank all our people and stakeholders 

15,600 tonnes following the commissioning of 

for the past year. Your support has been essential 

these plants. New dust exhaustion was installed at 

in this transformational process. Our employees 

EWW, the smelting operation located in Germany 

have continued to prove themselves as the 

and a key component of Afarak’s integrated 

backbone of this agile and robust organization. Our 

Speciality Alloys business. The commissioning 

clients have been partners in this internal process 

by the Mogale Alloys plant in South Africa of the 

and continue to believe in Afarak’s unwavering 

refining and granulation plant in December 2014 

commitment to quality. Also, I would like to thank 

enabled the Group to increase annual processing 

the communities that host us.

levels in the FerroAlloys segment allowing the 

Group to enter into a new niche market and 

Lastly, I thank all the members of the Board, led by 

produce carbon ferrochrome in 2015.

our chairman Alfredo Parodi, for putting their trust 

in me and for sharing their extensive collective 

Health, safety and the environment continue to 

expertise and insight, and for providing the support 

be an integral part of our business. In 2015, the 
Group set up a Health Safety and Environment 

and guidance needed to deliver a performance that 
reflects Afarak’s full potential.

Dr Alistair Ruiters
CEO

Committee (HSEC) with the aim of building a 

stronger linkage between our operations and the 

social, environmental, health and safety position of all 

stakeholders. I am pleased to report that throughout 

2015, the Group only suffered 15 accidents that 

caused loss of time and zero fatalities.

Engaging with stakeholders ---------------------------------
Afarak remains at core a people-centered 

business. We have continued to work and engage 

with local communities where we have our assets. 

We are working closely with civil society groups 

as we seek to make a difference in people’s 
lives through our commitment to corporate 

OUR BUSINESS
MODEL

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Afarak is a vertically-integrated specialist alloys 

company. We extract, process, market and trade 

our specialised metals. We are trusted by a highly 

diversified customer base that includes industry 

leaders from the aviation, nuclear, oil & gas and 

automotive sectors. Through our investments we 

are today able to produce a unique alloy mix for 

every customer making us a boutique speciality 

alloys producer. 

In all we do, we take pride in delivering on our 

promise to create value for all our stakeholders.

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As we aim to create value across the product-

chain, Afarak remains committed to sustainable 

development, investment and to delivering a 

healthy financial performance for its shareholders. 

As a global company, we seek to achieve a balance 

between our environmental, social and economic 

interests in all of our operations. 

EXTRACT

We operate our own mines in South Africa & Turkey guaranteeing a 

high-quality input to our processing activities. 

R&D

Our modern and state-of-the-art laboratories at our plant in Germany 

allow us to develop and test unique speciality alloys for every customer. 

PROCESS

Our expertise and technology allow us to process our metals into 

speciality alloys.

SALES & MARKETING

Our industry insight and knowledge allows us to sell our products all over 

the world whilst building long-standing relationships with our clients.

LOGISTICS & DELIVERY

of speciality alloys to our clients whilst supporting them in their 

Through our logistics platform we are able to deliver any quantity 

inventory management.

GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION

Our products are trusted and requested by clients all over the world. 

Today, we are honored to have a geographically diversified client base.

OUR PRODUCTS

We pride ourselves in being the speciality alloy 

producer of choice for many leading companies 

around the world. Our knowledge and leadership 

allows us to produce unique alloys for each and 

every customer, tailored to their specific needs. 

Today, our products are found in a variety of 

sectors including aerospace, nuclear energy, 

construction, automobile and oil & gas. 

If it’s speciality,
it’s Afarak.

Products

Customers

End User

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Ferrochrome smelters

Stainless steel smelters

Stainless steel smelters

Carbon steel mills

Cutlery
Automotive
Appliances
Construction
Architectural
Rail
Chemical applications

Automotive
Construction
Infrastructure
Housing
Appliance
Shipping
Industrial machinery

Tool and high speed steels
Engineering steel
High stenght low alloy steel
Carbon steel mills

Aerospace
Automotive
Engineering
Plastics
Machinery
Yellow goods (mining equipment)
Structural applications
Nuclear power plant tubing/pipes

CHROME ORE

PLASMA CHARGE 
CHROME STAINLESS 
STEEL ALLOY

SILICONE 
MANGANESE

FERROCHROME
MEDIUM CARBON - LOW 
CARBON - ULTRA LOW CARBON - 
SPECIALITY LOW CARBON

OUR CLIENTS

We are trusted by a growing number of clients 

all over the world. Our diversified client base also 

strengthens our resilience to external pressures 

and protects our margin as our sales to Europe are 

speciality products.

Afarak is seen as a partner and not just a supplier. 

Our ability to supply clients with the products and 

materials they specify is at the foundation of our 

relationship with them. We are also pioneering 

the logistics and delivery approach in the alloy 

business. Afarak is able to supply its clients with 

small to large quantities thus supporting its clients 

in their inventory management.

USA
EUR 22%

EUROPE
EUR 43%

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AFRICA
EUR 13%

OUR STRATEGY

Afarak is focused on leveraging long-term growth 

opportunities. This goal guides our short to 

medium term strategy and action plans. 

Over the past few years, Afarak has invested 

heavily in its internal capacity to deliver. We have 

invested in our people, in technology, processes 

and systems. 

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MARGIN 
PROTECTION

LOCAL COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT

OPERATIONAL
EFFICIENCY

SUSTAINED
GROWTH

STRATEGIC
INVESTMENTS

ZERO HARM

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MARGIN
PROTECTION

Afarak has managed to protect its margin by becoming a leading 

speciality alloy producer. Our focus on offering speciality products

allows us to maximise our margins.

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OPERATIONAL
EFFICIENCY

We aim to streamline our processes and systems in order to reap 

economies of scale thus reducing our operational expenditure.

STRATEGIC
INVESTMENTS

Through a strategic investment programme, we continue to develop and 

implement new technologies to support our long-term strategy and goals.

ZERO
HARM

Afarak strives to achieve ‘Zero Harm’ at all of its operations and 

to provide its employees and contractors with a safe and healthy 

environment in which to work, develop and grow. 

SUSTAINED
GROWTH

Our industry insight and knowledge ensures that we have a pipeline of 

opportunities and projects to pursue and to sustain our growth.

LOCAL COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT

Afarak seeks to make positive contributions to the local communities in 

which it operates and to build long-term relationships to underpin the 

sustainability of its business.

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2015 IN
FOCUS

A F A R A K

G R O U P

THE YEAR
IN REVIEW

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JANUARY
Commissioning of the Tire Washing 
System at EWW, Germany

JUNE
Commenced bulk sampling at its Vlakpoort 
open pit mine in South Africa.

MARCH
Resumption of mining activities at 
Kavak, Turkey 

NOVEMBER

Re-ceritification of the Energy 

Management System as per DIN EN ISO 

50001 at EWW, Germany

AUGUST

•   Setting-up of Health Safety and 

Environment Committee

•   Installation of solar powered borehole 

pumps as a part of a community project, 

Mecklenburg, South Africa

JANUARY

•   Signing of further sale agreements 

regarding saw mill equipment

•   TMS has been granted the exploitation 

mining license for ‘Eagle Field” in Turkey

•   Start-up of the de-dusting system at 

EWW, Germany

01

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08

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02

2015

2016

MAY
•   New Board elected during AGM
•   Dr Alistair Ruiters appointed as CEO

SEPTEMBER

Investment in new plant at Tavas, Turkey

FEBRUARY
ISO 14001:2004 & ISO 9001:2008 
recertification, Mogale Alloys, South Africa

JULY
•   Investment in dryer at Mogale 
Alloys plant, South Africa
•   Commencement of storm 

water project, Mogale Alloys, 
South Africa

FEBRUARY

•   Afarak Trading entered into a 

long-term agreement of low 

carbon ferrochrome with US 

company Carpenter 

Technology Corporation

•    Completion of shaking table 

plant at Stellite Mine

•   Second campaign of high 

grad SiCr production at ASK, 

EWW Germany

DECEMBER

•   Commissioning of new dust 

exhaustion at EWW, Germany

•   Bulk sampling project at 

Vlakpoort, South Africa

JANUARY

Commissioning of the Tire Washing 

System at EWW, Germany

Commenced bulk sampling at its Vlakpoort 

open pit mine in South Africa.

JUNE

Resumption of mining activities at 

MARCH

Kavak, Turkey 

NOVEMBER
Re-ceritification of the Energy 
Management System as per DIN EN ISO 
50001 at EWW, Germany

AUGUST
•   Setting-up of Health Safety and 
Environment Committee
•   Installation of solar powered borehole 
pumps as a part of a community project, 
Mecklenburg, South Africa

JANUARY
•   Signing of further sale agreements 
regarding saw mill equipment
•   TMS has been granted the exploitation 
mining license for ‘Eagle Field” in Turkey
•   Start-up of the de-dusting system at 
EWW, Germany

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02

03

04

05

06

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08

09

10

11

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01

02

2015

2016

MAY

•   New Board elected during AGM

•   Dr Alistair Ruiters appointed as CEO

SEPTEMBER
Investment in new plant at Tavas, Turkey

FEBRUARY

ISO 14001:2004 & ISO 9001:2008 

recertification, Mogale Alloys, South Africa

JULY

•   Investment in dryer at Mogale 

Alloys plant, South Africa

•   Commencement of storm 

water project, Mogale Alloys, 

South Africa

FEBRUARY
•   Afarak Trading entered into a 
long-term agreement of low 
carbon ferrochrome with US 
company Carpenter 
Technology Corporation
•    Completion of shaking table 

plant at Stellite Mine

•   Second campaign of high 

grad SiCr production at ASK, 
EWW Germany

DECEMBER
•   Commissioning of new dust 

exhaustion at EWW, Germany

•   Bulk sampling project at 
Vlakpoort, South Africa

THE ECONOMIC 
ENVIRONMENT

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The external environment continues to pose 

challenges to the mining industry particularly 

through subdued economic growth, low commodity 

prices and unfavourable exchange rates. 

The global recovery continued to recover in 2015 

and grew at a modest rate. As some developed 

economies continued to strengthen, emerging 

economies were sluggish and dampened global 

growth to below three percent.

GDP growth (%)

15

12

9

6

3

0

-3

-6

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Source: World Bank.

The US economy continued its solid growth. 

subdued confidence have impacted the world 

Improvements in the labour market supported 

economy through the effects of weaker commodity 

consumer demand whilst higher equity markets 

prices and increased volatility in financial markets.

and the ongoing recovery in corporate investment 

supported growth. Europe’s recovery continued to 

gather momentum mainly driven by the successful 

Commodity prices --------------------------------
Commodity prices fell further in the second half of 

quantitative easing pursued by the European 

2015. By November, the three industrial commodity 

Central Bank. 

price indexes—energy, metals, and agricultural 

raw materials—were down, on average, 45 percent 

However, growth in China continued to slow down 

from their 2011 peaks. Abundant supplies, due in 

mainly driven by a dampened property market 

part to investment during the decade-long price 

and fixed asset investment programmed. This two 

boom, and softening demand are the main factors 

factors had in turn a strong impact on the demand 

behind the continued weakness. The appreciation 

for metals and minerals. Policy measures directed 

of the U.S. dollar, the currency in which most 

towards the property market have supported 

commodities are traded, has also contributed to 

growth. However, this s slow down coupled by 

the price weakness.

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Commodity Metals
Price Index

300

250

200

150

100

50

02/11

05/11

08/11

11/11

02/12

05/12

08/12

11/12

02/13

05/13

08/13

11/13

02/14

05/14

08/14

11/14

02/15

05/15

08/15

11/15

02/16

Source: IMF.

The slump in metal prices, which reached their lowest 

Despite the expectations at the end of the third 

levels in more than 6 years in November, reflects 

quarter that consumption would improve in the 

well-supplied markets as well as weaker growth 

fourth quarter, demand failed to grow materially 

in major emerging markets. New mining capacity 

and selling prices decreased further than expected.

came into operation in several countries, especially 

Australia, adding to already abundant supplies.

During the past year, the price of nickel, which is one 

Stainless Steel --------------------------------
The fourth quarter of 2015 has been another 

steel together with ferrochrome, in common with 

most other traded commodities, has had a notable 

difficult period for stainless steel industry globally. 

downward trend. The LME nickel prices have 

There was continued weakness in the European 

dropped from over US$ 15,000 per tonne in 2014, to 

markets with the margins for all mills remaining to 

US$ 8,650 per tonne, by the end of 2015, a decrease 

of the main raw materials used to produce stainless 

be unsatisfactory.

of more than 44%. In addition, prices were at levels 
lower than these during parts of the fourth quarter. 

The nickel price has been undermined, in part, by 

Spot ferroalloy prices continued to decrease during 

the unprecedented high level of LME inventory. The 

the fourth quarter, even though not at the same 

official daily figure rose from over 400,000 tonnes 

rate as Nickel or Ferro-Molybdenum. Destocking 

at the end of 2014, to reach a peak of over 470,000 

during the fourth quarter was expected to lead 

tonnes in June 2015. Stocks steadily reduced 

to a pickup in spot demand but the stainless steel 

thereafter reaching a low of around 393,000 

production showed very limited sign of any upturn.

tonnes, until a recent influx of material took the 

total over 438,000 tonnes at the end of 2015.

Manganese Alloy --------------------------------
The anti-dumping disputes continued in the 

The costs of the other major raw materials have 

steel market, within the alloy markets, including 

also fallen. The price paid by United States mills for 

silico manganese, which was also the subject of 

chromium has decreased by around 10% in the past 

trade cases. Bulk alloy prices have decreased 

twelve months, while the cost of scrap, used in the 

significantly during 2015 and in some cases have 

American producers’ alloy surcharge calculations, 

fallen back to the levels last seen prior to China’s 

has dropped by 56%, resulting in losses for scrap 

upsurge in stainless production which began 

22

suppliers. As a result, the December 2015 alloy 

in 2008 when the West was hit by the financial 

surcharge in the United States is 46% lower than 

crisis. Bulk alloys production in China and in the 

the figure reported in the same period of 2014. 

West was cut during the fourth quarter of 2015 in 

This contributes to a transaction value for 304 cold 

response to low prices.

rolled coil that was around 34% less than the prices 

in December 2014.

It was also noted that Eurasian Economic Union 

(EEU) Commission is considering introducing anti-

The Western mill selling figures for the same 

dumping measures of Ukrainian Silico-Manganese 

products have fallen by almost 34% in China and by 

to Russia, which could increase exports to Europe.

nearly 25% in Europe when compared to the prices 

at the end of 2014.

Currency --------------------------------
The South African Rand suffered a significant 

The persistent negative trend in stainless steel 

depreciation in value in 2015. Although the 

selling values has created very difficult business 

depreciation of the Rand increased the export 

conditions for all participants in the supply chain 

earnings of domestic producers, they were offset by 

except for the speciality stainless steel producers 

a further drop in international commodity prices.

who saw an improvement in sentiment.

Ferrochrome --------------------------------
In the fourth quarter South African benchmark 

price dropped from the third quarter by US$ 0.04/

lb Cr. The benchmark prices for the European steel 

mills and Japanese steel mills were of US$ 1.04/

On the other hand; the Euro, Sterling and Turkish 

Lira continued to weaken against the dollar 

throughout 2015.

Economic Outlook --------------------------------
The global economy is expected to modestly 

lb Cr and US$ 1.12/lb Cr respectively not including 
discounts which reached 25% at times. This price is 

improve its grow similarly the pace in 
2014, and to 5.3 percent in 2017 and 2018. 

the lowest since the third quarter of 2009. 

This modest improvement is predicated 

The Chinese spot market prices of high carbon 

on continued momentum in high-income 

ferrochrome and charge chrome also came under 

countries, a stabilization of commodity prices, 

downward pressure during the fourth quarter of 

still accommodative monetary policy in major 

2015 where prices went down below US$ 0.70/

economies with no bouts of financial market 

lb Cr, which is still low when compared to the 

turbulence, and a continued gradual slowdown in 

European benchmark prices. China’s ferrochrome 

China. With stabilizing commodity prices, growth 

market was quiet, with most producers waiting 

in commodity exporters is expected to resume.

for new tender prices from steelmakers, most of 

Among low-income countries, growth is mostly 

which was heavily delayed and therefore tonnages 

steady or rising. However, forecasts for 2016 

imported dropped to 539,938 tonnes in the fourth 

have been downgraded for some countries from 

quarter, from the 755,883 tonnes reported in the 

previous projections, reflecting lower commodity 

third quarter of 2015.

prices and rising security and political tensions in 
some countries.

The persistent growth slowdown in emerging 

forecasts in recent years. Many of the factors 

and developing economies has led to repeated 

underpinning the slowdowns – low commodity 

forecast downgrades. The largest emerging 

prices, weak global trade, and slow productivity 

markets are among the countries subject to 

growth – are expected to persist 

significant downward revisions to their long-term 

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OPERATIONAL
REVIEW

24

We achieved.

During 2015, both production and sales volumes 

segment, the increase in mining activity by 37.1% to 

increased over a year earlier contributing to the 

49,152 (35,848) tonnes was primarily derived from 

overall positive performance of the Group.

having the Turkish mines operating at normal levels 

throughout most of 2015 as opposed to the previous 

Production --------------------------------
Production for the year increased by 39.4% to 

year during which mining at TMS stopped during 

June 2014 due to a strike and lockout. Production of 

565,372 (405,660) tonnes. The increase was mainly 

processed material decreased at the Speciality Alloys 

attributable to the resumption of normal mining 

processing plant of EWW when compared to the 

activity levels at the Mecklenburg mine throughout 

previous year as a result of decreased demand and 

2015 following a seven-month suspension of mining 

inventory management. On the other hand, annual 

activity during 2014 and due to bulk sampling activity 

processing levels at the Ferro Alloys processing plant 

at Vlakpoort mine which commenced in June 2015. 

of Mogale Alloys were higher than those registered 

These factors were crucial in increasing mining 

during the previous year primarily as a result of 

activity in the FerroAlloys segment by 53.8% to 

medium carbon charge chrome production.

412,629 (268,351) tonnes. In the Speciality Alloys 

Group Production

Tonnes

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

FY15

FY14 Change

Speciality Alloys - Mining*

5,997

13,685

11,663

17,807

49,152

35,848

37.1%

FerroAlloys - Mining*

102,776

116,732

115,341

77,780 412,629

268,351

53.8%

Speciality Alloys - Processing

7,862

7,365

4,585

6,422

26,234

28,784

FerroAlloys - Processing

19,586

20,491

14,763

22,517

77,357

72,677

-8.9%

6.4%

* Including both chromite concentrate and lumpy ore production

Sales --------------------------------
The Group’s sales from processing, which includes 

the previous year due to lower demand during the 

second and third quarters of the year. On the other 

all the products produced at the Mogale Alloys 

hand, sales volumes in the FerroAlloys segment 

and EWW processing plants, were 104,150 (97,351) 

increased by 11.5% when compared to the previous 

tonnes in 2015, an increase of 7.0% compared 

year due to a stronger demand seen during the 

to 2014. Sales volumes in the Speciality Alloys 
segment decreased by 3.9% when compared to 

second and fourth quarters.

25

Group Sales

Tonnes

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

FY15

FY14 Change

Speciality Alloys - Processing

7,375

7,970

6,287

5,705

27,337

28,448

-3.9%

FerroAlloys - Processing

15,024

22,586

13,771

25,432

76,813

68,903

Total – Processing

22,399

30,556

20,058

31,137

104,150

97,351

11.5%

7.0%

Human resources --------------------------------
Afarak operates in a very competitive industry 

demonstrated by the number of senior female 

executives across the Group’s key business units.

and the Group’s ability to successfully execute its 

In South Africa specifically, as part of the Group’s 

business is dependent upon the competencies and 

compliance with local legislation, the FerroAlloys 

motivations of its employees, as well as its ability 

division monitors its employment equity and it 

to attract and retain a high calibre personnel. The 

is a vital component of the recruitment process 

Group follows local legislation and applicable 

to ensure Afarak is playing its part in the 

regulations at each of its operations in regards to 

transformation of South Africa. The FerroAlloys 

its human resources management.

division continues to aim for an aggressive target 

At the end of 2015, the Group’s headcount was 773, 
compared to 698 in 2014.

of at least 50% of its workforce is represented by 

historically disadvantaged individuals.

Highly skilled, motivated and diverse 

Equal opportunities and diversity are important 

employees are essential to the Group’s success 

to an international company such as Afarak and 

in implementing its business strategies and 

the Group’s commitment to gender diversity is 

executing its objective.

Group Personnel

Speciality Alloys

FerroAlloys

Other operations

Total

31 December 2015

31 December 2014

402

365

6

773

355

339

4

698

Change

13.2%

7.7%

50.0%

10.7%

FINANCIAL
REVIEW

26

We performed.

from November 2014 and Kavak from March 2015 

following the cessation of operations due to the strike 

Afarak posted a profit of €8.5 million when compared 

and lockout of the mines from June 2014 also had a 

to the €2.2 million posted a year earlier. The main 

positive effect on EBITDA.

driver behind this significant improvement was 

increased production and sales levels. 

The Synergy Africa Ltd joint venture managed to 

reduce its losses during 2015 amounting to EUR 

Revenue and profitability --------------------------------
Revenue for the full year 2015 increased by 8.7% to 

-0.1 (-3.3) million. Such improvement occurred as a 

result of resumption of normal mining activity at the 

EUR 187.7 (172.7) million. Revenue in the Speciality 

Mecklenburg mine throughout 2015 and as a result of 

Alloys segment decreased marginally by 2.3% as a 

the absence of net write-down of assets which during 

result of lower sales volumes of processed material, 

the previous year amounted to EUR 1.6 million.

whereas in the FerroAlloys segment revenue 

increased by 22.7% due to higher sales volumes.

Profit from discontinued operations during 2015 

EBITDA for the full year was EUR 17.2 (8.4) million. 

release of a EUR 0.2 (0.6) million from provision in 

The increase was more accentuated in the Speciality 

relation to the discontinued wood segment as the 

Alloys segment due to a stronger US dollar average 

Group sold part of the saw mill equipment that was 

rate on conversion of revenue as material prices did 

acquired in 2008.

amounted to EUR 0.8 (1.8) million which includes a 

not reduce in US dollar terms like they did in the 

FerroAlloys segment. Normal levels of mining activity 
being restored at the Turkish mines of Tavas 

The full year earnings per share was EUR 0.03 (0.01).

EUR million

Revenue

EBITDA

Q1

40.7

4.6

Q2

53.1

7.6

EBITDA margin

11.4%

14.4%

EBIT 

EBIT margin

Profit for the period

2.9

7.2%

2.3

5.8

11.0%

5.7

Q3

44.8

1.3

2.8%

-0.7

-1.5%

-1.0

Q4

49.2

3.7

7.5%

1.8

3.7%

1.6

FY15

187.7

17.2

9.2%

9.9

5.3%

8.5

FY14 Change

172.7

8.7%

8.4

4.9%

1.7

1.0%

2.2

Balance Sheet, Cash Flow
and Financing --------------------------------
The Group’s net assets totalled EUR 171.2 (182.2) 

where a new dust exhaustion was commissioned 

in December 2015. Capital expenditure also 

included the dryer in the ferrochrome plant 

million at 31 December 2015. This decrease mainly 

at Mogale Alloys, replacement of the furnace 

resulted from the impact of the weaker South 

refractories during the shutdown period and the 

African rand on conversion of our South African 

acquisition of new plant vehicles. At Vlakpoort 

investments which had a decrease in value during 

mine the Group continued investing to ramp up 

2015 of EUR 17.3 million. This was partially offset by 

the bulk sample operation. The Synergy Africa 

the positive operating performance that led to an 

Joint Venture also made investments during the 

increase in cash position of EUR 6.5 million.

year with the commencement of the shaking table 

27

project at Stellite Mine.

The equity ratio was 64.2% (62.8%), which 

continues to be at a conservative level. This stance 

During 2015, Afarak divested its holding in the 

has been adopted by Afarak’s management not 

associate company Speciality Super Alloys Inc. 

to put pressure on the balance sheet. This could 

This led to a loss on sale of investment in associate 

also be seen by the gearing ratio for 2015 which 

of EUR 0.3 million and has been classified as an 

stood at -2.6% (-0.7%). Net interest-bearing debt 

extraordinary item.

amounted to EUR -4.5 (-1.2) million.

Working Capital, as at 31 December 2015, was 

Research and development --------------------------------
Afarak remains committed to investing in Research 

EUR 76.1 (74,4) million. During the year Afarak 

and Development. As a Group it believes that new 

managed to significantly reduce the inventory 

technology leads to improved productivity levels 

level and improve liquidity, which as at 31 

and reduced costs over the long-term leading to a 

December 2015 was EUR 19.6 (13.3) million. This 

positive effect on its financial performance. To this 

enabled Afarak to reduce its trade and other 

end, it adopted a policy whereby all subsidiaries 

payables by EUR 16.6 million.

have R&D investment projects and investments 

The positive performance together with the more 

in the pipeline. In 2015, Afarak’s R&D expenditure 
totalled EUR 0.5 (0.3) million. Following the 

efficient working capital management has led to an 

installation of the new refining and granulation 

increase of EUR 7.4 million in operating cash flow 

plant at Mogale Alloys which was completed during 

during 2015 when compared to 2014.. Total operating 

the last quarter of 2014, the Group announced the 

cash flows in 2015 was EUR 12.5 (5.1) million.

completion of the shaking table plant at the Stellite 

Investments, acquisitions
and divestments --------------------------------
Capital expenditure for the full year 2015 totalled 

mine early in 2016. The shaking table technology 

will allow the Group to treat the tailing dump for 

chrome and increase Stellite mine’s total plant 

mass yield to 65% from a current level of 49% 

EUR 8.0 (14.8) million. In the Speciality Alloys 

leading to a reduction in operating cost per ton.

segment, capital expenditure was incurred both at 

TMS as the company continued the investment of 

fines tailing processing plant at Kavak to increase 

annual mining volume by 15,600 tonnes following 
the commissioning of the plants, and at EWW, 

 
 
BUSINESS
SEGMENTS

28

Afarak is a diversified company. With mines and 

assets in South Africa, Turkey and Germany; Afarak 

Production --------------------------------
Annual production increased by 43.7% to 489,986 

is mainly active in the FerroAlloys and Special Alloys 

(341,028) tonnes. The increase is mainly attributable 

industries.

FerroAlloys

to the resumption of normal mining activity levels at 

the Mecklenburg mine throughout 2015 following a 

seven-month suspension of mining activity during 

2014 due to the unrest in the local community. 

Annual processing levels at Mogale Alloys were 

The FerroAlloys business consists of the processing 

higher than those registered during the previous 

plant Mogale Alloys, Vlakpoort mine and the joint 

year primarily as a result of medium carbon charge 

ventures, the Stellite mine and the Mecklenburg mine 

chrome production following the commissioning in 

in South Africa. The business produces chrome ore, 

December 2014 of the converter and granulator.

charge chrome, medium carbon ferrochrome and 

silico mangan ese for sale to global markets.

Tonnes

Mining* 

Processing 

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

FY15

FY14 Change

102,776

116,732

115,341

77,780 412,629

268,351

53.8%

19,586

20,491

14,763

22,517

77,357

72,677

6.4%

* Including both chromite concentrate and lumpy ore production

Financial performance --------------------------------
Revenue for the full year increased to EUR 91.8 

reduced loss from the joint venture occurred as a 

result of the resumption of normal mining activity 

(74.8) million, representing an increase of 22.7% 

at the Mecklenburg mine throughout the first 

compared to the equivalent period in 2014. The 

eleven months of 2015 following a seven-month 

increase in trading volumes of processed material 

suspension of mining activity during the previous 

was the main contributor towards the improvement 

year and the absence of net write-down of assets 

in revenue when compared to 2014. The joint 

which during the previous year amounted to EUR 

venture share of profit for 2015 was that of EUR 

1.6 million. The positive performance during the 

-0.1 (-3.3) million, the reduction in losses was key 

year enabled the FerroAlloys segment to register a 

in increasing EBITDA in the FerroAlloys segment 

positive EBIT of EUR 2.8 (-1.4) million.

for the full year to EUR 7.5 (3.1) million. The 

EUR million

Revenue

EBITDA

Q1

16.8

1.8

Q2

27.0

3.9

Q3

20.2

0.7

EBITDA margin

10.5%

14.6%

-3.6%

EBIT 

EBIT margin

0.6

2.7

-0.5

3.6%

10.1%

-2.5%

-0.20%

3.0%

-1.8%

29

Q4

27.7

1.0

3.7%

-0.1

FY15

FY14 Change

91.8

7.5

8.1%

2.8

74.8

22.7%

3.1

4.1%

-1.4

Afarak’s share of joint ventures revenue for the full 

positive share of joint venture EBITDA for the full 

year increased to EUR 9.7 (5.7) million representing 

year amounting to EUR 1.3 (-2.2) million as opposed 

an increase of 69.9% compared to the equivalent 

to a negative share of joint venture EBITDA incurred 

period in 2014. The increase in revenue was 

during the previous year. The results of the previous 

mainly due to the increase in sales volumes of the 

year were negatively affected by write-downs in 

Mecklenburg mine material as operations were 

relation to Waylox mining project of EUR 0.5 million 

resumed in December 2014. The increase in revenue 

and a net write-down on the assets of Stellite mine of 

was also attributable to the increase in processed 

EUR 1.1 million.

material at the Stellite mine, particularly from 

concentrate material. Resumption of mining activity 

The share of profit from joint ventures is made up as 

at the Mecklenburg mine also contributed to the 

follows:

EUR million

Revenue

EBITDA

Q1

2.2

0.3

Q2

3.2

0.6

Q3

2.7

0.4

Q4

1.6

-0.1

FY15

FY14 Change

9.7

1.3

5.7

-2.2

69.9%

EBITDA margin

14.2%

18.8%

15.7%

-3.7%

13.2%

-38.0%

EBIT 

EBIT margin

0.0

0.3

-0.2%

9.8%

0.2

7.3%

-0.2

-11.1%

0.3

-3.1

3.4%

-54.1%

30

Afarak’s FerroAlloys Mines & Processing Plant

Vlakpoort Mine
South Africa

Mecklenburg Mine
South Africa

The Vlakpoort Mine is situated on the Northern 

Mecklenburg Mine is situated on the Eastern limb 

part of the western limb of the Bushveld complex 

of the Bushveld complex. It was forms part of the 

in South Africa. It was acquired in 2011 when 

Chromex Mining Company that was bought by 

the prospecting right was bought. Since then 

Afarak in 2010. It consists of about 5Mt of mineable 

extensive exploration work was conducted which 

LG6 material. Mining started in 2012 with an 

include Geological drilling, trenching and a bulk 

opencast mine producing about 20kt per month of 

sample of the LG5 and LG 6 seams that were 

LG6 Run of Mine material. The opencast resource 

31

taken to test the market.

was depleted in January 2016, and it is envisaged 

to establish and underground mine out of the 

The property has a resource of in excess of 6Mt 

current opencast.

of Chrome and 300,000 ounces of PGMs. The 

resource consists of the LG1-6, MG1-4 and the UG1-

2 and Merensky reefs outcropping on the property.

The Stellite Mine
South Africa

Mogale Alloys Processing Plant 
South Africa

The Stellite mine was acquired in late 2010, as part 

Afarak acquired Mogale in 2009, providing it with 

of the Chromex acquisition and will be the primary 

access to the bulk minerals processing sector in 

ore supply to Mogale Alloys, thereby integrating 

South Africa. The acquisition marked a strategic 

the FerroAlloys business. Excess lumpy chrome 

step forward for the Group by providing access 

ore mined at Stellite is exported directly to China.

to direct current (DC) furnace technology, which 

has been in operation at Mogale since 1983 and is 

Stellite is located on the western limb of the 

considered to be a centre of excellence.

Bushveld complex in South Africa, where 70% 

of the world’s chrome resources are located and 
40% of chrome production is sourced. The mine 

Mogale operates four furnaces; two submerged 
arc furnaces and two DC furnaces, with a total 

has a chromite resource of 32Mt comprising of 

production capacity of 110,000 tonnes per annum. 

four seams, namely the LG6, MG1, MG2 and MG4. 

These furnaces are capable of producing four key 

All four seams outcrop on the property. 

products: silico manganese, plasma ferrochrome, 

charge ferrochrome and stainless steel alloy 

(chromium-iron-nickel alloy). Towards the end 

of December 2014, the company finalized an 

investment of €13 million in a ferroalloy refining 

and granulation plant. 

Speciality Alloys

Production --------------------------------
Annual production increased by 16.6% to 75,386 

The Speciality Alloys business consists of Türk 

(64,632) tonnes. The increase was primarily 

32

Maadin Şirketi A.S (“TMS”), the mining and 

derived from having the Turkish mines operating 

beneficiation operation in Turkey and Elektrowerk 

at normal levels throughout most of 2015 as 

Weisweiler GmbH (“EWW”), the chromite 

opposed to the previous year during which mining 

concentrate processing plant in Germany. 

at TMS stopped during June 2014 due to a strike 

TMS supplies EWW with high quality chromite 

and lockout. Tavas mine also restarted operations 

concentrate which produces speciality products 

following the end of the lockout in November 

including specialised low carbon and ultra low 

2014 and mining also recommenced in March 2015 

carbon ferrochrome. Chrome ore from TMS that is 

at Kavak. Processing levels decreased at EWW 

not utilised for the production of specialised low 

when compared to the previous year as a result of 

carbon ferrochrome is sold to the market.

decreased demand and inventory management.

Tonnes

Mining* 

Processing 

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

FY15

FY14 Change

5,997

13,685

11,663

17,807

49,152

35,848

7,862

7,365

4,585

6,422

26,234

28,784

37.1%

-8.9%

* Including both chromite concentrate and lumpy ore production

Financial Performance --------------------------------
Revenue for the full year 2015 was EUR 95.6 (97.8) 

attributable to a stronger US dollar average rate 

million, representing a marginal decrease of 2.3% 

on conversion of revenue when compared to 2014. 

compared to the previous year. The decrease in 
revenue was mainly attributable to lower sales 

Having the Turkish mines in operation during the 
majority of 2015 also had a positive impact on 

volumes of processed material and third party 

EBITDA and EBIT, as compared to 2014, where 

material in 2015. EBITDA was EUR 12.7 (7.9) million 

profit was impacted due to the lockout and strike 

and EBIT for the year was EUR 10.1 (5.7) million. 

at the Group’s Turkish operations.

The improvement in EBITDA and EBIT was mainly 

EUR million

Revenue

EBITDA

Q1

23.7

3.4

Q2

26.1

4.5

Q3

24.5

1.4

Q4

21.3

3.4

FY15

95.6

12.7

EBITDA margin

14.5%

17.2%

5.7%

16.2%

13.3%

EBIT 

EBIT margin

2.9

3.9

0.7

2.7

10.1

12.1%

15.0%

2.8%

12.6%

10.6%

FY14 Change

-2.3%

97.8

7.9

8.0%

5.7

5.8%

Afarak’s Speciality Alloys Mines &
Processing Plant

33

TMS
Turkey

TMS operations consist of open pit and 

underground mining, as well as ore enrichment 

facilities equipped with primary and secondary 

crushing, milling and concentration tables. The 

production facilities are located in Kavak, in the 

Eskisehir province, and in Tavas, in the Denizli 

province. It also holds 27 licences, of which 12 are 

exploitation licences.

The annual production capacity is between 

100,000 – 120,000 tonnes.

TMS produces two chrome ore types: special grade 
chromite concentrates and lumpy chrome ore.

EWW Plant
Germany

EWW is a world-renowned processing facility with 

state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories.  With a 

heritage in processing spanning close to 100 years, 

EWW has a reputation of being a highly specialised 

smelting operation producing a range of specialist 

products, such as specialised Low Carbon and 

Ultralow Carbon Ferrochrome. The products are 

sold internationally to customers in the automotive, 

aerospace and power generation industries. 

RISK
MANAGEMENT

34

Understanding our risks and developing policies 

The section below gives an overview of the 

and procedures to manage and to minimize our 

risks identified as well as the measures taken to 

exposure to such risks is critical to our success. 

mitigate such risks.

Afarak has defined its risks as being operational, 

financial and compliance. Additional information 

on financial risks and financial risk management are 

presented in the notes to the consolidated financial 

statements. 

FINANCIAL RISK

Risks

Consequences

Controls to mitigate risk

Liquidity risk - whether 
Afarak has sufficient 
liquidity to service and 
finance its operations 
and pay back loans

Foreign exchange 
exposure

Materialised liquidity risks may cause 
•	 Overdue interest expenses 

•	 Negative impact to the Group’s 
relationship with its goods and 
service suppliers 

•	
•	 Affect the pricing and other terms 

for input goods and services

•	 The Group continuously assesses 
its working capital to ensure that 
it has sufficient funds to meet its 
liabilities

•	 Prepares and assess forecast 

reports

•	 Direct risk – commercial cash flows 

•	 The Group constantly evaluates 

and currency positions

•	

Indirect risk – loss of 
competitiveness within the 
industry

the need to enter into forward 
contract arrangements

Interest rate risks

Changes in interest rates can 
•	

Influence the repayment of loans

•	 The Group constantly evaluates 

the need to enter into forward 
contract arrangements

•	

Impact the profitability of 
investments 

•	 Alter the fair value of the Group’s 

assets

FINANCIAL RISK (CONT.)

35

Credit risks

•	 Afarak’s key customers 

•	 Analyse credit limits

are typically long business 
relationships including major 
international steel and stainless 
steel companies and some 
specialty agents selling to the 
steel sector. Major changes in 
that industry’s future outlook or 
profitability could increase the 
Group’s credit risk

•	 The Group’s processing operations 
are exposed to the availability, 
quality and price fluctuations in raw 
materials 

Price risks

Price and demand 
volatility in the 
commodities markets

•	 The global market for Group’s 
products may not progress or 
develop at the levels forecast and 
a drop in demand for the Group’s 
products could have an adverse 
effect on the Group’s revenues and 
profits

Acquisition and organic 
growth strategy risk

•	 There is a risk that the investment 
will not perform as expected and 
the group will not achieve the 
desired future operating cash flows 
and profitable results from the 
investment

•	 There is a risk that the Group might 
not be able to find the appropriate 
site or to obtain the necessary 
licences to develop and operate or 
to secure the required financing

•	 Assesses the likelihood that a 

borrower will default on the debt 
obligations

•	 The price risks on input materials 

and commodities are managed by 
pricing contracts so that, where 
possible, any changes in input 
materials and commodities may 
be absorbed in the sales prices

•	 The Group’s business units seek 
long-term contract agreements 
with known counterparties where 
possible

•	 Using its strong customer 

interface and market intelligence 
to adjust its production volumes 
to match demand

•	 Adapting its diverse product mix 

to meet customer requirements

•	 The Group’s policy is to carry out 
extensive R&D to mitigate the risk 
that such investment will not be 
successful

COMPLIANCE RISK

Risks

Consequences

Controls to mitigate risk

Environmental risks

•	 Direct potential harm to the 

environment

•	 Environmental risks are managed 
closely and regularly assessed’

•	 Potential post-production 

rehabilitation or landscaping 
obligations

•	 Regular assessment of 
environmental liabilities

•	 External experts are appointed 
to assist in identifying potential 
liabilities and ensuring compliance 
with environmental legislation

Legal risks

•	 Legal disputes may relate to 

•	 Currently there is no significant 

contractual or other liabilities or 
environmental or other regulatory 
matters

legal case pending and the group 
policy is to publish all significant 
legal cases and their outcomes

36

Political and social risks

•	 Changes in the mining, 

employment and fiscal regulatory 
environment may materially 
adversely affect the business and 
its financial results

•	 Operations may be affected to 

varying degrees by government 
regulations

•	 Afarak seeks to maintain good 
relationships with stakeholders

Employment legislation

•	

If not observed may negatively 
impact Afarak’s financial results.

•	 Afarak regularly re-assesses its 

policies in terms of employment 
legislations

Tax risks

•	 Changes in tax laws and regulation, 
or a change in interpretation of 
the tax authorities in the different 
jurisdiction we operate in could 
have an adverse impact on Afarak’s 
financial results.

•	 Afarak keeps abrest with changes 
in tax regulation and external 
experts are appointed to assist in 
identifying potential tax liabilities 
and ensuring compliance with the 
tax legislation

Data protection risk

•	

If data protection legislation is 
not observed the business may 
be adversely affected and have an 
impact on the financial results

•	 Data protection law is closely and 
regularly assessed in terms of the 
Group operations 

OPERATIONAL RISK

Risks

Consequences

Controls to mitigate risk

Loss of key personnel 
or the engagement of 
inappropriate personnel

•	 Adverse effect on operations, 

•	 Regularly re-assesses its 

particularly its processing plants, 
which could impact the Group’s 
operating and financial results

remuneration policies and 
packages to attract and retain 
suitably skilled and qualified 
personnel

•	 Afarak has set up a remuneration 

commitee to set guidelines

OPERATIONAL RISK (CONT.)

Risk of mining and 
smelting accidents 
(fire, flooding, rock 
bursts, weather 
conditions, seismic 
events and other natural 
phenomena)

Volatility of fuel and 
energy prices with 
general cost inflation

•	 This could affect both employees’ 

•	

“Zero Harm” policy

and operations, resulting in 
suspension of operations

•	 May negatively impact Afarak’s 
current operations, particularly 
its processing plants, which could 
have a consequent effect on the 
Group’s operating and financial 
results. It may also impact the 
plans to expand its operations and 
implement its growth strategy

•	 Health and safety guidelines, 
policies and procedures

•	 Continuous employee training

•	 The Group constantly evaluates 
the need to enter into financial 
arrangements to mitigate such 
risk

Electricity power cuts

•	 Stoppages in smelting can cause 

•	 To mitigate this risk Afarak 

37

Social risk

•	

the contents of furnaces to solidify, 
resulting in a plant closure for a 
significant period and expensive 
repairs

employs experienced operating 
managers and has standard 
operating procedures in place for 
most foreseeable circumstances

Industry or social unrest and labour 
actions may materially adversely 
affect the business and its financial 
results by temporarily closing 
down operations.

•	 Afarak seeks to resolve the 

matters with all stakeholders to 
reduce the impact on it operation

Loss of key suppliers

•	 Adverse effect on operations, 

•	 Afarak carry out continuous 

which could impact the Group’s 
operating and financial results

financial health checks of key 
suppliers

•	 Evaluations of key supplier 

controls in order to minimize the 
impact associate with disruption
•	 Assess safety and security stock 

levels

•	 Understand alternate supply 

options and how long it will take 
to employ alternatives

•	 The future success depend on 
the ability to attract and retain 
suitably skilled and qualified 
personnel. Afarak regularly re-
assesses its remuneration policies.

Competition & Rivalry

•	 May negatively impact Afarak’s 
current operations which could 
have a consequent effect on the 
Group’s operating and financial 
results. It may also impact the 
plans to expand its operations and 
implement its growth strategy

Distribution network 
risk

•	 This may have adverse effect on 

operations which could impact the 
Group’s operating and financial 
results

•	 To mitigate this risk Afarak has 
standard operating procedures 
in place for most foreseeable 
circumstances

Technology risk

•	 There may be advances in 

•	 Afarak regularly assesses the 

technology which the company 
is not aware off or has not kept 
abreast with which may eventually 
hinder the operating activity of the 
company and affect the financial 
results

lastest technological equipment 
and software available on the 
market

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE
COMMUNITIES

38

We care.

Afarak is a people-centered organization. Through 

its support and initiatives, Afarak is investing in 

Feeding schemes --------------------------------
Afarak supports 5 day-care centres in the 

various communities close to its operations in South 

Rietvallei area and provides daily meals to 155 

Africa and is making a difference in people’s lives.

children. The day-care centres are the following; 

Monwametsi Agri Project, Rustenburg ------------
Dams and irrigation projects are central to 

Thembelihle, Ntlanta, Wise Girl, Little Achievers 

and Busy Bee. Similar schemes are also run in 

conjunction with Magda Fourie at the Paardekraal 

communities in South Africa improving the 

and Millenium Primary schools 

quality of life for hundreds of families. Through 

the Monwametsi Agri Project, Afarak contributed 

in the repair and development of two dams, 

boreholes and an irrigation system. It extended 

Community entrepreneurship,
Mogale City --------------------------------
The Mzimhlope Service Centre operates a crafts 

its support to develop an agricultural project and 

shop and centre in which various members of the 

various vegetables are being farmed on the land 

community produce various items, mainly woolen 

since water is now available. 

items, that are used to finance their daily needs. 

Afarak supports the centre through the purchase 

Umephi Jade House, Mogale City --------------------
Afarak is supporting 7 orphans that are currently 

of materials.

residing at Jade House. The House was built as a 
place of safety for orphans and offers foster care 

CK Trust --------------------------------
Afarak supports the CK Trust by paying a non-

to these children.

government teacher to provide support to 

destitute children at the Patrick Mashego Primary 

Patrick Masego School, Mogale City ---------------
Afarak has a number of projects at Rietvallei 

school. The teacher is specialized in supporting 

the emotional well-being of children who come 

particularly directed towards the Patrick Masego 

from broken families.

Primary school. Through Afarak’s support, the 

school also has an extensive garden which is used 

to farm vegetables and fruits which are then used 

Polekego Centre --------------------------------
Afarak supports this Centre in Krugersdorp that 

as part of the feeding scheme that the school 

provides shelter for abused women and children. 

operates. The Patrick Masego school provides a 

The Centre can hold up to 40 mothers. 

daily meal to close to 2,000 children including 

weekends and holiday periods. 

39

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STATEMENTS 

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MINERAL RESOURCE AND 
MINERAL RESERVE1 STATEMENT

FOR CHROMITE FOR THE AFARAK GROUP IN SOUTHERN-AFRICA AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2015.

Mineral Reserves1 (ROM Feed numbers)

Mineral Resources (Geological Losses Applied)

Tonnage (kt)

Cr2O3 (%)

Cr:Fe ratio

Tonnage (kt)

Cr2O3 (%)

Cr:Fe ratio

PROVED:

Stellite Tailings

MEASURED:

Stellite Tailings

LG6-MG4

683

24.49

1.14 LG6-MG4

683

24.49

1.14

Stellite; Underground

Stellite; Underground

42

MG4

MG3

MG1

LG6

MG4

MG3

MG1

4,568

34.98

1.36 LG6

Stellite; Open Pit

Stellite; Open Pit

MG4

MG3

MG2

MG1

LG6+6A

15

96

-

-

70

29.59

30.64

31.00

33.34

33.68

1.19 MG4

1.18 MG3

1.23 MG2

1.31 MG1

1.37 LG6+6A

4,810

2,830

3,460

5,680

28

371

188

158

120

33.59

31.51

35.30

37.70

31.86

31.68

37.20

39.00

38.11

1.24

1.19

1.28

1.41

1.22

1.19

1.32

1.40

1.46

Mecklenburg; Underground

Mecklenburg; Underground

LG6

3,416

41.47

1.57 LG6

4,495

43.36

1.59

Mecklenburg; Open Pit

Mecklenburg; Open Pit

LG6+6A

-

40.76

1.58 LG6+6A

0

44.10

1.64

Vlakpoort; Open Pit

Vlakpoort; Open Pit

LG1-3

LG5

LG6

MG1-4

UG1-2

23

18

65

52

101

37.30

39.12

36.72

29.72

22.40

1.74 LG1-3

1.52 LG5

1.51 LG6

1.25 MG1-4

1.14 UG1-UG2

Vlakpoort; Underground

Vlakpoort; Underground

LG6

UG2

LG6

UG2

Total 

32

42

151

131

164

398

754

41.57

38.77

36.85

30.01

21.46

33.32

19.65

1.59

1.59

1.59

1.59

1.59

1.59

1.06

Total Proved

9,107

36.42

1.42

Measured

24,495

35.64

1.35

PROBABLE:

Stellite; Underground

MG4

MG3

MG1

LG6

INDICATED:

Stellite; Underground

MG4

MG3

MG1

1,241

34.26

1.35 LG6

1,490

1,040

800

1,600

33.80

31.88

36.50

37.50

1.25

1.20

1.30

1.41

Stellite; Open Pit

Stellite; Open Pit

MG4

MG3

MG2

MG1

LG6+6A

266

254

-

-

165

30.02

30.82

30.99

33.25

33.88

1.20 MG4

1.19 MG3

1.22 MG2

1.31 MG1

1.37 LG6+6A

808

990

320

260

280

32.35

31.68

37.30

38.80

38.54

Mecklenburg; Underground

Mecklenburg; Underground

LG6

2,273

41.45

1.57 LG6

3,008

43.37

Mecklenburg; Open Pit

Mecklenburg; Open Pit

LG6+6A

-

40.76

1.58 LG6+6A

0

44.10

Vlakpoort; Open Pit

Vlakpoort; Open Pit

LG1-3

LG5

LG6

MG1-4

UG1-2

40

3

37

16

9

37.93

35.01

31.25

30.52

27.09

1.78 LG1-3

1.45 LG5

1.63 LG6

1.36 MG1-4

1.22 UG1-UG2

Vlakpoort; Underground

Vlakpoort; Underground

LG6

UG2

LG6

UG2

Total 

53

10

64

75

24

793

421

41.57

39.92

33.95

29.92

27.61

33.92

19.83

43

1.23

1.19

1.31

1.41

1.46

1.59

1.64

1.86

1.55

1.58

1.35

1.25

1.58

1.06

Total Proved

4,304

37.56

1.45

Indicated

12,036

36.26

1.38

Proved & 
Probable 
Reserves

13,411

36.78

1.43

Measured 
& Indicated 
Resources

INFERRED

Stellite; Open Pit

MG4

MG3

MG2

MG1

LG6+6A

1,480

790

210

80

40

33.18

32.64

37.10

38.90

37.82

36,531

35.85

1.36

1.24

1.26

1.32

1.41

1.44

1.59

1.59

1.79

1.59

1.30

Mecklenburg; Underground

LG6

1,138

43.41

Mecklenburg; Open Pit

LG6+6A

0

43.44

Vlakpoort; Open Pit

LG1-3

LG5

LG6

MG1-4

UG1-UG2

41

1

119

41.55

33.49

28.61

MINERAL RESOURCE AND 
MINERAL RESERVE1 STATEMENT

FOR CHROMITE FOR THE AFARAK GROUP IN SOUTHERN-AFRICA AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2015 (CONT.)

Vlakpoort; Underground

LG6

UG2

Inferred 
Resources

Total 
Resources 
(Excl 
Exploration
Results2)

1,321

33.67

1.59

115

20.27

1.08

5,335

35.36

1.41

41,866

35.78

1.36

Total 
Reserves

44

13,411

36.78

1.43

Exploration Results2

Vlakpoort; Underground

LG6

UG2

Vlakpoort; Open Pit

LG1

LG2

LG3

LG5

LG6

MG1

MG2

MG3

MG4+4A

UG1

UG2

Exploration 
Results2

Total (Incl 
Exploration 
Results2)

1,243

34.16

1.60

10

7

33

365

20

5

264

38.35

33.51

38.73

33.55

39.73

27.47

29.70

1.70

1.75

2.01

1.60

2.09

1.21

1.23

1,947

33.58

1.56

43,813

35.69

1.37

•	 Mineral	Reserves1	used	in	SAMREC	and	IMMM	Codes	whereas	termed	Ore	Reserves	in	the	JORC	Code	
•	

Exploration	Target	Mineralisation	used	in	JORC	Code	whereas	termed	Exploration	Results2	in	the	SAMREC	Code.	The	
potential	quantity	and	grade	is	conceptual	in	nature	and	there	has	been	insufficient	exploration	to	define	Mineral	Resources	
and	it	is	uncertain	if	further	exploration	will	result	in	the	determination	of	a	Mineral	Resource.

The information in this report that relates to exploration results for Stellite, Mecklenburg and Vlakpoort is based 
on information compiled by the MSA Group, Andrew Scogins and Shango Solutions respectively.

The team of people involved in the Mecklenburg, MSA and Shango Solutions estimation process is listed below:

Person:

Sifiso Siwela (MSA)

Mike Hall (MSA)

Position:

Affiliations:

Exploration Project Manager

Pr.Sci.Nat, MGSSA

Mineral Resources Consultant

Pr.Sci.Nat, MGSSA, MAusIMM

Andrew Scogings (Independent)

Geological Consultant

Hendrik Pretorius (Shango)

Geological Consultant

MAusIMM, MAIG

Pr.Sci.Nat, MGSSA

Stefanie Weise (Shango)

Geological Consultant

MGSSA

 
The combined Stellite, Mecklenburg and Vlakpoort Measured and Indicated Resource category declared as at 31 December 
2015, decreased from that declared in December 2014 by 0.8 million tonnes mainly due to depletion at all three operations. The 
depletion at the three operations was as follows (rounded up to nearest 0.1 million):

Stellite 0.3 million tonnes in the MG4 open pit, 

•	
•	 Mecklenburg 0.2 million tonnes in the LG6/6A open pit, and 
•	 Vlakpoort almost 0.1 million tonnes mainly in the LG6 open pit with minor amounts in the LG5, LG2, MG3 and MG4 open pits. 

The combined total Stellite, Mecklenburg and Vlakpoort Mineral Resources declared as at 31 December 2015, decreased from 
that declared in December 2014, by 1.516 million tonnes and the grade decreased by 0.2% to 35.78% Cr2O3 and the Cr to Fe ratio 
decreased by 0.01 to 1.36.

The Mineral Resources for Stellite declared as at 31 December 2015, decreased by 0.228 million tonnes from that declared in 
December 2014, mainly due to depletion in the MG4 open pit. The Mineral Resources were positively impacted by the addition of 
tailings material of 0.125 million tonnes.

45

The Mineral Resources for Mecklenburg declared as at 31 December 2015, decreased by 0.195 million tonnes from that declared in 
December 2014, due to depletion in the open pit. Mecklenburg has no remaining open pit Mineral Resources.

The Mineral Resources for Vlakpoort declared as at 31 December 2015, decreased by 1.093 million tonnes from that declared in 
December 2014. This was mainly due to trenching and drilling that disproved the presence of LG chromitite seams west of portion 1 of 
Vlakpoort on surface, despite surface boreholes proving the existence of underground LG Mineral Resources. A revised exploration 
programme will be designed to locate LG open pit Mineral Resources on portion 4.

The combined Stellite, Mecklenburg and Vlakpoort Mineral Reserves1 declared as at 31 December 2015, decreased from that 
declared in December 2014, by 0.77 million tonnes mainly due to depletion as stated before and the Cr2O3 grade decreased by 
0.01% to 36.78% Cr2O3 and the Cr to Fe ratio remained on 1.43.

The exploration results were severely affected due to trenching and drilling that encountered the Bushveld Gap between the 
Amandelbult and Union Sectors further east than estimated in 2014. This eliminated all the seams over a strike length of 900 meters.

MINERAL RESOURCE AND 
MINERAL RESERVE1 STATEMENT

FOR GMS FOR THE AFARAK GROUP IN SOUTHERN-AFRICA AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2015.

Mineral Reserves1 (ROM Feed numbers)

Mineral Resources (Geological Losses Applied)

Tonnage (kt) 2E+Au (g/t)

Ozs

Tonnage (kt) 2E+Au (g/t)

Ozs

PROVED:

Stellite; Underground

MG4

MG3

MG1

LG6

MEASURED:

Stellite; Underground

MG4

MG3

MG1

LG6

Stellite; Open Pit

Stellite; Open Pit

MG4

MG3

MG2

MG1

LG6+6A

MG4

MG3

MG2

MG1

LG6+6A

46

Vlakpoort; Open Pit

Vlakpoort; Open Pit

LG1-3

LG5

LG6+6A

MG1-4

UG1-MR

LG1-3

LG5

LG6

MG1-4

159

1.40

7,158 UG1-UG2

Vlakpoort; Underground

Vlakpoort; Underground

LG6

UG2

MR

LG6

UG2

MR

3,050

1,720

2,250

3,191

28

221

110

60

39

32

42

151

131

205

398

754

618

1.18

1.86

0.79

0.63

1.14

1.46

1.62

0.71

0.49

0.18

0.74

0.46

1.13

1.77

0.43

4.04

2.15

115,723

102,868

57,154

64,641

1,026

10,375

5,730

1,370

614

185

999

2,233

4,760

11,667

5,503

97,947

42,723

Total Proved

159

1.97

7,158 Total Measured

13,000

1.26

525,521

PROBABLE:

Stellite; Underground

INDICATED:

Stellite; Underground

MG4

MG3

MG1

LG6

MG4

MG3

MG1

LG6

Stellite; Open Pit

Stellite; Open Pit

MG4

MG3

MG2

MG1

LG6+6A

MG4

MG3

MG2

MG1

LG6+6A

Vlakpoort; Open Pit

Vlakpoort; Open Pit

LG1-3

LG5

LG6+6A

MG1-4

UG1-MR

LG1-3

LG5

LG6

MG1-4

9

0.19

55 UG1-UG2

3,020

2,141

1,810

3,220

583

690

260

130

70

53

10

64

75

24

1.24

1.86

0.80

0.54

1.18

1.59

1.66

0.74

0.48

0.22

0.66

0.40

0.85

0.31

120,412

128,047

46,559

55,910

22,120

35,277

13,878

3,093

1,080

375

212

823

2,050

239

Vlakpoort; Underground

Vlakpoort; Underground

LG6

UG2

MR

Total Probable

Proved & 
Probable 
Reserves

9

168

1.97

7,213

LG6

UG2

MR

793

421

208

0.43

4.45

2.96

10,964

60,240

19,797

55 Total Indicated

13,572

1.19

521,076

Measured 
& Indicated 
Resources

INDICATE  D:

Stellite Tailings

LG6-MG4

Stellite; Underground

MG4

MG3

MG1

LG6

Stellite; Open Pit

MG4

MG3

MG2

MG1

LG6+6A

Vlakpoort; Open Pit

LG1-3

LG5

LG6

MG1-4

UG1-UG2

Vlakpoort; Underground

LG6

UG2

MR

Inferred 
Resources

Total 
Resources (Excl 
Exploration 
Results2)

Exploration Results2

Vlakpoort; Underground

LG6

UG2

MR

26,572

1.22

1,046,597

47

683

1.37

30,087

200

20

190

860

1,970

1,240

310

140

490

41

1

119

1,321

115

1.59

1.86

0.78

0.48

1.27

1.51

0.76

0.63

0.47

0.23

0.42

1.00

0.42

4.78

10,225

1,196

4,765

13,273

80,447

60,206

7,576

2,836

7,405

303

-

14

3,826

17,840

17,675

-

7,700

1.04

257,675

34,272

1.18

1,304,272

1,243

0.41

16,387

-

-

Total Reserves

168

1.97

7,213

48

Vlakpoort; Open Pit

LG1

LG2

LG3

UG2

LG5

LG6

MG1

MG2

MG3

MG4+4A

UG1

MR

Exploration 
Results2

Total (Incl 
Exploration 
Results2)

10

7

33

365

20

5

264

0.30

0.17

0.27

0.42

0.85

1.67

0.87

96

38

286

-

-

4,929

547

-

268

7,385

1,947

0.48

29,938

36,219

1.15

1,334,209

•	 Mineral	Reserves1	used	in	SAMREC	and	IMMM	Codes	whereas	termed	Ore	Reserves	in	the	JORC	Code	
•	 Exploration	Target	Mineralisation2	used	in	JORC	Code	whereas	termed	Exploration	Results	in	the	

SAMREC	Code.	The	potential	quantity	and	grade	is	conceptual	in	nature	and	there	has	been	insufficient	

exploration	to	define	Mineral	Resources	and	it	is	uncertain	if	further	exploration	will	result	in	the	

determination	of	a	Mineral	Resource.	

•	 The	PGM	rights	at	Mecklenburg	do	not	belong	to	Afarak	and	therefore	do	not	satisfy	all	requirements	for	

reporting.	

•	 No	Mineral	Reserves	could	be	declared	for	Stellite	yet	as	the	feasibility	study	to	extract	PGMs,	are	still	in	

progress.	

The Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources for Stellite declared as at 31 December 2015, decreased from 

that declared in December 2014 due to depletion in the MG4 open pit.

The Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources for Vlakpoort declared as at 31 December 2015, decreased 

from that declared in December 2014. Trenching and drilling encountered the Bushveld Gap between the 

Amandelbult and Union Sectors further east than estimated in 2014 which resulted in a 0.458 million tonnes 

decrease.

The combined Stellite and Vlakpoort Mineral Resources declared as at 31 December 2015, decreased from 

that declared in December 2014, by 1.872 million tonnes and the PGM grade decreased by 0.18g/t. Vlakpoort 

contributed 1.699 million tonnes to the total decrease due to exploration results mentioned before.

The information in this statement that relates to Exploration Results and Mineral Resources is based on 

information compiled by Hermanus Berhardus Swart, a Competent Person who is a Professional Natural 

Scientist registered with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions accredited (No. 400101/00) 

and a Member of the Geological Society of South Africa, each of which is a

“Recognised Professional Organisation” (RPO) that is included in a list that is posted on the ASX website 

from time to time. The Competent Person is employed by Dunrose Trading 186 (PTY) Ltd trading as Shango 

Solutions, which provides services as geological consultants. The Competent Person has sufficient experience 

which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration, and to the activity 

which has been undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the 2012 edition of the Australasian 

Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC), the 2001 Code for 

reporting of Mineral Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves in the United Kingdom, Ireland 

and Europe (IMMM) as well as the 2007 edition of the South African Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, 

Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC). The Competent Person consents to the inclusion of the 

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

49

H.B. SWART PR.SCI.NAT MGSSA
Principal Geologist – Shango Solutions

TMS RESOURCES
AND RESERVES

Ore (kt)

Cr2O3 (%)

2,336.46

7-23%

-

398.52

2,734.98

1,500.00

193.36

-

155.90

295.26

193.10

101.96

-

235.97

337.93

257.17

6.00

-

24.00

30.00

40.00

30.00

-

20.00

50.00

150.00

-

-

7-23%

7-23%

14-34%

-

14-34%

14-34%

14-34%

8-28%

-

8-28%

8-28%

8-28%

12-14%

-

12-14%

12-14%

12-14%

36-44%

-

36-44%

36-44%

36-44%

3,395.18

-

4-13%

-

Ore Deposit

KAVAK CONCESSIONS

Proven

Probable

Possible

Total reserves

Hypothetical	resources

50

BEYAGAC CONCESSIONS

Proven

Probable

Possible

Total reserves

Hypothetical	resources

FETHIYE & KOYCEGIZ CONCESSIONS

Proven

Probable

Possible

Total reserves

Hypothetical	resources

ADANA CONCESSIONS

Proven

Probable

Possible

Total reserves

Hypothetical	resources

EAGLE CONCESSION

Proven

Probable

Possible

Total reserves

Hypothetical	resources

KAVAK TAILINGS DAM

Proven

Probable

Possible

Total reserves

TAVAS TAILINGS DAM

Proven

Probable

Possible

Total reserves

Grand total reserves

Total hypothetical resources

TAHIR ACAR
Geology Engineer
Chamber of Geology Engineers Registration Nr. 14239

-

3,395.18

-

4-13%

560.56

9-11%

-

-

-

-

560.56

9-11%

51

7,403.91

2,140.27

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GOVERNANCE
REVIEW

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CHAIRMAN’S
INTRODUCTION

54

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Dr Alfredo Parodi
CHAIRMAN

Dear Shareholders,
2015 was a record year for Afarak. Despite the very 

challenging economic and market environment, 

Afarak has managed to register very positive 

results. Throughout 2015, Afarak strengthened 

its operations and we should all be proud of this 

achievement. The Board has made significant 

progress in corporate governance oversight, 

the strategic orientation of the company and 

deepening the sustainability agenda.

The Board -----------------------------------
Following the election of the new Board in May 

2015, we set out to implement an ambitious 

agenda focused at strengthening the policies and 

procedures of Afarak. The new Board brought to 

the table an extensive skill-set and together with 

the new management team our combined efforts 

are already showing results. 

We also appointed a new CEO, Dr Alistair 

Ruiters who replaced Dr Danko Koncar. Dr 
Koncar, who held the position of CEO since 

2013, was appointed to Business Development 

Director. In addition to these changes, the 

management team was strengthened through 

new appointments. 

Soon after its election, the Board held a two-

day induction and corporate governance work-

shop. A review of the mandates of all the sub-

committees, company policies and procedures 

and subsidiary boards was initiated during 2015. 

The Board also continued to keep abreast of 

changes to corporate governance reporting 
requirements under our two jurisdictions; 

55

Finland and the United Kingdom. We remain 

and will lower production costs once fully 

committed to strengthening both the 

implemented. Although R&D projects are 

governance framework and the reporting 

administered separately by each operation, 

structures within Afarak. 

Afarak’s Board is committed to continuous 

investment in R&D. 

Committees -----------------------------------
In 2015, the Board set-up a new Board committee 

tasked to work with the existing management-

Community Development -----------------------------------
The Group continues to make positive 

led HSS team, to oversee our work on health, 

contributions to the local communities in which it 

safety and sustainable development. Being a 

operates. Afarak’s current community programs 

people-centered organization, we are committed 

in South Africa are primarily focused on children. 

to offer a healthy and safe environment for all 

Apart from financing feeding schemes and 

our stakeholders, both internal and external, 

education projects, we have also invested in 

to work in an empowering environment. The 

community infrastructure. We are privileged to 

two Committees are working together at the 

be in a position to make a difference in peoples’ 

operational and strategic level to ensure that our 

lives and will continue to honour its corporate 

‘Zero Harm’ policy is implemented throughout 

social responsibility. 

our operations. The Audit and Risk Management 

Committee reviewed all main policies throughout 

Looking ahead, the Board is set on guiding 

the year, in particular those relating to risk 

Afarak in these challenging times. Building on our 

assessment and mitigation. Looking forward, 

positive performance in 2015, I am optimistic that 

this Committee is now focused on reviewing 
reporting frameworks and accountabilities within 

the team at Afarak will continue to deliver results. 

the organization. During 2015, the Nomination 

and Remuneration Committee took a broader 

Dr Alfredo Parodi
Chairman

remit and started a review of the company’s HR 

function and relationships.

Research & Development -----------------------------------
The Board is determined to continue 

implementing research and development projects 

within Afarak. R&D projects will contribute 

significantly to the Group’s future growth and 

sustainability through the introduction of new 

technologies and production processes. Our 

latest investment in shaking tables technology 
will result in tangible gains in productivity 

BOARD OF
DIRECTORS REPORT

56

In 2015, the Board of Directors was focused on 

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee 

improving the ogranisational structure of Afarak 

broadened its remit to look at the HR function of 

and its subsidiaries. The transformation that Afarak 

the Group. It embarked on a streamlining exercise 

was embarking upon was a collective effort and all 

between employment grades and categories of 

parties were focused on transforming Afarak into a 

the Group and its subsidiaries. It also continued 

resilient speciality alloy producer even in the face 

with its work to build and foster relationships 

of tough market conditions. 

The Board -----------------------------------
The new Board that was elected in May, was 

with key employment stakeholders in the various 

countries of operation and continued monitoring 

the employment policy of the Group. 

immersed into a deep and thorough corporate 

The Audit and Risk Management Committee 

review of Afarak and of all its subsidiaries. In 

continued with its exercise to monitor the risks 

August, the Board held its first extended Board 

faced by the Group and to follow measures taken 

strategy meeting. The focus of the meeting was to 

to reduce and mitigate such risks. A more detailed 

understand and define the commercial strategy of 

risk assessment is presented in this report. In 

the Group together with management. This process 

addition, a detailed review of internal policies 

also included an in-depth review of the role and 

was adopted. The Board wants to strengthen the 

contribution of the subsidiaries. The Board is 

relationships and processes between Group level 

determined to ensure that our products, processes, 

and its subsidiaries. To this end, a review of internal 

safety and customers, both at a Group level and 

management and meeting practices together 

for each subsidiary, are aligned. Given the new 

with an internal information and communication 

direction of the Group, we are particularly focused 
on both technology and market insight.

review was started by the Committee. Reporting 
frameworks are also being reviewed with the aim of 

further strengthening them in the near future.

The ongoing strategic orientation of the Group 

is now a constant part of the Boards’ work 

The newly-established Health Safety and 

programme. In December 2015, we started 

Sustainable Development Committee is solely 

focusing on a single-channel marketing strategy 

focused on ensuring that our operations do not 

of the company. We reviewed the structure, brand 

constitute any harm to our stakeholders. We are 

and performance of RCS, our trading company, 

focusing on reducing injuries during operations and 

and in line with our rebranding efforts, the Board 

it is worth noting that only 0.1% of hours worked 

decided to change its name to Afarak Trading.

were lost due to injury. Various Protocols were 

Committees -----------------------------------
Today, the Board has three committees which 

implemented throughout 2015. In addition, the 

Board was focused on reducing its environmental 

impact emanating from its operations. Afarak 

focus on particular areas and which are key drivers 
of change and improvements.

respects the environment in which it operates and 
aims to manage its operations in a sustainable 

57

way, minimising its footprint as much as possible 

speciality ferroalloy prod ucts, Afarak believes it 

to preserve the environment. As an example, in 

can mitigate some of this risk by using its strong 

Turkey, TMS does not use chemical reagents in its 

customer interface and market intelligence to 

production process. In addition, at Tavas operation 

adjust its production volumes to match demand 

the Group conducted a research program with 

and adapt its diverse product mix to meet 

an aim to recycle into the production unit the 

customer requirements.

fines resulting from past years’operation. This 

project has been approved and will result in a 

Afarak has mining operations and projects in 

substantial reduction of fines stock pile as well as 

Turkey and South Africa where political and social 

in a reduction of the cost of production.In South 

risks remain a challenge. Changes in the mining, 

Africa, the Group has a number of initiatives in 

employment and fiscal regulatory environment 

place to address its impact on the environment. At 

may materially adversely affect Afarak’s business 

EWW the Group is investing substantial amounts 

and its financial results. Operations may be 

into R&D to reduce the amount of waste from its 

affected to varying degrees by government 

production processes and the aim is to achieve 

regulations with respect to matters including, but 

100% recycling of all materials.Both of Afarak’s 

not limited to: export controls; currency remittance; 

processing plants, EWW and Mogale Alloy, hold a 

income taxes; expropriation of property; foreign 

ISO 9001 certification for adopting the very best in 

investment; maintenance of claims; environmental 

quality systems and emphasises our commitment 

legislation; land use; land claims of local people 

at Group level to continuously improve and build 

and water use. Afarak seeks to maintain good 

excellence into every process of its integrated 

relationships through direct, regular engagement 

management systems.

Investments -----------------------------------
The Board is always keen to invest in either 

and communication with government at local, 

regional and national levels, the relevant regulatory 

departments, its local communities, the unions, its 

BEE partners, as well as other stakeholders. Social 

technologies or through mergers and acquisitions 

risk is also a key challenge in the mining sector. 

to further strengthen the company. The current 

Industry or social unrest and labour actions may 

investment programme is focused on the shaking 

materially adversely affect Afarak’s business and 

tables project. The shaking table technology 

its financial results by temporarily closing down 

will allow the Group to treat the tailing dump for 

operations. In the occurrence of such event Afarak 

chrome and increase Stellite mine’s total plant mass 

seeks to resolve the matters with all stakeholders 

yield to 65% from a current level of 49% leading to 

to reduce the impact on it operation.

a reduction in operating cost per ton.This will also 

allow the firm to recycle third party mining waste 

Afarak’s strategy is focused on acquisitive and 

further reducing the environmental impact of 

organic growth. Subject to market conditions, the 

mining activity. In addition, the Group is following 

Group expects to continue to expand its business 

a number of investment projects throughout its 

through acquisitions. There can be no assurance 

subsidiaries. In Turkey, the fines tailing processing 

that the Group will be able to identify suitable 

plant investment is ongoing and will be finalised 
throughout 2016. The Board is following a number 

acquisition targets, obtain the necessary financing 
to fund such acquisitions or acquire acquisition 

of projects it might consider acquiring.

targets on satisfactory terms. If an acquisition 

Risk Management -----------------------------------
Afarak’s business is cyclical in nature and a 

has been successful, there are a number of risks 

involved in integrating the acquisition into the 

Group, including but not limited to: a failure to retain 

significant strategic risk is the Afarak’s exposure 

key personnel, difficulties in integrating the acquired 

to price and demand volatility in the commodities 

operations in the Group’s structure, risks arising 

markets as well as the steel and stainless steel 

from the change of control provisions in contracts of 

industries. The global market for Group’s products 

an acquired company, risk the acquisition may not 

may not progress or develop at the levels forecast 

become profitable and possible adverse effects on 

and a drop in demand for the Group’s products 

the Group’s financial results.

could have an adverse effect on the Group’s 

revenues and profits. As a vertically integrated 

As part of the organic growth strategy, the Group 

producer who sells a diverse range of products, 
from raw chrome ore through to premium, 

has recently completed the shaking table plant 
at the Stellite mine. The shaking table technology 

will increase the mine’s total plant mass yield 

and safety in the workplace. It has conducted 

significantly, leading to a decrease in the operating 

baseline assessment risks at all of its operations, 

cost per ton. There is a risk that the new plant will 

has developed a comprehensive set of health and 

not perform as expected and the Group will not 

safety guidelines, policies and procedures and has 

achieve the desired future operating cash flows 

a programme of regular, continuous employee 

from this investment.

training. This is all overseen at the highest level in 

the Group by the Board of Directors.

The future organic growth strategy of the Group 

is changing and the idea of producing niche 

Afarak’s processing operations in Germany and 

products is taking over that of producing larger 

South Africa are intensive users of energy, primarily 

volumes. Furthermore, the Group is also trying to 

electricity. Fuel and energy prices globally 

increase its Resources and Reserves by acquiring 

have been characterised by volatility coupled 

new mines or expanding its current operations. 

with general cost inflation in excess of broader 

There is a risk that Afarak might not be able to find 

measures of inflation. In South Africa the majority 

the appropriate site, or to obtain the necessary 

of the electricity supply, price and availability 

58

licences to develop and operate them or to secure 

are all controlled by one entity, namely Eskom. 

the required financing, either through financial 

Increased electricity prices and/or reduced or 

institutions or through strategic partnerships. If all 

unreliable electricity supply or allocation may 

or some of these risks materialise it would hinder 

negatively impact Afarak’s current operations, 

the implementation of this part of the Group’s 

particularly its processing plants, which could have 

growth strategy.

a consequent effect on the Group’s operating and 

financial results. It may also impact the Group’s 

Afarak operates in a highly competitive industry 

plans to expand its operations and implement its 

and is dependent on the technical skill and 

growth strategy.

management expertise of a small number of 

key personnel. The loss of key personnel or the 

Afarak’s processing plants are vulnerable to 

engagement of inappropriate personnel could have 

interruptions such as power cuts, particularly 

an adverse effect on Afarak’s ability to operate 

where these events cause a stoppage, which 

some of its operations, particularly its processing 

necessitates a shutdown in operations. Stoppages 

plants, which could impact the Group’s operating 

in smelting, even for only a few hours, can cause 

and financial results. Afarak’s future success will 

the contents of furnaces to solidify, resulting 

depend on its ability to attract and retain suitably 

in a plant closure for a significant period and 

skilled and qualified personnel. It regularly re-

expensive repairs. To mitigate this risk Afarak 

assesses its remuneration policies and packages, 

employs experienced operating managers and has 

based on Remuneration Committee guidelines, 

standard operating procedures in place for most 

to ensure they are attractively competitive and 

foreseeable circumstances.

reviews its succession plans.

Due to the nature of its business, Afarak has a 

There is always the risk of a severe mining and/
or smelting accident at Afarak’s operations, such 

large, potential exposure to environmental risks. 
Environmental risks relate first to direct potential 

as adverse mining conditions, fire, flooding, rock 

harm to the environment, and second to potential 

bursts, unusual weather conditions, seismic events, 

post-production rehabilitation or landscaping 

other natural phenomena and other conditions 

obligations. Both these types of environmental 

resulting from drilling, blasting and the removal and 

risks are managed closely and regularly assessed. 

processing of material associated with underground 

Afarak has appointed external experts to assist in 

and/or opencast mining, which could have a 

identifying potential liabilities and ensuring that the 

serious impact on the Group. This could affect 

different entities within the Group are compliant 

both employees’ physical wellbeing and morale, 

with the relevant environmental legislation. The 

as well as the operations themselves, resulting 

Group regularly assesses the need to conduct 

in suspension of operations until the accident 

studies regarding the environmental liabilities. 

has been fully investigated and appropriate 

In the recent reviews done in our South African 

measures taken to prevent a re-occurrence. To 

operations Afarak concluded that the provisions in 

mitigate this risk as much as possible, Afarak has 
adopted a policy of Zero Harm towards health 

the accounts are sufficient at current level.

Afarak is exposed to litigation risk in various part 

can influence the repayment of loans, impact the 

of it business cycle. Legal disputes may relate to 

profitability of investments or alter the fair value of the 

contractual or other liabilities or environmental or 

Group’s assets.

other regulatory matters. The Group policy is to 

publish all significant legal cases and their outcomes.

Credit risks are realised when the counterparties in 

commercial, financial or other agreements cannot 

Liquidity risks involve whether Afarak has enough 

take care of their obligations and cause a negative 

liquidity to service and finance its operations and 

financial impact to the Group. Afarak’s key 

pay back loans. If liquidity risks materialised, it 

customers are typically long business relationships 

may cause overdue interest expenses and could 

and include major international steel and stainless 

negatively impact the Group’s relationship with its 

steel companies and some specialty agents selling 

goods and service suppliers as well as affect the 

to the steel sector. As these customers are sector 

pricing and other terms for input goods and services.

specific, major changes in that industry’s future 

outlook or profitability could also increase the 

Afarak is an international business and has 

Group’s credit risk.

operations in Turkey, Germany, Malta and South 

Africa so the Group has significant foreign 

Afarak is exposed to price risks on various output 

exchange rate exposure. The risks arise from both 

and input products, materials and commodities. 

direct risk, such as commercial cash flows and 

The price risks on input materials and commodities 

currency positions as well as indirect risk, such as 

are managed by pricing contracts so that, where 

changes in the Group’s competitiveness as a result 

possible, any changes in input materials and 

of its foreign exchange rateexposures compared to 

commodities may be absorbed in the sales prices. 

its competitors.

The Group’s processing operations are exposed 

to the availability, quality and price fluctuations in 

Afarak is exposed to interest rate risks where the 

raw materials. To diminish these risks, the Group’s 

Group’s subsidiaries enter into loans or other financing 

business units seek long-term contract agreements 

agreements or make deposits and investments related 

with known counterparties where possible.

to liquidity management. Changes in interest rates 

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INFORMATION PRESENTED
BY REFERENCE

60

The Group’s key financial figures, related party 

The Corporate Governance Statement and the 

disclosures, information on share capital and 

Remuneration Report are presented as separate 

option rights are presented in the notes to 

reports in this Annual Report.

the consolidated financial statements. The 

share ownership of the parent company’s 

For the purposes of United Kingdom Listing 

Board members and Chief Executive Officer is 

Authority listing rules (“LR”) 9.8.4C R, the 

presented in the notes to the parent company’s 

information required to be disclosed by LR 9.8.4 R 

financial statements.

can be found in the following locations:-

Sector Topic

Location

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

Interest capitalised

1.7. Notes to the statement of financial position, 
10. Property, plant & equipment

Publication of unaudited financial information Not applicable

Detals of long-term incentive schemes

1.7. Notes to the statement of financial 
position, 19. Share-based payments

Waiver of emoluments by a director

Not applicable

Waiver of future emoluments by a director

Not applicable

Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash

Not applicable

Item (7) in relation to major
subsidiary undertakings

Parent participation in a placing by a listed 
subsidiary

Not applicable

Not applicable

10

Contracts of significance

1.7. Notes to the statement of financial 
position, 1.8.2 Related party transaction

11

12

13

14

Provision of services by a controlling
shareholder

Not applicable

Shareholder waivers of dividends

Not applicable

Shareholder waivers of future dividends

Not applicable

Agreements with controlling shareholders

Not applicable

All the information cross-referenced above is hereby incorporated by reference into this Board of Directors report.

OUR PEOPLE
THE BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS

A F A R A K

G R O U P

CHAIRMAN

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Dr Alfredo Parodi
Chairman, Independent Non-Executive Director.
Ph.D in Chemical Engineering. Born 1940.

Dr Parodi has been working as a technical consultant for ferrochrome and 

chrome-chemical productions. He has numerous years of engineering 

and managerial experience and has served in a number of positions in the 

petrochemical and alloys industries. He was responsible for production, 

technical organisation and plant construction in several international companies such as SIR & Saras 

Chemical (Italy), Stoppani Engineering (Italy), Dirox (Uruguay), Vanetta Sarasota (USA) and Anxian 

Sichnan (China). Dr Parodi is the Chairman of the Health & Safety Committee of the Company.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

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Dr Alistair Ruiters
Executive Director & CEO.
BA Hons in Economic History, Ph.D in Sociology. Born 1964.

Dr Ruiters served as a public servant in the new South African Democratic Government 

from 1994 to 2005. He has held a numerous senior positions in Government including 

the Commissioner of the Competition Commission and the Director General of the 

Department of Trade and Industry. After leaving the public sector, Dr Ruiters started his 

own business and in addition has served on numerous Boards. He started his career in Afarak in October 2009 

when he as appointed as a consultant. He joined on a full time basis in 2010 and May 2015 he was appointed as 

CEO. He holds degrees from the University of Cape Town and a Doctorate from Oxford University. 

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Michael Lillja
Executive Director.
M.Sc in Economics. Born 1962.

Michael Lillja is currently member of the Executive Management Team and is 

Marketing Director at Afarak. Prior to joining Afarak, Mr. Lillja has served for decades 

in several different positions in the mining and metals industry, the oil & gas sector, 

and in international trade for companies such as, Alloy 2000 SA/ENRC -Kazakhstan, 

International Ferro Metals Ltd, and SamChrome Ltd/Samancor Cr. 

DEPENDENT NON-
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Dr Jelena Manojlovic
Dependent Non-Executive Director.
Ph.D in Medicine, Clin. D. in Psychology, MA in Psychotherapy. Born 1950.

Jelena Manojlovic has been a member of the Board since 11 July 2008, and has acted as 

Chairperson of the Board since 16 June 2009 till 8 May 2015. She is also the Chairperson 

of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee. She is an established university 

lecturer and organizational consultant and has 35 years’ experience in the human 

resources field and 20 years’ in management positions in a diverse range of organisations, including the UK’s 

National Health Service, universities and other companies. She was previously Human Resources Director of 

Kermas Limited (a major shareholder in the Company). Manojlovic is independent of the Company but through 

a controlled entity of her husband Danko Koncar, she is dependent on a major shareholder of the Company. 

INDEPENDENT NON-
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

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Mr Markku Kankaala
Independent Non-Executive Director.
B.Sc. in Engineering. Born 1963.

Markku Kankaala has been a member of the Board since 30 June 2003. He is also a member 

of the Audit and Risk Management and Nomination and Remuneration Committees. He 

was also the CEO of the Group from 2003 to 2004 and worked as an Executive Director in 

Ruukki Group Plc (currently, Afarak Group Plc) until 31 August 2006. Mr Kankaala is a co-

founder of Ruukki Group back in 1993 and since then he worked for 10 years as an entrepreneur and Managing 

Director of the Group. Before the era of Ruukki he worked in different positions in Ahlström and Rautaruukki.

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Ivan Jakovčić
Independent Non-Executive Director.
BA in Foreign Trade Faculty. Born 1957.

Ivan Jakovčić is a Croatian politician and a member of the European Parliament where 

he is in the Committee on Regional Development, Committee on Agriculture and 

Rural Development and the Committee of the Regions of the European Union. Prior 

to joining the European Parliament Mr Jakovčić has held numerous political positions 

in Croatia where he has been a member of the Croatian Parliament, the President of the Istrian Democratic 

Assembly and served as Minister of European Integration.

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Barry Rourke
Independent Non-Executive Director.
FCA. Born 1950.

Barry Rourke was a member of the Afarak Board, the Chairman of the Audit Committee 

and a member of the Remuneration Committee from April 2010 to February 2013. 

Previously, he was an Audit Partner at PWC’s for 17 years from 1984 to 2001 where he 

specialised in the Oil and Gas and Mining sectors. He currently holds a number of non-

executive directorships and positions on the audit committees in other listed companies.

OUR PEOPLE
LEADERSHIP 
TEAM

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THE EXECUTIVE
MANAGEMENT TEAM

The Group’s Executive Management Team (EMT) assists the Group CEO in effectively accomplishing his 

duties. The EMT is an advisory body which was set up by the Board of Directors in November 2009. It has 

neither authority, based on laws or the Articles of Association, nor any independent decision-making rights. 

Decisions on matters discussed by the EMT are taken by the CEO, the EMT member responsible for the 

matter in question or the Group’s Board of Directors, as appropriate. 

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Dr Alistair Ruiters
CEO
BA Hons in Economic History,
Ph.D in Sociology

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Michael Lillja
Marketing Director
M.Sc in Economics

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Dr Danko Koncar
Business Development Director.
Diploma, M.Sc. & Ph.D. in Engineering. Born 1942.

Dr Danko Koncar was appointed as a member of the Board at the Extraordinary 

General Meeting on 11 August 2010 and as the CEO on 11 February 2013. He was also 

the Acting Managing Director of the Company between October 2010 and April 2011. 

He has extensive experience in minerals processing and trading, including more than 

20 years in ferrochrome processing with more than 10 years of experience in application of direct current 

technology to ferrochrome processing. He has served as Chairman of Samancor Chrome and General 

Director of RCS Limited and is still General Director of Kermas.

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THE CORPORATE
MANAGEMENT TEAM

The Company’s Corporate Management includes, in addition to the Executive Management Team, the 

following personnel responsible for corporate functions: 

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Melvin Grima
Finance Director
FCCA, MIA, CPA. Born 1982.

Melvin Grima joined Afarak in 2013 as Group Finance Manager. He was responsible 

of the relocation of the Group’s corporate finance function to Malta and its setup. He 

was promoted to Finance Director in 2015. Prior to joining Afarak, he held a number 

of management positions including Group Accountant of a hotel Group and Finance 

Manager of a Group trading in the petroleum industry. 

Julia Simonsson
General Counsel.
Master of Laws (LL.M.). Born 1975.

Julia Simonsson joined Afarak in September 2015 as General Counsel. Mrs Simonsson 

is a German lawyer with prior experience as General Counsel for an international 

multi-disciplinary Group.

GOVERNANCE
STRUCTURE

A F A R A K

G R O U P

68

Governance Structure -----------------------------------
The management and control of Afarak Group plc 

of the financial year. Pursuant to the Company’s 

Articles of Association, the convening notice for a 

and its subsidiaries (Group) is divided between 

General Meeting will be published on the Group’s 

the shareholders, the Board of Directors (Board), 

website and in a stock exchange release no earlier 

supported by the Board’s audit & risk management 

than two months, and no later than 21 days, prior 

committee; nomination & remuneration committee, 

to the General Meeting or nine days prior to the 

health safety & sustainable development 

record date of the General Meeting.

committee; and the Chief Executive Officer.

General Meeting -----------------------------------
Afarak’s ultimate decision-making body is the 

The notice of a General Meeting, the proposals for 

resolutions, and the documents to be submitted 

to the General Meeting, such as the financial 

shareholders’ General Meeting which convenes 
once a year and is held within six months of the end 

statements, the annual report and the auditor’s 
report, will be available on the Group’s website 

69

and at the Group’s office in Helsinki at least three 

publishes the details of how and when to submit 

weeks before the meeting. The resolutions passed 

the requests to the Board on its website.

by the General Meeting will be published as a stock 

exchange release without undue delay and will be 

The Company uses the Annual General Meeting 

available on the Group’s website, along with the 

to develop an understanding of the views of its 

minutes of the General Meeting, no later than two 

shareholders about the Company.

weeks after the meeting.

Shareholders have the right to add items falling 

if the Board of Directors deems it necessary or if the 

within the scope of the Annual General Meeting 

auditor of the Company or the shareholders owning 

to the meeting’s agenda. The request must be 

at least 10 percent of the shares demand one in 

submitted to the Board of Directors in advance so 
that the item can be included to the notice. Afarak 

writing in order to deal with a specific matter, or if it 
is required by law or other regulations.

An Extraordinary General Meeting can be convened 

The most significant items on the Annual General Meeting’s agenda include:

•	 Approving the year’s financial statements;

•	 Determining the number of directors on the 

•	 Confirming the financial year’s profit or 
loss, the dividend distribution or other 
distribution, such as capital redemption;

Board of Directors, their remuneration and 
electing those directors to the Board; and

•	 Electing the auditor or auditors and approving 

their fees.

In addition, certain significant matters (such as 

Resolutions by a General Meeting usually require a 

amending the Articles of Association or deciding 

simple majority. Certain resolutions, however, such 

on a capital increase) require a resolution by the 

as amending the Articles of Association and directed 

shareholders in a General Meeting.

share issues require a qualified majority represented 

by shares, and the votes conferred by the shares, at the 

General Meetings are organised in a manner that 

General Meeting.

70

permits shareholders to exercise their ownership 

rights effectively. A shareholder wishing to exercise 

The majority of the Board members, if not all, attend 

his or her ownership rights shall register for a General 

General Meetings together with the CEO and the 

Meeting in the manner stated in the notice of meeting. 

auditor. In addition, if a person is proposed f or election 

All the shareholders who have been registered in 

as a director for the first time, he or she will also attend 

the Company’s shareholder register, maintained 

the General Meeting.

by Euroclear Finland Ltd, on the record date of the 

meeting have the right to attend a General Meeting, 

provided they have delivered a proper notice to attend 

General Meetings in 2015 -----------------------------------
The Annual General Meeting was held on 8 May 

the meeting. Holders of nominee registered shares may 

2015 at Restaurant Palace in Helsinki, Finland. All 

be registered temporarily on the shareholder register, 

the resolutions of the above-mentioned General 

and they are advised to request further instructions 

Meeting can be found at: http://www.afarak.com/en/

from their custodian bank regarding the temporary 

investors/shareholder-meetings/2015/

registration and issuing of a proxy document.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tasks & Responsibilities -----------------------------------
The Board of Directors is composed of between 

The Board of Directors oversees the 

administration of the Group and is responsible 

three and nine members who are elected by 

for the internal control of its assets, finances and 

the General Meeting of shareholders, which 
also approves their remuneration. The tenure of 

each Board member is for one year and expires 

at the end of the next annual General Meeting 

immediately following their election. The Board 

elects a chairman from among its members. 

None of the non-executive directors has a 

accounts on behalf of shareholders. Its specific 
responsibilities include:
 Formulating the Group’s business strategy and 
overseeing its implementation;
»  Deciding on the Group’s capital structure;
»  Making decisions on significant investments, 
divestments, credits and collaterals, guarantees and 

service contract with the Company and none 

of the directors has waived or agreed to waive 

any emoluments from the Company or any 

other commitments;
»  Approving the quarterly interim reports, the 
Board of Directors Report, the annual financial results 

subsidiary undertaking.

The duties of a Board member are specified in the 

Finnish Companies Act. The Afarak Board also has 

a written charter governing its functions.

and future forecasts and/or outlook;
»  Deciding on the Group’s organisational structure;
»  Appointing the CEO and approving his or her 
service agreement and remuneration;
»  And convening and submitting proposals to the 
shareholders’ General Meeting.

Key elements of the Board’s charter and 

evaluates the operations and working methods 

operations are:

of each committee and the Board. The evaluation 

» 

It convenes on prearranged dates, with a view 

is conducted as internal self-evaluation. The 

to meeting approximately once a month, or more 

Board is also regularly in contact with the major 

often if necessary. Meetings can be arranged as 

shareholders of the Company to ensure that the 

conference calls;
»  Matters to be dealt with by the Board are 
presented by the Chairman, the CEO or another 

Board is aware of their views.

The 2015 Annual General Meeting elected seven 

person who has participated directly in assessing 

members to the Board: Dr Alfredo Parodi, Dr Jelena 

and preparing the issue for consideration;
»  It aims to make unanimous decisions;
»  It prepares an annual plan for its operation; and
»  It acts at all times in the interest of the Group and 
all of its shareholders.

Manojlovic, Mr Michael Lillja, Mr Markku Kankaala 

were re-elected and Mr Barry Rourke, Mr Ivan 

Jakovčić and Dr Alistair Ruiters were newly elected.

Board Independence -----------------------------------
The Finnish Corporate Governance Code requires 

The Board oversees all communications and 

that the majority of the directors are independent 

other requirements stipulated by the rules of the 

of the Company. In addition, at least two of the 

relevant stock exchanges and financial supervision 

directors representing this majority must be 

71

authorities and conducts regular self -assessments 

independent of the significant shareholders of the 

to ensure these requirements continue to be 

Company. The Company believes that Mr Barry 

fulfilled. The Group has established specific targets 

Rourke, Mr Ivan Jakovčić, Mr Markku Kankaala 

for the development of its administrative functions 

and Dr Alfredo Parodi are independent of the 

and processes, and continues to implement these.

Company and significant shareholders and Dr 

Jelena Manojlovic is independent of the Company. 

The Board also evaluates and decides on 

The Board has named Mr Barry Rourke as the senior 

acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries and 

independent non-executive director.

associated companies. To ensure the efficiency of 

board and committee work, the Board regularly 

Members of

Current 

Appointed to the 

the Board

Position

Board

Audit & Risk 

Nomination & 

Health 

Status

Management 

Remuneration 

& Safety 

Committee

Committee

Committee

Alfredo Parodi Chairman

11 February 2013

Independent

-

Chair

Jelena 
Manojlovic

Barry Rourke

Ivan Jakovčić

NED

NED

NED

11 July 2008

Dependent

Chair

8 May 2015

Independent

Chair

-

8 May 2015

Independent

Member

Member

Member

-

-

Michael Lillja

Executive

11 February 2013

Executive

-

-

Member

Markku 
Kankaala

NED

30 June 2003

Independent

Member

Member

Member

Alistair Ruiters Executive

8 May 2015

Executive

Danko Koncar

n/a

Bernice Smart

n/a

11 August 2010 -
8 May 2015

11 February 2013 - 
8 May 2015

(Executive)

-

-

-

-

(Independent)

(Chair)

(Member)

-

-

-

-

-

THE BOARD
IN 2015

72

The new Board of Directors made it a priority 

during their term to review various elements 

Company performance -----------------------------------
As part of the focus to improve the company’s 

relating to the operation and corporate governance 

performance, it was decided to strengthen the 

of Afarak. A review of the main discussions and 

oversight of subsidiaries as well as reporting 

decision is presented below.

frameworks. Given the exchange rate volatility it was 

Corporate Governance -----------------------------------
Strengthening the corporate governance structure 

also decided to close off foreign exchange positions 

in order to minimize the exchange rate risk. 

of Afarak was selected as a priority area for the 

A total of 17 meetings of the Board were held 

new Board. To this end, a review of the corporate 

during the reporting period and the attendance of 

reporting structure was undertaken whilst a review 

the directors is tabled below.

of the corporate structures was initiated. This is an 

ongoing process and work in this area is underway. 

In tandem, a review of internal policies and 

procedures was also initiated by the Board.

Review of policies & procedures -----------------------
A thorough review of internal policies and 

procedures was initiated. Although the review is 

holistic in its nature, special focus was directed 

towards the human resources element where a 

review of employment scales, positions and wages 

was undertaken. A review of the Group’s insurance 

was also undertaken by the Board together with 

the setting up of a Health Safety & Environment 

Committee which started to focus on the Group’s 

health and safety policies. An exercise focusing on 

subsidiary meetings, corporate level meetings and 

information requirements was initiated. A decision 

Meetings Attended

Alfredo Parodi

Jelena Manojlovic

Markku Kankaala

Michael Lillja

Barry Rourke

Alistair Ruiters

Ivan Jakovčić

Danko Koncar

Bernice Smart

17/17

17/17

17/17

16/17

10/10

10/10

9/10

7/7

7/7

A total of 17 meetings were held during the reporting 
period. The differences in the meetings attended relate to 
the changes in the Board composition.

Remuneration -----------------------------------
The Annual General Meeting held on 8 May 2015 

was taken to kick-start a re-branding exercise so 

approved that the Chairman of the Board and 

that all subsidiary companies will carry the Afarak 

the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Management 

brand. This is an ongoing process and will continue 

Committee shall be paid EUR 4,500 per month and 

well into 2016.

Share performance -----------------------------------
The Board implemented a decision taken by the 

AGM to move the London listing from primary 

all Board Members are paid EUR 3,500 per month. 

Non-executive Board Members who serve on the 
Board’s Committees shall be paid additional EUR 

1,500 per month for the committee work. 

to standard. Discussion on how to continue 

Those members of the Board of Directors that 

improving the share performance of the 

are executives of the Company are not entitled 

Company and various meetings were held with 

to receive any remuneration for the Board or 

stakeholders in order to draw a road-map for 

Committee memberships.

improving liquidity and share performance. It was 

decided that a greater emphasis should be placed 

on investors relations with the aim of having 

road shows targeting a number of institutional 

investors. This process is currently underway, in 

parallel with the re-branding organisation.

During the financial year 2015, the Board members 
received a total of EUR 285,967 in Board and 
Committee membership fees. 

BOARD
COMMITTEES

Audit and Risk Management
Committee -----------------------------------
The Audit and Risk Management Committee 

Nomination and Remuneration
Committee -----------------------------------
The combined Nomination and Remuneration 

currently has three members: Mr Barry Rourke 

Committee of the Company currently has three 

(committee chairman), Mr Markku Kankaala and Mr 

members: Dr Jelena Manojlovic (committee 

Ivan Jakovčić. 

chairperson), Mr Markku Kankaala and Ivan Jakovčić. 

The Board has defined the committee’s duties 

The Committee leads the process for making 

in accordance with the recommendations of the 

appointments to the Board and the executive 

Finnish and the UK Corporate Governance Codes. 

management and submits recommendations to 

The Audit and Risk Management Committee 

the Board in this regard. The Committee also leads 

reviews the auditors’ work and monitors the 

the process relating to the remuneration of the 

Group’s financial position and the appropriateness 

executive management and the Board, and makes 

of its financial reporting. The committee evaluates 

recommendations to the Board and to the General 

73

internal audit and risk management, maintaining 

Meeting in relation to the Board’s remuneration. 

contact with auditors and evaluating their reports. 

The Committee’s duty is to ensure that Afarak’s 

The committee reports regularly to the Board. 

goal to have a diverse Board in every aspect, 

including in respect of gender, is implemented. 

In 2015, the Audit and Risk Management 

Committee evaluated and monitored the 

During 2015, the Committee took a broad review 

development of internal controls and risk 

of the company’s HR function. It reviewed 

management policies. The Group had no 

policies and procedures in this regard focusing 

permanent internal auditor during the years, 

on HR relationships across the Group. A 

although operational management commissioned 

streamlining exercise of employment grades and 

local specialists to conduct internal audit reviews 

categories was initiated.

within several business units as part of their 

local assurance process. The Board has received 

assurance from a number of sources, including 

a Board review of the Group’s overall strategy 

Health Safety and Sustainable
Development Committee -----------------------------------
The Health and Safety Committee of the Company 

and management processes, which has exercised 

currently has three members: Dr Alfredo Parodi 

substantial supervision over the local operations.

(committee chairman), Mr Markku Kankaala, 

Mr Michael Lillja. Dr Stefano Bonati acts as a 

All significant Group companies are audited by the 

consultant to the Committee.

Company’s auditor in order to ensure a consistent 
approach and to facilitate communication between 

The Committee was set-up in 2015 with the stated 

the auditors and the Committee. 

mission to ensure Afarak conduct its business in 

a responsible and ethical manner for the benefit 

The Committee has focused on improving 

of all its stakeholders. The Committee’s priority 

management information flow to the Board and 

was to focus on its ‘Zero Harm’ policy and to this 

on the identification and management of the main 

end, the Committee worked together with the 

risks facing the Group. The risks are discussed in 

CEO to establish a Health Safety and Environment 

the Board of Directors’ Report. These priorities 

Committee with the task of generating, implementing 

continued to form the core of the committee’s 

and maintaining a common global culture about 

business during 2015, along with the regular 

safety, health, environment and communities. The 

scrutiny of the Group’s compliance with laws, 

Committee also continued to monitor Afarak’s 

regulations and best practice. 

investment in environmental initiatives and projects.

CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

Afarak Group Plc (“Afarak”, the “Company” or 

Listing, Disclosure and Transparency Rules, the 

the “Group”) is a Finnish public limited company 

NASDAQ Helsinki Stock Exchange and the London 

listed on the NASDAQ Helsinki Stock Exchange 

Stock Exchange. As Afarak primarily follows the 

(AFAGR) and the Main Market of the London Stock 

Finnish Corporate Governance Code, certain 

Exchange (AFRK).

sections of the UK Corporate Governance Code 

issued in September 2012 (“UK CG”) are not strictly 

Afarak’s corporate governance is based on, and 

complied with. However, in the areas that the 

complies with, the laws of Finland, the Articles of 

Company diverges from the UK CG the Company 

Association of the Company, the Finnish Corporate 

believes that its policies are acceptable for the 

Governance Code and the regulations of the 

reasons which are set out below. 

74

Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority, the UK 

UK CG Section

Description

The Reason for Non-Compliance

C.3.8

E.2.1

A separate section of 
the annual report should 
describe the work of 
the Audit committee 
in discharging its 
responsibilities

While this report includes a description of the work 
of the audit and risk management committee, the 
contents requirements of this section under the UK GC 
are not the same as those under the Finnish CG and, 
therefore some information required under the UK GC 
may not be included.

For each resolution, proxy 
appointment forms should 
provide shareholders with 
the option to direct their 
proxy to vote either for or 
against the resolution or to 
withhold their vote.

The Company’s AGM is arranged in accordance with the 
Finnish Companies Act so certain procedural and other 
matters differ from the UK CG recommendation. The 
Company does not provide proxy voting forms.

E.2.2

Miscellaneous general 
meeting procedures

The Company’s AGM is arranged in accordance with the 
Finnish Companies Act so certain procedural and other 
matters may differ from the UK CG recommendation.

Afarak’s foreign subsidiaries operate under the 

Code which can be found on the Securities Market 

local laws and regulations of the countries in which 

Association’s website at www.cgfinland.fi. Afarak 

they are located, including but not limited to local 

has made no exceptions in its Finnish Corporate 

accounting and tax legislation as well as exchange 

Governance Code compliance.

controls. This Corporate Governance Statement 

for the financial period 1 January to 31 December 

2015 is issued as a separate report to the Board of 

Directors’ Report and is available on the Group’s 

website at www.afarak.com. It has been prepared 

pursuant to the Finnish Corporate Governance 

Code 2010 and the guideline of the Securities 

Market Association dated 1 December 2010. Afarak 

complies with the Finnish Corporate Governance 

INTERNAL
CONTROL

75

The principles of internal control are confirmed 

Internal control refers to elements of financial 

by the Board. The Group’s EMT members are in 

and operational management which are designed 

charge of the day-to-day business management 

and administrative control in their respective 

responsibility areas. 

Main Principles of Risk Management
& Internal Control -----------------------------------
The purpose of risk management is to identify, 

evaluate and mitigate the potential risks that could 

impact the Group’s business and the implementation 

of its strategy, and to ensure that risks are 

proportional to the Group’s risk-bearing capacity. 

The Group’s risk management policy is approved 

by the Board of Directors and defines the 

objectives, approaches and areas of responsibility 

of risk management activities. The Group’s key 

risks are reviewed and assessed by the Board on 

a regular basis. The Group’s business segments, 

and the business units within those segments, are 

primarily responsible for managing their risks, their 

financial performance and their compliance with 

the Group’s risk management policies and internal 

control procedures. 

The Board of Directors is responsible for organising 

and maintaining adequate and effective internal 

control performed by the senior and executive 

management as well as other Afarak personnel, and 

assisted by third-party experts when appropriate. 

to ensure:
»  Achievement of defined performance targets; 
»  Efficient use of resources and protection of 
assets;
»  Effective management of risks;
»  Accurate, timely and continuous delivery of 
financial and operational information;
»  Full compliance with laws and regulations as well 
as internal policies; and
»  Business continuity through secure systems and 
stable operating prodecures.

The Structure of Internal
Control Systems -----------------------------------
The main structural elements of the Group’s internal 

control system are:
»  The risk management and internal control 
policies and principles defined by the Board;
»  Implementation of the policies and principles 
under the surveillance of Group management;
»  Supervision of the efficiency and functionality 
of the business operations ny Group management;
»  Supervision of the quality and compliance of the 
financial reporting by the Group finance department;
»  An effective control environment within all 
organisational levels and business units, including 

tailored controls for each business process; and
»  Internal audits conducted as and when needed.

The Board of Directors decides on the Group’s 

management system and the corporate and 
organisational structure required by each business 

The Internal Control of the Financial 
Reporting Process -----------------------------------
The Group’s financial organisation is structured 
so that each business unit has its own finance 

unit with a view to providing solid foundations 

function, but overall financial management 

for effective internal control. Internal control and 

including accounting, taxation and financing is 

risk management related to financial reporting at 

centralised within the Group’s parent company.

the Group level are performed in a coordinated 

way by a function independent of the business 

The Group finance department is responsible for 

areas. Each subsidiary’s executive management 

ensuring the compliance, quality and timeliness 

is responsible for the implementation of internal 

of the Group’s external and internal financial 

control and risk management to the agreed Group 

reporting. The internal control mechanisms 

principles and guidelines.

are based on the policies, procedures and 

authorisations established and approved by the 

The system of internal control provides reasonable 

Board. In addition to control mechanisms, training 

rather than absolute assurance that Afarak’s 

and sharing of knowledge are also significant tools 

business objectives will be achieved within the risk 
tolerance levels defined by the Board.

of internal control.

Each business unit has its own finance function 

which reports to the Group Finance. The business 

Group Management -----------------------------------
The Group’s management is in charge of the day-

unit’s finance function is responsible for the 

to-day management of the Group in accordance 

unit’s accounting and daily financial operations 

with the instructions and orders given by the 

and internal reporting. The finance function 

Board. It sets the framework of the internal control 

and administration is overseen by the unit’s 

environment and is in charge of the Group’s 

management team and reports to the head of the 

risk management process and its continuous 

business unit’s segment.

development. This includes allocation of resources 

The tasks of the Group Finance consist, among 

management policies, as well as defining the 

other things, of monthly consolidation of the Group’s 

principles of operation and overall processes.

to the work and continuous review of the risk 

accounts, preparation of the quarterly interim reports 

and consolidated financial statements, financing of 

the Group, and tax planning.

External Audit -----------------------------------
According to the Articles of Association, the 

Annual General Meeting of shareholders elects the 

76

Consolidated financial statements are prepared by 

Company’s auditor, which must be a firm authorised 

using consolidation software. The accounting of the 

by the Finnish Central Chamber of Commerce; 

Company’s subsidiaries is carried out by accounting 

otherwise the Company will have one main auditor 

systems and the accountants within each subsidiary 

and one deputy auditor. The auditor’s term is for 

enter the accounting information directly into the 

one year and finishes at the end of the first General 

consolidation system, or in some cases send the 

Meeting following election.

information in a predefined format to the Group’s 

financial administration to be consolidated.

On Afarak’s General Meeting elected Authorised 

Roles and Responsibilities Regarding 
Risk Management and Internal Control

Board of Directors -----------------------------------
The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible 

Public Accountant Ernst & Young Oy (“EY”) as 

auditor, with Authorised Public Accountant Erkka 

Talvinko having the principal responsibility. EY is 

also the local auditor of all of the Group companies.

In 2015 the Company paid EUR 365,000 (412,000) 

for the administration and the proper organisation 

for audit fees and EUR 29,000 for non-audit 

of the Group’s operations and approves all 

services (20,000) to EY.

internal control, risk management and corporate 

governance policies. The Board establishes the risk-

taking level and risk-bearing capacity of the Group 

and reassess them on a regular basis as part of the 

Group’s strategy and goal-setting process. The 

Board reports to the shareholders of the Company.

Audit and Risk Management
Committee -----------------------------------
The Audit and Risk Management Committee is 

responsible for the following internal control 

related activities: 
»  Monitoring the reporting process of the 
financial statements;
»  Supervising the financial reporting process;
»  Monitoring the efficiency of the Group’s internal 
control, internal audit and risk management 

systems; and 
»  Monitoring the statutory audit of the financial 
statements and consolidated financial statements.

stable operating prodecures.

INSIDER
ADMINISTRATION

The Company complies with the legal provisions 

applying to the management of insiders, the 

Guidelines for Insiders issued by the NASDAQ Helsinki 

Company-specific
Insider Register -----------------------------------
In addition to the public insider register, the 

Stock Exchange and the stipulations and guidelines of 

Company holds a company-specific insider register 

the Finnish Financial Supervision Authority.

of persons who regularly receive information 

Public Insider Register -----------------------------------
The Company’s permanent public insiders 

that can have material impact on the value of 

its securities. These persons include all Afarak 

Group Plc employees, corporate management and 

comprise the Board members, the CEO, the 

subsidiary and other third-party service providers 

Executive Management Team and the auditors. 

who regularly obtain insider information. 

All permanent public insiders and the statutory 

information about them, their related parties 

When necessary, the Company sets up a separate 

and the entities controlled by them or in which 

project-specific insider register. Project-specific 

they exercise influence, have been entered into 

insiders are those who, in connection with the 

the Company’s public insider register which is 

insider project receive information that might have 

published on the Group’s website.

material impact on the value of the Company’s 

shares. The establishment of a project is decided 

Afarak imposes a restriction on trading for insiders 

by the Board or the CEO.

77

which forbids trading in the Company’s shares for 

30 days before the publication of financial reports. 

Prior to the preliminary announcement of the 

Company’s annual results and the publication of 

its annual financial report the closed period is 60 

days or, if shorter, the period from the end of the 

relevant financial year up to and including the time 

of the announcement.

Shareholdings of the Public Insiders at 31 December 2015

Members of the Board

Title

Shares

Related Party Shares

Options

Jelena Manojlovic

Chairman

150,000

0

Markku Kankaala

Non-executive Director

7,066,116

24,500

Michael Lillja

Executive Director

0

Alfredo Parodi

Chairman

22,600

Alistair Ruiters

Executive Director

400,000

Ivan Jakovčić

Non-executive Director

0

Barry Rourke

Non-executive Director

150,000

Auditors

Erkka Talvinko

Other Insiders

Danko Koncar

Auditor

Executive

0

0

0

0

200,000

0

600,000

0

0

0

71

0

0

0

0

0

70,459,254

800,000

RESOLUTIONS OF THE 
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Company’s Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) 

and other special rights that entitle to shares 

was held on 8 May 2015. The AGM adopted 

in one or more tranches up to a maximum of 

the financial statements. The AGM resolved in 

25,000,000 new shares or shares owned by the 

accordance with the proposal of the Board of 

Company. This equates to approximately 9.6% 

Directors a capital redemption of EUR 0.02 per 

of the Company’s currently registered shares. 

share for the year ended on 31 December 2014. The 

The authorisation may be used among other 

capital redemption was paid on 20 May 2015.

things in financing, enabling corporate and 

business acquisitions or other arrangements 

The AGM resolved that the Chairman of the 

and investments of business activities and in the 

Board and the Chairman of the Audit and Risk 

employee incentive and commitment programs. 

78

Management Committee would be paid EUR 4,500 

By virtue of the authorisation, the Board of 

per month and the ordinary Board Members would 

Directors can decide both on share issues 

be paid EUR 3,500 per month. Furthermore, the 

against payment and on share issues without 

non-executive Board Members who serve on the 

payment. The payment of the subscription price 

Board’s Committees shall be paid an additional 

can also be made with consideration other than 

EUR 1,500 per month for the committee work. 

money. The authorisation contains the right to 

Those members of the Board of Directors that are 

decide on derogating from shareholders’ pre-

executives of the Group are not entitled to receive 

emptive right to share subscriptions provided 

any remuneration for Board membership.

that the conditions set in the Companies’ Act are 

fulfilled. The authorisation replaces all previous 

The AGM resolved that the Board of Directors 

authorisations and is valid 2 years from the 

comprises of seven members. Mr Michael Lillja, Mr 

decision of the Annual General Meeting.

Markku Kankaala, Dr Jelena Manojlovic and Dr Alfredo 

Parodi were re-elected to the Board. Mr Barry Rourke, 

The AGM authorised the Board of Directors to 

Dr Alistair Ruiters and Mr Ivan Jakovčić were elected. 

resolve upon acquiring a maximum of 15,000,000 

The Board appointed from among its members the 

of the Company’s own shares. The authorisation 

following members to the Committees:

replaces all previous authorisations and it is valid 

Audit Committee
Barry Rourke (Chairman),

Markku Kankaala,

Ivan Jakovčić

for 18 months from the decision of the Annual 

General Meeting. 

The AGM resolved to approve the proposed transfer 

of the Company’s equity share listing on the Official 

List of the United Kingdom Listing Authority 

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee
Jelena Manojlovic (Chairperson),

(‘’UKLA’’) and on the Main Market of the London 
Stock Exchange plc from the Premium listing 

Markku Kankaala,

Ivan Jakovčić

Health, Safety and Environment Committee
Alfredo Parodi (Chairman),

Michael Lillja,

Markku Kankaala

The AGM resolved that authorised public 

accountant firm Ernst & Young Oy was re-elected 

as the Auditor of the Group for the year 2015.

(commercial company) segment to the Standard 

listing (shares) segment as described in detail in the 

circular to shareholders dated 16 April 2015.

2016 Annual General
Meeting -----------------------------------
Afarak’s 2016 Annual General Meeting will be held 

on 11 May 2016 at the Palace Restaurant, Helsinki.

Dividend Payout Proposal -----------------------------------
The Board of Directors will propose a new dividend 

policy to the Annual General Meeting, which will be 

The AGM resolved to authorise the Board of 
Directors to issue shares and stock options 

held on 11 May 2016. The Group will in future review 
it distributions to shareholders either through a 

capital redemption or dividend twice yearly at the 

with shareholders. In line with this new policy the 

time of full year and the half year announcements. 

Board will be recommending a EUR 0.02 per share 

This new policy will allow the Board to take 

distribution where EUR 0.01 will be paid in May 2016 

prudent decisions based on market conditions 

and subject to market conditions a further EUR 0.01 

whilst continuing to share its positive results 

will be paid in August 2016.

ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION

Ligitation -----------------------------------
Further to the announcement of 27 March 2014, 

the share price was EUR 0.40 and GBP 0.33 

respectively. During 2015 the Company’s share 

whereby Afarak announced that the Group had been 

price on NASDAQ Helsinki ranged from EUR 

served a notice of arbitration by Chinese Suzhou 

0.33 to EUR 0.67 per share and the market 

79

Kaiyuan Chemical Co. Ltd (“Suzhou”), on 14 July 

capitalisation, as at 31 December 2015, was EUR 

2015, Afarak announced that the claim by Suzhou 

105.7 (1 January 2015: 83.1) million. For the same 

was withdrawn. Suzhou’s claim of EUR 2.66 million 
had related to a chrome ore sales agreement entered 

period on the London Stock Exchange the share 

price range was GBP 0.25 to GBP 0.33 per share 

into by Chromex Mining Plc (“Chromex”) prior to 

and the market capitalisation, as at 31 December 

the acquisition of Chromex by Afarak together in a 

2015 was GBP 85.5 (1 January 2015: 65.5) million.

joint venture with Kermas Limited and was served 

on Afarak’s marketing arm Afarak Trading Limited 

Based on the resolution at the AGM on 8 May 

(previously known as RCS Limited) and various 

2015, the Board is authorised to buy-back up to 

companies which form part of the Chromex joint 

a maximum of 15,000,000 of its own shares. This 

venture. As a result of the withdrawal the arbitration 

authorisation is valid until 8 November 2016. The 

tribunal dismissed the claim and ordered Suzhou to 

Company did not carry out any share buy-backs 

pay the full arbitration cost.

during 2015.

Share Information -----------------------------------
Afarak Group Plc’s shares are listed on NASDAQ 

Flagging Notifications -----------------------------------
On 30 April 2015, Afarak announced that as a 

Helsinki (AFAGR) and on the Main Market of the 

result of a transaction that occurred between 

London Stock Exchange (AFRK).

two controlled corporations of Dr Danko Koncar, 

Kermas Limited and Kermas Resources Limited, 

On 31 December 2015, the registered number 

Kermas Limited has decreased below the threshold 

of Afarak Group Plc shares was 263,040,695 

of 5% and Kermas Resources Limited has increased 

(259,562,434) and the share capital was EUR 

23,642,049.59 (23,642,049.59).

above the threshold of 25%. However, the total 
combined beneficial ownership of Dr Danko Koncar 

remains unchanged.

On 31 December 2015, the Company had 4,244,717 

(4,244,717) own shares in treasury, which was 

On 2 January 2015, Afarak announced that as a 

equivalent to 1.61% (1.64%) of the issued share 

result of a transaction that occurred between Ms 

capital. The total amount of shares outstanding, 

Aida Djakov and her controller corporation Atkey 

excluding the treasury shares held by the 

Limited (“Atkey”), Ms Aida Djakov has personally 

Company on 31 December 2015, was 258,795,978 

decreased below the threshold of 5% and Atkey 

(255,317,717).

has increased above the threshold of 25%. 

However, the total combined ownership of Ms Aida 

At the beginning of the period under review, 

Djakov and Atkey remained unchanged.

the Company’s share price was EUR 0.33 on 

NASDAQ Helsinki and GBP 0.25 on the London 

Stock Exchange. At the end of the review period, 

REMUNERATION
REPORT

80

This report sets out the remuneration policy 

The members of the committee in 2015 were Dr 

and practices for Afarak’s Board and Executive 

Jelena Manojlovic (Chairman), Mr Markku Kankaala 

Management Team (“EMT”), and provides details of 

and Mr Ivan Jakovcic.

their remuneration and share interests for the year 

ended 31 December 2015. 

Remuneration Policy -----------------------------------
Afarak operates in a very competitive sector where 

CEO Service Agreement -----------------------------------
The Board appoints the Chief Executive Officer 

(CEO), who manages, develops, guides and 

supervises the Group’s activities and leads the EMT. 

there is a shortage of highly qualified, experienced 

The Board decides upon the CEO’s remuneration 

executives. The Group’s remuneration policy is 

based on the recommendations made by the 

designed to attract, retain and incentivise high-

Remuneration Committee.

calibre executives to implement its business 

strategy and enhance shareholder value.

The CEO receives an annual salary of EUR 

The policy seeks to align the interests of the 

Shares as an incentive for each completed year of 

business and shareholders by rewarding executives 

service acting as the Chief Executive Officer, the 

appropriately for achieving individual and group 

first 500,000 Company shares shall be received on 

targets and thereby ensuring long-term value 

22 May 2016 and the second 500,000 shares shall 

creation for the benefit of all the shareholders. 

be received on 22 May 2017 if he is still acting as 

360,000. He shall also receive 500,000 Company 

CEO at that time.

Nomination and Remuneration
Committee -----------------------------------
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee makes 

The Group makes no pension arrangements for the 
CEO beyond the statutory pension coverage, and 

recommendations to the Board regarding executive 

there is no set retirement age. CEO’s agreement is a 

remuneration, and submits proposals to the Annual 

definite agreement for 2 years until 30th June 2017. 

General Meeting of shareholders regarding the 

Board’s remuneration.

The committee is responsible for the overall direction of 

Non-Executive Directors’
Service Contracts -----------------------------------
The remuneration of members of the Board of 

the remuneration policy, as well as determining, within 

Directors is agreed at the Company’s General 

agreed terms of reference, the specific remuneration 

Meetings. Directors’ remuneration consists of 

packages of the EMT. This includes pension rights, 

monthly fixed fees. The Annual General Meeting 

executive incentive schemes and any compensation 

held on 8 May 2014 approved that all Board 

payments. To ensure that the Group’s remuneration 

Members are paid EUR 3,500 per month and 

packages are both appropriate and competitive, the 

the Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of 

committee evaluates information on market-based 
remuneration levels for comparable companies.

the Audit and Risk Committee are paid 4,500 
per month. The non-executive Board Members 

 
who serve on the Board’s Committees shall be 

As some of the Board members have also had 

paid additional EUR 1,500 per month for the 

executive management roles, both the Board fees 

committee work. 

and the salaries in relation to the executive role 

have been presented below.

Those members of the Board of Directors that 

are executives of the company are not entitled 

to receive any remuneration for the Board or 

Committee memberships.

EUR ‘000

2015

2014

Salaries

Fees

Share-
based 
remuneration

Salaries

Fees

Share-
based 
remuneration

Kankaala 

Markku

Koncar Danko

Lillja Michael

CEO 11.2.2013 – 

20.5.2015, Board 

member 11.8.2010 – 
7.5.2015

Board member 

11.2.2013 onwards

Board member 

86

120

Manojlovic 

11.7.2008 onwards, 

Jelena

Parodi Afredo

Smart Bernice

Alistair 

Ruiters

Rourke Barry

Ivan Jakovcic

Total

Chairperson 

17.6.2009 - 7.5.2015

Board member 

11.2.2013 onwards. 

Chairman 8.5.2015 

onwards

Board member 

11.2.2013 – 7.5.2015

Board member 

8.5.2015 onwards, 

CEO 21.5.2015 

onwards

Board member 

8.5.2015 onwards

Board member 

8.5.2015 onwards

81

58

58

66

19

54

0

0

240

120

0

54

0

54

54

242

183

47

39

0

448

287

183

360

216

0

Other EMT Members’ Service
Contracts -----------------------------------
As Afarak operates within a highly competitive 

There are no early retirement options in the EMT’s 

employment contracts, and the notice period and/

or non-compete period is normally six months, 

environment, its performance depends on the 

unless agreed otherwise.

individual contributions of the executive directors 

and other senior employees. The remuneration 

The table includes the Executive Management 

packages are designed to attract, motivate and 

Team remuneration excluding the CEO. The CEO 

retain executives to manage the Group’s operations 

and Board members compensation has been 

effectively and to reward them for enhancing 

presented separately.

shareholder value. 

The EMT remuneration package is a combination of 

received any compensation for serving as a NED 

a base salary and long-term share-based incentives. 

in other companies. 

None of Afarak’s executive directors have 

Fringe benefits include liability insurance, traveller’s 

insurance and mobile phones.

82

Management remuneration 

EUR ‘000

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Termination benefits

Share-based payments

Total

2015

258

0

0

0

258

2014

185

0

0

42

227

Share-based Compensation

The share subscription period for 1,450,000 share 

options commenced on 1 October 2009 and on 1 

Share Options -----------------------------------
The Company has three incentive-related option 

October 2010 for the remaining 1,450,000 options. 

The subscription period matured on 31 December 

schemes, known as I/2005, I/2008 and I/2011. 

2015, and the maximum number of 2,900,000 

options has been issued.

Option rights relating to the I/2005 scheme are 

granted to the EMT and other key employees and 

Option rights relating to the I/2011 scheme are 

to non-executive directors, as recommended by 

granted to the key personnel of the Company, as 

the Board. The scheme entitles option holders 

recommended by the Board. The scheme entitles 

to subscribe for a maximum of 2,700,000 shares 

the option holders to subscribe for a maximum 

in the Company. The share subscription period 
is from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2015 for various 

of 6,900,000 shares in the Company. To date, 
the total of 6,291,997 options have been issued. 

options series denoted with different letters, and 

The vesting period is 1 July 2014 to 1 August 2017 

the subscription price range is EUR 0.32 – 0.82 

for various option series denoted with different 

(with dividend and capital redemption adjustment). 

letters and years. The share subscription price 

To date, options on A, B, C, D, E and F series of 

is calculated by a formula based on the Volume 

the I/2005 scheme have been issued totalling 

Weighted Average Price of the Company’s share 

1,175,000 option rights.

and varies between the option series. 

Option rights relating to the I/2008 scheme were 

In May 2015 the Group has granted the CEO, 

granted to the Company’s previous CEO, Alwyn 

Alistair Ruiters 1,000,000 shares in the Company. 

Smit, in October 2008. The scheme entitled 

These will be awarded in two tranches and vested 

the option holder to subscribe for a maximum 

based on completed year of service. The first 

of 2,900,000 shares in the Company for a 

500,000 Company shares shall be received once 

subscription price of EUR 2.18 per share (with 
dividend and capital redemption adjustment). 

the first vesting period has lapsed, on 22 May 2016. 
The second 500,000 Company shares shall be 

received by the employee on 22 May 2017. These 

shares have a lock-up period of two years form 

subscription date. The fair value of the granted 

shares is determined based on the market price of 

Afarak Group share at the grant date which was 

EUR 0.40 per share. The value at year end was 

EUR 182,870.24

Directors’ and EMT members’ Shareholdings and Options at 31 December 2015

Members of the Board

Title

Shares

Related Party Shares

Options

Jelena Manojlovic

Chairman

150,000

0

Markku Kankaala

Non-executive Director

7,066,116

24,500

Michael Lillja

Executive Director

0

Alfredo Parodi

Chairman

22,600

Alistair Ruiters

Executive Director

400,000

Ivan Jakovčić

Non-executive Director

0

Barry Rourke

Non-executive Director

150,000

Auditors

Erkka Talvinko

Other Insiders

Danko Koncar

Auditor

Executive

0

0

83

0

0

200,000

0

600,000

0

0

0

71

0

0

0

0

0

70,459,254

800,000

K

P

A

U

R

O

A

R

G

F

A

A

F

A

R

A

K

G

R

O

U

P

FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

A

F

G

A

R

R

O

U

A

P

K

4

KEY FIGURES
FINANCIAL INDICATORS

Continuing Operations

2015

2014

2013

Revenue

EBITDA

% of revenue

EUR’000

EUR’000

Operating profit / loss (EBIT)

EUR’000

% of revenue

Profit / loss before taxes

EUR’000

86

% of revenue

Return in equity

Return on capital employed

Equity ratio

Gearing

%

%

%

%

Personnel at the end of the accounting period

187,711

17,190

9.2%

9,888

5.3%

6,521

3.5%

4.4%

9.3%

64.2%

-2.6%

773

172,669

8,447

4.9%

1,725

1.0%

460

0.3%

1.2%

3.1%

62.8%

-0.7%

698

135,509

14,090

10.4%

-7,984

-5.9%

-11,130

-8.2%

-2.2%

0.0%

68.5%

-6.4%

779

KEY FIGURES
SHARE-RELATED KEY INDICATORS

2013

Continuing 
Operations

-0.02

-0.02

0.74

87

2015

2014

Group

Continuing 
Operations

Group

Continuing 
Operations

0.00

0.00

0.69

Earnings per share, basic

Earnings per share, diluted

Equity per share

EUR

EUR

EUR

0.03

0.03

0.65

0.03

0.03

0.65

Distribution*

EUR’000

2,588

Distribution per share*

Price to earnings

EUR

EUR

0.01

11.7

Average number of shares

1000

256,652

Average number of shares, 
diluted

Number of shares at the end 
of the period

1000

1000

259,849

263,040

Share price information (NASDAQ Helsinki)

Average share price

Lowest share price

Highest share price

EUR

EUR

EUR

0.44

0.33

0.67

Market capitalisation

EUR’000

105,742

Share turnover

EUR’000

16,936

Share turnover

%

14.5%

Share price information  (London Stock Exchange) 

Average share price

Lowest share price

Highest share price

Market capitalisation

Share turnover

Share turnover

EUR

GBP

EUR

GBP

EUR

GBP

EUR’000

GBP’000

EUR’000

GBP’000

%

0.45

0.33

0.34

0.25

0.45

0.33

116,479

85,488

6

4

0.0%

0.01

0.01

0.69

5,106

0.02

27.9

249,280

253,077

259,562

0.32

0.21

0.42

83,060

6,638

8.1%

0.37

0.30

0.30

0.24

0.39

0.32

84,144

65,540

9

7

0.0%

Group

-0.02

-0.02

0.74

4,884

0.02

neg.

244,135

248,532

248,432

0.40

0.30

0.48

79,498

1,826

1.8%

0.43

0.37

0.35

0.30

0.47

0.40

89,396

74,530

19

16

0.0%

* In 2014 and 2015 the Company distributed a capital redemption of EUR 0.02 per share out of the paid-up unrestricted equity fund. In 
2016 the Board will propose to the AGM a new dividend policy and will recommend a EUR 0.02 per share distribution where EUR 0.01 per 
share will be paid in May 2016 and subject to market conditions a further EUR 0.01 will be paid in August 2016.

KEY FIGURES
FORMULAS FOR CALCULATION OF INDICATORS

Financial indicators

Return on equity

Profit for the period / Total equity (average for the period) * 100

Return on capital employed

88

Equity ratio

Gearing

EBITDA

(Profit before taxes + financing expenses) / (Total assets – 

Interest-free liabilities) average * 100

Total equity / (Total assets - prepayments received) * 100

(Interest-bearing debt - liquid funds) / Total equity * 100

Operating profit + depreciation + amortisation + impairment 

losses

Operating profit is the net of revenue plus other operating 

income, plus gain/loss on finished goods inventory change, minus 

employee benefits expense, minus depreciation, amortisation and 

Operating profit / loss

impairment and minus other operating expense. Foreign exchange 

gains or losses are included in operating profit when generated 

from ordinary activities. Exchange gains or losses related to 

financing activities are recognised as financial income or expense.

Share-related key indicators

Earnings per share, basic 

Earnings per share, diluted 

Equity per share

Profit attributable to owners of the parent company / Average 

number of shares during the period

Profit attributable to owners of the parent company / Average 

number of shares during the period, diluted

Equity attributable to owners of the parent / Average number of 

shares during the period

Distribution / Number of shares at the end of the period. In the 

attached table of share related key indicators, the dividend and 

Distribution per share

capital redemptions are presented in that year’s column on which 

Price to earnings

Average share price

Market capitalisation

results the pay-out are based; hence the actual payment takes 

place during next year.

Share price at the end of the period / Earnings per share

Total value of shares traded in currency / Number of shares 

traded during the period

Number of shares * Share price at the end of the period

CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT AND STATEMENT 
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

EUR '000

Revenue

Other operating income

Materials and supplies

Employee benefits expense

Depreciation and amortisation

Other operating expenses

Impairment, net

Loss on disposal on investment in associate

Share of profit from associates

Share of profit from joint ventures

Operating profit

Finance Income

Finance Cost

Profit before taxes

Income taxes

Profit for the year from continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Profit for the year from discontinued operations

Profit for the year

Profit attributable to:

Owners of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share (counted from profit
attributable to owners of the parent):

basic (EUR), Group total

diluted (EUR), Group total

basic (EUR), continuing operations

diluted (EUR), continuing operations

Note

1.1.- 31.12.2015

1.1 - 31.12.2014

1

2

3

4

5

4

12

12

13

6

6

7

8

9

187,711

172,669

2,331

-142,349

-17,836

   -7,302

-11,928

0

-327

2

-414

9,888

7,906

-11,274

6,520

1,236

7,756

783

8,539

8,854

-315

8,539

0.03

0.03

0.03

0.03

3,370

-136,552

89

-16,123

-6,717

-11,612

-5

0

6

-3,311

1,725

4,166

-5,431

460

12

472

1,773

2,245

2,858

-613

2,245

0.01

0.01

0.00

0.00

CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

EUR ‘000

Profit for the year

1.1.- 31.12.2015

1.1 - 31.12.2014

8,539

2,245

Other comprehensive income

90

Items that will not be reclassified to profit and loss

Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans

986

-4,036

Items that may be reclassified to profit and loss

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations - Group

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations –

Associate and Joint Venture

Income tax relating to other comprehensive income

-18,844

-3,126

4,552

-5,198

-997

-964

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

-16,432

-11,195

Total comprehensive income for the year

-7,893

-8,950

Profit attributable to:

Owners of the parent

Non-controlling interests

-6,790

-1,103

-7,893

-8,527

-423

-8,950

CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

EUR '000

ASSETS
Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill 

Other intangible assets

Investments in associates

Other financial assets

Receivables

Deferred tax assets 

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Note

31.12.2015

31.12.2014

10

11

11

12

14

14

20

15

16

17

43,559

58,349

17,015

0

597

38,638

3,260

161,418

45,153

40,779

19,644

105,576

91

47,972

63,051

20,358

92

587

39,910

4,166

176,136

60,052

40,769

13,332

114,153

Total assets

266,994

290,289

CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONT.)

EUR '000

Note

31.12.2015

31.12.2014

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to owners of the parent

6,520

460

Share capital

92

Share premium reserve

Legal Reserve

Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve

Translation reserve

Retained earnings

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Interest-bearing debt 

Share of joint ventures´ losses

Non-current liabilities (cont.)

Pension liabilities

Other non-current debt

Provisions

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Tax liabilities

Interest-bearing debt 

18

20

14

13

22

23

21

23

21

23

14

23,642

25,740

187

240,240

-28,692

-93,755

167,362

3,845

171,207

5,949

2,977

23,218

18,734

1,969

9,309

62,156

15,364

99

6,036

12,132

33,631

23,642

25,740

210

243,424

-12,061

-103,657

177,298

4,947

182,245

8,200

6,263

19,580

19,954

42

10,137

64,176

31,974

77

5,951

5,866

43,868

Total liabilities

95,787

108,044

Total equity and liabilities

266,994

290,289

CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

EUR ‘000

Operating activities

Profit for the year

Adjustments to net profit:

     Non-cash items

     Depreciation and impairment

     Finance income and cost

     Income from associates

     Income taxes

     Share-based payments

     Proceeds from non-current assets

Working capital changes:

     Change in trade receivables and other receivables

     Change in inventories

Change in trade payables and other debt

Change in provisions

Interest paid

Interest received

Other financing items

Income taxes paid

Discontinued operations

Net cash from operating activities

Investing activities

Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

Capital expenditure on non-current assets, net

Other investments, net

Disposals of subsidiaries, net of cash sold

Disposals of associated companies 

Repayments of loan receivables and loans given, net

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities

Capital redemption

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayments of borrowings

Repayments of finance leases

Net cash used in / from financing activities

1.1.-31.12.2015

1.1.-31.12.2014

8,539

2,245

93

7,302

3,191

414

-1,236

103

-563

-5,525

12,234

-9,148

-145

-1,796

369

-218

-1,163

177

12,535

-201

-7,317

-239

212

109

3,517

-3,919

-5,106

8,728

-5,649

-71

-2,098

6,722

2,352

3,305

-12

154

-3,029

2,732

-13,298

7,140

-1,113

-1,240

782

-47

-478

-1,087

5,129

0

-14,347

1,785

-2

0

2,351

-10,213

-4,884

11,365

-1,801

-89

4,590

CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONT.)

EUR ‘000

Change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash at beginning of period

94

Exchange rate differences

Cash at end of period

Change in the statement of financial position

1.1.-31.12.2015

1.1.-31.12.2014

6,518

13,332

-206

19,644

6,518

-494

13,769

57

13,332

-494

The cash flow from operating activites in 2015 includes discontinued operations relating to cash received in 

December 2015 of Eur 560 thousand less the storage costs of the saw mill equipment of Eur 327 thousand 

and commissions of Eur 56 thousand. The cash flow from operating activites in 2014 includes discontinued 

operations relating to LP Kunnanharju cleaning cost of Eur 585 thousand and the storage cost of the Sawmill 

equipment of Eur 501 thousand. The first part of the Sawmill equipment was sold in December 2014, however 

the cash inflows were actually received in January 2015.

CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

A = Share capital
B = Share premium reserve
C = Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve
D = Translation reserve
E = Retained earnings
F = Legal reserve
G = Equity attributable to owners of the parent, total
H = Non-controlling interests
I = Total equity

ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT

95

EUR ‘000

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

Equity at 31.12.2013

23,642

25,740 242,725

-4,773 -102,574

201

184,961

5,367

190,328

Profit for the period 1-12/2014

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive 
income

Share-based payments

Share Issue

Capital redemption

Acquisitions and disposals of 

subsidiaries

Other changes in equity

2,858

-7,349

-4,036

2,858

-11,385

-613

190

2,245

-11,195

-7,349

-1,178

-8,527

-423

-8,950

5,583

-4,884

154

2

-61

61

154

5,583

-4,884

2

9

9

3

0

0

0

157

5,583

-4,884

2

9

Equity at 31.12.2014

23,642

25,740 243,424

-12,061

-103,657

210

177,298

4,947

182,245

Profit for the period 1-12/2015

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive 
income

Share-based payments

Share Issue

Capital redemption

Acquisitions and disposals of 

subsidiaries

Other changes in equity

-16,631

8,854

986

8,854

-315

8,539

-15,645

-787

-16,432

-16,631

9,840

-6,791

-1,102

-7,893

183

1,739

-5,106

91

-29

274

1,739

-5,106

-29

-23

-23

0

0

0

0

0

274

1,739

-5,106

-29

-23

Equity at 31.12.2015

23,642

25,740 240,240

28,692

-93,755

187

167,362

3,845

171,207

 
 
 
 
 
 
1.NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.1 COMPANY INFORMATION

Afarak Group is a chrome mining and minerals producer focused on delivering sustainable growth with a 
speciality alloys business in southern Europe and a ferro alloys business in southern Africa. The Group’s parent 
company is Afarak Group Plc (business ID: 0618181-8). The parent company is domiciled in Helsinki, and its 
registered address is Kasarmikatu 36, 00130 Helsinki, Finland. Copies of the consolidated financial statements 
are available at Afarak Group Plc’s head office or at the Company’s website: www.afarakgroup.com.

Afarak Group Plc is quoted on the NASDAQ Helsinki Oy (trading code: AFAGR) in the industrials group, in the 
small-cap category, and on the main market of the London Stock Exchange (AFRK).

96

1.2 ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

BASIS OF PREPARATION
These consolidated financial statements of Afarak Group have been prepared in accordance with the 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and in conformity with the IAS and IFRS standards as well 
as the SIC and IFRIC interpretations in force on 31 December 2015. In the Finnish Accounting Act and the 
regulations issued on the basis thereof, International Financial Reporting Standards refer to the standards and 
their interpretations that have been approved for application within the EU in accordance with the procedure 
prescribed in the EU regulation (EC) 1606/2002. Notes to the consolidated financial statements also meet the 
requirements set forth in the Finnish accounting and company legislation. 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, unless otherwise 
explicitly stated. All the figures in the consolidated financial statements are given in EUR thousands.

Afarak Group Plc’s Board of Directors resolved on 31 March 2016 that these financial statements are to be 
published. According to the Finnish Companies Act, shareholders shall endorse the financial statements in the 
Annual General Meeting convening after the financial statements have been published.

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated financial statements provide comparative information in respect of the previous period. In
addition, the Group presents an additional statement of financial position at the beginning of the earliest period
presented when there is: a retrospective application of an accounting policy; a retrospective restatement; or a
reclassification of items in financial statements that has a material impact on the Group.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the parent company Afarak Group Plc, its subsidiaries, joint ventures 
and associated companies. Subsidiaries refer to companies controlled by the Group. The Group gains control of a 
company when it holds more than half of the voting rights or otherwise exercises control. The existence of potential 
voting rights has been taken into account in assessing the requirements for control in cases where the instruments 
entitling their holder to potential voting rights can be exercised at the time of assessment. Control refers to the right 
to govern the financial and operating policies of an enterprise so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

Acquired subsidiaries are consolidated from the time when the Group gained control, and divested subsidiaries 
until the time when control ceased. All intra-group transactions, receivables, debts, and unrealised profits, as well 
as internal distribution of profits, are eliminated when the consolidated financial statements are prepared. The 
distribution of profits between parent company owners and non-controlling owners is shown in the statement of 
comprehensive income, and the non-controlling interest of equity is shown as a separate item in the statement of 
financial position under shareholders’ equity. 

Afarak Group Plc has consolidated Elektrowerk Weisweiler GmbH to its financial statements since 1 November 
2008 based on potential voting rights arising from a call option. Afarak exercised the call option on 10 May 
2012 and acquired 100 % of the shares in Elektrowerk Weisweiler GmbH. The transaction has been treated as an 
adjustment to the cost of acquisition in accordance with the earlier IFRS 3 which was applied in 2008.

The Group holds 51% of shares of Synergy Africa Ltd. However, the shareholders of Synergy Africa Ltd have 
entered into a joint venture agreement with joint control over the company. Therefore, the company and its 
subsidiaries are not consolidated into the Group as subsidiaries but as joint ventures.

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Joint ventures are entities in which each venturer has an interest and there is a contractual arrangement 
establishing joint control over the economic activity of the entity. Afarak Group changed the accounting method 
in 2012 and the interests in joint ventures are now recognised using the equity method. The Group’s share of 
net assets or liabilities in the Joint venture is recorded on one line in the balance sheet. The Group’s share of net 
profit or loss of the Joint venture is also shown on one line in the income statement.

Associates are companies in which Afarak Group exercises significant influence. The Group exercises significant 
influence if it holds more than 20% of the target company’s voting rights, or if the Group in other ways exercises 
significant influence but not control. Associates have been consolidated in the Group’s financial statements 
using the equity method. If the Group’s share of the associate’s losses exceeds the carrying amount of the 
investment, the investment is recognised at zero value on the statement of financial position, and losses 
exceeding the carrying amount are not consolidated unless the Group has made a commitment to fulfil the 
associates’ obligations. Investment in an associate includes the goodwill arising from its acquisition.

TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY ITEMS
Amounts indicating the profit or loss and financial position of Group entities are measured in the currency 
of each entity’s main operating environment (‘functional currency’). Figures in the consolidated financial 
statements are presented in euro, the functional and presentation currency of the Group’s parent company, 
Afarak Group Plc.

Transactions in foreign currencies have been recorded at the functional currency using the exchange rate on 
the date of the transaction or mid reference rates of central banks. Monetary items denominated in foreign 
currencies have been translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates at the end of each 
reporting period. Exchange rate gains and losses are included in the revenue, operational costs or financial 
items, corresponding to their respective origin. Hedge accounting has not been applied.

In the Group accounts, foreign subsidiaries’ income statements and statements of cash flows are converted 
into euro by using average exchange rates for the period, and the statement of financial position is converted 
by using the period-end exchange rate. The translation differences arising from this are recognised in other 
comprehensive income. Translation differences arising from the elimination of the acquisition cost and post-
acquisition equity changes are also recognised in other comprehensive income. If and when the foreign 
subsidiary is partially or fully divested, these accrued translation differences will be taken into account in 
adjusting the sales gain or sales loss.

Goodwill, other assets and liabilities arising from acquisitions of subsidiaries are recognised in the Group 
accounts using the functional currency of each acquired subsidiary. The balances in that functional currency 
have then been translated into euro using the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period.

OPERATING PROFIT
IAS 1 Presentation of financial statements does not define the concept of operating profit. Afarak Group has 
defined it as follows: Operating profit is the net amount derived by adding to revenue other operating income, 
less materials and supplies, and expenses from work performed by the enterprise and capitalised, less costs 
from employee benefits, depreciation and impairment losses, and other expenses. Shares of associated 
companies’and joint venture companies’ profit or loss are included in the operating profit to the extent to which 
they relate to the Group’s core businesses. Exchange differences arising from operational transactions with third 
parties are included in operating profit; otherwise they are recorded under financial items.

All other items of the income statement are excluded from operating profit.

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IAS 1 amendment introduced the requirement for grouping of items presented in Other Comprehensive Income.  
Items that are reclassified (or `recycled`) to profit or loss at a future point in time will be presented separately from 
items which will never be reclassified.  The amendment affected the presentation of Other Comprehensive Income.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
Income from the sale of goods is recognised once the substantial risks and benefits associated with ownership 
have been transferred to the buyer. The transfer of risks depends on, among others, terms of delivery 
(Incoterms). The most often used term is FCA or FOB, under which the revenue is recognised when the goods 
are assigned to the buyer’s carrier or loaded on board the vessel nominated by the buyer. As typical in the 
business, preliminary invoices are issued for the mineral concentrates at the time of delivery. Final invoices are 
issued when quantity, mineral content and pricing have been defined for the delivery lot.

Income not generated by the Group’s main businesses is accounted for as other operating income. The expenses 
incurred from disposals of non-current assets or a disposal group of assets are deducted from the gain on disposal.

PENSION LIABILITIES
Pension arrangements in Afarak Group are classified as defined contribution plans or defined benefit plans 
(Germany and Turkey). Payments for defined contribution plans are recognised as expenses for the relevant 
period. The present value of obligation for the defined benefit plans has been estimated applying the Projected 
Unit Credit Method and recognised as a non-current liability on the statement of financial position.  The standard 
IAS 19 was revised and includes changes to the presentation and measurement of defined benefit plans as well 
as amendments to the accounting treatment of other employee benefits. The amendment has changed the 
determination of the applicable discount rate and also the possibility to apply the so called “corridor method” has 
been abolished. Consequently, actuarial gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income when 
they occur and the net defined benefit liability or asset are presented in full on the statement of financial position. 

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
Option rights are measured at fair value at the time they were granted and recorded as expenses on a straight-
line basis during the vesting period. The expenses at the time the options were granted are determined according 
to the Group’s estimate of the number of options expected to vest at the end of the vesting period. Fair value is 
determined on the basis of an applicable option pricing model (e.g. Black-Scholes). The effects of non-market-
based terms and conditions are not included in the fair value of the option; instead, they are taken into account 
in the estimated number of options expected to vest at the end of the vesting period. The Group updates the 
estimated final number of options at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the estimates are recorded in 
the statement of comprehensive income. When the option rights are exercised, the cash payments received from 
the subscriptions adjusted with potential transaction costs are recorded under paid-up unrestricted equity reserve.

The Group from time to time directs free issues of shares to the members of the Board of Directors or key 
executives, as approved by the AGM. The compensation is settled in shares and is accordingly recognised as 

share-based payment in the Group’s financial statements. The fair value of the granted shares is determined 
based on the market price of the Afarak Group share at the grant date. The total fair value is therefore the 
amount of granted shares multiplied by the share market price at grant date. The cost is recognised as expense 
in personnel costs over the vesting periods and credited to equity (retained earnings).

BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT (BEE) TRANSACTIONS
The purpose of South African Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) regulation is to enable previously 
disadvantaged people meaningfully to participate in the South African economy. The Group is committed 
to making a positive contribution towards the objectives of BEE. Where the Group disposes of a portion of a 
South African based subsidiary or operation to a BEE company at a discount to fair value, the transaction is 
considered to be a share-based payment (in line with the principle contained in South Africa interpretation AC 
503 Accounting for Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Transactions). The discount provided or value given 
is calculated in accordance with IFRS 2 and recognised as an expense. Where the BEE transaction includes 
service conditions, the expense is recognised over the vesting period. Otherwise the expense is recognised 
immediately on the grant date.

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LEASE AGREEMENTS (THE GROUP AS THE LESSEE)
Leases of tangible assets where the Group possesses a material portion of the risks and benefits of ownership 
are classified as financial leases. An asset acquired through a financial lease agreement is recognised at the 
fair value of the leased object at the beginning of the lease period, or at a lower current value of minimum 
lease. An asset obtained through a finance lease is depreciated over the useful life of the asset or the lease 
term, whichever is shorter. The leases payable are divided into financial expenses and loan repayment during 
the lease term so that the interest rate for the remaining loan is roughly the same each financial year. Leasing 
obligations are included in interest-bearing liabilities. Lease agreements in which the risks and benefits typical 
of ownership remain with the lessor are classified as other leases. Leases paid under other lease agreements, 
for instance operating leases, are recognised as expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

IMPAIRMENT
At the end of each reporting period, the Group makes an assessment of whether there are any indications 
of asset impairment. If such indications exist, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated. In addition, 
goodwill is assessed annually for its recoverable amount regardless of whether there are any signs of 
impairment. Impairment is examined at the cash-generating unit level; in other words, the lowest level of 
entity that is primarily independent of other entities and whose cash flows can be separated from other cash 
flows. Impairment related to associates and other assets are tested on a company/asset basis.

The recoverable amount is the fair value of an asset less divestment costs, or the higher value in use. Value 
in use means the present value of estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the asset or cash-
generating unit. Value in use is forecast on the basis of circumstances and expectations at the time of testing. 
The discount rate takes into account the time value of money as well as the special risks involved for each 
asset, different industry-specific capital structures in different lines of business, and the investors’ return 
expectations for similar investments. An impairment loss is recorded when the carrying amount of an asset 
is greater than its recoverable amount. If the impairment loss is allocable to a cash-flow-generating unit, it 
is allocated first to reduce the goodwill of the unit and subsequently to reduce other assets of the unit. An 
impairment loss is reversed if a change has occurred in circumstances and the recoverable amount of the 
asset has changed since the impairment loss was recognised. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is 
not reversed in any circumstances.

Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at year end; for the 2015 financial year, testing took place on 31 
December 2015. Impairment testing and the methods used are discussed in more detail in section 1.4 in the 
‘Notes to the consolidated financial statements’.

FINANCIAL INCOME AND EXPENSE
Interest income and expense is recognised using the effective interest method, and dividends are recognised 
when the right to dividends is established. Unrealised changes in value of items measured at fair value are 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. These items relate to currency forward contracts. 
Exchange rate gains or losses that arise from intercompany loans that are considered as part of the net 
investment in the foreign entity are included, net of any deferred tax effects, in the translation reserve within the 
equity. These exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income while accumulated exchange 
differences are presented in the translation reserves in the equity.

100

BORROWING COSTS
Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset 
forming part of the cost of that asset, are capitalised if it is likely that they will provide future economic benefit 
and can be measured in a reliable manner. Other borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the period in 
which they are incurred. 

INCOME TAXES
Tax expenses in the statement of comprehensive income consist of the tax based on taxable income for the year 
and deferred taxes. Taxes based on taxable income for the year are calculated using the applicable tax rates. 
Taxes are adjusted with any taxes arising from previous years. Maltese companies’ income taxes are recognised 
and paid applying the nominal income tax rate which is 35%. Six sevenths of this tax is refunded when the 
company pays dividend. Consequently the effective tax rate is 5%. The tax refund is recognised when the 
dividend isdeclared. Taxes arising from items recognised directly in equity are presented as income tax relating 
to other comprehensive income.

Deferred taxes have been calculated for all temporary differences between the carrying amount and taxable 
amount. Deferred taxes have been calculated using the tax rates set at the end of the reporting period. Deferred 
tax assets arising from taxable losses carried forward have been recognised up to the amount for which there is 
likely to be taxable income in the future, and against which the temporary difference can be used.

TANGIBLE ASSETS
Tangible assets have been measured at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. 
The initial cost of an asset comprises its purchase price, costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into 
operation and the initial estimate of the rehabilitation and decommissioning obligation. Heavy production 
machinery often contains components with different useful lives, and therefore the component approach is 
applied. Material component replacements and repairs are capitalised. The repair and maintenance of lighter 
machinery and other intangible items are recognised as expense when occurred. 

Interest expenses are capitalised as part of the tangible asset’s value if and when the Group acquires or 
constructs assets that satisfy the required terms and conditions. 

Assets are depreciated over their useful lives using the straight-line method, except for the mineral resources 
and ore reserves which are depreciated based on estimated or reported consumption. Land areas are not 
depreciated. The estimated useful lives of assets are as follows:

Buildings

Machinery and equipment

Other tangible assets

15–50 years

3–15 years

5–10 years

Mines and mineral assets

Units-of-production method

The residual value of assets and their useful life are reviewed in connection with each financial statement and, if 

necessary, they will be adjusted to reflect the changes that have occurred in the expected financial benefit. The sales 

gains or losses arising from the decommissioning or divestment of tangible assets are included in other operating 

income or expenses.

MINES AND MINERAL ASSETS

Measurement of mineral resources and ore reserves in business combinations

Mineral resources and ore reserves acquired in business combinations are recognised as separate assets. In 

the recognition and measurement of mineral resources and ore reserves the Group utilises available third party 

reports of the quantities, mineral content, estimated production costs and exploitation potential of the resource. 

The probability of the ore reserve is also an essential factor. In the mining and minerals business, the probability 

101

is commonly described by classifying a mineral resource into categories such as ‘proven’, ‘probable’, ‘inferred’ 

and ‘hypothetical’. There are also generally accepted standards for the classification of mineral resources in 

the business, such as the standards of the South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral 

Resources and Mineral Reserves (‘SAMREC’). The measurement of ore reserves is based on estimated market 

prices, estimated production costs and quantities. In the Group’s statement of financial position, mineral resources 

and ore reserves are presented as tangible assets. Rehabilitation liabilities related to mines are included in their 

cost of acquisition, and corresponding provision is recognised on the statement of financial position. 

Exploration and evaluation expenses of mineral resources

Exploration and evaluation expenditure relates to costs incurred on the exploration and evaluation of potential 

mineral reserves and resources when new potential ore reserves are sought, for example by exploratory drilling. 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure is carried forward as an asset if the Group expects such costs to be recouped 

in full through the successful development of the area of interest; or alternatively by its sale; or if exploration and 

evaluation activities in the area of interest have not yet reached a stage which permits the reasonable assessment 

of the existence of economically recoverable reserves and active and significant operations in relation to the area 

are either continuing or planned for the future. Exploration and evaluation expenditure includes material and other 

direct costs incurred, for instance, by exploratory drilling and surveys. Overheads are included in the exploration 

and evaluation asset to the degree to which they can be associated with finding and evaluating a specific mineral 

resource. Exploration and evaluation assets are measured at cost and are transferred to mine development assets 

when utilisation of the mine begins. The asset is then depreciated using the units-of-production method.

Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment if and when facts and circumstances suggest that 
the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. In particular, the impairment tests are carried out if the 

period for which the Group has right to explore the specific area expires or will expire in the near future and future 

exploration and evaluation activities are not planned for the area.

Exploration and evaluation assets acquired in conjunction with business combinations are accounted for at fair 

value in accordance with the principles of IFRS 3.

Mine establishment costs

Mine establishment costs are capitalised as part of the mine’s acquisition cost and depreciated using the units-

of-production method when the production of the mine begins. The costs arising from changes in mining plan 

after the production has begun are expensed as incurred.

Impairment

The value of mineral resources and ore reserves acquired in business combinations is tested for impairment if there are 

indications of deterioration in the long-term ability to utilise the asset economically. In the test the cash flows generated 

by the asset are assessed based on most recent information on the technical and economic utilisation of the asset.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS IDENTIFIED AT ACQUISITION
Goodwill represents the portion of acquisition cost that exceeds the Group’s share of the fair value at the time 

of acquisition of the net assets of the acquired company. Instead of regular amortisation, goodwill is tested 

annually for potential impairment. For this purpose, goodwill has been allocated to cash-generating units or, in 

the case of an associated company, is included in the acquisition cost of the associate in question. Goodwill is 

measured at original acquisition cost less impairment losses. Changes in purchase considerations, for example 

due to earn-out arrangements, relating to acquisitions carried out before 2010 have been recognised against 

goodwill in accordance with the earlier IFRS 3.  

102

The net assets of an entity acquired in a business combination are measured at fair value at the date of 

acquisition. In connection with business combinations, the Group also identifies intangible assets that are 

not necessarily recorded on the statement of financial position of the acquired entity. These assets include, 

for instance, customer relationships, trademarks and technology. The assets are recognised at fair value and 

amortised over their useful lives. The amortisation periods for these intangible assets are as follows:

Customer relationships: 2-5 years depending on contractual circumstances
Technology:                     5-15 years
Trademarks:                     1 year

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Research costs are always recognised as expenses. Mine development costs are capitalised as part of mining 

assets and depreciated on a unit of production basis. The development costs, which primarily relate to the 

development of existing products, are expensed as incurred. 

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Other intangible assets are initially recognised on the statement of financial position at cost when the costs 

can be reliably determined and it is probable that the expected financial benefits of those assets will be reaped 

by the Group. Other intangible assets mainly relate to IT software utilised in support of the Group’s business 

operations and they are amortised over 3-5 years.

INVENTORIES
Inventories are measured at acquisition cost or a lower probable net realisable value. Acquisition costs are 

determined using the average cost method. The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprises 
raw materials, direct labour expenses, other direct expenses, and an appropriate share of fixed and variable 

production overheads based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. In open pit mining operations, 

the removal costs of overburden and waste material (stripping costs) are included in the cost of inventory. 

The net realisable value is the estimated selling price that is obtainable, less the estimated costs incurred in 

completing the product and the selling expenses.

FINANCIAL ASSETS
Financial assets within the scope of IAS 39 are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or 

loss, loans and receivables, held-to-maturity investments, available-for-sale financial assets or as derivatives 

designated as hedging instruments, as appropriate. The Group determines the classification of its financial 

assets at initial recognition. All financial assets are recognised initially at fair value plus, in the case of 

investments not at fair value through profit or loss, directly attributable transaction costs.

The Group’s financial assets include cash and cash equivalents, short-term deposits, money market 

instruments, trade and other receivables, loan and other receivables, unquoted financial instruments and 

derivative financial instruments. 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include financial assets held for trading and financial assets 

designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets are classified as held for 

trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term. This category includes 

derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments. Financial assets at fair value 

through profit and loss are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with changes in fair value 

recognised in finance income or finance cost.

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not 

quoted in an active market. After initial measurement, such financial assets are subsequently measured at 

amortised cost using the effective interest rate method (EIR), less impairment. The EIR amortisation is included 

103

in finance income. The impairment losses are recognised as finance costs.

Non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities are classified as 

held-to-maturity when the Group has the positive intention and ability to hold it to maturity. After initial 

measurement, held-to-maturity investments are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, 

less impairment. 

Financial assets classified as available-for-sale are those which are neither classified as held for trading 

nor designated at fair value through profit or loss. After initial measurement, available-for-sale financial 

investments are subsequently measured either at fair value with unrealised gains or losses recognised as 

other comprehensive income until the investment is derecognised, at which time the cumulative gain or loss 

is recognised in finance income or cost, or determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative loss is 

recognised as finance costs and removed from the available-for-sale assets.

The fair value of financial instruments that are traded in active markets at each reporting date is determined by 

reference to quoted market prices or dealer price quotations, without any deduction for transaction costs. For 

financial instruments not traded in an active market, the fair value is determined using appropriate valuation 

techniques. Such techniques may include: using recent arm’s length market transactions; reference to the 

current fair value of another instrument that is substantially the same; discounted cash flow analysis; or other 

valuation models.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGE ACCOUNTING
When necessary, the Group utilises derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts 

and interest rate swaps, to hedge its foreign currency risks and interest rate risks. Such derivative financial 

instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and 

are subsequently remeasured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is 

positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative. Any gains or losses arising from changes in fair 

value on derivatives are recognised on the income statement. The Group does not apply hedge accounting.

TREASURY SHARES
Own equity instruments, which are reacquired (treasury shares), are recognised at cost and deducted from the 

paid-up unrestricted equity reserve. No gain or loss is recognised on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of 

the Group’s own equity instruments. 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Liabilities are classified as current and non-current, and include both interest-bearing and interest-free liabilities. 

Interest-bearing liabilities are liabilities that either include a contractual interest component, or are discounted to 

reflect the fair value of the liability. In the earlier financial years discounted non-current liabilities have included 

acquisition-related deferred conditional and unconditional liabilities. Certain conditional liabilities have included 

an earn-out component that needed to be met to make the liability unconditional and fix the amount of the 

future payment. Acquisition-related conditional purchase considerations that were payable in the Company’s 

shares were presented as interest-free liabilities. 

Financial liabilities within the scope of IAS 39 are classified as financial liabilities at fair value through profit 

or loss; loans and borrowings; or derivatives designated as hedging instruments, as appropriate. The Group 

determines the classification of its financial liabilities at initial recognition. All financial liabilities are recognised 

initially at fair value, and in the case of loans and borrowings, plus directly attributable transaction costs. 

The Group’s financial liabilities include trade and other payables, bank overdrafts, loans and borrowings, and 

derivative financial instruments.

104

After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost 

using the effective interest rate method. Gains and losses are recognised on the income statement when the 

liabilities are derecognised as well as through the effective interest rate method (EIR) amortisation process. 

Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discounts or premiums and fees or costs that are an 

integral part of the EIR. The EIR amortisation is included in finance cost.

PROVISIONS
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive), as a result of a past 

event and 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 discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, 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.

The provision for rehabilitation and decommissioning costs has arisen on operating mines and minerals’ 

processing facilities. These costs are provided at the present value of expected costs to settle the obligation 

using estimated cash flows. The cash flows are discounted at a current pre-tax rate that reflects the risks specific 

to the rehabilitation and decommissioning liability. The estimated future costs of decommissioning are reviewed 

annually and adjusted as appropriate. Changes in the estimated future costs of or in the discount rate applied 

to the rehabilitation obligation are added or deducted from the profit or loss or, respectively, decommissioning 

obligation adjusted to the carrying value of the asset dismantled. 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The standard IFRS 5 requires that an entity must classify a non-current asset or a disposal group as assets 

held for sale if the amount equivalent to its carrying amount is accumulated primarily from the sale of the item 

rather than from its continued use. In this case, the asset or disposal group must be available for immediate 

sale in its present condition under general and standard terms for the sale of such assets, and the sale must 

be highly probable.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES REQUIRING MANAGEMENT DISCRETION AND KEY UNCERTAINTY 
FACTORS FOR ESTIMATES
Preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates, assumptions and forecasts 

regarding the future. Future developments may deviate significantly from the assumptions made if changes 

occur in the business environment and/or business operations. In addition, management is required to use its 

discretion in the application of the financial statements’ preparation principles.

The scope of the financial statements

The consolidated financial statements include the parent company Afarak Group Plc, its subsidiaries, joint 

ventures and associated companies. Subsidiaries refer to companies in which the Group has control. The Group 

gains control of a company when it holds more than half of the voting rights or otherwise exercises control. The 

assessment of whether control is exercised requires management discretion. 

The Group holds 51% of shares of Synergy Africa Limited. However, the shareholders of Synergy Africa Limited 

have entered into a joint venture agreement with joint control over the company. The joint venture agreement 

includes terms and conditions which give the other shareholder participating rights. Therefore, the Group’s 

management has assessed, using its discretion, that the company and its subsidiaries are not consolidated into 

the Group as subsidiaries but as joint ventures.

105

IFRS 11 requires considering all facts and circumstances relating to joint arrangements instead of legal form 

only, which influences the accounting treatment of the arrangements. Under the new standard Afarak’s 

share in Synergy Africa Limited and its subsidiaries are consolidated under the equity method instead of the 

proportionate method of consolidation. Synergy Africa Limited and its subsidiaries form a part of Afarak’s 

mining operations in South Africa. 

Allocation of the cost of a business combination

In accordance with IFRS 3, the acquisition cost of an acquired company is allocated to the assets of the acquired 

company. The management has to use estimates when determining the fair value of identifiable assets and 

liabilities. Determining a value for intangible assets, such as trademarks and customer relationships, requires 

estimation and discretion because in most cases, no market value can be assigned to these assets. Determining 

fair value for tangible assets requires particular judgment as well, since there are seldom active markets for 

them where the fair value could be obtained. In these cases, the management has to select an appropriate 

method for determining the value and must estimate future cash flows.

Impairment testing

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, and assessments of whether there are indications of any other asset 

impairment are made at each balance sheet date, and more often if needed. The recoverable amounts of cash-

generating units have been determined by means of calculations based on value in use. Preparation of these 

calculations requires the use of estimates to predict future developments. 

The forecasts used in the testing are based on the budgets and projections of the operative units, which strive 

to identify any expansion investments and rearrangements. To prepare the estimates, efforts have been made 

to collect background information from the operative business area management as well as from different 

sources describing general market activity. The risk associated with the estimates is taken into account in the 

discount rate used. The definition of components of discount rates applied in impairment testing requires 

discretion, such as estimating the asset or business related risk premiums and average capital structure for 

each business segment. 

Tangible and intangible assets

Afarak Group management is required to use its discretion when determining the useful lives of various tangible 

and intangible assets, which affects the amount of depreciation and thereby the carrying amount of the 

assets concerned. The capitalising of mine development assets and exploration and evaluation expenditure, in 

particular, requires the use of discretion. Similarly, management is required to use its discretion in determining 

the useful lives of intangible assets identified in accordance with IFRS 3, and in determining the amortisation 

period. This affects the financial result for the period through depreciation and change in deferred taxes.

Measurement of mineral resources and ore reserves

In the Group’s mining operations, estimates have to be applied in recognising mineral resources acquired in 

business combinations as assets. In the recognition and measurement of mineral resources and ore reserves, 

the Group utilises available third party analyses of the quantities, mineral content, estimated production costs 

and exploitation potential of the resource. The probability of the ore reserve is also a key consideration. In the 

mining and minerals business, the probability is commonly described by classifying a mineral resource into 

categories such as ‘proven’, ‘probable’, ‘inferred’ and ‘hypothetical’. The measurement of ore reserves is based 

on estimated market prices, estimated production costs and on the probability classification of the mineral 

resource and quantities. Therefore, the Group’s management has to use its discretion in applying recognition 

and measurement principles for mineral resources. 

106

Rehabilitation provisions

The Group assesses the rehabilitation liabilities associated with its mines and production facilities annually. The 

amount of provision reflects the management’s best estimate of the rehabilitation costs. In determining the 

fair value of the provision, assumptions and estimates are made in relation to discount rates, the expected cost 

to rehabilitate the area and remove or cover the contaminated soil from the site, the expected timing of those 

costs, and whether the obligations stem from past activity. These uncertainties may cause the actual costs to 

differ from the provision which has been made.

APPLICATION OF NEW OR AMENDED IFRS STANDARDS
The Group applies new or amended IFRS standards and interpretations from their effective date or after they 

have been endorsed for application within the EU.  

In these financial statements the Group has applied the following new or amended standards and 

interpretations:

»   IFRS 3 Business Combinations The amendment is applied prospectively and clarifies that all contingent 
consideration arrangements classified as liabilities (or assets) arising from a business combination should be 

subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss whether or not they fall within the scope of IAS 39. 

This is consistent with the Group’s current accounting policy and, thus, this amendment did not impact the 

Group’s accounting policy.

»   IFRS 8 Operating Segments The amendments are applied retrospectively and clarify that:
•	 An entity must disclose the judgements made by management in applying the aggregation criteria including 

a brief description of operating segments that have been aggregated and the economic characteristics used 

to assess whether the segments are ‘similar’.

•	 The reconciliation of segment assets to total assets is only required to be disclosed if the reconciliation is

reported to the chief operating decision maker, similar to the required disclosure for segment liabilities.

The Group has not applied the aggregation criteria in IFRS 8. The Group has presented the reconciliation of

segment assets to total assets in previous periods and continues to disclose the same in Note 1.5 in this 

period’s financial statements.

»   IFRS 3 Business Combinations The amendment is applied prospectively and clarifies for the scope 
exceptions within IFRS 3 that:

•	

Joint arrangements, not just joint ventures, are outside the scope of IFRS 3

•	 This scope exception applies only to the accounting in the financial statements of the joint arrangement itself.

Afarak Group is not a joint arrangement, and thus this amendment is not relevant for the Group and its

subsidiaries.

 
 
»   IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement The amendment is applied prospectively and clarifies that the portfolio 
exception in IFRS 13 can be applied not only to financial assets and financial liabilities, but also to other 

contracts within the scope of IAS 39. The Group does not apply the portfolio exception in IFRS 13.

The Group will apply the following new or amended standards and interpretations in the financial statements for 

the year 2016 or subsequent financial years:

»   IFRS 9 Financial Instruments will replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and measurement in its 
entirety. The mandatory effective date of IFRS 9 is for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, early 

adoption is allowed. 

According to IFRS 9, at initial recognition, all financial assets are measured at fair value. For subsequent 

measurement, financial assets that are debt instruments are classified at amortized cost or fair value either 

through profit or loss or Other Comprehensive Income (OCI). The classification is based on the entity’s business 

model for managing the financial asset and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset.  The 

new hedge accounting model is designed to align the accounting for hedging activities more closely with risk 

management practices and to simplify certain aspects of hedge accounting. The Group is assessing the impact 

of the standard to its financial statements. 

107

»   IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers as issued in May 2014, establishes a new five-step model 
that will apply to revenue earned from a contract with a customer, regardless of the type of revenue or industry. 

The principles in IFRS 15 provides a more structured approach to measuring and recognising revenue and will be 

applied using the following five steps:

1. 

2. 

Identify the contract(s) with a customer

Identify the performance obligations in the contract

3.  Determine the transaction price

4.  Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract

5.  Recognise revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation

This new revenue standard is applicable to all entities and will supersede the current revenue recognition 

requirements under IFRS. Either a full or modified retrospective application is required for annual periods 

beginning on or after 1 January 2017. The Group is currently assessing the impact of IFRS 15 on the entities 

within the Group.

»   IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements: Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations
The amendments to IFRS 11 require that a joint operator accounting for the acquisition of an interest in a joint 

operation, in which the activity of the joint operation constitutes a business, must apply the relevant IFRS 3 

Business Combinations principles for business combinations accounting. The amendments also clarify that 

a previously held interest in a joint operation is not remeasured on the acquisition of an additional interest in 

the same joint operation while joint control is retained. In addition, a scope exclusion has been added to IFRS 

11 to specify that the amendments do not apply when the parties sharing joint control, including the reporting 

entity, are under common control of the same ultimate controlling party. The amendments apply to both the 

acquisition of the initial interest in a joint operation and the acquisition of any additional interests in the same 

joint operation and are prospectively effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016, with 

early adoption permitted. These amendments will impact the Group to the extent that it undertakes future 

transactions of this nature, as this accounting approach differs to that which it would currently apply.

»   IFRS 10 and IAS 28: Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture 
The amendments address the conflict between IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements and IAS 28 in 
dealing with the loss of control of a subsidiary that is sold or contributed to an associate or joint venture. 

The amendments clarify that the gain or loss resulting from the sale or contribution of assets that constitute 

a business, as defined in IFRS 3, between an investor and its associate or joint venture, is recognised in full. 

Any gain or loss resulting from the sale or contribution of assets that do not constitute a business, however, 

is recognised only to the extent of unrelated investors’ interests in the associate or joint venture. These 

amendments must be applied prospectively and are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 

2016, with early adoption permitted. These amendments will impact the Group to the extent that it undertakes 

future transactions of this nature, as this accounting approach differs to that which it would currently apply.

»   IAS 1 Disclosure Initiative
The amendments to IAS 1 clarify, rather than significantly change, existing IAS 1 requirements. 

108

The amendments clarify:

•	 The materiality requirements in IAS 1

•	 That specific line items in the statement(s) of profit or loss and OCI and the statement of financial position

may be disaggregated

•	 That entities have flexibility as to the order in which they present the notes to financial statements

•	 That the share of OCI of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method must be 

presented in aggregate as a single line item, and classified between those items that will or will not be 

subsequently reclassified to profit or loss

Furthermore, the amendments clarify the requirements that apply when additional subtotals are presented 

in the statement of financial position and the statement(s) of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. 

These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016, with early adoption 

permitted. The Group is assessing the impact of this amendment to its financial statements. 

There are no other IFRS standards, amendments, IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective and that would 

be expected to have material impact to the Group’s financial statements. 

1.3 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUISTION
OF NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

1.3.1 FINANCIAL YEAR 2015
Afarak did not carry out any acquisitions during the financial year 2015.

1.3.2 FINANCIAL YEAR 2014
Afarak did not carry out any acquisitions during the financial year 2014.

1.4 IMPAIRMENT TESTING

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF IMPAIRMENT TESTING
Afarak Group has carried out impairment testing on goodwill and other assets as of 31 December 2015. The 

following cash generating units were defined for the impairment testing:

»   Speciality Alloys business (Türk Maadin Sirketi and Elektrowerk Weisweiler) with a vertically integrated 
mining-beneficiation-smelting-sales operation in the specialty grade ferrochrome business; and
»   South African minerals processing business (Mogale Alloys) which has ferroalloys smelting operations with 
four furnaces; 

The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is any indication that assets may be 

impaired. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of these assets is estimated. Moreover, the 

recoverable amount of any goodwill and unfinished investment projects will be estimated annually, irrespective 

of whether there is an indication of impairment. As a result, no impairment was recognised.

At the end of 2015, there were no indications of impairment of any other assets, such as shares in 

associated companies.

The joint venture Synergy Africa owns and operates mines in South Africa,  These have been tested for 

impairment at the joint venture level.  This is further explained in note 13.

CHANGES IN GOODWILL DURING 2015
During the financial year 2015, the total goodwill of the Group decreased by EUR 4.7 million to a total of EUR 

109

58.3 million. The decrease was mainly attributable to an exchange rate movement of EUR 4.4 million. A further 

decrease of EUR 0.3 million was recognised resulting from the disposal of investment in associate. In 2014, the 

synergy goodwill identified in the Mogale acquisition, related to Afarak Trading (previously known as RCS) 

acting as a global sales entity for the whole Group, was initially tested within Speciality Alloys segment, into 
which segment Afarak Trading (previously known as RCS) was included. To reflect the change in segments, 

where Afarak Trading (previously known as RCS) is now divided to both segments to reflect the nature of 

serving the whole Group, the Afarak Trading (previously known as RCS) synergy related goodwill is now 

considered as a group asset and also annually allocated to both segments based on their relative revenue, 

reflecting the volume of Afarak Trading (previously known as RCS) related benefits enjoyed by the CGU. The 

changes are described below:

EUR ‘000

Goodwill 1.1.2015

Disposal of investment in associate

Exchange rate movement

Goodwill 31.12.2015

Speciality Alloys Business

FerroAlloys Business

Group Total

41,412

-307

-671

40,434

21,639

0

-3,724

17,915

63,051

-307

-4,395

58,349

The changes in goodwill during 2014 are presented below:

EUR ‘000

Goodwill 1.1.2014

Reclassification between segments

Exchange rate movement

Goodwill 31.12.2014

Speciality Alloys Business

FerroAlloys Business

Group Total

57,104

-9,052

-6,640

41,412

5,184

9,052

7,403

21,639

62,288

0

763

63,051

Goodwill as a ratio of the Group’s equity on 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 was as follows:

EUR ‘000

Goodwill

Equity

Goodwill/Equity, %

31.12.2015

31.12.2014

58,349

171,207

34%

63,051

182,245

35%

 
METHODOLOGY APPLIED IN IMPAIRMENT TESTING
For the cash generating units that were tested, the test was carried out by calculating their value in use. 

Value in use has been calculated by discounting estimated future net cash flows based on the conditions and 

assumptions prevailing at the time of the testing. Future cash flows have been projected for a five-year period, 

after which a growth rate equalling projected long-term inflation has been applied (Speciality Alloys: 2%, South 

African minerals processing: 6%). For the terminal year after the five-year estimation period, the essential 

assumptions (e.g. revenue, variable costs and fixed costs) have been based at the estimation period’s previous 

year’s figures.

110

The weighted average cost of capital (WACC) has been calculated separately for each cash generating unit and 

testable asset, taking into account each business’s typical capital structures, investors’ average required rate 

of return for similar investments and company size and operational location related factors, as well as risk-free 

interest rates and margins for debt financing. The Group has used publicly available information on the peer 

group companies’ capital structure, risk premium and other factors. The market interest rates reflect the rates 

applicable on 31 December 2015.

The information used in the 31 December 2015 impairment testing is based on business units’ management 

future forecasts, on general third-party industry expert or analyst reports where available, and to the extent 

possible on the current business and asset base excluding any non-committed expansion plans. Forecasted 

sales volumes and profitability are based on the management’s view on future development while also taking 

past performance into account. Price forecasts are based on independent market forecasts. The cash flow 

models have been prepared at constant foreign exchange rates. The management’s approach in preparing cash 

flow forecasts has not changed significantly from the previous impairment testing.

Cash Generating Unit

Pre-tax discount rate

Speciality Alloys 

South African minerals processing

2015

11.9%

24.1%

 2014

14.9%

23.3%

The key reasons for the changes in the discount rates compared to 2014 were the changes in risk-free interest 
rates in both cash-generating units.

The results of impairment testing have been evaluated by comparing the cash generating units’ recoverable 

amount to the corresponding carrying amount based on the following judgment rules:

Recoverable amount divided by the carrying amount:

Conclusion:

< 100%

101-120%

121-150%

> 150% 

Impairment

Slightly above

Clearly above

Significantly above

TEST RESULTS 31 DECEMBER 2015

The impairment test results were as follows: 

Cash generating unit

Speciality Alloys

South African minerals processing

Goodwill 
(MEUR),
pre-testing

Goodwill 
(MEUR),
post-testing

Carrying amount  
(MEUR),
pre-testing

40.4

17.9

40.4

17.9

63.4

66.4

Conclusion

Clearly above

Clearly above

111

The testable asset base (carrying amount) includes goodwill, intangible and tangible assets and net working 
capital less provisions and deferred tax liabilities (in relation to purchase price allocation entries).

Key background and assumptions used in the cash flow forecasts of the impairment testing process are 
summarised in the following table:

Cash generating unit

Sales volume

Sales prices

Costs

Speciality Alloys business

FeCr:
26,000 – 31,000 t/a
Lumpy Cr ore: 21,000 – 
29,000 t/a

LC/ULC ferrochrome 
with average Cr content 
of 70 %, based on 
external experts (Heinz 
Pariser) price forecasts

Raw material costs 
generally change in 
line with sales price; 
other costs growing at 
inflation rate

South African minerals processing

Metal alloys: 81,000 – 
85,000 t/a

Based on external 
experts (Heinz Pariser) 
metal alloys price 
forecasts

Raw material costs 
generally change in 
line with sales price; 
other costs growing at 
inflation rate

Moreover, the USD/ZAR foreign exchange rate affects significantly the testing of the South African minerals 

business. The foreign exchange rate used in the test was 13.55.

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF THE IMPAIRMENT TESTS

The Group has analysed the sensitivity of the impairment test results by estimating how the essential 
assumptions should change in order for the recoverable amount to be equal to the carrying amount. The 
results of this sensitivity analysis as of 31 December 2015 are given below:

Cash generating unit

Speciality Alloys

Change in pre-
tax discount rate  
(compared to the 
level used in testing)

4.3% - points

South African minerals processing

10.2% - points

Change in free cash 
flow (annual average)

-31.5%

-32.5%

Change in CGU’s 
average EBITDA 
margin 

-3.8% - points

-7.7% - points

1.5 OPERATING SEGMENTS

Afarak Group has two operating segments, FerroAlloys and Speciality Alloys, which are also the reporting 
segments. The operating segments are organised based on their products and production processes. The 
current reporting structure was adopted in 2011. The Group’s executive management reviews the operating 
results of the segments for the purpose of making decisions on resource allocation and performance 
assessment. Segment performance is measured based on revenue as well as earnings before interest, 
taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) as included in the internal management reports and defined 
consistently with the consolidated EBITDA. 

112

The FerroAlloys business consists of the processing plant Mogale Alloys, Vlakpoort  mine and the joint ventures, 
the Stellite mine and Mecklenburg mine in South Africa. The business produces chrome ore, charge chrome, 
charge chrome, medium carbon ferrochrome and silicomanganese for sale to global markets.

The Speciality Alloys business consists of Türk Maadin Şirketi A.S (“TMS”), the mining and beneficiation 
operation in Turkey, and Elektrowerk Weisweiler GmbH (“EWW”), the chromite concentrate processing plant 
in Germany. TMS supplies EWW with high quality chromite concentrate which produces speciality products 
including specialised low carbon and ultra low carbon ferrochrome. Chrome ore from TMS that is not utilised for 
the production of specialised low carbon ferrochrome is sold to the market.

The revenue and costs of the Group’s sales and marketing arm Afarak Trading (previously known as RCS) is allocated 
to the segments in proportion to their sales. Afarak’s other operations, including the Group’s headquarters and other 
Group companies that do not have significant operations, are presented as unallocated items.

Intercompany transactions are carried out on an arm’s length basis. The transactions between the segments have 
been limited but the parent company has provided funding and administrative services to the Group’s subsidiaries.

The accounting policies applied in the operating segment information are the same as those in the consolidated 
financial statements. 

Operating segment information 2015

Year ended 31.12.2015                                 

EUR ‘000

Speciality 
Alloys

Ferro 
Alloys

Segments 
total

Unallocated 
items

Eliminations

Consolidated 
Group

External revenue

     Rendering of services

     Sale of goods

Total external revenue

Inter-segment revenue

Total revenue

0

95,555

95,555

924

259

91,515

91,774

0

259

187,070

187,329

924

96,480

91,774

188,254

Items related to associates (core)

Items related to joint ventures (core)

0

0

0

-414

0

-414

125

257

382

1,133

1,516

0

0

Segment EBITDA

12,740

7,467

20,207

-3,017

Depreciation and amortisation

-2,617

-4,678

-7,295

Impairment

0

0

0

-7

0

0

0

0

-2,058

-2,0581

0

0

0

0

0

384

187,327

187,711

0

187,711

0

-414

17,190

-7,302

0

 
 
 
 
 
 
10,123

2,789

12,912

-3,024

0

9,888

Segment operating
profit/loss

Finance income

Finance cost

Income taxes

Profit / loss for the period from continuing Operations

Profit for the period from discontinued operations

Profit / loss for the period

7,906

-11,274

1,236

7,756

782

113

8,539

Segment’s assets 2

150,216

129,187

279,303

12,519

-24,929

266,994

Segment’s liabilities

52,367

58,855

111,122

2,565

-18,000

95,787

Other disclosures

Gross capital expenditure 3

4,035

3,952

7,988

Investments in associates 4

Investment in joint ventures 4

0

0

0

0

-23,218

-23,218

Provisions 4

2,954

6,455

9,308

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

7,988

0

-23,218

9,408

1. Inter-segment items are eliminated on consolidation.

2. The assets and liabilities of the segments represent items that these segments use in their activities or that can be reasonably 
allocated to them.

3. Capital expenditure consists of net increase in the year.

4. Balance sheet values.

Operating segment information 2014

Speciality 
Alloys

Ferro 
Alloys

Segments 
total

Unallocated 
items

Eliminations

Consolidated 
Group

Year ended 31.12.2014                                 

EUR ‘000

External revenue

     Rendering of services

     Sale of goods

Total external revenue

Inter-segment revenue

Total revenue

0

160

97,836

74,658

97,836

74,818

0

0

160

172,494

172,654

0

97,836

74,818

172,654

Items related to associates (core)

3

Items related to joint ventures (core)

3

-3,311

6

-3,311

Segment EBITDA

7,865

3,084

10,949

-2,502

15

0

15

132

147

0

0

0

0

0

-132

-132

0

0

0

175

172,494

172,669

0

172,669

6

-3,311

8,447

 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortisation

-2,206

-4,466

-6,672

Impairment

0

0

0

-45

-5

Segment operating profit/loss

5,659

-1,381

4,277

-2,552

0

0

0

Finance income

Finance cost

Income taxes

114

Profit / loss for the period from continuing Operations

Profit for the period from discontinued operations

Profit / loss for the period

-6,717

-5

1,725

4,166

-5,431

12

472

1,773

2,245

Segment’s assets 2

148,276

146,514

294,790

9,645

-14,146

290,289

Segment’s liabilities 2

68,419

52,451

120,870

3,720

-16,547

108,044

Other disclosures

Gross capital expenditure 3

1,213

13,598

Investments in associates 4

Investment in joint ventures 4

70

0

14,811

92

22

-19,580

-19,580

Provisions 4

3,189

7,025

10,214

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

14,811

92

-19,580

10,214

1. Inter-segment items are eliminated on consolidation.

2. The assets and liabilities of the segments represent items that these segments use in their activities or that can be reasonably 
allocated to them.

3. Capital expenditure consists of net increase in the year.

4. Balance sheet values.

Geographical information - Revenues from external customers

EUR ‘000

Other EU countries

United States

China

Africa

Finland

Other countries

Total revenue

Non-current assets

EUR ‘000

Africa

Other EU countries

Finland

Other countries

Total

2015

74,945

42,244

15,407

23,834

5,704

2014

77,530

41,282

3,090

23,351

7,040

25,577

20,376

187,711

172,669

2015

46,183

6,636

14

7,741

2014

53,835

5,177

25

9,385

60,574

68,422

Revenue figures are based on 
the location of the customers.
The largest customer of the 
Group is in the Speciality Alloys 
business segment and represents 
approximately 14% (16%) of the 
Group’s revenue in 2015. In the 
FerroAlloys business segment 
the largest customer represents 
5% (7%) of the Group’s revenue 
in 2015.

In presenting geographical 
information, assets are based 
on the location of the assets. 
Non-current assets consist of 
property, plant and equipment, 
intangible assets and investments 
in associates.

1.6 NOTES TO THE INCOME STATEMENT

115

1. Revenue

EUR ‘000

Sale of goods

Rendering of services

Total

2. Other operating income

EUR ‘000

Gain on disposal of tangible and intangible assets

Gain on disposal of investments

Rental income

Other

Total

2015

187,327

384

187,711

2015

50

57

307

1,917

2,331

2014

172,494

175

172,669

2014

45

1,211

297

1,817

3,370

3. Employee benefits

EUR ‘000

Salaries and wages

Share-based payments

Pensions costs

Other employee related costs

Total

Average personnel during the accounting period

116

Speciality Alloys business

FerroAlloys business

Group Management and other operations

Total

Personnel at the end of the accounting period

Speciality Alloys business

FerroAlloys business

Group Management and other operations

Total

2015

-16,330

-293

237

-1,450

-17,836

2015

372

365

5

742

2015

402

365

6

773

2014

-14,325

-154

-241

-1,403

-16,123

2014

387

335

4

726

2014

355

339

4

698

4. Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

Depreciation / amortisation by asset category

2015

2014

Intangible assets

Clientele and technology

Other intangible assets

Total

Property, plant and equipment

Buildings and constructions

Machinery and equipment

Other tangible assets

Total

Impairment by asset category

Other intangible assets

Total

-1,740

-350

-2,090

-523

-3,280

-1,409

-5,212

0

0

-2,563

-341

-2,904

-398

-2,142

-1,273

-3,813

-5

-5

5. Other operating expenses

EUR ‘000

Rental costs

External services1

Travel expenses

Other operating expenses2

Total

2015

-673

-3,122

-1,059

-7,074

-11,928

2014

-825

-2,796

-855

-7,136

-11,612

1. Audit fees paid to EY totalled EUR 365 (2014: 412) thousand in the financial year. The fees for non-audit 
services totalled EUR 29 (2014: 20) thousand. 
2. Other operating expenses include shutdown costs of EUR 2,093 (2014: 2,324) thousand in the financial year.

117

6. Financial income and expense

EUR '000

Finance income

Interest income on loans and trade receivables

Foreign exchange gains

Other finance income

Total

Finance expense

Interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

Impairment losses on receivables

Foreign exchange losses

Loss on assets at fair value

Loss on disposal, assets available for sale

Unwinding of discount, provisions

Other finance expenses

Total

Net finance expense

7. Income taxes

EUR '000

Income tax for the period

Income tax for previous years

Deferred taxes

Other direct taxes

Income tax for continuing operations

Income tax for discontinued operations

Total

2015

1,327

6,530

49

7,906

-1,734

-1

-8,867

0

-113

-642

83

-11,274

-3,368

2015

494

0

742

0

1,236

0

1,236

2014

1,785

2,379

2

4,166

-1,223

0

-3,141

-461

0

-546

-61

-5,431

-1,265

2014

-772

-24

808

0

12

0

12

EUR '000

Profit before taxes

Income tax calculated at income tax rate

Tax exempt income

Difference between domestic and foreign tax rates

Tax credit

Items recognised only for taxation purposes

118

Income tax for previous years

Income from JV and associates 

Impairment losses

Tax losses not recognised as deferred tax assets

Non-tax deductible expenses

Previously unrecognised tax losses now recognised

Total adjustments

Income tax recognised

2015

7,303

-1,461

60

-1,542

3,717

557

0

83

0

-352

-96

270

2,697

1,236

2014

2,233

-447

639

432

2,031

-1,218

-24

-661

-1

-461

-434

156

459

12

On 31 December 2015 the Group companies had unused tax losses totalling EUR 24.6 (24.2) million for which 
the Group has not recognised deferred tax assets.

8. Discontinued operations

EUR ‘000

Other operating income

Other operating expenses

Gain on disposal from discontinued operations

Profit for the period

2015

580

-357

560

783

2014

1,286

-713

1,200

1,773

The discontinued operation items relate to expenses in connection with the sawmill machinery and 
environmental cleaning costs. The Group sold part of the saw mill equipment which positively affected profit by 
EUR 0.8 (2014: 1.8) million that includes a release of EUR 0.2 (2014: 0.6) million from the provision in relation to 
the discontinued wood business.

9. Earnings per share

2015

2014

Continuing 
operations

Discontinued 
operations

Total

Continuing 
operations

Discontinued 
operations

Profit attributable to owners of the 

8,071

783

8,854

1,085

1,773

Total

2,858

parent company (EUR '000)

Weighted average number of 
shares, basic (1,000)

Basic earnings per share 
(EUR) total

Profit attributable to owners of the 
parent company (EUR '000)

Weighted average number of 
shares, basic (1,000)

Effect of share options on issue 
(1,000)

Weighted average number of 
shares, diluted (1,000)

Diluted earnings per share 
(EUR) total

256,652

256,652

256,652

249,280

249,280

249,280

0.03

0.01

0.03

0.00

0.01

0.01

8,071

783

8,854

1,085

1,773

2,858

119

256,652

256,652

256,652

249,280

249,280

249,280

3,197

3,197

3,197

3,798

3,798

3,798

259,849

259,849

259,849

253,077

253,077

253,077

0.03

0.00

0.03

0.00

0.01

0.01

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing profit attributable to the owners of the parent company by 
weighted average number of shares during the financial year. 

When calculating the diluted earnings per share, all convertible securities with a potential dilutive effect are 
assumed to be converted into shares. Share options have a dilutive effect if the exercise price is lower than the 
share price. The diluted number of shares is the number of shares that will be issued free of charge when share 
options are exercised since with the funds received from exercising options, the Company is not able to issue the 
same number of shares at fair value. The fair value of shares is based on average share price of the period.

1.7 NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

10. Property, plant and equipment

EUR '000

Land and 
water 
property

Buildings and 
constructions

Machinery 
and 
equipment

Mines and 
mineral 
assets

Other 
tangible 
assets

Total

Balance at 1.1.2015

2,346

Additions

Disposals

Reclass between items

Effect of movements in exchange 
rates

6,515

1,520

54,475

4,971

-893

-28

11,802

437

2,915

78,053

408

-5

339

7,336

-898

311

-297

-535

-8,391

-1,308

-329

-10,860

Balance at 31.12.2015

2,049

7,500

50,134

10,931

3,328

73,942

Accumulated depreciation and 
impairment 1.1.2015

Depreciation

Disposals

Reclass between items

-3,060

-18,256

-7,230

-1,534

-30,080

-523

-3,280

-1,164

54

-245

3

-5,212

57

0

Effect of movements in exchange 
rates

Accumulated depreciation and 
impairment at 31.12.2015

Carrying amount at 1.1.2015

Carrying amount at 31.12.2015

Balance at 1.1.2014

120

Additions

Disposals

Reclass between items

Effect of movements in exchange 
rates

257

3,455

840

300

4,852

0

-3,326

-18,027

-7,554

-1,476

-30,383

2,346

2,049

2,283

3,455

4,174

6,148

183

4,572

3,377

11,092

210

36,219

32,107

39,721

13,646

-277

-24

63

184

1,409

500

1,381

1,852

2,502

331

-22

46

59

47,973

43,559

61,745

14,369

-298

22

2,215

Balance at 31.12.2014

2,346

6,515

54,475

11,802

2,915

78,053

Accumulated depreciation and 
impairment 1.1.2014

Depreciation

Disposals

Reclass between items

Effect of movements in exchange 
rates

Accumulated depreciation and 
impairment at 31.12.2014

-2,585

-15,735

-5,802

-1,363

-25,485

-398

-2,142

233

-1,135

-138

-3,813

22

-55

233

22

-1,036

-77

-612

-293

0

-3,060

-18,256

-7,230

-1,534

-30,080

Carrying amount at 1.1.2014

Carrying amount at 31.12.2014

2,283

2,346

3,563

3,455

23,986

36,219

5,290

4,572

1,138

1,381

36,260

47,973

Machinery and equipment include the prepayments made for them. In 2014 Mogale Alloys capitalisated interest 
amounting EUR 0.4 million before the commissioning of the refining and granulation plant to produce medium 
carbon ferrochrome.

11. Intangible assets

EUR '000

Goodwill

Intangible 
assets identified 
in acquisitions

Other intangible 
assets 

Exploration 
and evaluation 
assets 

Balance at 1.1.2015

110,481

109,232

4,863

Additions

Disposals

Reclass between items

Effect of movements in exchange 
rates

-307

123

-3

30

-11,720

-6,339

-645

-107

-18,811

699

529

Total

225,275

652

-310

30

Balance at 31.12.2015

98,454

102,893

4,368

1,121

206,836

Accumulated amortisation and 
impairment 1.1.2015

-47,430

-92,683

Amortisation

Impairment

Reclass between items

7,325

Effect of movements in exchange 
rates

-1,740

4,982

257

-1,753

-338

174

3,455

0

-12

840

-141,866

-2,090

0

12,481

4,852

Accumulated amortisation and 
impairment at 31.12.2015

-40,105

-89,441

-1,914

-12

-131,472

Carrying amount at 1.1.2015

Carrying amount at 31.12.2015

63,051

58,349

16,549

13,452

3,110

2,454

Balance at 1.1.2014

Additions

Reclass between items

108,167

107,890

4,581

Effect of movements in exchange 
rates

2,314

1,342

699

1,109

329

356

121

83,409

75,364

220,967

441

24

14

3,843

85

24

173

Balance at 31.12.2014

110,481

109,232

4,863

699

225,275

Accumulated amortisation and 
impairment at 1.1.2014

Amortisation

Impairment

-45,879

-89,409

-1,350

0

-136,639

-2,563

-341

-5

-57

-2,904

-5

-2,319

Effect of movements in exchange 
rates

-1,551

-711

Accumulated amortisation and 

impairment at 31.12.2014

-47,430

-92,683

-1,753

0

-141,866

Carrying amount at 1.1.2014

Carrying amount at 31.12.2014

62,288

63,051

18,481

16,549

3,231

3,110

329

699

84,329

83,409

Other intangible assets include the prepayments made for them. Exploration and evaluation assets consist of 
mine projects in variours mining projects in Turkey and South Africa.

12. Investments in associates

EUR '000

Domicile

2015

Non-core associates

Incap Furniture Oy *

Finland

Valtimo Components Oyj * Finland

122

Value at 
reporting 
date 

Ownership 
(%)

Reporting 
date

Assets

Liabilities

Revenue

Profit

24.1

24.9

0

0

0

EUR '000

Domicile

Value at 
reporting 
date 

Ownership 
(%)

Reporting 
date

Assets

Liabilities

Revenue

Profit

2014

Core associates

Specialty Super Alloys 
SSA Inc

United 
States

Non-core associates

Incap Furniture Oy *

Finland

Valtimo Components Oyj * Finland

92

92

0

0

0

20.0

31.12.2014

578

116

820

27

24.1

24.9

* Incap Furniture Oy and Valtimo Components Oyj are in a corporate restructuring process.

The income statement related items of associated companies of Speciality Alloys and FerroAlloys business 

segments (´core-associates´) are presented above EBIT; the non-core associates in financial items.

During the financial year 2015, Afarak divested 

EUR ‘000

1.1.2015

its holding in the associated company Speciality 

Share of profit

Super Alloys Inc. This led to a loss on sale of 

investment in associate of EUR 0.3 million.

Exchange rate differences

Proceeds from disposal

Movements in 2015

During the financial year 2014, Afarak did not 

acquire or dispose holdings in associates.

Movements in 2014

EUR ‘000

Share of profit

Exchange rate differences

31.12.2015

1.1.2014

31.12.2014

92

2

15

-109

0

76

6

10

92

 
 
 
13. Investments in joint ventures
At the end of the financial year 2015, the Group had joint control over one jointly controlled entity, Synergy Africa 

Ltd, in which the Group has a 51% interest. The acquisition of Chromex Mining Ltd, a UK company with mining 

operations and prospecting rights in southern Africa, was carried out by this joint venture company. Synergy Af-

rica Group has been consolidated as a joint venture company in the financial reporting of the Group starting at 31 

December 2010.  Following the 2012 changes in the accounting standards the company changed the accounting 

method from proportionate consolidation method to equity method.

Summarised financial statement information (100% share) of the joint venture, based on its IFRS financial state-

ments, and reconciliation with the carrying amount of the investment in the Group’s consolidated financial state-

123

ments are set out below:

EUR '000

Revenue

Other operating income

Materials and supplies

Employee benefits expense

Depreciation and amortisation

Other operating expenses

Impairment, net

Operating profit / loss

Finance income

Finance cost

Loss before taxes

Income taxes

Loss for the year

Group's share of loss for the year

Loss attributable to:

Joint venture owners

Non-controlling interests

2015

18,954

289

-13,595

-1,124

-1,855

-2,017

0

2014

11,153

212

-7,895

-1,493

-1,798

-1,980

-4,235

652

-6,036

1,891

-3,093

-549

306

-243

-124

-86

-38

-124

382

-2,256

-7,911

1,418

-6,492

-3,311

-2,839

-472

-3,311

Assets and liabilities

EUR '000

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Mines and mineral assets

Property, plant and equipment

Non-current assets total

124

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables from JV owners

Cash and cash equivalents

Current assets total

Total assets

Non-current liabilities

Interest-bearing debt

Interest-bearing debt to JV owners

Provisions

Deferred tax liability

Other non-current liabilities to JV owners

Non-current liabilities total

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables to JV owners

Current liabilities total

Total liabilities

Net Liability

2015

2014

4,187

24,543

2,824

31,555

1,239

419

747

1,264

3,669

2,668

30,712

3,761

37,141

1,911

546

166

511

3,134

35,224

40,275

26,423

32,573

1,665

7,046

5,624

73,332

5,255

2,163

7,418

23,679

34,406

1,725

8,820

5,004

73,634

3,648

1,385

5,033

80,750

78,667

-45,526

-38,392

Proportion of Group's Ownership

51 %

51 %

Carrying amount of Joint venture

-23,218

-19,580

At the end of 2015, Synergy Africa Group had 65 (56) employees. The average number of employees in full year 

2015 was 63 (59).

IMPAIRMENT REVIEW OF JOINT VENTURE

General principles of impairment testing

Synergy Africa Ltd,  the South African mining business which operates Stellite and Mecklenburg mines has carried 
out impairment testing on assets as at 31 December 2015.

The statement of financial position of Synergy Africa has been assessed whether there is any indication that assets 
may be impaired. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of these assets is estimated. Moreover, 
the recoverable amount of any goodwill and unfinished investment projects is estimated annually, irrespective of 
whether there is an indication of impairment. The South African mining business did not have any goodwill on its 
statement of financial position at the end of the financial year 2015. Similarly to 2014, in view of the weak situation 
in the chrome market, Synergy Group assessesed whether there is any indication of impairment and consequently 
the assets of the business were tested for impairment. Contrary to the impairment recognised in the previous 
year in view of the weak market conditions, no further impairment was recognised in 2015 subsequent to the 
impairment assessment made on the assets of Synergy Group.

125

Methodology applied in impairment testing

For the cash generating units that were tested, the test was carried out by calculating their value in use. Value in 
use has been calculated by discounting estimated future net cash flows based on the conditions and assumptions 
prevailing at the time of the testing. Future cash flows have been projected for the life of mine with a 6% growth rate 
equalling projected long-term inflation has been applied.

The weighted average cost of capital (WACC) has been calculated taking into account the business’s typical capital 
structures, investors’ average required rate of return for similar investments and company size and operational 
location related factors, as well as risk-free interest rates and margins for debt financing. Synergy Africa has used 
publicly available information on the peer group companies’ capital structure, risk premium and other factors. The 
market interest rates reflect the rates applicable on 31 December 2015.

The information used in the 31 December 2015 impairment testing is based on business units’ management future 
forecasts, on general third-party industry expert or analyst reports where available, and to the extent possible on 
the current business and asset base excluding any non-committed expansion plans. Forecasted sales volumes and 
profitability are based on the management’s view on future development while also taking past performance into 
account. Price forecasts are based on independent market forecasts. The cash flow models have been prepared at 
constant foreign exchange rates. The underground production in the models does not solely come from reserves, 
as some come from resources that are not yet converted to reserves. This increases the risk that some of the grades 
may differ, and tonnes could possibly not be economically extractable. There is also the risk that costs could be 
different than anticipated even though due care was taken in the cost evaluation.

The pre-tax discount rates applied in 2015 impairment testing was 23.64% for Mecklenburg mine and 21.52% for 
Stellite mine. The cash flows in the Stellite mine impairment test review include both opencast and recycling of 
tailing dam by way of using the shaking table technology. The cash flows in the Mecklenburg mine impairment test 
review only includes underground operation. The Stellite mine model has a life of mine of 30 years whereas the 
Mecklenburg mine model has a life of mine of 16 years.

The results of impairment testing have been evaluated by comparing the cash generating units’ recoverable amount 
to the corresponding carrying amount.

Test results 31 December 2015

As a result of the tests carried out Synergy Africa did not pass any impairment as the impairment tests indicated that 
the recoverable amounts from the mines exceed the carrying amount and consequently no impairment was required.

The testable asset base includes intangible and tangible assets and net working capital less provisions and deferred tax 
liabilities (in relation to purchase price allocation entries).

The USD/ZAR foreign exchange rate affects significantly the testing of the South African minerals business. The 
foreign exchange rate used in the test was 15.75.

126

Key background and assumptions used in the cash flow forecasts of the impairment testing process are 
summarised in the following table:

Cash generating unit

Sales volume

Sales prices

Costs

Stellite mine

Concentrate:
Opencast mining of 
169,500t/a in 2016; 
193,000 in 2017 and 
2018; 168,000 in 2019; 
and 72,000 as from 
2020 till 2045

PGM:
5,591oz t/a from 2018 
till 2045

SA Chrome Ore – UG2 
CIF adjusted for FOM, 
based on external 
experts (Heinz Pariser) 
price forecasts

2018 forecast price for  
PGM based on current 
market price

Mecklenburg mine

ROM:
Underground 5,300t/a 
in 2016; 140,600t/a in 
2017; and is planned to 
increase to an average 
of 380,000t/a as from 
2018 till 2031

SA Chrome Ore – 
Lumpy CIF adjusted for 
FOM, based on external 
experts (Heinz Pariser) 
price forecasts

The costs applied for 
opencast operation is 
based on the current 
historical cost adjusted 
for a reduction in 
production cost per 
ton as a result of higher 
recoveries due to the 
implementation of new 
technology. This cost 
has been estimated and 
adjusted for inflation 
for the opencast life of 
mine. The cost over the 
life of mine excluding 
inflation is estimated to 
be ZAR 745 per saleable 
ton of chrome.

The costs for 
underground are based 
on past experiences 
of our mining team in 
underground operations 
adjusted for inflation 
rate. The cost over the 
life of mine excluding 
inflation is estimated to 
be ZAR 550 per saleable 
ton of chrome.

 
Synergy Africa has analysed the sensitivity of the impairment test results by estimating how the essential 
assumptions should change in order for the recoverable amount to be equal to the carrying amount. The results 
of this sensitivity analysis as of 31 December 2015 are given below:

Cash generating unit

Stellite Mine

Mecklenburg Mine

Change in pre-
tax discount rate  
(compared to the 
level used in testing)

Change in 
free cash flow 
(annual average)

Change in CGU’s 
average Cost of 
Production

Change in CGU’s 
average EBITDA 
margin

15.8% - points

12.7% - points

-57.6%

-60.0%

3.3%

9.9%

-19.6%- points

-33.1% - points

127

 14. Financial assets and liabilities 
31.12.2015, EUR '000

Non-current financial 
assets

Non-current interest-bearing 

receivables

Trade and other receivables *

Current financial assets

Current interest-bearing 

receivables

Trade and other receivables *

Other financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Carrying amount of 
financial assets

Fair value of financial assets

Non-current financial 
liabilities

Non-current interest-bearing 

liabilities

Other non-current liabilities

Current financial liabilities

Current interest-bearing 

liabilities

Trade and other payables *

Derivatives

Carrying amount of 
financial liabilities

Fair value of financial liabilities

Assets available-
for-sale

Assets held-to-
maturity

Loans and other 
receivables

Liabilities 
measured at 
amortised cost

Total carrying 
amount

597

33,165

441

3,519

23,407

0

19,644

80,176

80,176

0

0

597

597

33,763

441

3,519

23,407

0

19,644

80,773

80,773

2,975

1,969

12,133

11,783

0

0

0

2,975

1,969

12,133

11,783

0

28,860

28,860

28,860

28,860

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.12.2014, EUR '000

Non-current financial 
assets

Non-current interest-bearing 

receivables

Trade and other receivables *

Current financial assets

128

Current interest-bearing 

receivables

Trade and other receivables *

Other financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Carrying amount of 
financial assets

Fair value of financial assets

Non-current financial 
liabilities

Non-current interest-bearing 

liabilities

Other non-current liabilities

Current financial liabilities

Current interest-bearing 

liabilities

Trade and other payables *

Derivatives

Carrying amount of 
financial liabilities

Fair value of financial liabilities

Assets available-
for-sale

Assets held-to-
maturity

Loans and other 
receivables

Liabilities 
measured at 
amortised cost

Total carrying 
amount

587

34,406

499

9,213

19,447

1,656

13,332

78,554

78,554

0

0

587

587

34,993

499

9,213

19,447

1,656

13,332

79,141

79,141

0

0

6,263

6,263

42

42

5,866

5,866

22,052

4,066

22,052

4,066

38,289

38,289

38,289

38,289

* Non-financial assets and liabilities are not included in the figures

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY

31.12.2015, EUR '000

Carrying amounts at the end of the reporting period

Financial assets at fair value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Derivatives

Other financial assets

Total

Available-for-sale financial assets

Other financial assets

Financial liabilities at fair value

Derivatives

Total

129

0

0

31.12.2014, EUR ‘000

Carrying amounts at the end of the reporting period

Financial assets at fair value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Derivatives

Other financial assets

Total

Available-for-sale financial assets

Other financial assets

Financial liabilities at fair value

Derivatives

Total

31.12.2015, EUR ‘000

Level 3 reconciliation

Acquisition cost at 1.1.2015

Acquisition cost at 31.12.2015

Accumulated impairment losses at 1.1.2015

Accumulated impairment losses at 31.12.2015

Carrying amount at 31.12.2015

4,066

4,066

40

40

-40

-40

0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.12.2014, EUR ‘000

Level 3 reconciliation

Acquisition cost at 1.1.2014

Acquisition cost at 31.12.2014

Accumulated impairment losses at 1.1.2014

Accumulated impairment losses at 31.12.2014

Carrying amount at 31.12.2014

130

Interest-bearing debt      

EUR '000

Non-current

Bank loans

Subordinated loans 

Finance lease liabilities

Total

Current

Bank loans

Finance lease liabilities

Cheque account with overdraft facility                              

Other interest-bearing liabilities

Total

EUR '000

Finance lease liabilities, minimum lease payments

No later than 1 year

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years

Finance lease liabilities, present value of minimum lease payments

No later than 1 year

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years

40

40

-40

-40

0

2015

2014

2,970

5

0

2,975

5,071

22

4,532

2,508

12,133

6,238

5

20

6,263

5,039

70

757

0

5,866

2015

2014

22

0

22

22

0

22

70

20

90

70

20

90

FINANCIAL RISKS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board of Directors of Afarak Group Plc has outlined the key risks of the Group in the Board of Directors’ 
Report. In the following section, the financial and commodity risks are presented in more detail with the related 
sensitivity analyses. 

 
 
 
 
SUMMARY ON FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LOAN ARRANGEMENTS

Financial assets 31 December 2015

In addition to the operating result and the cash flow generated from it the factors described below have most 
significantly affected the year-on-year change in the Group’s financial assets at the 2015 closing date: 

The Group’s financial assets decreased in consequence of various capital expenditure project that the Group 
conducted during the year.  The capital expenditure related primarily to the Speciality Alloys segment where TMS 
continued the investment of fines tailing processing plant at Kavak to increase annual mining volume and the new 
dust exhaustion at EWW which was commissioned in December 2015. Capital expenditure for 2015 also included 
the dryer in the ferrochrome plant at Mogale Alloys, replacement of the furnace refractories during the shutdown 
period and the acquisition of new plant vehicles. At Vlakpoort mine the Group continued investing to ramp up the 
bulk sample operation. The cash flow effect for capital expenditure totalled EUR 7.3 million during the year.

131

Also repayments of financial liabilities reduced the Group’s financial assets during the year.

On 31 December 2015, the cash and cash equivalents were invested mainly in interest-bearing EUR, ZAR and 
USD denominated bank accounts. The Group companies have given pledged deposits for EUR 0.6 (4.6) million. 
Other financial assets comprise interest-bearing loans and other receivables. 

During the year Mogale Alloys has been granted an increase in the overdraft facility of ZAR 50 million to ZAR 
100 million to better manage its working capital.

TMS has also been granted a loan facility during the year of USD 500 thousand to finance the capital 
expenditure projects at Tavas and Kavak mines.

Interest-bearing debt 31 December 2015
»   Floating rate loans from financial institutions total EUR 7.8 (11.0) million. Fixed rate loans total EUR 7.5 (1.1) million.
»   The interest rate of the South African loans is tied to the market rate of JIBAR. The interest rate on 31 
December 2015, based on market interest rates at that date, was 6.63 % (5.83%). The interest rate margin for 
floating rate notes was 3.0% (3.0%) p.a. 
»   The interest rate of the Maltese bank loan facility is tied to the market rate of LIBOR. The interest rate on 31 
December 2015, based on market interest rates at that date, was 0.54 % (0.26%). The interest rate margin for 
floating rate notes was 3.75% (3.75%) p.a. 
»   The interest rate of the Turkish bank loan facility is tied to the market rate of LIBOR. The interest rate on 31 
December 2015, based on market interest rates at that date, was 0.45 % (0.26%). The interest rate margin for the 
fixed rate notes was 0.75% (0.00%) p.a.

Capital Management

The Group’s capital management objective is to maintain the ability to continue as a going concern and to 
optimise the cost of capital in order to enhance value to shareholders. As part of this objective, the Group seeks 
to maintain access to loan and capital markets at all times. The Board of Directors reviews the capital structure 
of the Group on a regular basis.

Capital structure and debt capacity are taken into account when deciding on new investments. Practical tools to 
manage capital include the application of dividend policy, capital redemption, share buybacks and share issues. 
Debt capital is managed considering the requirement to secure liquidity. The Group’s internal capital structure 
is reviewed on a regular basis with the aim of optimising the structure by applying measures such as internal 
dividends and equity adjustments. 

The Group’s long term target for capital structure is to keep the equity ratio above 50%. At the end of the 
reporting period, the Group’s equity ratio stood at 64.2% (62.8%).

The Group’s loans from financial institutions include financial covenants that if breached might have a negative 
effect on the financial positon of the Company. The covenants that the Group is exposed to are: Interest cover 
ratio of Afarak Trading Limited (previously known as RCS Limited) must not be lower than 5; Debt cover ratio 
of Afarak Trading Limited (previously known as RCS Limited) must be greater than 3; leverage ratio of Afarak 
Trading Limited (previously known as RCS Limited) must be lower than 1; the Group’s Net Asset Value must 
be greater than US$ 175 million; Debt service cover of Mogale Alloys must be greater than 1.4 and Net Debt 
to EBITDA of Mogale Alloys must be lower than 1.5. Management review these covenants regularly and are in 
correspondence with the relevant bank if there is indication of breach. In the discussions with the banks the 
Company would do the utmost to clarify the reason for such breach and present the financial plans to remain 
within the covenant limits. As at the end of the reporting period there has not been any breach of covenant at 
Afarak Trading Limited (previously known as RCS Limited). At Mogale Alloys both the debt service cover and 
the Net Debt to EBITDA ended up in breach. Management will do the utmost to restore the situation within 
the covenant limits. Despite the covenant breach during the year the same South African bank has granted an 
increase in the overdraft facility to Mogale Alloys to better manage its working capital.

132

Financial Risk Management

In its normal operations, the Group is exposed to various financial risks. The main financial risks are liquidity risk, 
foreign exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and commodity price risk. The objective of the Group’s 
risk management is to identify and, to as far as reasonably possible, mitigate the adverse effects of changes in 
the financial markets on the Group’s results. The general risk management principles are accepted by Afarak 
Group Plc’s Board of Directors and monitored by its Audit and Risk Management Committee. The managements 
of the Group and its subsidiaries’ are responsible for the implementation of risk management policies and 
procedures. Group management monitors risk positions and risk management procedures on a regular 
basis, and supervises that the Group’s policies and risk management principles are followed in all day-to-day 
operations. Risks and risk management are regularly reported to the Audit and Risk Management Committee. 

The Group’s significant financial instruments comprise bank loans and overdrafts, finance leases, other long-
term liabilities, cash and short-term deposits and money market investments. The main purpose of these 
financial instruments is to finance the Group’s acquisitions and ongoing operations. The Group also has 
various other financial assets and liabilities such as trade receivables and trade payables, which arise directly 
from its operations 

(i) Liquidity risk
The Group regularly assesses and monitors its investment and working capital needs and financing, so that it 
has enough liquidity to serve and finance its operations and pay back loans. The availability and flexibility of 
financing are targeted to be guaranteed by using multiple financial institutions in the financing and financial 
instruments, and to agree on financial limit arrangements.

The Group’s short-term liquidity at the end of the financial year was good, even though the unutilised credit 
facility of EUR 45.3 expired on 31 December 2014. If the liquidity risks were to be realised, it would probably 
result in overdue interest expenses and damage the relations with suppliers. Consequently, the pricing and other 
terms for input goods and services and for financing could be affected.

The maturity distribution of the Group debt at the end of the financial year was as follows:

Carrying 
amount

Contractual 
cash flows

6 months 
or less

6-12 
months

8,042

22

13,310

4,532

0

-8,527

-2,744

-2,314

-22

-13,310

-4,532

0

-12

-11,243

-4,532

0

-10

-82

0

0

1-2
years

-3,469

0

-1,984

0

0

25,904

-26,391

-18,530

-2,407

-5,454

2-5
years

More than 
5 years

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

133

 31.12.2015, EUR ‘000

Financial liabilities

Secured bank loans

Finance lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

Bank overdraft

Derivatives

Total

 31.12.2014, EUR ‘000

Financial liabilities

Secured bank loans

Finance lease liabilities

Carrying 
amount

Contractual 
cash flows

6 months 
or less

6-12 
months

11,277

90

-11,713

-2,636

-2,588

-90

-45

1-2
years

-6,490

-20

-57

0

0

-26

-124

0

0

2-5
years

More than 
5 years

0

0

-47

0

0

-47

0

0

0

0

0

0

Trade and other payables

25,737

-25,784

-25,556

Bank overdraft

Derivatives

Total

757

4,066

41,928

-757

-757

-4,066

-4,066

-42,410

-33,059

-2,738

-6,567

(ii) Foreign exchange rate risk
The Group operates internationally, including in Turkey, Malta and South Africa, and is therefore exposed to 
foreign exchange rate risks. The risks arise both directly from the outstanding commercial cash flows and 
currency positions, and indirectly from changes in competitiveness between various competitors. The foreign 
exchange differences arising from inter-company loans designated as net investments in foreign subsidiaries has 
been recognised in the translation difference in the equity. 

The Group is exposed to currency-derived risks that affect its financial results, financial position and cash flows. 
In particular the exchange rates of US Dollar and South African Rand against the Euro have a significant impact 
on the Euro-denominated profitability of the Group. The cash inflows of the business are denominated in US 
Dollars, whereas a significant portion of the costs are denominated in the South African Rand. The fluctuation 
of the South African Rand has a significant impact on the Group’s profit and loss as well as on the Group’s 
assets and liabilities. In its risk management, the Group aims to match its cash inflows and outflows as well as 
receivables and liabilities in terms of the currency in which these items are denominated. 

The following tables present the currency composition of receivables and debt, and changes thereby relative to 
the previous year-end. 

 
 31.12.2015, EUR ‘000

EUR exchange rate

1

1.0887

0,7340

3,1765

16,9530

Cash and cash equivalents (EUR)

EUR

4,026

USD

13,768

GBP

118

Trade and other receivables (EUR)

4,514

22,521

Loans and other financial assets (EUR)

821

913

Trade and other current payables (EUR)

134

Loans and other liabilities (EUR)

-3,784

-1,913

-828

-8,061

-15

TRY

227

41

377

-473

-335

ZAR

1,504

3,048

8,229

-5,258

-6,768

Currency exposure, net (EUR)

31,738

28,222

1,016

-162

755

Currency exposure, net in currency ('000)

31,738

30,725

746

-515

12,807

 31.12.2014, EUR ‘000

EUR exchange rate

1

1.2141

0.7789

2.832

14.0353

Cash and cash equivalents (EUR)

EUR

2,740

USD

8,655

GBP

129

Trade and other receivables (EUR)

17,342

12,908

Loans and other financial assets (EUR)

39,952

Trade and other current payables (EUR)

-11,916

-2,795

-9

Loans and other liabilities (EUR)

-76

-10,108

TRY

67

545

-363

-488

ZAR

1,741

2,609

0

-6,253

-1,500

Currency exposure, net (EUR)

48,043

8,659

120

-239

-3,403

Currency exposure, net in currency ('000)

48,043

10,513

93

-675

-47,762

The effect on the 31 December 2015 currency denominated net assets by changes in foreign exchange rates 
compared with the rates used in the Group consolidation is presented below. Due to the high market volatility of 
the exchange rates, the range of change was kept at +/- 20%.

 
 
 
 
 
31 December 2015

20% strengthening

15% strengthening

10% strengthening

5 % strengthening

0% no change

-5% weakening

-10% weakening

-15% weakening

-20% weakening

31 December 2014

20% strengthening

15% strengthening

10% strengthening

5 % strengthening

0% no change

-5% weakening

-10% weakening

-15% weakening

-20% weakening

USD

7,055

4,980

3,136

1,485

0

-1,344

-2,566

-3,681

-4,704

USD

2,165

1,528

962

456

0

-412

-787

-1,129

-1,443

GBP

TRY

ZAR

254

179

113

53

0

-48

-92

-132

-169

GBP

30

21

13

6

0

-6

-11

-16

-20

-41

-29

-18

-9

0

8

15

21

27

189

133

84

40

0

-36

-69

-99

-126

135

TRY

ZAR

-60

-42

-27

-13

0

11

22

31

40

-851

-601

-378

-179

0

162

309

444

567

DERIVATIVES
The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates relates primarily to the Group’s operating 
activities (when revenue or expense is denominated in a foreign currency).

Operative foreign currency derivatives that are valued at fair value on the reporting date  cause timing 
differences between the changes in the derivative’s fair values and hedged operative transactions. Changes 
in fair values for derivatives designated to hedge future cash flow but are not accounted for according to the 
principles of hedge accounting impact the Group’s operating profit for the financial year. The underlying foreign 
currency transactions will realise in future periods.

At the end of 2014 the Group had USD/ZAR foreign currency forward contracts and foreign currency options 
hedging the operative cash flows. The nominal value and fair value of the contracts is stated in the table below. 
The group does not apply hedge accounting.

EUR ’000

FX-Forwards

FX-Options

2015

2014

Nominal value

Fair value

Nominal value

Fair value

0

0

0

0

41,586

4

4,066

0

(iii) Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk when Group companies take loans, or make other financing 
agreements or deposits and investments related to liquidity management. In addition, changes in interest 
rates can alter the fair values of the Group’s assets. The Group’s revenue and operative cash flows are mainly 
independent of the changes in market interest rates. 

To manage interest rate risks, the Group has used both fixed and floating rate debt instruments and derivative 
instruments, such as interest rate swaps, when needed. At the end of 2015, the Group’s interest-bearing debt 
was mainly based on floating interest rates; and there were no interest rate swaps in place. The Group aims to 
match the loan maturities with the businesses’ needs and to have the maturities spread over various periods so 
that the Group’s interest rate risks are somewhat diversified. Floating rate financing is mainly tied to the market 
rates of different countries (United Kingdom, South Africa), changes to which will then influence the Group’s 
total financing cost and cash flows. 

136

The short-term interest-bearing receivables of the Group are mainly loan receivables and receivables on past 
asset disposals. The Group’s interest-bearing liabilities have been discussed above.

The split of interest-bearing debt and receivables, also classified into fixed rate and floating rate instruments on 
31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 was as follows:

Interest rate profile of interest-bearing financial instruments (EUR '000)

Fixed rate instruments

Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Fixed rate instruments, net

Variable rate instruments

Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Variable rate instruments, net

31.12.2015

31.12.2014

3,500

-7,521

-4,021

33,184

-7,755

25,429

7,502

-1,102

6,399

36,705

-11,028

25 677

Interest-bearing net debt

28,151

32 076

The following table presents the approximate effect of changes in market interest rates on the Group’s income 
statement should the deposits’ and loans’ interest rates change. The analysis includes floating rate financial 
assets and liabilities. The sensitivity analysis is illustrative in nature and applicable for the forthcoming 12 month 
period if the period’s asset and liability structure were to be equal to that of 31 December 2015, and if there were 
no changes in exchange rates. 

31 December 2015

Interest rate
change

Change in interest 
income

Change in interest 
expense

Net
effect

-2.00%

-1.50%

-1.00%

-0.50%

0.00%

0.50%

1.00%

1.50%

2.00%

-664

-498

-332

-166

0

166

332

498

664

155

116

78

39

0

-39

-78

-116

-155

-509

-381

-254

-127

0

127

254

381

509

137

31 December 2014

Interest rate
change

Change in interest 
income

Change in interest 
expense

Net
effect

-2.00%

-1.50%

-1.00%

-0.50%

0.00%

0.50%

1.00%

1.50%

2.00%

-734

-551

-367

-184

0

184

367

551

734

221

165

110

55

0

-55

-110

-165

-221

-514

-385

-257

-128

0

128

257

385

514

(iv) Credit risk
Credit risk can be realised when the counterparties in commercial, financial or other agreements cannot take 
care of their obligations and thus cause financial damage to the Group. The Group’s operational policies 
define the creditworthiness requirements for customers and for counterparties in financial and derivative 
transactions, as well as the principles followed when investing liquidity. In the case of major sales agreements, 
the counterparty’s credit rating is checked. To date, the Group has not faced any major losses due to this reason.

The Group’s key customers are major international stainless steel companies, and a number of specialist agents 
selling to the steel sector, with typically long and successful business histories. Since the customers represent 
one sector of industry, major changes in that industry’s profitability could increase the credit risk.

The Board of Directors of Afarak Group Plc has determined a cash management policy for the Group’s parent 
company, according to which the excess cash reserves are deposited for a short-term only and with sound 
financial institutions with which the Group has established business relations. The credit rating of all significant 
counterparties is analysed from time to time. 

During the financial year, credit losses booked through the profit and loss were not significant. The maximum 
credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the receivables as of 31 December, and is split as follows:

Category 

Interest-bearing

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables from related parties

Other interest bearing receivables

Interest-bearing, total

138

Interest-free

Trade receivables

Other short-term receivables

Trade and other receivable from associate

Long-term receivables

Interest-free, total

Total

EUR ‘000
31.12.2015

EUR ‘000
31.12.2014

19,644

36,073

611

56,328

23,407

6,507

2,289

6,070

38,273

13,332

41,406

2,800

57,538

19,447

6,814

1,385

5,504

33,150

94,601

90,688

(v) Commodity risks
The Group is exposed to price risks on various output and input products, materials and commodities. Also, 
securing the availability of raw materials without any serious disruptions is vital to its businesses.

The price risks on input materials and commodities are managed by pricing policies so that changes in input 
materials and commodities can be moved into sales prices. This, however, is not always possible or there may be 
delays as a result of contractual or competitive reasons.

The Group’s units that have production operations are exposed to availability, quality and price fluctuations in 
raw materials and commodities. To diminish these risks, the Group’s business units seek to enter into long-term 
agreements with known counterparties; although this is not always possible due to the tradition and practice of 
the business. For the most part, because it is not possible or economically feasible to hedge commodity price 
risks in the Group’s business sectors with derivative contracts, the Group did not have any commodity derivative 
contracts in place as of 31 December 2015.

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS - SPECIALITY ALLOYS BUSINESS
The effect of changes in the sales price of special grade ferrochrome, produced by the Group’s Speciality 
Alloys business, to the Group’s operating profit and equity is illustrated below, assuming that the EUR/USD 
rate were constant. The analysis is based on December 2015 price level. Since the products are priced in USD, 
the exchange rate changes could have a major effect on the Group’s profitability in EUR. Full capacity for 
simulation purposes is set at 36,000 t/a, and it is also assumed that only one ferrochrome quality is produced. 
Various raw materials are used in ferrochrome production, including chrome concentrate and ferrosilicochrome. 
The purchase prices of the main raw materials typically in the same direction as the sales prices, although 
the correlation is not perfect and the timing may differ. In practice, therefore the net effect on the Group’s 
profitability most probably would be lower than shown below. Electricity usage is also substantial, and hence 
changes in electricity prices have a significant effect on profitability; electricity prices do not correlate with 
changes in commodity prices.

 
 
Financial year 2015

Change in Sales price
(USD / lb Cr)

Change in
Operating Profit

Change in
Group's Equity

EUR ‘000

EUR ‘000

2,72

2,61

2,49

2,38

2,27

2,15

2,04

1,93

1,81

Financial year 2014

Change in Sales price
(USD / lb Cr)

2,74

2,63

2,51

2,40

2,29

2,17

2,06

1,94

1,83

20 %

15 %

10 %

5 %

0 %

-5 %

-10 %

-15 %

-20 %

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

-5%

-10%

-15%

-20%

23,129

17,347

11,565

5,782

0

-5,782

-11,565

-17,347

-23,129

21,973

16,480

10,986

5,493

0

-5,493

-10,986

-16,480

-21,973

139

Change in
Operating Profit

Change in
Group's Equity

EUR ‘000

EUR ‘000

20,912

15,684

10,456

5,228

0

-5,228

-10,456

-15,684

-20,912

19,866

14,900

9,933

4,967

0

-4,967

-9,933

-14,900

-19,866

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS – FERROALLOYS BUSINESS
The FerroAlloys business’s smelting operation, Mogale Alloys, is able to change its product mix quite rapidly 
and flexibly, and so only rough estimates on its sensitivity to commodity price changes can be given. Its full 
production capacity is about 110,000 metric t/a of various metal alloys. Assuming, for simplicity, that all of 
the Mogale capacity was used for charge chrome production only, and using the year-end 2015 sales price 
indications for charge chrome, the following table represents a rough proxy of the sales price sensitivities. It 
should also be taken into account that the profitability of the smelting operations can be substantially impacted 
by changes in the USD and ZAR exchange rates and in electricity prices, as well as changes in market prices.  
In South Africa the majority of the electricity supply, price and availability are controlled by one entity, Eskom. 
Mogale Alloys may participate in Eskom’s electricity buyback program in the foreseeable future.

Financial year 2015

Change in Sales price
(USD / lb Cr)

Change in
Operating Profit

Change in
Group's Equity

140

1,10

1,06

1,01

0,97

0,92

0,87

0,83

0,78

0,74

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

-5%

-10%

-15%

-20%

20,903

15,677

10,451

5,226

0

-5,226

-10,451

-15,677

-20,903

15,050

11,288

7,525

3,763

0

-3,763

-7,525

-11,288

-15,050

Financial year 2014

Change in Sales price
(USD / lb Cr)

Change in
Operating Profit

Change in
Group's Equity

1,30

1,24

1,19

1,13

1,08

1,03

0,97

0,92

0,86

15. Inventories 

EUR '000

Goods and supplies

Unfinished products

Finished products

Total

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

-5%

-10%

-15%

-20%

22,004

16,503

11,002

5,501

0

-5,501

-11,002

-16,503

-22,004

15,843

11,882

7,921

3,961

0

-3,961

-7,921

-11,882

-15,843

2015

2014

16,389

117

28,646

45,152

30,611

90

29,351

60,052

16. Trade and other current receivables

EUR '000

Trade receivables

Loan receivables

Interest-bearing receivables

Prepaid expenses and accrued income

Income tax receivables

Other receivables

Total

2015

23,407

415

3,519

3,307

5,058

5,073

2014

19,447

3,836

7,034

3,201

3,323

3,928

141

40,779

40,769

Prepaid expenses and accruals mainly relate to rental contracts, personnel expenses, VAT receivables and 
accrued interest for loans. The values of receivables at the end of the reporting period closely correspond to 
the monetary value of maximum credit risk, excluding the fair value of received guarantees, in the potential case 
where the counterparties cannot fulfil their commitments.

The aging of trade receivables at the end of the reporting period

EUR '000

Not past due

Past due 0-30 days

Past due 31-60 days

Past due 61-90 days

Past due more than 90 days

Total

2015

12,708

10,936

96

99

-432

2014

14,121

5,579

176

0

-430

23,407

19,447

17. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement:

EUR '000

2015

2014

Cash and bank balances

18,793

12,449

Pledged deposits

508

4,286

EURO ‘000 

Cash and bank balances

Short-term money market investments

Total

18. Notes to equity

142

31.12.2015

31.12.2014

18,793

851

19,644

12,449

883

13,332

Number of 
registered 
shares

Number
of shares
on issue

Share
capital,
EUR '000

31.12.2013

248,432,000

244,187,283

23,642

Subscriptions based on option rights

11,130,434

11,130,434

0

31.12.2014

259,562,434

255,317,717

23,642

Subscriptions based on option rights

3,478,261

3,478,261

0

31.12.2015

263,040,695

258,795,978

23,642

There is no nominal value for the Company’s share.
The equity reserves are described below:

SHARE PREMIUM RESERVE
Related to the old Finnish Companies Act, the Company has a share premium reserve in relation to old share 
issues, where the premium in excess of the par value of the shares subscribed has been recognised in the share 
premium reserve.

PAID-UP UNRESTRICTED EQUITY RESERVE
Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve comprises other equity investments and subscription price of shares to the 
extent that it is not recognised in the share capital based on a specific decision.

TRANSLATION RESERVE
The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of financial 
statements of foreign operations.

TREASURY SHARES 
On 31 December 2015 the Company had altogether 4,244,717 (4,244,717) of its own shares, which was 
equivalent to 1.61 (1.64) % of all registered shares. The total number of shares outstanding, excluding the 
treasury shares held by the Company on 31 December 2015 was 258,795,978 (255,317,717).
The Company’s subsidiaries do not hold any of Afarak Group Plc’s shares.

 
SHARE ISSUE AUTHORISATIONS GIVEN TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Annual General Meeting held on 8 May 2015 resolved to authorize the Board of Directors to issue shares 
and stock options and other special rights that entitle to shares in one or more tranches up to a maximum 
of 25,000,000 new shares or shares owned by the Company. This equates to approximately 9.6% of the 
Company’s currently registered shares. The authorization may be used among other things in financing, 
enabling corporate and business acquisitions or other arrangements and investments of business activities and 
in the employee incentive and commitment programs. By virtue of the authorization, the Board of Directors 
can decide both on share issues against payment and on share issues without payment. The payment of the 
subscription price can also be made with consideration other than money. The authorization contains the 
right to decide on derogating from shareholders’ pre-emptive right to share subscriptions provided that the 
conditions set in the Companies’ Act are fulfilled.  The authorisation replaces all previous authorisations and is 
valid 2 years from the decision of the Annual General Meeting.

143

The Annual General Meeting authorised the Board of Directors to resolve upon acquiring a maximum of 
15,000,000 of the Company’s own shares. The authorisation replaces all previous authorisations and it is valid 
for 18 months from the decision of the Annual General Meeting. 

TRADING INFORMATION
Afarak Group Plc’s shares are listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange and on NASDAQ 
Helsinki. Afarak shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange under the trading code AFRK and on the 
NASDAQ Helsinki under code AFAGR. The ISIN code is FI0009800098 and the trading takes place in Pound 
Sterling (GBP) and in Euros (EUR).

On 16 April 2015, Afarak announced that the Company intended to transfer the listing segment of its share 
on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange to a Standard listing from the current Premium listing. 
The proposed change to a Standard listing was subject to shareholder approval and the Board sought authority 
from the shareholders to transfer its listing on the London Stock Exchange. The purpose of the transfer is to allow 
the Company to reduce the costs of its listing which arise from the regulatory burden applicable to companies 
with a Premium listing, which would no longer be applicable following transfer to a Standard listing. The trading 
arrangements for the Company’s shares on the NASDAQ Helsinki Stock Exchange and on the London Stock 
Exchange remain unchanged.

On 16 April 2015, Afarak announced that the company had published a circular to shareholders in connection 
with the proposed transfer of the listing segment of its shares on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange 
to a Standard listing from the current Premium listing.

On 9 June 2015 Afarak announced that the United Kingdom Listing Authority had given its approval to effect 
the shares transfer on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange to a Standard listing from a Premium 
listing, and that the transfer had now become effective.

SHARE PERFORMANCE AND TRADING
During the financial year 2015, the price of Afarak Group’s share in London Stock Exchange varied between 
GBP 0.25 (0.24) and GBP 0.33 (0.32) and in NASDAQ Helsinki between EUR 0.33 (0.21) and EUR 0.67 (0.42). 
Afarak’s share closed in London at the end of the financial year at GBP 0.33 (0.25) and Helsinki at EUR 0.40 
(0.32). The closing price on 31 December gives the Company a market capitalisation of the entire capital stock 
263,040,695 (259,562,434) shares of GBP 85.5 (65.5) million and EUR 105.7 (83.1) million.

A total of 13,248 (23,013) Afarak shares were traded in London and 38,224,080 (20,927,217) shares in Helsinki 
during the financial year, representing 0.01% (0.01%) of stock in London and 14.53% (8.06%) in Helsinki. 

 
SHAREHOLDERS
On 31 December 2015, the Company had a total of 4,433 shareholders (4,030 shareholders on 31 December 
2014), of which eight were nominee-registered. The registered number of shares on 31 December 2015 was 
263,040,695 (259,562,434).

Largest shareholders on 31 December 2015

Shareholder

1 Nordea Bank Finland Plc *

2 Hino Resources Co. Ltd **

144

3 Joensuun Kauppa ja Kone Oy

4 Kankaala Markku Olavi

5 Clearstream Banking S.A.

6 Moncheur & Cie

7 Hanwa Company Limited

8 Afarak Group Plc

9 Hukkanen Esa Veikko

10 Danske Bank Plc

Total

Other Shareholders

Total shares registered

Shares

     164,508,392   

       34,881,903   

       11,272,326   

        7,066,116   

        6,663,927   

        6,607,183   

        6,000,000   

        4,244,717   

        4,223,048   

           925,810   

     246,393,422   

       16,647,273   

     263,040,695   

%

62.5 

13.3 

4.3 

2.7 

2.5 

2.5 

2.3 

1.6 

1.6 

0.4 

93.7 

6.3 

100.0

* According to the flagging notification of Aida Djakov published 25 July 2014, the total combined holdings of Aida Djakov and her 
controlled corporation Atkey Limited are 68,526,701 shares representing 26.4 % of the total number of shares.
** According to the latest flagging notification of Hino Resources Co. Ltd (“Hino”) published 10 October 2014, the total holdings of 
Hino are 49,991,903 shares representing 19.26 % of the total number of shares.

Afarak Group Plc’s Board members and Chief Executive Officer owned in total 7,813,287 (78,078,926) Afarak 
Group Plc shares on 31 December 2015, including shares owned either directly, through persons closely 
associated with them or through controlled companies. This corresponds to 3.0% (30.1%) of the total number of 
registered shares on 31 December 2015.

Shareholders by category 31 December 20155

Shares

1-100

101-1,000

1,001-10,000

10,001-100,000

100,001-1,000,000

1,000,001-10,000,000

in excess of 10,000,000

Total

of which nominee-registered

Total outstanding

 Number of 
shareholders 

% share of 
shareholders

Number of 
shares held

% of shares 
held

752

2,148

1,312

190

22

6

3

4,433

8

16.96 

              45,522   

48.45 

         1,133,151   

29.60 

         4,466,944   

4.29 

0.50 

0.14 

0.07 

         5,257,160   

         6,670,306   

        34,804,991   

      210,662,621   

100

      263,040,695   

      173,362,087   

0.02 

0.43 

1.70 

2.00 

2.54 

13.23 

80.09 

93.7 

1.6 

263,040,695

100.00

Shareholders by shareholder type on 31 December 2015

Finnish shareholders

  of which:

  Companies and business enterprises

  Banking and insurance companies

  Non-profit organisations

  Households

Foreign shareholders

Total

  of which nominee-registered

% of share 
capital

15.98 % 

6.49 %

0.07 %

0.00 %

9.41 %

145

83.95 %

100 %

65.91 %

19. Share-based payments
The Company has three incentive-related option schemes, known as I/2005, I/2008 and I/2011. 

Option rights relating to the I/2005 scheme are granted to the Group’s Executive Management Team and other key 
employees and to non-executive directors, as recommended by the Board. The scheme entitles option holders to 
subscribe for a maximum of 2,700,000 shares in the Company. The share subscription period is from 1 July 2007 to 
30 June 2015 for various options series denoted with different letters, and the subscription price range is EUR 0.32 – 
0.78 (with dividend and capital redemption adjustment). As a result of subscriptions made with the I/2005 options, 
Afarak Group Plc’s number of shares may be increased by a maximum of 2,700,000 new shares. In accordance with 
the terms of the option scheme the subscription prices will be recognised in the paid-up unrestricted equity reserve.

Option rights relating to the I/2008 scheme were granted to the Group’s previous CEO, Alwyn Smit, in October 
2008. The scheme entitles the option holder to subscribe for a maximum of 2,900,000 shares in the Company for a 
subscription price of EUR 2.18 per share (with dividend and capital redemption adjustment). The share subscription 
period for 1,450,000 share options commenced on 1 October 2009 and on 1 October 2010 for the remaining 
1,450,000 options. The subscription period matures on 31 December 2015. As a result of the subscriptions made with 
the options, Afarak Group Plc’s number of shares may be increased by a maximum of 2,900,000 new shares.

Option rights relating to the I/2011 scheme are granted to the key personnel of the Company, as recommended by 
the Board. The scheme entitles the option holders to subscribe for a maximum of 6,900,000 shares in the Company. 
The vesting period is 1 July 2014 to 1 August 2017 for various option series denoted with different letters and 
years. The share subscription price is calculated by a formula based on the Volume Weighted Average Price of the 
Company’s share and varies between the option series. 

Of the option scheme I/2005, options on A, B, C, D, E and F series have been issued to Afarak’s management 
totalling 1,175,000 option rights, of the option scheme I/2008 a total of 2,900,000 options. Of the option scheme 
I/2011 a total of 6,291,997 options were issued and 99,999 options were forfeited leaving a balance of 6,191,998 
options. All options have been treated according to the principles set forth in IFRS 2 Share-based Payments 
standard. Share options will be expired if not redeemed as agreed in the terms of options. The main terms of the 
option arrangements are detailed in the tables below.

 
In May 2015 the Group has granted the CEO, Alistair Ruiters 1,000,000 shares in the Company. These will be 
awarded in two tranches and vested based on completed year of service.  The first 500,000 Company shares shall 
be received once the first vesting period has lapsed, on 22 May 2016.  The second 500,000 Company shares shall be 
received by the employee on 22 May 2017.  These shares have a lock-up period of two years form subscription date. 
The fair value of the granted shares is determined based on the market price of Afarak Group share at the grant date 
which was EUR 0.40 per share. The value at year end was EUR 182,870.24

146

On 14 August 2015, Afarak announced that it has resolved to offer 3,478,261 new ordinary  shares in the Company 
(“New Shares”) to Gujo Investment (Pty) Limited, one of the vendors of Mogale Alloys (a company acquired in 
May 2009) under the settlement agreement announced on 11 October 2012. Following completion of the share 
issue, the consideration for the acquisition was fully satisfied. All of the New Shares were subscribed for and the 
subscriptions have been approved by the Board of Directors. The total subscription price of EUR 1,739,130.50 (EUR 
0.5 per share) has been fully satisfied through offset against the settlement receivables of the Vendor related to 
the Mogale Alloys acquisition.

Share option plan

Nature of the plan

Share 
options. 
granted to 
employees in 
2012

Share 
options. 
granted to 
CEO in 2008

Share 
options. 
granted to 
CEO in 2008

Share 
options. 
granted to 
employees in 
2010

Share 
options. 
granted to 
employees in 
2009

Share options 

Share options 

Share options 

Share options 

Share options 

issued

issued

issued

issued

issued

Grant date

1.4.2012

28.10.2008

28.10.2008

17.5.2010

6.8.2009

Number of options

6 191 998

1 450 000

1 450 000

100 000

175 000

Options series

I/2011

I/2008

I/2008

F (I/2005)

E (I/2005)

147

Exercise period

1.7.2014-
1.8.2017

1.10.2010-
31.12.2015

1.10.2009-
31.12.2015

1.7.2012-
30.6.2015

1.7.2011-
30.6.2014

Dividend adjustment

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

Exercise price (with dividend and capital 

redemption adjustment)

Share price at grant date

Option life

Conditions

0.00 - 0.86

2.18

2.18

0.78

0.68

0.90

1.1 - 3.1

1.26

5.3

1.26

6.3

1.00

3.0

1.75

3.0

Employment 
until the 
vesting date 
and target 
share price

Employment 
until the 
vesting date

Employment 
until the 
vesting date

Employment 
until the 
vesting date

Employment 
until the 
vesting date

Execution

In shares

In shares

In shares

In shares

In shares

Expected volatility

45 %

44 %

44 %

56 %

46 %

Expected option life at grant date (years)

5.3 years

5.0 years

5.0 years

5.1 years

4.9 years

Risk free rate, Euribor 12 months

2.24%

4.33%

4.33%

3.11%

3.66%

Expected dividend yield

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

Expected personnel reductions

0

0

0

0

0

Fair value at grant date (EUR)

0.14 - 0.46

0.33

0.33

1.06

1.20

Valuation model

Up and in 
Call

Black & 
Scholes

Black & 
Scholes

Black & 
Scholes

Black & 
Scholes

Changes in share options issued and in weighted average exercise prices:

Weighted average exercise price (with 
dividend and capital redemption 
adjustment)

EUR/share

At the beginning of 2014

Forfeited options

At the end of 2014

Exercisable at the end of 2014

148

At the beginning of 2015

Forfeited options

Forfeited options

At the end of 2015

Exercisable at the end of 2015

0.83

0.68

0.83

1.25

0.83

0.78

2.18

0.26

0.26

Number of options

9,366,998

175,000

9,191,998

5,100,000

9,191,998

100,000

2,900,000

6,191,998

1,400,000

The exercise prices of existing share options and their years of forfeiting are presented below:

Year of forfeiting

Exercise price (EUR)

Number of shares

2015

2015

2017

0.78

2.18

0.00-0.86

100,000

2,900,000

6,900,000

The exercise price above represents the original contractual exercise price adjusted by dividends and capital 
redemptions before the 2016 AGM.

20. Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Movements in deferred taxes in 2015

EUR '000

Deferred tax assets:

Unrealised expenses

Pension liabilities

From translation difference

Group eliminations

Total

Deferred tax liabilities:

Assets at fair value in acquisitions

Translation difference

Other timing differences

Total

31.12.2014

Exchange rate 
differences

Recognised 
in  income 
statement

Business 
combinations 
and 
divestments

31.12.2015

1,587

988

983

608

4,166

6,395

0

1,805

8,200

-7

-30

-37

-972

-173

187

132

-826

-504

-944

-182

-686

-621

-1,565

608

815

1,127

710

3,260

4,947

0

1,002

5,949

-43

-43

0

0

Movements in deferred taxes in 2014

EUR '000

Deferred tax assets:

Unrealised expenses

Pension liabilities

From translation difference

Group eliminations

Total

Deferred tax liabilities:

Assets at fair value in acquisitions

Translation difference

Other timing differences

Total

21. Provisions

EUR ‘000

Balance at 1.1.2015

Additions

Releases and reversals

Unwinding of discount

Exchange differences

Balance at 31.12.2015

EUR ‘000

Long-term provisions

Short-term provisions

Total

31.12.2013

Exchange rate 
differences

Recognised 
in income 
statement 

Recognised in 
equity

31.12.2014

1,824

1,052

8,822

849

12,546

7,332

0

1,175

8,507

1

12

13

244

56

300

-238

-64

755

-253

200

-1,181

574

-607

-8,594

-8,594

0

0

Environmental and 
rehabilitation provisions

Other provisions

9,133

11

-247

642

-1,362

8,177

2015

9,309

99

9,408

1,081

495

-190

0

-155

1,231

2014

10,137

77

10,214

149

1,587

988

983

608

4,166

6,395

0

1,805

8,200

Total

10,214

506

-437

642

-1,517

9,408

The long-term provisions in the statement of financial position relate to environmental and rehabilitation provi-
sions of the Group’s production facilities and mines. The provisions are based on expected liability.

22. Pension liabilities

Defined benefit pension plans
The majority of the Group’s pension plans are defined contribution plans for which a total expense of EUR 0.8 
(0.8) million has been recognised on the 2015 statement of comprehensive income. In addition, the Group’s 
German subsidiary has defined benefit plans. The obligations relating to the plans have been defined by 
actuarial calculations. The pension scheme is arranged by recognising a provision on the statement of financial 
position. The present value of the obligation less fair value of plan assets totalled EUR 18.7 (20.0) million on 31 
December 2015. The Group has considered that the value on 31 December also corresponds with the amount of 
net obligation at the end of the reporting period. The Group does not own the assets of the pension plans.

150

Retirement benefit obligation

EUR '000

Present value of funded obligation

Fair value of plan assets

Net liability

Movements in defined benefit obligation

EUR '000

Defined benefit obligations at 1.1.

Benefits paid by the plan

Current service costs

Interest expense

Actuarial (gains) / losses

Closing balance at 31.12.

Movements in the fair value of the plan assets

EUR '000

Fair value of the plan assets at 1.1.

Expected return on plan assets

Benefits paid by the plan

Asset gains / (losses)

Contributions paid into the plan

Closing balance at 31.12.

2015

24,101

-5,367

18,734

2015

24,454

-781

393

510

-475

24,101

2015

4,500

98

-131

511

389

2014

24,454

-4,500

19,954

2014

20,187

-707

305

674

3,995

24,454

2014

4,092

143

-100

-40

405

5,367

4,500

The funded pension plan has been financed through an insurance company and therefore asset specification is 
not available.

Expense recognised in statement of comprehensive income

EUR '000

Current service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Actual return on plan assets totalled EUR 0.50 (-0.04) million in 2015.

Principal actuarial assumptions 

Discount rate

Expected return on plan assets

Inflation

2015

-393

-510

98

-805

2015

2.22 %

1.83 %

2.25 %

2014

-305

-674

143

151

-836

2014

2.12 %

2.43 %

2.25 %

The expected retirement age has been assumed to be in accordance with German legislation (RVAGAnpG 2007). 
Similarly, the expected pension increases have been assumed to be in line with the German legislation, and mor-
tality expectancy in accordance with the German “Richttafeln 2005 G” has been applied in the valuations.

Historical information

EUR '000

Present value of defined benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets

Deficit in the plan

Experience adjustments arising on plan liabilities

Experience adjustments arising on plan assets

Adjustments due to change in actuarial assumptions

2015

-24,101

5,367

-18,734

-81

-511

-393

2014

-24,454

4,500

-19,954

-398

40

4,394

PROVISION FOR RETIREMENT PAY LIABILITY IN TURKEY
In accordance with existing social legislation in Turkey, the Turkish subsidiary of the Group is required to make 

lump-sum payments to employees whose employment is terminated due to retirement or for reasons other than 

resignation or misconduct. The computation of the liability was based on the retirement pay ceiling announced 

by the Turkish government. On 31 December 2015, the employee severance indemnity recognised in accordance 

with IAS 19 the financial statements totalled EUR 0.8 (0.7) million. 

23. Trade payables and other interest-free liabilities

EUR ‘000

Non-current

Other liabilities

Total non-current

Current

Purchase price liabilities (paid as shares)

152

Current liabilities to related parties

Trade payables

Payables to associated companies

Accrued expenses and deferred income

Current advances received

Income tax liability

Other liabilities

Total non-current

1.8 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

1.8.1 Group structure on 31 December 2015

2015

1,969

1,969

0

6

9,673

209

4,797

100

6,036

579

21,400

2014

42

42

2,186

0

19,143

167

10,472

0

5,951

6

37,925

Name

Afarak Holdings Ltd

Afarak Investments Ltd

Afarak Mining Ltd

Afarak South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Auburn Avenue Trading 88 (Pty) Ltd

Destiny Spring Investments 4 (Pty) Ltd

Destiny Spring Investments 11 (Pty) Ltd

Destiny Spring Investments 12 (Pty) Ltd

Duoflex (Pty) Ltd

Elektrowerk Weisweiler GmbH

Intermetal Madencilik ve Ticaret A.S.

LP Kunnanharju Oy 

Metal ve Maden ic ve Dis Pazarlama Tic Ltd, Sti

Mogale Alloys (Pty) Ltd

Afarak Trading Ltd (previously known as RCS Ltd)

Rekylator Oy

Country of 
incorporation

Group's 
ownership and 
share of votes 
(%)

Afarak Group 
Plc's direct 
ownership and 
share of votes 
(%)

Malta

Malta

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

Germany

Turkey

Finland

Turkey

South Africa

Malta

Finland

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

74.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

74.00

100.00 

99.00

100.00

97.76

90.00

100.00

100.00

0.00

99.99

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0,00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

100.00

Rekylator Invest Oy

Rekylator Wood Oy

Rekylator Yhtiöt Oy

Türk Maadin Sirketi A.S.

Joint ventures

Synergy Africa Ltd

Chromex Mining Ltd

Chromex Mining Company (Pty) Ltd

Ilitha Mining (Pty) Ltd

Mkhombi Stellite (Pty) Ltd

Associated companies

Incap Furniture Oy 

Valtimo Components Oyj *

Finland

Finland

Finland

Turkey

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

Finland

Finland

100.00

100.00

100.00

98.75

51.00

51.00

37.74

41.05

44.24

24.06

24.90

0.00

0.00

100.00

98.75

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

12.45

24.90

153

* Afarak’s share of ownership in Valtimo Components Oyj can increase to 39.23% if the shares sold earlier, held as pledge, are not paid 
in cash to Afarak.

Afarak disposed Afarak Suisse in 2015.

Afarak divested its holding in the associated company Speciality Super Alloys Inc. This led to a loss on sale of 
investment in associate of EUR 0.3 million.

Dezzo Trading 184 (Pty) Ltd, Didox (Pty) Ltd, PGR 17 Investments (Pty) Ltd, and Waylox Mining (Pty) Ltd were 
deregistered as at 31 December 2015.  

1.8.2 Related party transactions

Afarak Group Plc defines the related parties as: 
•	companies,	entities	or	persons	having	common	control	or	considerable	voting	power	in	Afarak	Group
•	subsidiaries
•	joint	ventures
•	associates
•	Afarak	Group	Plc’s	and	the	above	mentioned	entities’	top	management

Related party transactions with persons belonging to the Group’s Board and management
Finnish accounting legislation, KPA 2:8 § 4 paragraph disclosure requirement

154

EUR ‘000

2015

2014

Salaries

Fees

Share-
based 
remuneration

Salaries

Fees

Share-
based 
remuneration

Kankaala Markku

Koncar Danko

Board member 11.8.2010 – 

86

CEO 11.2.2013 – 20.5.2015, 

Lillja Michael

Manojlovic 

Jelena

7.5.2015

Board member 11.2.2013 

onwards

120

Board member 11.7.2008 

onwards, Chairperson 17.6.2009 

- 7.5.2015

Board member 11.2.2013 

Parodi Afredo

onwards. Chairman 8.5.2015 

Smart Bernice

onwards

Board member 11.2.2013 – 

7.5.2015

Board member 8.5.2015 

Alistair Ruiters

onwards, CEO 21.5.2015 

242

onwards

Board member 8.5.2015 

onwards

Board member 8.5.2015 

onwards

Rourke Barry

Ivan Jakovcic

Total

54

0

0

54

54

54

0

58

58

66

19

47

39

240

120

0

0

0

183

0

448

287

183

360

216

0

As some of the Board members have also had executive management roles, both the Board fees and the salaries 
in relation to the executive role have been presented above.
The CEO receives an annual salary of EUR 360,000. He shall also receive 500,000 Company Shares as an 
incentive for each completed year of service acting as the Chief Executive Officer,  the first 500,000 Company 
shares shall be received on 22 May 2016 and the second 500,000 shares shall be received on 22 May 2017 if he 
is still acting as CEO at that time.

The Group makes no pension arrangements for the CEO beyond the statutory pension coverage, and there is no 
set retirement age. The table includes the Executive Management Team remuneration excluding the CEO. The 
CEO and Board members compensation has been presented separately.

Management remuneration 

EUR ‘000

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Termination benefits

Share-based payments

Total

2015

258

0

0

0

258

2014

185

0

0

42

227

BUSINESS REORGANISATIONS
The AGM held on 8 May 2015 resolved that the Board of Directors comprises of seven members. Mr Michael 

Lillja, Mr Markku Kankaala, Dr Jelena Manojlovic and Dr Alfredo Parodi were re-elected to the Board. Mr Barry 

155

Rourke, Dr Alistair Ruiters and Mr Ivan Jakovcic were elected.  

On 21 May 2015, Afarak announced changes in the Company’s management structure so that its current 

executive management team and board member Dr Alistair Ruiters was appointed new Chief Executive Officer 

(“CEO”) of the Company. Dr. Danko Koncar, is now focusing on the operational matters of the Company as 

Business Development Director, reporting to the CEO. Dr Ruiters continues to serve as a board member of 

the Company. Further, Mr Michael Lillja, currently head of marketing and a board member, has assumed the 

responsibilities of Marketing Director while continuing as a board member.

The current executive management team is as follows

Dr. Alistair Ruiters, CEO

Dr. Danko Koncar, Business Development Director

Michael Lillja, Marketing Director

Furthermore, the board has also reviewed the composition of the board committees.

The new committees are as follows:

Audit Committee

Barry Rourke, Chairman

Markku Kankaala
Ivan Jakovcic

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee

Jelena Manojlovic, Chairman

Markku Kankaala

Ivan Jakovcic

The Committee for Health Safety and Sustainable Development

Alfredo Parodi, Chairman

Michael Lillja

Markku Kankaala

FINANCING ARRANGEMENT WITH RELATED PARTIES
In 2011 Afarak Group Plc had entered into a USD 55 million standby loan facility agreement with its major 

shareholder Kermas Ltd. The facility was available until 31 December 2014 and the loan term would have been 

from the first draw-down until 31 December 2015. At the end of the financial year 2014, the Group has not drawn 

down any of the loan. The expenses recognised for the facilities were EUR 0.1 (0.1) million.

The Group has a EUR 32.6 (34.4) million loan receivable and EUR 7.9 (6.4) million trade and other current and 

non-current receivables from its joint venture companies. Trade and other payables to joint venture companies 

amounted to EUR 0.2 (0.2) million.  Interest income from a joint venture company totalled EUR 1.0 (1.0) million 

during the financial year 2015. 

156

The Group had on 31 December 2015 a EUR 3.5 (7.0) million receivable from Kermas Ltd.
OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Group has sold its products and rendered services to related parties and joint ventures for a total value of 

EUR 0.4 (0.2) million. The Group has also made raw material purchases from a joint venture amounting to EUR 

9.4 (4.4) million and received services from a related party amounting to EUR 0.1 (0.1) million.

Dividends received from associated companies totalled EUR 0.0 (0.0) million.

On 31 December 2015 the Group’s parent company had short-term loan receivables from the members of the 

Board amounting to EUR 0.0 (0.1) million.

1.9 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

1.9.1 MORTGAGES AND GUARANTEES PLEDGED AS SECURITY
On 31 December 2015 the Group had a loan from a financial institution totalling EUR 8.0 (10.3) million. The 

Group has provided real estate mortgages and other assets as collaterals for total carrying value of EUR 64.2 

(71.2) million. Moreover, the Group companies have given cash deposits totalling EUR 0.1 (4.1) million as security 

for their commitments. The value of other collaterals totalled EUR 0.5 (0.5) million as at 31 December 2015. 

Afarak Group Plc has given guarantees for third party loans totalling EUR 1.3 (1.3) million.

1.9.2 COVENANTS INCLUDED IN THE GROUP’S FINANCING AGREEMENTS
One of the Group’s Maltese subsidiaries, Afarak Trading Ltd (previously known as RCS Ltd), was granted a 

loan facility from a Maltese bank in 2013. As at year end 2015 the balance was US$ 7.6 (EUR 7.0) million and 

the financial covenants attached to this loan were not breached during the year. The Group’s South African 

subsidiary, Mogale Alloys also had bank facilities with local banks amounting to ZAR 87.4 (EUR 5.2) million at 

year end and are disclosed as current financial liability in the financial statements. The financial coventants 

attached to this loan were breached during the year. Management will do the utmost to restore the situation 

within the covenant limits.

1.9.3 RENTAL AGREEMENTS
Liabilities associated with rental and operating lease agreements totalled some EUR 0.7 (0.8) million for the 

period. Typically, the rental agreements maturity varies between two to five years, and normally there is a 

possibility to continue these agreements beyond the original maturity date. For these contacts, their price 

indexing, renewal and other terms differ contract by contract. As guarantees for these rental agreements, the 

Group companies have made cash deposits of approximately EUR 0.0 (0.0) million as at 31 December 2015.

1.9.4 COLLATERALS GIVEN BY AFARAK GROUP PLC
Afarak Group Plc has given guarantees in connection with certain borrowings of Junnikkala Oy, the Group’s 

former subsidiary which it sold in June 2011. These guarantees will continue to be in force until 30 June 2018. 

Under the terms of the disposal it has been agreed that Junnikkala will pay a fee of 2% per annum to Afarak 

Group Plc in consideration for the continuation of these guarantees. At 31 December 2015 the indebtedness 

subject to these guarantees was EUR 1.3 (1.3) million in aggregate.

1.10 EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

On 5 January 2016, Afarak announced that the Company has signed further sale agreements in relation to parts 

of the saw mill equipment, acquired by the Company in 2008. The transaction from the discontinued operation 

157

positively affects the Q4/2015 profit.

On 14 January 2016, Afarak announced that its subsidiary Türk Maadin Şirketi A.S (TMS) has been granted the 

exploitation mining license for Eskisehir -Mihaliccik Karaagac “Eagle Field”. 

On 4 February 2016, Afarak announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Afarak Trading Limited (RCS) has 

entered into a long-term agreement with US company Carpenter Technology Corporation. Afarak Trading 

Limited will provide low carbon ferrochrome. 

On 11 February 2016, Afarak announced that Ilitha Mine has completed a Shaking Table plant. Ilitha Mine is part 

of the Synergy Africa joint venture between Afarak and Kermas Limited. The Shaking Table technology, 13 

already used in the mines of Afarak’s Turkish subsidiary TMS, will allow the company to treat the Tailing Dump 

for chrome and increase Ilitha Mine’s total plant mass yield from currently 49% to 65%.This in turn will drastically 

reduce the operating cost per ton. Full production is expected to be reached by Mid-March 2016. 

PARENT COMPANY’S
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INCOME STATEMENT (FAS)

Note

1.1.2015 - 31.12.2015

1.1.2014 - 31.12.2014

EUR '000

Revenue

Other operating income

Personnel expenses

    Salaries and wages

       Pension expenses

158

       Other social security expenses

    Social security expenses total

Personnel expenses total

Depreciation and amortisation

    Depreciation and amortisation according to plan

Depreciation and amortisation total

Other operating expenses

OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS)

Financial income and expenses:

    Other financial income

       From Group companies

       From others

    Interests and other financial expenses

       To Group companies

       To others

Financial income and expenses total

PROFIT (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY 
ITEMS

PROFIT BEFORE TAXES

Income taxes

    Income taxes

NET PROFIT

1

2

3

4

5

6

1,259

57

-861

-4

-30

-34

-895

-5

-5

-1,951

150

46

-556

-16

-28

-44

-601

-11

-11

-1,554

-1,535

-1,969

1,093

488

-51

-110

1,420

-115

-115

0

-115

1,877

159

-56

-206

1,774

-195

-195

0

-195

PARENT COMPANY’S
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 BALANCE SHEET (FAS)

EUR '000

Assets

Non Current Assets

Property, plant and equipment

      Machinery and equipment

Total property, plant and equipment

Investments

      Shares in Group companies

      Receivables from Group companies

Total investments

Total non-current assets

Current Assets

Receivables

Non-current receivables

      Receivables from Group companies

      Other interest-free receivables

Total non-current receivables 

Current receivables

      Trade receivables

      Receivables from Group companies

      Receivables from Holding companies

      Other interest-bearing receivables

      Other non interest-bearing receivables

      Prepaid expenses and accrued income

Total current receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total Assets

Note

1.1.2015 - 31.12.2015

1.1.2014 - 31.12.2014

7

8

9

14

14

215,931

8,015

223,946

223,960

25

25

159

215,931

8,015

223,946

223,971

-1,535

-1,969

47,965

128

48,093

1

9,318

1,164

181

8

192

10,865

603

55,261

128

55,388

1

6,828

988

43

27

131

8,018

221

59,561

63,628

285,521

287,599

PARENT COMPANY’S
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 BALANCE SHEET (FAS) (CONT.)

EUR '000

Note

31.12.2015

31.12.2014

10

11

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      Share capital

      Share premium reserve

      Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve

160

      Retained earnings

      Profit for the period

Total shareholders' equity

LIABILITIES

Non-current liabilities

 Liabilities to Group companies

      Loans from associated companies

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

       Liabilities to Group companies

      Accounts payable

      Accounts payable to Group companies

      Other liabilities

      Accrued expenses and deferred income

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

TOTAL LIABILITIES

23,642

25,223

246,433

-13,839

-115

281,345

1,248

5

1,254

113

77

86

441

206

922

2,176

23,642

25,223

249,800

-13,644

-195

284,827

1,248

5

1,254

66

36

833

24

560

1,518

2,772

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

283,521

287,599

PARENT COMPANY’S
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (FAS)

EUR '000

Note

1.1.2015 - 31.12.2015

1.1.2014 - 31.12.2014

Operating activities

Net profit 

Adjustments:

Depreciation and amortisation

Unrealised foreign exchange gains and losses

Finance income and expense

Cash flow before working capital changes

Working capital changes:

Change in current trade receivables

Change in current non interest-bearing debt

Cash flow before financing items and taxes

Interests received from Group companies

Interests received and other financing items

Interests paid and other financing items

Income taxes paid

Net cash  from operating activities

Investing activities

Acquisitions of subsidiaries and associates

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities

Repayments of non-current loans to group companies

Repayments of current loans given to Group companies

Non-current loans to group companies

Repayments of current loan receivables

Capital redemption

Net cash used in financing activities

Change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash at beginning of period

Cash at end of period

Change in the balance sheet

-115

5

-60

-1361

-1,530

-1,134

-324

-2,988

1,014

166 

-110

1

-1,917

6

6

7,929

10

-555

15

-5,106

2,292

2,176

221

603

381

161

-195

11

-90

-1,683

-1,958

109

692

-1,157

0

147

-93

33

-1,070

0

0

6,350

0

-334

9

-4,884

1,141

2,772

150

221

71

2.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT 
COMPANY (FAS)

2.1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SCOPE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The parent company has prepared its separate financial statements in accordance with Finnish 

Accounting Standards. Consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 

International Financial Reporting Standards. Consolidated financial statements are presented separately 

as a part of these financial statements.

162

Information on holdings in subsidiaries and associated companies and information on their consolidation is 

presented in the notes to the financial statements.

All figures are presented in thousand Euros, unless otherwise explicitly stated. 

VALUATION PRINCIPLES AND METHODS
Investments in associated companies and debt instruments are valued at acquisition cost, less eventual 

impairment. Dividends received from Group companies and associates have been recorded as financial income.

The balance sheet value of property, plant and equipment is stated at acquisition cost, less accumulated 

depreciation. Other assets have been stated in the balance sheet at the lower of acquisition cost or their likely 

realisable value. Debt items are valued at acquisition cost. Loan receivables from subsidiaries and Group 

companies have been valued at acquisition cost.

DEPRECIATION METHODS
Acquisition costs of property, plant and equipment are depreciated over their useful lives according to plan. 

Depreciation plans have been defined based on practice and experience.

Asset

Intangible rights

IT equipment

Other machinery and equipment 

Depreciation Method & Period

5 years straight line

2 years straight line

5 years straight line

TRANSLATIONS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY ITEMS
Balance sheet items denominated in foreign currency are translated into functional currency using the exchange 

rates of the balance sheet date. Income statement items are translated applying the exchange rates prevailing at 

the date of the transaction.

COMPARABILITY OF THE REPORTED FINANCIAL YEAR AND THE PREVIOUS YEAR
The reported financial year and the previous year were both calendar years and are thus comparable. The 

Company has been actively restructuring its business, which has required various ownership and financial 

arrangements. The transactions have had significant non-recurring effects on the Company’s income 

statement, balance sheet and financial position, which make comparison of financial statements and 

estimating the future more difficult.

2.2 NOTES TO THE INCOME STATEMENT

1. Revenue

EUR '000

By business line:

Services

Other revenue

Total

By geography:

Finland

EU countries

Other countries

Total

2. Other Operating Income

EUR '000

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Other income

Total

2015

2014

1,259

0

1,259

3

616

640

1,259

163

150

0

150

3

68

79

150

2015

2014

0

57

57

0

46

46

3. Depreciation, Amortisation and Impairment

EUR '000

2015

2014

Depreciation and amortisation according to plan

Intangible rights

Machinery and equipment

Total

4. Other Operating Expenses

EUR '000

Voluntary employee benefits

Premise expenses

Machinery and equipment expenses

Travelling expenses

Representation expenses

Marketing expenses

Administration expenses 

Other operating expenses

Total

0

-5

-5

-2

-9

-11

2015

2014

-19

-63

-77

-32

-14

-9

-1,720

-17

-1,951

-3

-105

-84

-54

-15

0

-840

-454

-1,554

5. Financial Income and Expense

EUR '000

2015

2014

Other financial income

   From Group companies

   From others

Other financial expense

   To Group companies

164

   To others

Total

6. Income Taxes

EUR '000

Profit for the period

Adjustments for tax calculation

Taxable income

Tax advances paid

Tax deferral based on taxable income

Income tax of the period

Tax loss carryforward used

Net income taxes

Income tax receivable

Income tax payable

2.3 NOTES TO ASSETS

7. Fixed Assets

EUR '000

Machinery and equipment

Acquisition cost 1.1.

   Disposals

Acquisition cost 31.12.

Accumulated depreciation 1.1.

   Depreciation for the period

Accumulated depreciation 31.12.

Book value 31.12.

1,093

488

-51

-110

1,420

2015

-115

26

-88

-34

34

0

0

0

34

0

1,877

159

-56

-206

1,774

2014

-195

41

-154

-35

35

0

0

0

35

0

2015

2014

283

-6

277

258

5

263

14

283

0

283

248

9

258

25

Shares in Group 
companies

Shares in associated 
companies

Receivables from 
Group companies

8,153

8,153

19,618

19,618

Total

313,750

313,750

8. Investments

Acquisition cost 1.1.2015

Additions

Acquisition cost 31.12.2015

Accumulated depreciation and 
impairment 1.1.2015

Impairment

Accumulated depreciation and 
impairment 31.12.2015

Book value 31.12.2015

285,979

285,979

-70,048

0

-70,048

215,931

 Holdings in Group and other companies

Name

Afarak Holdins Ltd

Afarak Investments Ltd

Afarak Mining (Pty) Ltd

Afarak South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Auburn Avenue Trading 88 (Pty) Ltd

Destiny Spring Investments 4 (Pty) Ltd

Destiny Spring Investments 11 (Pty) Ltd

Destiny Spring Investments 12 (Pty) Ltd

Duoflex (Pty) Ltd

Elektrowerk Weisweiler GmbH

Intermetal Madencilik ve Ticaret A.S.

LP Kunnanharju Oy 

Metal ve Maden ic ve Dis Pazarlama Tic Ltd, Sti

Mogale Alloys (Pty) Ltd

Afarak Trading Ltd (previously known as RCS Ltd)

Rekylator Oy

Rekylator Invest Oy

Rekylator Wood Oy

Rekylator Yhtiöt Oy

Türk Maadin Sirketi A.S.

Joint ventures

Synergy Africa Ltd

Chromex Mining Ltd

Chromex Mining Company (Pty) Ltd

Ilitha Mining (Pty) Ltd

Mkhombi Stellite (Pty) Ltd

-8,153

-11,603

-89,804

165

0

-8,153

0

-11,603

8,015

-89,804

223,946

Country of 
incorporation

Group's ownership and 
share of votes (%) 

AfarakGroup Plc’s 
direct ownership and 
share of votes (%)

Malta

Malta

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

Germany

Turkey

Finland

Turkey

South Africa

Malta

Finland

Finland

Finland

Finland

Turkey

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

                   100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

74.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

74.00

100.00

99.00

100.00

97.76

90.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

98.75

51.00

51.00

37.74

41.05

44.24

0.00

99.99

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

100.00

0.00

0.00

100.00

98.75

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

Associated companies

Incap Furniture Oy 

Valtimo Components Oyj *

Finland

Finland

24.06

24.90

12.45

24.90

*Afarak’s share of ownership in Valtimo Components Oyj can increase to 39.23% if the shares sold earlier, held as pledge, are not paid 
in cash to Afarak.

Afarak disposed of Afarak Suisse in 2015.

166

Afarak divested its holding in the associated company Speciality Super Alloys Inc. This led to a loss on sale of investment in associate 

of EUR 0.3 million.

Dezzo Trading 184 (Pty) Ltd, Didox (Pty) Ltd, PGR 17 Investments (Pty) Ltd, and Waylox Mining (Pty) Ltd were deregistered as at 31 

December 2015.

9. Receivables

EUR '000

Receivables from group companies

Non-current

Loan and other receivables

Interest receivables

Total

Current

Loan receivables

Trade receivables

Interest receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

Total

Other interest-bearing receivables

EUR ‘000

Current

Loan receivables

VAT receivable

Total

Other interest-free receivables

EUR ‘000

Non-current

Other prepaid expenses and accrued income

Total

2015

2014

47,887

78

47,965

7,304

1,967

35

12

9,318

55,261

0

55,261

5,575

1,218

34

0

6,828

2015

2014

19

162

181

2015

128

128

34

10

43

2014

128

128

Current

Trade receivables

Receivables from associated companies

Other receivables

Total

Prepaid expenses and accrued income

Income tax receivable

Accrued interest income

Other prepaid expenses and accrued income

Total

2.4 NOTES TO EQUITY & LIABILITIES

10. Shareholders’ equity

EUR ‘000

Share capital

Share capital 1.1.

Share capital 31.12.

Share premium reserve

Share premium reserve 1.1.

Share premium reserve 31.12.

Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve

Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve 1.1.

Rights Issue

Capital redemption to the shareholders 

Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve 31.12

1

1,164

8

1,174

2015

34

1

158

192

1

988

27

1,016

2014

35

1

95

131

167

2015

2014

23,642

23,642

23,642

23,642

25,223

25,223

2015

249,800

1,739

-5,106

246,433

25,223

25,223

2014

249,101

5,583

-4,884

249,800

Retained earnings 

2015

2014

Retained earnings 1.1.

Profit for the previous financial year

Retained earnings 31.12.

Profit for the financial year

Total shareholders’ equity

-13,644

-195

-13,839

-115

281,345

-13,756

112

-13,644

-195

284,827

Distributable funds

Retained earnings 1.1.

Profit for the financial year

Retained earnings 31.12.

Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve

Distributable funds 31.12.

168

11. Liabilities

Non-current liabilities

EUR ‘000

Non-current interest bearing debt

Loans from Group companies

Total

Non-current interest-free debt

Loans from associated companies

Earn-out purchase consideration liabilities

Total

Current Liabilities

EUR ‘000

Current interest bearing debt

Other debt to Group companies

Total

Current interest-free debt

Accounts payable

Payables to Group companies

Other debt

Other debt to Group companies

Accrued expenses and deferred income

Total

2015

-13,839

-115

-13,953

246,433

232,480

2014

-13,644

-195

-13,839

249,800

235,962

2015

1,248

1,248

2015

5

0

5

2015

50

50

2015

77

86

441

63

206

872

2014

1,248

1,248

2014

5

0

5

2014

50

50

2014

36

833

24

16

560

1,468

Option rights
The Company’s option schemes are presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The 
Company has option schemes I/2005 (maximum 2,700,000 shares), I/2008 (maximum 2,900,000 shares, all 
options granted to the Group’s previous CEO) and I/2011 (maximum 6,900,000 shares).

2.5 PLEDGES AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

EUR million

Commitments on behalf of subsidiaries

Guarantees

Commitments on behalf of others

Guarantees

Other own contingent liabilities

Leasing amd rent liability

Commitments and contingent liabilities total

31.12.2015

31.12.2014

11.9

1.3

0.0

13.2

10.7

1.3

0.2

12.2

169

Pension liabilities
The Company’s pension liabilities are directly in accordance with the statutory TyEL-system.

2.6 OTHER NOTES

Related party loans
The Company has short-term loan receivables from the members and past members of the Board amounting to 
EUR 102 (217) thousand.

Information on the personnel

Personnel, annual average
(all employees)

Employees

Management remuneration

Chief Executive Officer

Board members

2015

3

2015

425

286

2014

3

2014

234

216

The CEO receives an annual salary of EUR 360,000. He shall also receive 500,000 Company Shares as an 
incentive for each completed year of service acting as the Chief Executive Officer,  the first 500,000 Company 
shares shall be received on 22 May 2016 and the second 500,000 shares shall be received on 22 May 2017 if he 
is still acting as CEO at that time.

The Group makes no pension arrangements for the CEO beyond the statutory pension coverage, and there is no 
set retirement age.

INFORMATION ON SHARES AND SHAREHOLDERS

Changes in the number of shares and share capital 

On 31 December 2015, the registered number of Afarak Group Plc shares was 263,040,695 (259,562,434) and 

the share capital was EUR 23,642,049.59 (23,642,049.59).

On 31 December 2015, the Company had 4,244,717 (4,244,717) own shares in treasury, which was equivalent to 

1.61% (1.64%) of the issued share capital. The total amount of shares outstanding, excluding the treasury shares 

held by the Company on 31 December 2015, was 258,795,978 (255,317,717).

170

On 14 August 2015, Afarak announced that it has resolved to offer 3,478,261 new ordinary  shares in the 

Company (“New Shares”) to Gujo Investment (Pty) Limited, one of the vendors of Mogale Alloys (a company 

acquired in May 2009) under the settlement agreement announced on 11 October 2012. Following completion of 

the share issue, the consideration for the acquisition was fully satisfied. All of the New Shares were subscribed 

for and the subscriptions have been approved by the Board of Directors. The total subscription price of EUR 

1,739,130.50 (EUR 0.5 per share) has been fully satisfied through offset against the settlement receivables of the 

Vendor related to the Mogale Alloys acquisition.

More information on shares, share capital and shareholders have been presented in the notes to the 

consolidated financial statements.

INFORMATION OBLIGATED TO A GROUP COMPANY
The Company is the Group’s parent company.

Afarak Group Plc, domicile Helsinki (address: Kasarmikatu 36, 00130 Helsinki)

BOARD MEMBERS’ AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S OWNERSHIP
Afarak Group Plc’s Board members and Chief Executive Officer owned in total 7,813,287 (78,078,926) Afarak 

Group Plc shares on 31 December 2015 when including shares owned either directly, through persons closely 

associated with them or through controlled companies. This corresponds to 3.0% (30.1%) of all outstanding 

shares that were registered in the Trade Register on 31 December 2015.

 31.12.2015

Board and CEO total:

Alistair Ruiters

Executive Director & CEO

Jelena Manojlovic 

Dependent Non-Executive 
Director

Markku Kankaala

Non-Executive Director

Shares

400,000

150,000

7,090,616

Options

600,000

0

0

Michael Lillja

Executive Director

71

200,000

Chairman & Non-Executive 
Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Alfredo Parodi

Barry Rourke

Ivan Jakovcic

Board and CEO total

All shares outstanding

Proportion of all shares

22,600

150,000

0

0

0

0

7,813,287

800,000

263,040,695

263,040,695

3.0 %

0.3 %

On 31 December 2014 the total number of registered shares was 259,562,434 and the Board and CEO’s 

ownership corresponded to 30.1% of the total number of registered shares.

 Auditor’s fees

EUR ‘000

Ernst & Young Oy

Audit 

Other services

Total

2015

2014

201

28

229

277

20

297

171

BOARD’S DIVIDEND PROPOSAL
In 2016 the Board will propose to the AGM a new dividend policy and will recommend a EUR 0.02 per share 

distribution where EUR 0.01 per share will be paid in May 2016 and subject to market conditions a further EUR 

0.01 will be paid in August 2016.

SIGNATURES TO THE BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS REPORT AND THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HELSINKI 31 MARCH 2016

172

ALFREDO PARODI
Chairman

ALISTAIR RUITERS
Member of the Board, Chief Executive Officer

JELENA MANOJLOVIC
Member of the Board

MICHAEL LILLJA
Member of the Board

MARKKU KANKAALA
Member of the Board

BARRY ROURKE
Member of the Board

IVAN JAKOVCIC
Member of the Board

THE AUDITOR’S NOTE

Our auditor’s report has been issued today.

HELSINKI 31 MARCH 2016
ERNST & YOUNG OY

ERKKA TALVINKO
Authorised Public Accountant

173

Auditor’s 
report 

G

A
F
A
R

R

O

U

P

A

K

5

AudiTor’s reporT
FinanCial inDiCators

translation

To The AnnuAl GenerAl MeeTinG of AfArAk Group plc     
We have audited the accounting records, the financial statements, the report of the Board of Directors, 

176

and the administration of afarak Group Plc for the financial period 1.1. - 31.12.2015. the financial statements 

comprise the consolidated statement of financial position, income statement, statement of comprehensive 

income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows, and notes to the consolidated financial 

statements, as well as the parent company’s balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement and notes 

to the financial statements.

responsibiliTy of The boArd of direcTors And The MAnAGinG direcTor
the Board of Directors and the Managing Director are responsible for the preparation of consolidated financial 

statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with international Financial reporting standards (iFrs) 

as adopted by the EU, as well as for the preparation of financial statements and the report of the Board of 

Directors that give a true and fair view in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the preparation 

of the financial statements and the report of the Board of Directors in Finland. the Board of Directors is 

responsible for the appropriate arrangement of the control of the company’s accounts and finances, and the 

Managing Director shall see to it that the accounts of the company are in compliance with the law and that its 

financial affairs have been arranged in a reliable manner.

AudiTor’s responsibiliTy
our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements, on the consolidated financial statements 

and on the report of the Board of Directors based on our audit. the auditing act requires that we comply with 

the requirements of professional ethics. We conducted our audit in accordance with good auditing practice in 

Finland. Good auditing practice requires that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 

about whether the financial statements and the report of the Board of Directors are free from material 

misstatement, and whether the members of the Board of Directors of the parent company or the Managing 

Director are guilty of an act or negligence which may result in liability in damages towards the company or have 
violated the limited liability Companies act or the articles of association of the company.

an audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the 

financial statements and the report of the Board of Directors. the procedures selected depend on the auditor’s 

judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. in 

making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation of 

financial statements and report of the Board of Directors that give a true and fair view in order to design audit 

procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on 

the effectiveness of the company’s internal control. an audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of 

accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as 

evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and the report of the Board of Directors. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our 

audit opinion.

 
opinion on The consolidATed finAnciAl sTATeMenTs
in our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position, financial 

performance, and cash flows of the group in accordance with international Financial reporting standards (iFrs) 

as adopted by the EU. 

177

opinion on The coMpAny’s finAnciAl sTATeMenTs And The
reporT of The boArd of direcTors  
in our opinion, the financial statements and the report of the Board of Directors give a true and fair view of both 
the consolidated and the parent company’s financial performance and financial position in accordance with 

the laws and regulations governing the preparation of the financial statements and the report of the Board of 

Directors in Finland. the information in the report of the Board of Directors is consistent with the information in 

the financial statements.

helsinki, MArch 31, 2016
ernsT & younG oy
authorized Public accountant Firm

erkkA TAlvinko
authorized Public accountant

180

www.afarak.com