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Central Asia Metals

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FY2013 Annual Report · Central Asia Metals
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Annual Report and Accounts 2013

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Focus.
Delivery.
Growth.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Central Asia Metals plc is an AIM listed 
copper producer with primary operations 
in Kazakhstan. Having successfully 
delivered on its key promises to investors,  
it is well placed to grow the business in 
the region and beyond.

Governance Report
36  Governance
38  Board of Directors
40  Corporate Governance Report
42  Statement of Directors’ 

Responsibilities
43  Directors’ Report
46  Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the members of Central Asia 
Metals plc

Strategic Report
1  2013 Highlights
2  Our Business at a Glance
4  Chairman’s Statement 
6  Chief Executive Officer’s 

Statement

9  Kounrad Ownership
10  Market Overview
12  Our Strategy and Progress
14  Principal Risks and Uncertainties
18  Operational Review
28  Financial Review
32  Corporate and Social 
Responsibility (CSR)

Financial Statements
48  Consolidated Income Statement 
49  Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

50  Statements of Financial Position
51  Consolidated Statement of 

Changes in Equity
52  Company Statement of 
Changes in Equity

53  Statement of Cash Flows
54  Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements

Other Information
82  Directors, Secretary  

and Advisors

STRATEGIC  
REPORT

GOVERNANCE 
REPORT

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

2013 HIGHLIGHTS

10,509t

Copper produced 2013 
(2012: 6,586t)

$0.73/lb C1

C1 cash cost
(2012: $0.71/lb)

418,951

Manhours with no lost time injuries 2013

>600,000t

Contained copper resource at Kounrad 
(JORC)

$54.1m

Group revenue
(2012: $30.7m)

$1.13/lb

All inclusive cost of production in 
Kazakhstan
(2012: $0.98/lb)

$44.5m

Cash at bank
(2012: $33.9m)

9 pence

2013 dividend
(2012: 7 pence)

Operational

Strong operational performance in first full year of 
production at the Kounrad SX-EW copper plant. The plant 
performed to a consistently high standard with an average 
utilisation rate of 97% and 10,509 tonnes of copper output, 
5% more than the planned target.
▲▲ Over 1,410 kilometres of piping laid since the commencement of 

leaching operations

▲▲ Average PLS grade of close to 3 grams copper per litre of solution
▲▲ 418,951 manhours worked on site in the 12 month period with no lost 

time injuries

▲▲ Plant utilisation 97%
▲▲ 10,509 tonnes of LME A grade copper produced
▲▲ JORC compliant resource continued at Kounrad and GKZ C1 resources 

accepted to the Kazakhstan ‘State Balance’ in May 2013

Financial

The Group has generated $54.1 million of gross revenue  
in the 12 month period (2012: $30.7 million) which has 
underpinned the payment of $19.7 million of dividends to 
shareholders.
▲▲ 2013 attributable revenues of $54.1 million (2012: $30.7 million)
▲▲ 10,689 tonnes sold at an average copper price of $7,114 per tonne
▲▲ Cost base effectively managed at $0.73/lb C1 cash cost 

(2012: $0.71/lb)

▲▲ Group EBITDA of $32.4 million (2012: $16.0 million)
▲▲ $44.5 million cash in the bank at 31 December 2013  

(2012: $33.9 million)

▲▲ 9 pence full year 2013 dividend – 4 pence paid November 2013

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC  Annual Report and Accounts 2013

1

Our Business at a Glance

KOUNRAD – KAZAKHSTAN 
producing high quality copper cathode

KAZAKHSTAN

RUSSIA

KAZAKHSTAN

KOUNRAD

CHINA

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

Our principal operations are at the Kounrad 
plant in Kazakhstan and we continue to work 
towards 100% ownership of the project.

TURKMENISTAN

CONTINUED PROGRESS

  April 2010

 Brownfield site / 
$2m cash

  September 2010
 IPO / raised $60m

  2011

 Construction of SX-EW plant 
– $39m / $8m under budget

  2012

 First production / 6,586 
tonnes in 8 months /
Cashflow positive

2

Country statistics▲▲Ninth largest country in the World by land area with a population of 17.7m▲▲Mining accounts for 27%  of the GDP and Kazakhstan  is the largest economy in Central Asia▲▲The country hosts 3% of  the global copper reserves (630Mt)▲▲The country has 99 out of 110 elements of the periodic table in mined and mineable reservesCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
FOCUS

DELIVERY

GROWTH

Investment in Chile
The Company acquired a 50% interest in a 
copper tailings project in Chañaral Bay, Chile, 
in late November 2013. This was the Group’s 
first acquisition outside of the Central Asia 
region. From 1938 to 1975, an estimated 250 
million tonnes of tailings from inland copper 
mines were discharged into the Rio Salado 
which outflows into Chañaral Bay. The area is 
heavily polluted as a result and there is 
significant local and national support for the 
project. Studies to-date estimate that there is a 
non-JORC compliant resource in the beach and 
bay area of 116Mt at 0.25% copper equating 
to approximately 290,000 tonnes of copper. 
Conventional metallurgical processing 
methods are proposed to be used and the 
metallurgical studies conducted so far suggest 
that up to 80% of the contained copper may 
be recoverable.

Kounrad Expansion
The Company is well advanced in planning for 
an increase in production capacity at the 
Kounrad site. In late 2013, the CAML Board 
approved a capital expenditure programme of 
$2.6 million for the addition of two new boilers. 
It is anticipated the boilers will be commissioned 
in late October 2014 and the production target 
for 2014 has been increased to 11,000 tonnes. 
Additional plans for expansion will be finalised 
once the Kounrad Transaction is completed and 
the Group owns 100% of the project. 

Kounrad Operation
The Group acquired a 60% interest in the 
Kounrad project in September 2007 following 
a tender of the subsoil use rights to develop 
the project with the local Kazakhstan 
authorities. The project is an in-situ dump 
leach with a 10,000 tonne per annum copper 
SX-EW plant. Whilst the project has historically 
been structured as a 60:40 joint venture, 
throughout the development and construction 
phase, it was 100% managed and financed  
by CAML. The Company has been working 
towards 100% ownership of the project 
following the acquisition of the 40% interest  
in KCC on 21 October 2013. This is planned  
for completion in H1 2014. In the 20 months  
to 31 December 2013 the SX-EW plant has 
produced 17,095 tonnes of copper cathode.

Kounrad Resource
The resources at Kounrad have been classified as 
JORC compliant during 2013 following significant 
drilling and sampling works on the dumps 
between 2007 and 2012. It is estimated that the 
dumps contain over 650 million tonnes of ore 
containing copper in excess of 600,000 tonnes. 
The leaching process to extract the copper will 
recover between 35% and 52% of the contained 
copper depending on the mineralogy of the ore. 
In parallel to the JORC classification the resources 
were also placed onto the approved ‘State 
Balance’ of geological resources during 2013. 
The combination of the eastern and western 
dumps cover a combined area of 22 square 
kilometres and since the commencement of 
leaching in 2012 a total of 1,410km of pipework 
has been installed.

  December 2012
 Announce maiden 
dividends $9.5m (7 pence)

  October 2013

  2013

  2014

 Completed purchase  
of remaining 40% of  
Kounrad Copper Company

 First full year production / 
10,509 tonnes / 
$44.5m cash

 Target to complete the purchase of 
remaining 40% of SUC at Kounrad, 
commence expansion at Kounrad and 
growth of Company by acquisition

3

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
Chairman’s Statement

DELIVERING ON OUR PROMISES

Nigel Hurst-Brown,  
Chairman

2013 has proved to be another successful year 
for the Company. We have delivered on the 
key promises we made to investors during the 
IPO and met our production and cost targets 
for the year.

Dear Shareholders

Key achievements
The year ending 31 December 2013 has been 
another successful period in the development  
of the Company. We have delivered a strong 
operational and financial performance and 
achieved a number of significant corporate and 
operational milestones.

2013 was the Company’s first 12-month 
reporting period of full production at the 
Kounrad plant and we were pleased to have 
produced 10,509 tonnes of copper which 
exceeded our production target by over 5%. 
Further, all of the copper sold through our 
marketing agreement with Traxys was LME 
Grade A quality. 

We have maintained focus throughout the  
year on the low cost nature of our operations, 
maintaining our position within the lowest 
quartile of cash cost producers globally.

The combination of our operational strength at 
Kounrad and the resilience of the copper price 
throughout 2013, enabled the Company to 
build up significant cash balances which totalled 
$44.5 million as at 31 December 2013. 

Corporate Governance
Since the IPO in September 2010, the 
Company has sought to build on the 
governance structures and internal control 
procedures in place at that time. The Company 
is committed to upholding the highest levels of 
Corporate Governance and the Board is well 
aware that it operates in a challenging 
business environment.

We work hard to ensure that the appropriate 
level of business controls are maintained across 
the Group’s operations. A combination of 
experienced management and regular 
communications and training has led to further 
improvements across the Group since the IPO.

4

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013$44.5m

$54.1m

9 pence

Cash at bank (2012: $33.9m)

Group Revenue (2012: $30.7m)

2013 Dividend (2012: 7 pence)

Returns to Shareholders
Our strong operational performance in 2013, 
has enabled the Company to return funds to 
shareholders through its dividend policy which 
was announced in December 2012. Having 
raised $60 million at IPO in September 2010, 
the Company has already returned $21.6 million 
to shareholders through a combination of 
dividends and share buybacks.

The CAML Board will propose a final dividend 
for 2013 of 5 pence per ordinary share taking 
the total dividend for 2013 to 9 pence per 
ordinary share. This will increase the amount 
returned to existing shareholders since the 
commencement of production at Kounrad to 
$28.6 million, or 47.6% of the amount raised  
at the IPO.

It is the intention of the Board that the Group’s 
dividend policy, which is financed from the 
attributable revenue earned at Kounrad, will 
remain in place as we look to build on the 
Company’s activities and create further 
shareholder value.

Outlook
As a copper producer the Company’s fortunes 
are inextricably linked to the commodity price 
cycle over which the Board has no control. 
However, as a low cost producer, the Board is 
confident that the Company will be able to 
operate profitably even if the copper price 
should fall significantly below current levels.

Nigel Hurst-Brown
Chairman

In December 2013, Mr Kenges Rakishev was 
appointed to the CAML Board as a Non-
Executive Director. We are delighted to 
welcome Kenges to the Board and believe that 
his knowledge of the business environment in 
Kazakhstan and his entrepreneurial experience 
will prove of great value to the Company in 
future years.

Commitments to a sustainable 
business
Within Kazakhstan we feel we have a positive 
role to play as we develop our business.  
The Company is proud to contribute to the 
wider Kazakhstan economy through our 
business operations and plan to be there for the 
long term. The economic benefits generated for 
our local communities are significant both in 
terms of the employment opportunities and our 
social contributions.

As a responsible operator, we are also fully aware 
of our obligations to the environment and are 
committed to the sound management of our 
operating area in full compliance with the 
applicable environmental regulations and laws  
of Kazakhstan.

Strategy and Growth
Since listing, the strategy and direction of the 
business has been clear and focused on the 
delivery of the Kounrad project. The Board is 
extremely proud of what has been achieved by 
the management and staff during this period 
and the Company can justifiably say that it has 
delivered on its key promises made at the time 
of the IPO.

We are now entering an exciting period in  
the Company’s development and growth  
and are well placed to take advantage of 
opportunities that may arise in the sector  
at this stage of the economic cycle. The 
Company aims to complete the Kounrad 
Transaction in the first half of 2014, and to 
subsequently update shareholders on its plans 
to expand copper production on site. The details 
and timing of this aspect of the Company’s 
growth strategy will be announced during the 
course of 2014 as events unfold.

In addition to consolidating our business in 
Kazakhstan, the Company will be looking to 
identify attractive opportunities to expand its 
portfolio of assets in Kazakhstan and elsewhere.

5

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Chief Executive Officer’s Statement

FOCUSING ON SUSTAINABLE  
LOW COST OPERATIONS

Strong Operational Performance
The Company’s first full year of production at 
the Kounrad Project has been a great success. 
We produced 10,509 tonnes of copper 
cathode and surpassed our production target 
by 5% whilst maintaining a competitive cash 
cost base. During 2013, our C1 cash cost of 
production was $0.73/lb (2012: $0.71/lb) and 
fully absorbed costs within Kazakhstan were 
$1.13/lb (2012: $0.98/lb).

Since the Company’s IPO in September 2010, 
management has focused the Company’s 
efforts towards early cash flowing projects  
and away from exploration. The Kounrad 
SX-EW project in Kazakhstan was identified as 
the project capable of delivering on this 
objective and now, just three and a half years 
later, the Company has a world-class facility 
that consistently produces high-quality copper 
cathode at industry competitive cash costs.

The company took a decision pre-IPO to use 
the services of a Chinese engineering group, 
BGRIMM, to undertake the design and costing 
for our Kounrad SX-EW plant which resulted in 
significant capital cost savings. The design of 
the plant along with the dedication and 
professionalism of the Group’s 217 employees 
at site ensured that the plant ran efficiently 
and profitably.

The generation of $76.0 million of project 
revenue at Kounrad during 2013, combined 
with the low costs of production has resulted in 
healthy cashflows for the Group enabling us to 
instigate and maintain an aggressive dividend 
policy. The full-year dividend proposed for 
2013 of 9 pence per share amounts to $12.6 
million and represents 23% of the Group’s 
attributable revenue for the year.

Nick Clarke,  
CEO

Since the start of the project we have worked 
over 1.6 million man-hours on site with no  
lost-time injuries. This is a testament to our 
commitment towards ensuring the highest 
standards of safety and awareness for all  
our staff.

CAML Share Price

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CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$76.0m

$28.6m

$44.5m

Project revenue 2013 (2012: $51.1m)

Total returns to shareholders

Cash at Bank (2012: $33.9m)

Capacity expansion at Kounrad
Having successfully met our 2013 production 
target we have already committed to some 
minor expansion at the SX-EW plant in 
advance of completing the ownership 
transaction with Mr Kenges Rakishev. In 
January 2014, we announced that our 
targeted copper production for the year at 
Kounrad would increase to 11,000 tonnes. The 
increased capacity will be made possible due 
to the expansion of the boiler house with the 
installation of additional coal-fired boilers 
taking the boiler house capacity to 14MW.  
In turn, this will allow increased volumes of 
copper bearing solution to be processed  
during winter operations. 

Additional and more significant capacity 
expansion at Kounrad is also being evaluated 
and management thinking is well advanced 
with regard to the various options available  
at the site given its size and characteristics. 
Management believes that the most efficient 
means by which the resource base can be 
exploited over the remaining life of the licence 
is an expansion of the existing plant. This 
appears to offer the best value for 
shareholders whilst managing the risks 
associated with expanding the leaching 
process to the western dumps.

Further analysis and preliminary engineering 
design work with BGRIMM and local design 
institutes is planned for early 2014. The CAML 
Board will not make a definitive decision on  
the expansion plans until the transaction with  
Mr Kenges Rakishev is completed.

Corporate and Social Responsibility
Management is fully committed to adopting 
the highest possible standards of Corporate 
and Social Responsibility and in line with this 
commitment, in July 2013, I was delighted to 
appoint a hydrogeologist and environmental 
engineer, Nick Shirley, as CSR Director to  
lead the Kounrad Health and Safety and 
environmental team. 

The health and safety of our employees and 
contractors is our number one priority and I 
am pleased to report that we have had no 
lost-time injuries during the period. Indeed, 
since the commencement of construction  
back in July 2010 we can report in excess of  
1.6 million man-hours have been worked 
without a lost-time injury.

Throughout 2013, we continued to build on the 
positive relationships we have developed with 
the local community and stakeholders. We 
place great importance on such relationships 
and during the year we contributed over 
$178,000 towards regional and local causes. 
We also provided assistance to a number of 
community development programmes with 
the focus being on health, welfare and 
education.

Finally, we have placed particular emphasis 
during 2013 on raising the environmental 
awareness of all our staff throughout the 
Company through specialist training 
programmes. The aim of the programmes  
is to ensure all staff are aware of the 
environmental standards and requirements  
of the Company.

Copper Bay Limited
The Company made its first investment 
outside of the Central Asia region during 2013 
with the investment of $3.2 million for a 50% 
shareholding in Copper Bay Limited. The funds 
will be used to complete a pre-feasibility study 
on the copper tailings project at Chañaral Bay, 
Chile.

Management believe that the Chañaral Bay 
project has merit and we look forward to 
working with the Copper Bay management 
team in taking it to the next phase. The 
Company has the option to invest a further  
$3 million to increase its shareholding to 75% 
in Copper Bay Limited. It is currently envisaged 
that this further investment would be used  
to complete a definitive feasibility study on  
the project.

Kounrad Ownership
As reported last year, the transaction to 
amalgamate 100% ownership of the Kounrad 
project within the Group has been going 
through due process with the Kazakhstan 
authorities since early 2012. This remains the 
case as at 31 December 2013, although, as 
announced on 27 June 2013, the nature of the 
transaction was renegotiated during the year 
with Mr Kenges Rakishev.

Significantly, and as a consequence of the 
renegotiated transaction, the transfer of the 
40% interest in Kounrad Copper Company LLP 
was registered on 21 October 2013. This was a 
notable milestone for the Company, as this 
entity owns the SX-EW copper plant which is 
responsible for the production and delivery of 
the copper cathodes and is the key revenue 
generator for the overall business.

On conclusion of this part of the overall 
transaction, and in accordance with the 
contractual arrangements, Mr Kenges Rakishev 
was duly appointed a Non-Executive Director to 
the CAML Board in December 2013. 

The Company will endeavour to complete the 
final part of the transaction, the transfer of the 
subsoil use contract to our subsidiary company, 
as quickly as possible through the help of  
Mr Kenges Rakishev and our locally based 
management team. We remain confident that  
it will be completed during the first half of 2014. 

More detail on the transaction is set out on page 9.

Drip feeders

7

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Chief Executive Officer’s Statement (continued)

Mongolia
The Company’s Mongolian assets were not progressed 
during the year. Efforts to sell the Ereen and Handgait 
projects were unsuccessful, however we continue to 
look to dispose of these projects. Our application for a 
mining permit at the Alag Bayan exploration project 
was not successful and as a result our exploration 
licence expired.

Consequently, management took the decision to close 
down our Mongolian operations and accordingly 
incurred a write down on the asset values of $12.9 
million. As at 31 December 2013, two of the subsidiaries, 
New CAML Mongolia LLC and Mongolian Silver 
Mountain LLC, had been sold locally for nil 
consideration and a third, Bayanresources LLC 
was close to finalisation, also for nil consolidation.

The Ereen and Handgait projects remain available for 
sale and management hope to complete this process 
during 2014.

Outlook
The Company’s primary objective for 2014 is to produce 
11,000 tonnes of copper at Kounrad and remain in the 
lowest quartile of the cash cost curve. Completion of the 
ownership transaction with Mr Kenges Rakishev remains 
a key objective for the first half of the year and this will 
then enable the Company to finalise its expansion plans 
for the Kounrad SX-EW project.

Outside of Kazakhstan, we will look for other opportunities 
to grow the business. We continue to evaluate other 
investment and acquisition opportunities worldwide for 
the Company which would add value to the shareholders 
and strengthen the Group’s asset portfolio.

I look forward to an exciting 2014 and would like to 
take this opportunity to thank all the staff for their hard 
work and dedication in making 2013 such a successful 
year for the Company.

Nick Clarke
Chief Executive Officer

8

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013In 2014 the Company will complete the Kounrad Transaction and commence the process of increasing capacity on site. We will  also look at opportunities for growth elsewhere in the World.Boiler Plant $2.6m▲▲Construction will commence in April 2014▲▲Planned commissioning of two additional boilers in November 2014▲▲Will increase capacity to process copper bearing solution  in winter periodsIncrease ownership of Kounrad to 100%▲▲SX-EW plant already owned 100%▲▲Final waivers submitted for transfer of subsoil use contract and issuance of CAML shares▲▲Expected completion by 30 June 2014SX-EW expansion▲▲Engineering designs and project plans well advanced▲▲Geological and hydrogeological testing of western dumps completed▲▲Over 200,000 tonnes of recoverable copper estimated within the western dumpBusiness Development▲▲Exit Mongolia▲▲Develop a pre-feasibility study for Copper Bay▲▲Assess other business opportunities both in Kazakhstan and elsewhereKounrad Ownership

THE KOUNRAD TRANSACTION

▲▲ The second transaction (“SUC Transaction”) 

will be effected by the transfer of the 
remaining 40% economic interest in the SUC 
from SAT, once it acquired it from SA, to KR, 
followed by a subsequent transfer to CAML’s 
wholly owned subsidiary SK

▲▲ The two elements of the deal together being 
referred to as the “Kounrad Transaction”. Both 
parts are required to be completed for any 
consideration to be paid

▲▲ In March 2014, the long stop date, namely 
the date by which both parties committed 
to complete all aspects of the deal, was 
extended by mutual agreement to  
30 June 2014

The agreed purchase consideration consists  
of 21,211,751 Ordinary Shares in the capital  
of the Company (“CAML Shares”) and an 
entitlement to a cash payment in lieu of any 
benefits to which KR might have been entitled 
to had the CAML Shares been issued to KR on 
the transfer of the KCC interest to CAML BV, 
rather than on completion.

The CAML Shares will be allocated in two 
tranches, with one tranche of 15,336,096 
Ordinary Shares (72.3% of the CAML Shares) 
for the transfer of the 40% share capital of 
KCC to CAML BV (the “CAML Shares 1”). The 
remaining 5,875,655 Ordinary Shares (27.7% 
of the CAML Shares) for the transfer of the 
40% economic interest in the SUC to SK (the 
“CAML Shares 2”).

As part of the Agreement, KR was to be 
appointed to the CAML Board and this was 
duly completed on 9 December 2013.

Status of ownership changes as at 
31 December 2013
▲▲ The KCC transfer to the Group was 
registered on 21 October 2013

▲▲ The SUC Transaction remains outstanding 
as at the year end, pending receipt of the 
relevant consent and waiver of the 
pre-emptive rights of the government of 
the Republic of Kazakhstan

The accounting treatment for the Kounrad 
Transaction is detailed in note 33 to the 
accounts under Business Combinations.

▲▲ September 2007, the Group awarded the 
subsoil use contract (“SUC”) to develop the 
Kounrad Project

▲▲ SUC historically owned jointly on a 60:40 
basis between Sary Kazna LLP (“SK”), a 
100% owned CAML subsidiary, and SEC 
Sary Arka (“SA”), a Kazakhstan government 
organisation

▲▲ Kounrad Copper Company LLP (“KCC”) 
incorporated in October 2008 to build  
and operate the SX-EW plant and owned 
on a 60:40 basis between the Group  
and SA

Changes in Ownership Structure – 
Initial deal with the SAT Group – 
January 2012
▲▲ January 2012, SA sells its 40% share in the 
Kounrad Project to the SAT Group (“SAT”), 
based in Kazakhstan

▲▲ January 2012, CAML agrees to purchase 

the 40% share from SAT for a consideration 
of 8,616,593 ordinary shares in the Company

Revised deal with Mr Kenges 
Rakishev – June 2013 – the  
“Kounrad Transaction”
During the early part of 2013, it was becoming 
clear to CAML management that the above 
deal with the SAT Group was taking longer  
to conclude than had been anticipated.  
A meeting was convened with the major 
shareholder and effective owner of the SAT 
Group, Mr Kenges Rakishev (“KR”) in March 
2013. The purpose of the meeting was to 
understand where the possible problems and 
delays were originating from and what could 
be done to expedite the process.

The outcome of the meeting was a revised deal 
whereby KR personally agreed to oversee the 
completion of the deal in exchange for an 
enhanced ownership in the Company of 20% 
post completion of the transaction. After careful 
consideration and deliberation, the CAML Board 
decided to accept the offer from KR and on  
27 June 2013 the Company announced a new 
Framework Agreement (the “Agreement”) for 
the acquisition of the remaining 40% of the 
Kounrad Project. The Agreement superseded 
the previous arrangements with SAT. 

The Agreement will result in CAML obtaining 
control over the Kounrad Project in two 
transactions:
▲▲ The first transaction (“KCC Transaction”) 
will be effected by the transfer of the 
remaining 40% share capital of KCC from 
SAT to KR, followed by a subsequent 
transfer to CAML’s wholly owned subsidiary 
CAML Kazakhstan BV (“CAML BV”)

Kounrad transaction 
timeline to 100%

KCC

SK

31 December 2011

January 2012 – initial deal with SAT agreed

March 2012 – 
Waiver 1 submitted 
– SA to SAT 

August 2012 – 
Waiver 1 received 

December 2012 
– completion of 
transfer of  
KCC – SAT 

31 December 2012

June 2013 – Revised deal with KR agreed 

October 2013 
– registration of 
transfer of KCC 
– CAML owns 100% 

31 December 2013

June 2014 – 
Planned completion

November 2013 
– Registration  
of Transfer from  
SA completed

November 2013 
– Waiver 2 
submitted –  
SAT to KR

February 2014 
– Waiver 2 received

March 2014 – 
Waivers 3 and 4 
submitted (KR to SK 
and issuance of 
CAML shares)

9

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Market Overview

FOCUSED ON COPPER 

The World currently consumes in excess of 20Mt of 
copper per annum and during 2013 there was a further 
increase of approximately 4%. Whilst predicting future 
consumption can be notoriously difficult, it seems 
reasonable to conclude that demand will remain robust 
into the future.

Predicted Global copper supply (Mt)

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

t

M

0
2010

Global copper supply
Why Copper...
▲▲ Copper is used extensively in the construction and 

electrical industries – it is a “bellwether” for the global 
economy

▲▲ Copper’s unique properties in terms of malleability, 
strength and conductivity make it very hard to 
substitute with alternative materials

Supply against demand...
▲▲ Market analysts expect global demand for copper to rise 

by approximately 4% per annum through to 2030
▲▲ To meet the demand, global copper supply will need to 

rely on higher-risk projects
 – Lower average head grades and more remote mine 

locations

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

2022

2024

2026

2028

 – Higher capital costs of construction and lack of 

funding

 – Volatile commodity markets can impact investment 

decisions and delay start ups
 – Unstable mining jurisdictions

▲▲ Over-stated global supply projections due to market 

disruptions 
 – between 2005 and 2012 there was an accumulated 
loss in forecast production of approximately 8Mt
 – equates to approximately 1Mt per annum which is 
approximately 5% of projected annual demand

Regional demand...
▲▲ China consumes in excess of 40% of global demand 

and is forecast to increase consumption by 
approximately 5% per annum through to 2030
▲▲ Europe and Turkey consume approximately 20%  

of global demand

32

Kazakhstan is ideally located to serve both 
of these markets

Base Case
Highly Probable

Probable
Possible

Primary Demand

Copper consumption by region (Mt)

20

20

21

22

23

26

29

China

Europe & Turkey

Rest of the World

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2020

2025

2030

10

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013In the longer term the fundamentals  
for the copper market remain strong.

Copper price in 2014
During 2013 mined copper supply started to 
expand at a faster pace than demand after  
a long period of constrained and disrupted  
output growth – it is estimated there was a 6% 
increase in 2013. Many “greenfield” projects  
are set to come on line or ramp up production 
significantly in the next few years, although not 
all the projected mine capacity will necessarily 
lead to higher global output as many older 
mines start to decrease production.

Business opportunities 
for growth
Within this global market, over 50% of  
the supply is provided by the ten biggest 
producers. The balance of the supply market 
comes from smaller projects and the scope for 
overall consolidation and growth in the market 
is compelling. CAML is a well-managed copper 
producer with available funds to take 
advantage of this position.

▲▲ Of approximately 416 worldwide copper 

projects, 335 (80%) have an annual copper 
output of < 50Kt

▲▲ Copper production by SX-EW contributes 
approximately 3.6Mt to global annual 
production

▲▲ Of approximately 96 SX-EW projects, 74 
(77%) are smaller than 50Kt per annum

During 2013 the copper price fell by 6% and 
the start of 2014 has seen the metal come 
under further price pressure. There are 
concerns over the demand from China and the 
linkage of the metal to the Chinese credit 
market where copper has been used over the 
past decade as collateral for many Chinese 
financial transactions. The impact of this 
potential slowing industrial demand, combined 
with a change in sentiment by the Chinese 
authorities to loan defaults, may lead to 
additional pressure on the copper price in the 
short term.

In early March 2014, the price dropped by 
almost 10% in just five trading days despite no 
obvious disruptions to the supply market or 
perceived changes to the global demand. 
Indeed, the copper price is down by about 
10% in Q1 2014 for the year and almost 35% 
from its all-time peak in 2011.

It is the view of CAML management that the 
marginal cost of production will support the 
copper price at a level based on the cost curve 
into the foreseeable future.

CAML’s copper market –  
the smaller producer
The impact of price pressures on the copper 
market will affect the profitability of the 
Kounrad operation. Despite this, the key to 
survival in such a market and during any 
potential downturn in the copper price is 
maintaining low costs of production. 

Kounrad is a low cost operation and in the 
lowest quartile on the cash cost curve.

$0.73/lb C1

(2012: $0.71/lb)

Copper price (US$/lb)

5.00

4.50

4.00

b
l
/
$
S
U

3.50

3.00

2.50

2.00

Jan 10

Jul 10

Jan 11

Jul 11

Jan 12

Jul 12

Jan 13

Jul 13

Jan 14

Copper cost curve (US$/lb)

5.00

4.00

3.00

b
l
/
$
S
U

2.00

Kounrad
(CAML)

Esperanza
(Antofagasta)

Escondida
(BHP/Rio Tinto)

Los Bronces
(Anglo)

Collahausi
(GlencoreXstrata/Anglo)

Los Perambles
(Antofagasta)

1.00

0

-1.00

-2.00

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

Cummulative copper (’000 tonnes)

11

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Our Strategy and Progress

OUR VISION

Since the IPO in September 2010, the Group has been 
primarily focused on delivering cash-generative copper 
production at Kounrad. Having succeeded in that 
objective, the Group has a vision to expand the 
business both organically at Kounrad as well as 
through acquisition elsewhere in the World.

Our Objectives

Objective

Operational

Progress during 2013

Priorities for 2014

1 Generating positive 
cashflows from the 
production of copper  
at Kounrad

▲▲ During 2013 the Company produced 10,509 tonnes of 

copper – 5% above target 

▲▲ Produce 11,000 tonnes of copper in FY 2014 
▲▲ Complete the construction of the two additional 

▲▲ Initial planning for capacity expansion at Kounrad and 

boilers to increase PLS processing volume capability 

assessment of the various options

▲▲ Finalise plans for further capacity expansion at 

Kounrad

Increase CAML’s 
ownership of the 
Kounrad Project  
to 100%

▲▲ Revised ownership deal – the Kounrad Transaction – 

announced 27 June 2013

▲▲ Ownership of KCC LLP increased to 100% on  

21 October 2013

▲▲ Further details see page 9

▲▲ Complete the Kounrad Transaction during H1 2014 
▲▲ Further details see page 9

Ensure that copper 
production at Kounrad 
achieves the minimum 
acceptable quality 
standards

Seek additional business 
opportunities for 
growing the Group in 
order to enhance 
shareholder value

▲▲ The copper has been consistently delivered to a LME 

standard of copper as required by the offtake 
agreements

▲▲ Continue to focus on quality initiatives at Kounrad
▲▲ Work with offtake partners Traxys for incremental 

improvements in quality

▲▲ Completed the purchase of 50% of Copper Bay 

▲▲ Deliver a pre-feasibility study on the Copper Bay 

Limited for $3.2 million

▲▲ Other opportunities reviewed and assessed

project in order to assess its future viability

▲▲ Continue to assess other business opportunities  

as and when they arise

2

3

4

12

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013SX building – Kounrad

5

6

7

Financial

Ensure that the Group 
maintains its cash cost 
base in the lowest half 
for copper producers

8 Reward investors

9 Maintain a strong 
balance sheet

Objective

Progress during 2013

Priorities for 2014

Safety, Social & Environmental

Ensure that all staff 
employed by the  
Group work in a safe 
environment

▲▲ 418,951 manhours worked at the Kounrad site without 

a lost-time injury

▲▲ Further develop the risk based management processes
▲▲ Implement action plan from 2013 audit

Ensure that the Group’s 
operations are 
sustainable

▲▲ Appointment in July 2013 of a locally based CSR 
Director to oversee and implement best practice
▲▲ Development of the Group CSR Policy – see the 

▲▲ Continue to improve communications with the local 
community through press articles and meetings

▲▲ Maintain our contributions to the local community and 

website www.centralasiametals.com

support them where possible

▲▲ Continue to monitor all environmental aspects of the 

operation

▲▲ C1 cash cost of production in 2013 was $0.73/lb  

▲▲ Maintain focus on all aspects of the Group’s 

(2012: $0.71/lb)

operational and capital costs

▲▲ All inclusive cost of production, including all Group 

costs, was $1.43/lb (2012: $1.44/lb)

▲▲ Kounrad remains in the lowest quartile of cash costs 

▲▲ Challenge and review projected operational and 
capital costs associated with any expansion at 
Kounrad

for copper producers

▲▲ The Group dividend policy announced in December 

▲▲ Maintain the Group dividend policy based on an 

2012 was implemented

▲▲ In total $19.7 million of dividends were paid – 
consisting of a 3.7 pence special, 7 pence  
annual for 2012 and the 2013 interim dividend 
of 4 pence

increasing attributable revenue from the Kounrad 
project

▲▲ Approve the proposed 2013 final dividend  
of 5 pence per share at the CAML AGM on  
16 June 2014 

▲▲ Maintain investor loyalty through performance, 

communications and rewards

▲▲ All loans advanced to Kazakhstan for the development 

▲▲ Determine appropriate funding for any possible future 

and construction of the Kounrad SX-EW Project  
were fully repaid by 31 October 2013 – a total of  
$53.6 million

▲▲ The Group currently has no debt
▲▲ Cash balances as at 31 December 2013 of  

$44.5 million (2012: $33.9 million)

transactions

▲▲ Manage cash balances for maximum returns

13

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Principal Risks and Uncertainties

HOW WE MANAGE RISK

Managing the risks associated with our business 
environment is essential to implementing our strategy 
and ensuring our long-term success.
The Group is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties which could have a material 
impact on its business performance. The management of these risks is an integral part of the 
day to day responsibility of the management team.

The Board has identified the risks below as being the principal risks within the business:

Risk Management
Risk Management is the overall responsibility of the Board 
Group staff have a role to play in the day-to-day implementation  
of policies and procedures aligned to mitigate and manage risk

CAML Board

Executive Directors
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
 Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Technical Director (TD)

Locally Based Directors
Corporate Social Responsibility 
Director (CSRD) 
Sary Kazna  
General Director (SKGD)
Kounrad Copper Company 
General Director (KCCGD)

Sub Committees
 Audit Committee (AC)
CSR Committee (CSR)
Remuneration Committee 
(RemCom)

Commercial and
Operational staff

14

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Nature of the Risk

How we manage the risk

Prime
Responsibility

Strategy 
Objective1

Operational
Production Risk – leaching process
The production of copper cathode is dependent upon the 
successful leaching of the dumps. There is a the risk that the 
leaching process slows down or that the pregnant leach 
solution containing the copper does not migrate to the collector 
trenches which have been built around the dumps to collect  
the solution

Impact
Reduced copper production or the complete suspension of 
copper production at the SX-EW plant with the subsequent loss 
of revenues

Production Risk – SX-EW plant
Prior to the commencement of operations there was a risk that 
the SX-EW plant would not operate to its design specifications 
in terms of output and quality of copper cathodes

SX-EW plants world-wide are at risk from fire damage due to the 
large tonnages of flammable reagents utilised in the recovery 
process 

Impact
A fire would probably result in the complete destruction of the 
SX circuit and take up to 12 months to replace 

Reduced copper production or the complete suspension of 
copper production at the SX-EW plant with the subsequent loss 
of revenues

Expansion at Kounrad 
The detailed capital and operational expenditure plans may be 
affected by project delays as well as possible cost overruns on 
the project 

Impact
Additional costs to the business and delays in projected output

Kounrad Transaction – increasing CAML’s 
ownership to 100%
The transfer of the 40% in the Kounrad Project not owned by 
the Group has been in process for over two years and there is a 
risk that it does not complete or is changed again to the 
disadvantage of the Group

Impact
A return to the joint venture arrangements and a reduction in 
profitability. The breakdown could also prove damaging for 
CAML’s business in Kazakhstan

▲▲ During 2013, the Company processed in excess  

CEO/TD/SKGD/CSR 1

of 4.8 million tonnes of solution at an average copper 
grade of just below 3g per litre

▲▲ Prior to the commencement of commercial operations at 

the site, the Company conducted pilot plant testing on the 
dumps over a three year period. The specific purpose of 
such testing was to determine the hydrogeological and 
leaching characteristics of the dumps as well as the 
potential copper recoveries

▲▲ There are 118 boreholes around the dumps which monitor 

the leaching process for any possible leakage
▲▲ During 2012 and 2013 extensive geological, 

hydrogeological and hydrometallurgical testing has been 
conducted to further understand the dump characteristics 

▲▲ Since the commencement of commercial operations in 

CEO/TD/KCCGD

1

late April 2012 through to December 2013, the Company 
has produced 17,095 tonnes of copper 

▲▲ The quality of copper cathodes is closely monitored within 

the plant

▲▲ The plant has been designed using latest industry design 
codes to mitigate contributing factors such as build-ups of 
static electricity

▲▲ Entry into the plant area is strictly controlled
▲▲  A strict “permission to work scheme” is employed within 

this section by the engineering teams

▲▲ The section is protected by a fire detection and 

extinguishing system

▲▲ Frequent engineering and fire safety inspections are 

undertaken by site management

▲▲ The current CAML management team had a record of 

CEO/TD

1

delivering on project timescales and budgets

▲▲ The management team has an established relationship 
with a competent engineering design company and cost 
effective supplier in China

▲▲ The Kounrad Transaction is a legally binding agreement
▲▲ As part of the Kounrad Transaction, KCC was re-registered 

CEO/CFO

2

under CAML’s ownership in October 2013
▲▲ Mr Kenges Rakishev joined the CAML Board on 

9 December 2013

▲▲ The final waiver applications for the completion of the 

Transaction were submitted to the Kazakhstan authorities 
on 6 March 2014

Retention of key personnel 
The achievement of the Group’s objectives are dependent on the 
Group attracting and retaining qualified and motivated staff

Impact
The efficiency of a particular aspect of the Group’s operations 
would be affected leading to reduced profitability, possible 
claims against the Group or a breakdown in overall 
management of a section of the business

▲▲ Group management annually review the salaries of its 
staff in order to ensure their pay levels are competitive 
with local and industry standards

▲▲ An annual bonus scheme is operated with specific 

performance targets set for the Group

▲▲ Senior management are incentivised through a 

combination of the above and also share options 
determined by the Remuneration Committee

CEO/RemCom/
CFO/TD

All 

1 

The numbers refer to the Strategy Objectives listed on pages 12 to 13.

15

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Principal Risks and Uncertainties (continued)

HOW WE MANAGE RISK

Nature of the Risk

How we manage the risk

Prime
Responsibility

Strategy 
Objective1

Safety, Social and Environmental
Safety, Social and Environmental
There is a risk that the operations at Kounrad are temporarily 
suspended or terminated due to a breach  
of a local environmental or regulatory obligation

Impact
Reduced copper production or the complete suspension of 
copper production at the SX-EW plant with the subsequent loss 
of revenues

Financial*
Taxation
The tax legislation is sometimes ambiguous and poorly drafted. 
There is a risk that the Company may be exposed to fines or 
penalties for non-compliance or be unable to recover perfectly 
valid taxes or costs

Impact
The impact would be a reduction in profitability or in the case  
of non-recovery of valid taxation, the potential loss of an asset

External
Country and Political 
Operating in Kazakhstan is deemed by the investment 
community as a greater risk due to the potential for changes in 
the legal, tax, economic and regulatory environment

Impact
The Kazakhstan Government has the right to change the 
legislation under which CAML operates in the country. The 
impact could range from a loss of licence or expropriation of the 
assets through to a minor penalty or fine

Copper Price 
The Company’s financial performance is directly linked to the 
copper price which is influenced by a number of global factors

Impact
The impact is a loss in revenue for copper price reductions but 
the impact on the viability of the business would only become 
significant if the copper price fell substantially for a prolonged 
period

▲▲ The Group has a CSR Committee which reviews all aspects 

of CSR

▲▲ In July 2013 CAML appointed a site based CSR Director to 

oversee the compliance at Kounrad of all our CSR 
obligations

CSRD/TD/SKGD/
KCCGD

5/6

▲▲ The Group liaises on a regular basis with both local and 

AC/CFO

7

Group tax advisers on all matters related to the 
Kazakhstan tax laws

▲▲ The Group has an approved Tax Policy that is compliant 

with local and international regulations

▲▲ The CAML management team is experienced at operating 
in Kazakhstan and the Group mainly employs local staff
▲▲ The CAML Board comprises two Kazakhstan nationals 

who are experienced in local politics and routinely monitor 
the political and regulatory developments  
for the Group

CAML Board

1/5/6

▲▲ Whilst the Group actively monitors the copper price  

AC/CFO

7

it has a sufficiently low cash cost of production to be able 
to withstand a sustained reduction in the copper price

▲▲ In such a scenario, the Group would look to consider 

hedging a proportion of its copper production but is under 
no obligation to do so in order to offset any fixed liabilities 
other than the Group’s cost base

*  A list of other financial risks that the Group is potentially exposed to are contained on pages 59 to 62 of the Annual Report

16

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Senior management team – Kounrad

Planning session – Kounrad

17

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Operational Review

UTILISING LOCAL EXPERTISE
Pavel Semenchenko and Saken Ashirbekova, General Directors

We are proud to lead the 
team on the ground in 
Kazakhstan for CAML. 
CAML has established 
itself as a successful and 
socially responsible 
operator in our country.

Мы рады возглавлять 
коллектив сотрудников 
CAML в Казахстане, где 
CAML имеет репутацию 
корпоративно 
ответственной и 
эффективной 
операционной 
компании.

18

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 201319

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Operational Review (continued)

KOUNRAD OPERATIONS
Howard Nicholson, Technical Director

Howard Nicholson,  
Technical Director

A total of 10,509 tonnes of copper cathode 
were produced during the year being 5.1% 
higher than the planned target. This was 
achieved against the background of an 
excellent safety record.

86.1hectares

Areas leached

1,410km

Dripper pipework installed

10,509t

Copper produced 2013

20

Indicated overall % recovery

%

y
r
e
v
o
c
e
r

s
p
m
u
D

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

9-10 recovery

6 recovery

7 recovery

Overall 6, 7, 9-10 recovery

Rest period

47%

42%

36%

28%

21%

Rest period

17%

13%

0%

6%

Q1 
2012

Q2 
2012

Q3 
2012

Q4 
2012

Q1 
2013

Q2 
2013

Q3 
2013

Q4 
2013

Q1 
2014

%

y
r
e
v
o
c
e
r

l
l

a
r
e
v
O

50

40

30

20

10

0

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
During 2013 the SX-EW plant has operated 
with a utilisation rate of 97%.

Dump Leaching and Irrigation  
of the dumps
During 2012 all of the irrigation activity was 
focused on dumps 9-10 which are highlighted in 
the diagram below. It is estimated that 55% of 
the forecast recoverable copper within these 
dumps was achieved during that eight month 
period. Leaching operations continued on 
dumps 9-10 during Q1 2013 as specific blocks of 
ore had been prepared and covered with HDPE 
to allow continuous solution flow even under 
extremely low temperature conditions.

From Q2 2013 onwards, the dump leaching 
operations gradually moved over to dumps 6 
and 7. The irrigation delivery systems on dumps 
9-10 were extended through the installation of 
3.2km of pipework onto dump 7 and 2.5km of 
pipework onto dump 6. Additionally, irrigation 
dripper pipes were installed over these areas.  
By the end of the year it was estimated that a 
total of just over 1,410km of dripper pipework 
had been installed on the three dumps since the 
start of leaching operations in 2012. A total of 
86.1 hectares of dump area have now been 
subjected to leaching in that period of which a 
total of 16 hectares have been covered by 
protective HDPE for winter operations.

During the year, the interceptor trench which 
collects the Copper Bearing Solution termed as 
PLS was extended by a further 2km to 
encompass dump 7. This will now allow  
for the full irrigation and collection of PLS 
solutions from both dumps 6 and 7 during the 
next two years of operations. The site works also 
involved the construction of an intermediate 
pond and installation of a pumping station to 
transport the PLS. All the pipework necessary to 
extend the irrigation systems to cover the whole  
of dumps 6 and 7 is already on site with 
installation planned to commence in early  
April 2014.

Through operational experience, the site team 
has established that modifying the leaching 
cycle to incorporate rest and rinse periods has 
resulted in optimising the recovery of copper. 
This has enabled them to manage the 
incoming PLS grade to satisfy the SX-EW 
plant’s copper plating capacity.

During the period of rest, a combination of 
chemical dissolution with residual acid and 
ferric solutions continues to degrade the copper 
minerals that are not pure oxides, thereby 
making them more amenable to acid leaching. 

11,000t

Targeted production for 2014

This process is also assisted by natural bacterial 
activity occurring in the dumps, particularly in 
the conversion of iron in pyrite to a ferric form 
which is a strong driver of the mineral 
decomposition process. The rest period can last 
up to six months, followed by the rinse cycle 
which tends to be a short duration leach of four  
to eight weeks. This latter cycle results in a 
further flushing of copper from the dump.

During 2013 it is estimated that the leaching 
of the dumps has resulted in an indicated total 
copper recovery of almost 46% from dumps 
9-10 equating to approximately 90% of the 
predicted target recovery from these dumps. 
The table on page 20 provides an indication of 
the calculated recovery values from each of 
the three dumps currently under irrigation.

21

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Operational Review (continued)

KOUNRAD OPERATIONS

During 2013 we have worked 418,951 man-hours on 
site with no lost-time injuries. This is a testament  
to our commitment towards ensuring the highest 
standards of safety and awareness for all our staff  
on site.

The dump leaching operations are primarily 
about the application and management of 
high volumes of solution. 4.8 million tonnes of 
dilute acid solution, known as raffinate, were 
pumped through the irrigation systems during 
2013. Operational experience has determined 
that the optimum rate of solution application 
is between 2.0 to 3.4 litres per square metre 
per hour.

The PLS is collected at the base of the dumps 
and during 2013 the average grade was 2.96 
grams copper per litre. The management of 
solution flows ensures that the SX-EW plant is 
operated to its optimal design to maximise 
copper recovery at low cost.

Due to the extremes of climate experienced at 
Kounrad the leaching system is designed with 
two distinct phases of operation, winter and 
summer. During the winter period the volume 
of raffinate supplied to the irrigation system is 
reduced to a level at which it can be heated 
through the boiler system to at least 10 
degrees celsius. At the same time, with 
dedicated fresh blocks of ore, the PLS grade 
during these colder months tends to be higher 
than the annual average. The converse is true 
in warmer months when the Company will seek 
to maximise flow rates through the irrigation 
system and treat a slightly lower PLS grade. 
This operating approach allows management 
the flexibility to respond to the wide 
temperature variations between winter and 
summer which are experienced at Kounrad.

22

PLS operating parameters 2013

4.0

PLS operating parameters 2013

3.5

l

p
g

.

e
d
a
r
g
r
e
p
p
o
c
S
L
p
P
g

l

.

e
d
a
r
g
r
e
p
p
o
c
S
L
P

3.0

4.0
2.5

3.5
2.0

3.0
1.5
2.5
1.0
2.0
0.5

1.5
0.0

1.0

0.5

0.0

Q1
2013

PLS flow

Q1
2013

PLS flow

Q2
2013

PLS grade

Q2
2013

PLS grade

Q3
2013

Q3
2013

Production 2013

3,200

2,800

Production 2013

s
e
n
n
o
t

s
e
n
n
o
t

2,400
3,200
2,000
2,800
1,600
2,400
1,200
2,000
800
1,600
400
1,200
0
800

400

0

1,675

1,675

Q1
2013

Budget
Actual

Q1
2013

Budget
Actual

3,181

3,181

3,140

3,140

Q3
2013

Q3
2013

Q2
2013

Total actual
Total budget

Q2
2013

Total actual
Total budget

Q4
2013

Q4
2013

2,691

2,691

Q4
2013

Q4
2013

r
h
/
3

m

.

w
o
fl
S
L
P
e
g
a
r
r
h
e
v
/
3
A
m

.

w
o
fl
S
L
P
e
g
a
r
e
v
A

800

700

600
800
500
700
400
600
300
500
200
400
100
300
0
200

100

0

12,000

10,000

8,000
12,000

6,000
10,000

l

s
e
n
n
o
t
e
v
i
t
a
u
m
m
u
s
C
e
n
n
o
t
e
v
i
t
a
u
m
m
u
C

l

4,000
8,000

2,000
6,000

0
4,000

2,000

0

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reagent consumption kg/tonne of Copper

t
/
g
k
–
t
n
e
u

l
i

D
/
d
i
c
A

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

Diluent
Acid
LIX

May
2012

5.0

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

t
/
g
k
–
X
I
L

January
2013

February
2014

First copper

SX-EW Operations
The SX-EW copper plant performed to its 
design expectations throughout the year  
and the charts on page 22 highlight the 
performance over the course of the year.

An integral part of the success throughout the 
year was the achievement of excellent levels of 
plant utilisation. The Solvent Extraction (SX) 
section achieved a 97% utilisation rate whilst 
the Electro Winning (EW) section achieved a 
similarly high rate at 97%. The main rectifier 
unit which provides direct current to the EW 
section operated at 100% of its design 
capacity of 30,000 Amps for a seven month 
period throughout the summer of 2013.

The SX-EW plant management team are 
focused on optimising the production levels 
whilst minimising operating expenditures. 
Within the plant, the major costs items are 
labour, reagents and electrical power. Whilst 
labour is largely fixed, modifications to the SX 
circuit and improved operating techniques 
during 2013 resulted in significantly reduced 
consumption rates for the two key reagents, 
LIX and diluent. 

The consumption of acid in the plant and on 
the dumps has remained extremely low and 
was approximately 250kg per tonne of copper 
produced. The graph adjacent indicates the 
achieved reductions in consumption rates of 
the key reagents.

The copper cathodes produced remain of the 
highest quality and during 2013 all the copper 
was sold to LME Grade A chemical specifications.

23

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
Operational Review (continued)

Collection trench construction

WAI 2013 Resource Estimate – JORC Code (2004)
Quantity,  
Mt

Resource type

Category

Grade,  
%

Contained 
copper, Kt

Eastern dumps
Oxide

Western dumps
Sulphide

Mixed

Total

Eastern and Western total

Northern dumps
Mixed

Grand total

Ind/Inf

169.3

0.09

167.5

Ind/Inf

Ind/Inf

Ind/Inf

444.8

3

477.8

647.1

5.9

653.0

0.10

0.03

0.05

436.5

10.2

446.7

614.2

2.7

616.9

Leached solution temperatures (°C)

Raffinate
PLS

2
1
t
c
O
1
0

2
1
t
c
O
7
1

2
1
v
o
N
2
0

2
1
v
o
N
8
1

2
1
c
e
D
4
0

2
1
c
e
D
0
2

3
1
n
a
J
5
0

3
1
n
a
J
1
2

3
1
b
e
F
6
0

3
1
b
e
F
2
2

3
1
r
a
M
0
1

3
1
r
a
M
6
2

3
1
r
p
A
1
1

3
1
r
p
A
7
2

3
1
y
a
M
3
1

3
1
y
a
M
9
2

3
1
n
u
J
4
1

3
1
n
u
J
0
3

3
1

l

u
J
6
1

3
1
g
u
A
1
0

3
1
g
u
A
7
1

3
1
p
e
S
2
0

3
1
p
e
S
8
1

3
1
t
c
O
4
0

3
1
t
c
O
0
2

3
1
v
o
N
5
0

3
1
v
o
N
1
2

3
1
c
e
D
7
0

3
1
c
e
D
3
2

4
1
n
a
J
8
0

4
1
n
a
J
4
2

4
1
b
e
F
9
0

4
1
b
e
F
5
2

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

–5

–10

24

Kounrad Resources
During 2013 no additional resource drilling was 
conducted on site as the samples and assays 
obtained during 2012, together with the 
geological work undertaken by Wardell 
Armstrong International (“WAI”) was sufficient 
for the preparation of a JORC compliant 
resource statement.

In addition to the resources being classified  
to the internationally recognised JORC 
standard, they were also admitted onto the 
Kazakhstan GKZ approved ‘State Balance’  
in the C1 category. The inclusion of this 
material to the ‘State Balance’ triggered  
a tax charge of $3.7 million.

Expansion of Capacity at Kounrad
2014 – 11,000 tonnes of copper
In late 2013 the CAML Board approved the 
capital expenditure for the addition of 2 extra 
boilers in the raffinate heating system 
increasing capacity from 8.4MW to 14MW. The 
intention is that the boilers will enable the volume 
of solution which is irrigated in the winter period 
to be increased. It is anticipated that the boilers 
will be commissioned in October 2014 and will 
facilitate an improvement in processed volumes 
from 450m3/hr to around 700m3/hr. The capital 
expenditure is approximately $2.6 million and 
with existing optimisation at the plant will enable 
the planned copper output for 2014 to be 
increased to 11,000 tonnes.

Further Expansion to process 
Western Dumps
The feasibility of constructing a second 10,000 
tonne SX-EW facility to exploit the Western 
dumps has been closely examined over the past 
12 months. The capital cost estimates indicate 
that expenditure in excess of $50 million would 
be required for this option due to significant 
costs associated with the infrastructure.

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.8Mt

Solution processed in 2013

1,410km

Dripper pipe work laid

$0.73/lb C1

C1 Cash Cost (2012: $0.71/lb)

On the basis of these two key operational 
aspects, management are of the opinion that 
an expansion to the current SX-EW plant may 
be the most effective way to exploit the dumps.

In early December 2013 a contract was signed 
with the engineering arm of Kazatomprom in 
Kazakhstan to develop the technical project 
documentation to enable the processing  
of the western dumps and materials within 
dumps 5 and 2 on the eastern area. The 
process of regulatory approval entails multiple 
stages of review and it is expected that final 
approval will not be obtained before late 2014 
at the earliest.

Pipeline extension to the Western dumps

Existing SX-EW plant

25

Laying HDPE in new collection trench

A second option to expand the current SX-EW 
plant and transfer the PLS from leaching on the 
Western dumps to the current plant location  
has also been closely examined. It has been 
assessed that the existing SX-EW plant capacity 
could be increased to a base level of 
approximately 15,000 tonnes per annum by the 
addition of a sixth mixer-settler unit and the 
construction of a new 5,000 tonne per annum 
EW building. The main transformer would 
require up grading to 10MW at the existing 
electrical sub-station.

In order to access the estern dumps in such a 
scenario, leaching solutions would be pumped 
via a pipeline with the raffinate being returned 
by a second pipeline. The estimated pumping 
distance is 12km in each direction. A three unit  
8.4MW boiler house would have to be 
constructed at the Western dump area to heat 
solutions in the winter together with the 
appropriate interceptor trenches and a pond 
collection system.

Whilst the capital cost for such an option is still 
being assessed and finalised, it is estimated to 
be significantly lower than the option of 
constructing a new SX-EW plant over at the 
Western dumps. 

Further, it is recognised by management that 
one of the big advantages of the latter option 
would be the addition of an extra mixer-settler 
unit at the current SX-EW plant. This would 
provide greater flexibility to treat larger 
volumes of solution essential for the economic 
treatment of copper bearing solutions below  
1 gram per litre. This would be a significant 
benefit to the operation should PLS recovery 
grades fall at any stage in the leaching cycle.

It is also estimated that the useful life of the 
SX-EW plant is significantly longer than that of 
the resource at the eastern dumps based on 
current extraction rates.  

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Operational Review (continued)

COPPER BAY – CHILE

For an investment of $3.2 million CAML has acquired  
a 50% share in a project with a potential 290,000 
tonnes of contained copper in a mining-friendly 
jurisdiction. The combination of CAML’s proven  
project management skills together with Copper  
Bay’s technical knowledge of the project could be  
the key to success. 

The Chañaral Bay area is 
heavily polluted following 
many years of tailings being 
discharged into the Rio 
Salado. There is a willingness 
at local and governmental 
level to resolve the problem 
and clean up the environment.

26

Chañaral town

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013290,000

potential tonnes of contained Copper

Chañaral Bay beach

In November 2013, CAML acquired a 50% 
interest in Copper Bay Limited (CBL) by means 
of a $3.2 million cash investment into the 
company. CBL was formed in September 2010 
for the purpose of developing a copper tailings 
project in the Chañaral Bay area of Chile.  
The project location is some 800km north  
of Santiago and 120km northwest of the 
Regional Capital of Copiapó.

From 1938 to 1975, the Potrerillos, and later 
the El Salvador copper mines, disposed of the 
tailings residues from their respective mineral 
processing operations into the Rio Salado 
which outflows into Chañaral Bay. Over that 
period, it is believed that some 250Mt of 
tailings were discharged into the bay. These 
tailings deposited on the beach and bay area 
cover a 13 square kilometre area. CBL intends 
to explore the potential to reclaim and process 
the copper tailings to produce copper cathode 
and copper concentrate product.

Studies to-date, including a total of 253 drill 
holes, estimate that there is a non-JORC 
compliant resource of 116Mt of tailings at 
0.25% Copper. This amounts to some 290,000 
tonnes of contained copper plus minor gold 
and molybdenum. Conventional metallurgical 
processing methods are contemplated and 
studies conducted so far suggest that up to 
80% of the contained copper may be 
recoverable.

During 2014, CBL plans to conduct a pre-
feasibility study (PFS) in order to prove up the 
potential of the Chañaral Bay project. The PFS 
will look at all aspects of the project including:
▲▲ The environmental and social impact on 

the area

▲▲ The definition of the resource
▲▲ Investigating the optimal method for 

reclaiming the sands

▲▲ The processing of the sands to produce 
saleable products and a cleaned residue
▲▲ The safe disposal of the process residues
▲▲ A preliminary evaluation of the project 

economics

CAML has the right to invest a further  
$3 million to take its holding in the company to 
75%. These funds may be used to finance 
further studies with the aim of upgrading the 
PFS to the level of a Definitive Feasibility Study 
to be completed in 2015. If the project 
economics are positive, CBL would hope to be 
in a position by the end of 2015 to move 
forward with detailed engineering and finance.

Howard Nicholson
Technical Director

27

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Review

REALISING VALUE FOR  
OUR SHAREHOLDERS

Nigel Robinson,  
CFO

During 2013 we returned $19.7 million back  
to our shareholders in dividends whilst 
increasing our cash reserves to $44.5 million.

Summary
▲▲ Gross revenue for the year increased by 76% to $54.1 million  

(2012: $30.7 million)

▲▲ Operating profit for the year increased by 86% to $27.9 million  

(2012: $15.0 million)

▲▲ Unit operating costs at Kounrad remain competitive

 – C1 cash costs of $1,600 per tonne (2012: $1,561), equates to $0.73/lb
 – Fully inclusive cost of $3,147 (2012: $3,248), equates to $1.43/lb 

▲▲ Acquisition of the additional 40% ownership in Kounrad Copper Company LLP 

resulted in $27.8 million credit to Group profit before tax

▲▲ Full write down of Mongolian assets resulted in $14.1 million reported loss from 

discontinued operations

▲▲ Cash balances as at 31 December 2013 of $44.5 million (2012: $33.9 million)
▲▲ 2013 dividend of 9 pence per share – interim of 4 pence paid in November 2013 

(2012: 7 pence)

28

Overview
The Company has reported another strong  
set of financial results on the basis of its 
operational performance at Kounrad and the 
associated low costs of production at this 
project. The resulting cashflows have enabled 
the Company to return $19.7 million in 
dividends to shareholders during 2013  
as well as strengthen our cash resources.

The year ending 31 December 2013 
represented the Company’s first complete 12 
months of production at the Kounrad SX-EW 
project having commenced production of 
copper cathodes on 30 April 2012. 

Further, on 21 October 2013, the ownership of 
Kounrad Copper Company LLP increased from 
60% to 100%. Consequently, the results for 
2013 comprise only 60% of the revenues and 
costs for the first nine months of the year but 
100% for the final three months of the year.

The accounting treatment for the business 
combination resulting from the acquisition of 
the additional 40% share in KCC resulted in an 
uplift to the asset values of $46.4 million and 
an exceptional gain in the Income Statement 
of $27.8 million.

The impact of the above two events make 
comparisons difficult from the annually 
reported numbers in several of the notes to the 
accounts. A more meaningful analysis of the 
reported revenues and costs can be obtained 
on page 29.

Details of the Kounrad Transaction are noted 
on page 9. 

Details of the business combination  
and accounting treatment are contained in 
note 33.

Income Statement 
The Group operating profit for the 12 month 
period was $27.9 million (2012: $15.0 million).

Profit for the year from continuing operations 
increased significantly to $48.6 million  
(2012: $10.3 million), but after allowing for the 
one off exceptional gain associated with the 
acquisition of the additional 40% interest in 
KCC of $27.8 million, the profit is a more 
comparable $20.8 million (2012: $10.3 million). 
This is still more than a 100% increase year  
on year. 

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 20139 pence

2013 dividend 
(2012: 7 pence)

$48.1m

Project EBITDA 
(2012: $31.8m)

$1.43/lb

Fully inclusive cost 
(2012: $1.44/lb)

During the year, the Group decided to write 
down the value of all its Mongolian operations 
due to the protracted nature of its efforts to 
sell the Ereen and Handgait assets and the 
unsuccessful application for a mining licence 
at Alag Bayan in the Southern Gobi. 

Management reviewed the carrying value  
of these assets and recognised an overall 
impairment loss of $12.9 million (2012: nil). 
Further details are provided in note 20.

The Group profit for the year after tax of $34.5 
million (2012: $9.8 million) resulted in earnings 
per share of 38.89 cents (2012: 11.42 cents) or 
37.36 cents (2012: 11.03 cents) on a fully 
diluted basis.

Revenue
10,500 tonnes of copper cathode were sold  
by Traxys as part of the Company’s off-take 
arrangements at Kounrad and a further 
189 tonnes were sold locally. The Company 
achieved an average selling price of $7,114 
(2012: $7,995) per tonne and this generated 
reported revenues for the Group of $54.1 million 
(2012: $30.7 million).

Attributable revenues for the Group at  
the Kounrad Project level, assuming 100% 
ownership throughout the 12 month  
period, would have been $76.0 million  
(2012: $51.1 million). 

The Company has an offtake arrangement with  
Traxys to sell 90% of its product through  
to 31 December 2015. As part of this 
arrangement, Traxys takes the goods at the 
SX-EW plant at Kounrad and is then responsible 
for transporting the goods to the end customer.

The costs of marketing, distribution and selling 
associated with this arrangement are borne by 
the Company and during 2013 a fixed fee of 
$350 per tonne of copper shipped was 
negotiated with Traxys. This amount was 
based on the actual costs incurred during the 
first eight months of the arrangement in 2012 
following the commencement of production in 
late April 2012. During 2012, the Group 
reimbursed Traxys for such costs directly. 

As a consequence of the change in approach 
between 2012 and 2013, the Group has 
reported both a gross revenue and net revenue 
line for 2013 which reflects the offset of the 
fixed fee from the price of the copper achieved.

Financial Performance – Group vs Kounrad Project 

Gross Revenues

Cost of producing copper cathode 
Mineral Extraction Tax
Selling costs

Total C1 costs
Local Administrative expenses
Corporate Overheads

Total Costs

Project EBITDA

Depreciation and Amortisation
Excluded above

Operating Profit 

C1 Unit costs
Depreciation
Local Administrative Expenses

Corporate Overheads

Fully Absorbed unit costs

Reported
2013 
$’000 

Project  
2013 
$’000

Reported
2012 
$’000

Project  
2012 
$’000

54,090

76,024

30,656

51,093

6,047
3,070
2,964

12,082
2,494
7,068

8,479
4,383
4,200

17,062
3,751
7,068

2,682
1,799
1,289

5,770
1,812
6,696

5,068
2,998
2,147

10,214
2,421
6,696

21,643

27,880

14,278

19,331

48,144

5,734

4,546
(13)

27,913

941
440

14,997

31,762

1,568

2013 
per tonne 

 2013 
per lb

2012 
per tonne

1,600
538
352

2,489
663

3,152

0.73
0.24
0.16

1.13
0.30

1.43

1,561
238
368

2,167
1,017

3,184

 2012 
per lb

0.71
0.11
0.17

0.98
0.46

1.44

The table excludes all costs associated with the pilot plant which is no longer operated.

Managing the cost base
Cost of sales 
The cost of sales for the period was $13.8 million 
(2012: $5.8 million) which included an additional 
$1.3 million of depreciation and charges 
associated with the acquisition of the 40% 
interest of KCC.

The costs related to the physical production of 
copper cathodes are the production labour, 
reagents and electricity, plus any other SX-EW 
site related cost. These costs amounted to $6.1 
million (2012: $2.7 million). 

Mineral Extraction Tax is charged by the 
Kazakhstan authorities at the rate of 5.7% on 
the value of the metal recovered and during 
the year this amounted to a further cost of 
$3.1 million (2012: $1.8 million). 

Distribution and selling costs
The major portion of the sales and distribution 
costs consist of the fees paid to Traxys as part 
of the offtake agreements as noted above. 
During 2013 the Company incurred costs of 
$2.6 million (2012: $1.1 million) associated 
with these arrangements with Traxys. Local 
sales and distribution costs on site were $0.4 
million (2012: $0.2 million) for the period. 

Administrative expenses
The Group employed 234 people on average 
during the year (2012: 259) with the majority 
employed on site at Kounrad. The Group 
employs 40 staff (2012: 37) at Kounrad to 
oversee the technical and commercial 
management of the operations in Kazakhstan 
together with a small office headquarters in 
London of 7 staff (2012: 7).

29

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
Financial Review (continued)

REALISING VALUE FOR  
OUR SHAREHOLDERS

Group overheads for the year are $9.6 million 
(2012: $8.5 million) reflecting the growth of 
the Group during the period. 

Depreciation and Amortisation
During the year depreciation and amortisation 
charges amounted to $4.6 million (2012: $0.9 
million). The large increase is due to the impact 
of a full year charge in 2013 of $3.0 million 
compared to only 6 months in 2012.

A further charge of $1.3 million was incurred in 
the period 3 months of 2013 as a result of the 
acquisition of KCC and the fair value uplift.

Impact on unit costs of production
Given the changes in the business over the 
past two years, it is difficult to ascertain the 
impact on the Group’s productivity and unit 
cost measures from the reported numbers.  
The table on page 29 reconciles the reported 
numbers from the Group accounts with those 
reported internally at project level.

The Group’s C1 cash costs of production 
remained competitive throughout the year at 
$1,600 per tonne (2012: $1,561) or $0.73/lb 
(2012: $0.71/lb). This represents a 2.5% 
increase year on year. Given that the Group 
currently only has one significant project, it 
seems reasonable to report the Group’s unit 
cost base on a fully inclusive basis. The fully 
inclusive unit costs are $3,152 (2012: $3,184)  
or $1.43lb (2012: $1.44/lb).

The main change in the Group’s unit costs 
during 2013 was the increased unit costs for 
depreciation and amortisation.

Unit cost of copper production ($ per lb) 

Fully absorbed, 
Kazakstan
($1.43/lb)

Local administrative 
expenses – $0.16/lb

Corporate 
overheads – $0.30/lb

Depreciation and 
amortisation – $0.24/lb

Selling 
costs – $0.18/lb

Cost of producing 
copper cathode – $0.36/lb

Mineral 
extraction 
tax – $0.19/lb

C1 cash cost
($0.73/lb)

Balance Sheet
As a result of the Kounrad Transaction there 
has been a significant uplift to the Group’s 
asset base. Property, plant and equipment  
at Kounrad has increased to $77.7 million  
(2012: $20.3 million), whilst the intangible 
assets of the Group have also increased to 
$16.7 million 2012: $7.5 million). 

The cash reserves held within the Group also 
increased during the year to $44.5 million 
(2012: $33.9 million) due to the strong 
performance at Kounrad. As a consequence, 
the Group’s total asset base increased to 
$161.5 million (2012: $91.6 million).

During the year the Company took the 
opportunity to restructure the balance sheet 
and transferred $61.4 million from the Share 
Premium account to distributable reserves.  

The transfer was approved by means of a  
court scheme and will facilitate the payment 
of dividends by the Company for the 
foreseeable future. The agreed equity 
consideration for the KCC element of the 
Kounrad Transaction of $39.4 million is also 
reported within other reserves. The shares will 
only be issued on completion of the whole 
transaction.

Cashflows
During the year the Group generated $41.1 
million (2012: $28.0 million) from operations 
which resulted in the Group’s cash balances 
increasing to $44.5 million (2012: 33.9 million) 
as at 31 December 2013. 

The return of $19.7 million of funds to 
shareholders through dividends was the main 
outflow of cash during the year within the Group.

Laboratory analyst

SX Control room

SX operator

30

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013At Company level, all of the funds advanced to 
the Kounrad subsidiaries for the development 
and construction of the project since 2007 
were fully repaid by late October 2013. This 
represented a return of funds of $53.6 million 
in just 18 months of production.

Taxation
The tax legislation in Kazakhstan is developing 
and at times the interpretation and compliance 
can be challenging for businesses operating in 
the country. During 2013, Sary Kazna LLP, the 
Kazakhstan subsidiary that effectively manages 
the leaching process on the Kounrad dumps and 
currently owns 60% of the subsoil use contract, 
was subjected to a taxation charge of $3.7 
million for the classification of the Kounrad 
Resources onto a state approved list.

This taxation charge is locally known as the 
Commercial Discovery Bonus and is a required 
statutory payment to the Kazakhstan 
authorities based on 0.1% of the estimated 
value of the mineral resources discovered.  
The law supporting this taxation charge is 
ambiguous and CAML management spent 
significant amounts of time in seeking external 
legal and taxation advice to challenge the 
payment. Despite the efforts of management, 
the conclusion of the CAML Board was that 
any grounds for a legal challenge were 
subjective and could have led to potential 
additional fines or penalties and reputational 
risk. Consequently, the decision was taken to 
pay the tax and accept the charge as the price 
for compliance with local tax legislation.

The Group is also owed over $5.4 million  
(2012: $2.0 million) by the Kazakhstan 
authorities for recoverable VAT. The amount 
has been audited by the tax authorities on  
a number of occasions during 2013. The 
conclusion from the authority’s audit work  
was that the VAT amount claimed has been 
determined correctly and was supported by 
the required documentary evidence. Despite 
this, the amount remained unpaid as at  
31 December 2013. The Group has lodged an 

appeal with the authorities to recover the tax 
owed with the support of a local specialist tax 
firm.

Foreign Exchange
The Group operates overseas and is  
exposed to foreign currency movements.  
On 11 February 2014, the Kazakhstan Tenge 
devalued by almost 20% overnight as 
highlighted in note 34. Given that the Group’s 
operations in Kazakhstan generate their 
income in US dollars through the export of 
copper, the immediate impact from a purely 
financial standpoint was positive. It is 
estimated that approximately 60% of the  
cost base in Kazakhstan is denominated in 
Kazakhstan Tenge.

Nevertheless, the CAML Board was concerned 
about the impact of such a devaluation on its 
local employees. Having monitored the 
situation carefully in the days following the 
devaluation, and in line with other large and 
responsible employers in the country, the Board 
agreed to increase salaries for staff in the 
country by 10% from the beginning of February 
2014. The Board wil l continue to monitor events 
in the country and respond accordingly. 

The Group does not keep large amounts of 
cash in the Kazakhstan Tenge and as at  
31 December 2013 held the US dollar 
equivalent of $0.6 million (2012: $0.2 million).

Dividend Policy
As a result of the Group dividend policy 
announced in December 2012, the Group 
returned a total of $19.7 million to shareholders 
in 2013. This represented a 7 pence annual 
dividend for 2012 plus a 3.7 pence special 
dividend related to cost savings made on the 
construction of the SX-EW plant. An interim 
dividend for 2013 of 4 pence per share was also 
announced on 27 September 2013 and paid on 
15 November 2013.

As part of these annual results, the CAML 
Board is proposing a 5 pence per ordinary 
share final dividend for 2013 payable, subject 
to the approval of shareholders, on 20 June 
2014 to those shareholders on the Company’s 
register on 30 May 2014, making a total 
dividend for the year of 9 pence  
(2012: 7 pence). 

Financing growth
As at 31 December 2013, the Group had $44.5 
million of cash in the bank of which $30.6 
million was held in London and the balance  
of $13.9 million in Kazakhstan to cover both 
working capital requirements in country and 
also the 2013 Corporate Income Tax which is 
due in April 2014.

The Group has no debts outstanding as at  
31 December 2013 and with the cash reserves 
at its disposal is confident that it has sufficient 
funds available to finance both the dividend 
policy in the coming years and also the capital 
expansion plans being finalised for the 
Kounrad project.

The overall combination of no outstanding 
debt, a strong cash balance and positive 
cashflows from Kounrad will provide the 
Company with the financial flexibility and 
strength to support the growth of the business. 

Nigel Robinson
Chief Financial Officer

Water shaft

Safety training

EW stripping copper

31

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR)

COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITIES
Nick Shirley, CSR Director

Bore holes water monitoring – Kounrad

CAML is keen to ensure 
that it is recognised within 
both the industry and 
locally at its operating sites 
as adopting the highest 
possible standards of 
Corporate and Social 
Responsibility. 

The welfare of all our staff, 
the social contribution to 
local communities and the 
full compliance with all 
local environmental 
standards is fundamental 
to our continued success.

32

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013CSR Overview
With the establishment of the CSR Committee 
in 2012, and the subsequent development of 
the Group CSR Policy (which can be found on 
the CAML website at www.centralasiametals.
com), the main focus in 2013 was to maintain 
and improve health and safety in the work 
place, to increase environmental awareness 
throughout the Company and to ensure 
positive and constructive working relationships 
with our neighbouring communities.

The main objectives for the year were to try 
and meet the targets that had been agreed 
with external consultants in 2012 who had 
produced a gap analysis with regards to 
national standards, the local training and the 
quality of local policies and procedures. In 
order to meet these objectives and assist in  
the implementation of the improvement 
programme a CSR Director was employed  
in July 2013.

The CSR Director is a senior appointment who 
reports directly to the Technical Director and  
is permanently based in Kazakhstan. The CSR 
Director has been tasked with the responsibility 
of ensuring that all CSR related activities 
comply with both national legislation as well  
as approaching International standards. CSR 
Reports are now produced on a monthly and 
quarterly basis detailing progress on site and 
these reports are then reviewed by the CSR 
Committee which meets regularly.

The main CSR activities with regards to the 
protection of the environment, social and 
community based actions and health and 
safety during 2013 are detailed as follows.

Health and Safety
The health and safety of its employees and 
contractors is CAML’s number one priority. As 
such, the Company employs two full time, fully 
qualified health and safety engineers to oversee 
the specific safety requirements of both Sary 
Kazna LLP and Kounrad Copper Company LLP  
in full compliance with Kazakhstan regulations. 
The health and safety Engineers work closely 
with the process team to ensure that, where 
possible, potential safety hazards are resolved 
by engineering improvements. Where this is not 
deemed possible, for whatever reasons, staff 
are provided with suitable equipment for their 
personal protection.

Up to the end of 2013 a combined total of 
815,331 hours were worked by Sary Kazna LLP 
and Kounrad Copper Company LLP employees 
without a lost time incident.

The plant site has a fully equipped first aid and 
rapid response medical facility. This is staffed 
by qualified nursing personnel 24 hours per 
day, seven days per week who, amongst their 
other duties, carry out mandatory alcohol 
testing for all employees and contractors on 
site. The Company also employs a fire team 
who are on site on a permanent basis and able 
to respond to an incident 24 hours a day.

Comprehensive Health and Safety training is 
given to all employees ranging from a detailed 
site induction to specific job related training. 
This is given both internally by the safety team 
as well by a specialist external health and 
safety training company who visit site on a 
regular basis to provide refresher courses.

815,331

Man-hours without no lost time injuries since 
start of production

118 

Boreholes to monitor ground water quality

$410,000

Social contributions at Kounrad

$30m

Taxation since the start of production

The Company views the 
full and transparent 
compliance of its taxation 
obligations and payments 
within a country as 
fundamental to its 
Corporate and Social 
responsibility for operating 
within that country.

On site medical facility

The Kounrad canteen

Fire vehicle

33

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate and Social Responsibility (continued)

COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITIES

Water quality samples from the boreholes are 
analysed in the onsite laboratory, allowing site 
management to react as necessary to any 
non-compliance issues. Quality control is 
assured by sending duplicate samples to 
external certified laboratories.

An important component of the groundwater 
monitoring programme in 2013 was a detailed 
programme of site investigations in areas to  
be leached in the forthcoming years. This 
consisted of surface geophysics, trial pits, and 
the drilling of geological cored boreholes as 
well as monitoring and hydrogeological 
boreholes. This work was undertaken both  
on the eastern as well as the western dumps. 
Further, a specialist international 
hydrogeological consultancy was contracted to 
oversee the programme of investigations and 
produce a detailed interpretive hydrogeological 
report of the site investigations which will be 
completed in the first quarter of 2014.

PLS pond – Kounrad

An independent, external health and safety 
audit was undertaken during December 2013 
by SGS specialists. Their report will be 
produced in the first quarter of 2014 and the 
intention is to develop an action plan to 
implement their recommendations as soon as 
possible during 2014. In addition during 2013 
the Local Emergency Committee from 
Karaganda undertook a safety inspection  
of the plant and produced a series of 
recommendations all of which were  
completed in 2013.

One of the key health and safety initiatives 
implemented in 2013 were the risk 
assessments which were developed by the 
Safety Department to identify any major risks 
across the site. For each of these risks the 
current mitigation measures were assessed 
and if deemed inadequate further mitigation 
measures identified in order to further reduce 
the risk. These are reviewed and updated on a 
six monthly basis.

Environment
CAML is committed to the sound 
environmental management of our operating 
area in full compliance with the applicable 
environmental regulations and laws of the 
countries within which it operates.

34

Particular emphasis during 2013 has been 
placed on raising the environmental awareness 
throughout the Company. Specialist training 
has been given to the local Kounrad team to 
ensure that they are fully aware of best 
practice with regards to environmental control. 
An environmental training programme has 
been developed for all employees with the 
focus being an environmental induction 
detailing the standards and requirements of 
the Company.

Environmental monitoring of the local area 
continued throughout 2013 with the 
monitoring and control of flora & fauna, soils, 
air, surface waters and ground-waters at the 
Kounrad site. Whilst most of the work was 
performed by the Group’s own staff, external 
specialists were also employed. Independent 
results and reports produced by them were 
sent on a quarterly basis for review by the local 
environmental regulatory authorities.

As reported in the 2012 annual report, the 
monitoring of groundwater quality is a key 
focus at the Kounrad site. In excess of 100 
boreholes are monitored in three rings around 
the perimeter of the eastern dumps. The first 
line of boreholes act as abstraction wells in the 
event of any solution leakage beyond the 
containment trench.

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013The Local Community
Throughout 2013 CAML has continued to build 
on the positive relationships it has developed 
with the local community and stakeholders. 
The Company recognises that having sound 
relationships and the support of the local 
community is important in the successful 
running of its operation at Kounrad.

The Social Management System was further 
developed in 2013 with a series of objectives 
and targets established in conjunction with 
external advisers. This system provides a basis 
for the Group’s local subsidiaries to interact 
with the local community both in terms of 
communications and dealing with any possible 
local grievances. One of the main areas of 
focus during 2013 was raising awareness in the 
community of the Company and its processes. 
A number of articles were published in the local 
newspapers regarding the various activities of 
the Group, particularly with regards to its 
commitment to protecting the environment as 
well as its contribution to the development of 
the local community.

Taxation
The Group is a major contributor to taxation  
in the area and since production commenced 
in late April 2012 has generated almost $30 
million in various tax liabilities to the 
government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.  
A breakdown of the taxation is shown below.

The main taxation that the project attracts is 
Corporate Income Tax (CIT) and for 2013 the 
CIT liability was estimated as $9.6 million, $6.8 
million being the Group’s share of that tax 
liability. The taxation is currently paid annually in 
arrears although with effect from January 2014 
the Company will be obliged to pay the CIT 
monthly on an estimated basis. An advance 
payment of $1.3 million was paid in December 
2013 against the 2013 CIT liability as a goodwill 
gesture following the request of the local tax 
authority.

Taxes accrued

During 2013 a one-off taxation charge, known 
locally as the Commercial Discovery Bonus was 
also paid following on from the successful 
conversion of the resources onto the 
Kazakhstan Government’s official mineral 
resource list, the ‘State Balance’. An amount  
of $3.7 million was paid in September 2013 
based on 0.1% of the value of the resources.

Nick Shirley
Director of CSR

During the year, the Group provided assistance 
to a number of community development 
programmes with the focus being on health, 
welfare and education. Two key donations 
were made to the local primary schools in 
Kounrad village. The Group sourced and 
installed for each school a dedicated IT 
computer room with up to 18 desk-top PCs and 
peripheral equipment. It is estimated that the 
Group donated in the order of $178,000 for 
community development projects during 2013 
and has contributed almost $410,000 to date.

25

20

m
$

15

10

5

0

2013

2012

Drip feeders on the dumps

Corporate income tax
Commercial discovery bonus
Other including payroll taxes
Property tax
Mineral extraction tax
Land tax

The Strategic Report on pages 1 to 35 
was approved by the Board of Directors on 
16 April 2014 and was signed on its behalf 
by Nigel Robinson Chief Financial Officer

Nigel Robinson
Chief Financial Officer

35

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Governance

INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNANCE

Our Board views good practice in corporate 
governance as key to our business’s success.

CAML Board

We believe achievement of that success on an 
ongoing basis requires the Group to maintain 
good governance processes and continue to 
enhance these as the Group develops.

36

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013In addition, we were delighted to appoint to the Board Nurlan Zhakupov 
in 2011 and, in conjunction with his transaction with the Company, 
Kenges Rakishev in December 2013. They are both nationals of 
Kazakhstan where our principal operations are based. They provide 
great local insight as well as adding to the diversity and different 
perspectives of the Board.

This international diversity contributes to what I believe to be a 
suitably diverse Board. Among them, our Directors have long and 
valuable experience in the mining industry, financial and operational 
aspects of businesses, and publicly quoted companies, operating in 
different geographies around the world. Whilst we recognise the 
emphasis over recent years on gender diversity, we also believe in 
recruiting the best available individual for particular roles. This policy 
led to the appointment of a woman to one of the two senior 
operational manager roles in Kazakhstan. Although our Board is 
currently comprised solely of men, we hope the opportunity will arise 
in future to appoint women to the Board.

Where appropriate, and where there are initially differing views 
amongst Directors, our Board engages in debates that are always 
constructive and sometimes lively. This allows decisions to be reached, 
following full consideration of all views around the table, by consensus. 
These debates are informed by comprehensive reports from each of 
the Executive Directors and by external input for example from the 
Company’s financial advisors when considered appropriate.

We have active Audit, CSR and Remuneration Committees which allow 
different forums for more detailed discussions on matters within their 
terms of reference. These discussions are reported to the full Board 
where they are considered further as appropriate. Our Remuneration 
Committee meets without the Executive Directors present to discuss 
their remuneration. Our Audit Committee meets with the external 
auditors in the absence of management at least once per year.

Of course, the success of our business depends on the great people 
we are fortunate to have working in our operations on a day to day 
basis. Our Executive Directors are regularly on site in Kazakhstan and 
in each of the past two years the Board as a whole has visited the 
operations to meet with local management, view the site and hold  
a Board meeting. Aside from being an important part of the Board’s 
role, it is always most enjoyable to see the quality of people 
producing such a high standard of operation in our business.

On the following pages are more details of our individual Directors, our 
Board and its Committees. I hope this review of governance provides 
insight for shareholders to the importance my fellow Directors and I 
place on how the Company is governed on their behalf.

Nigel Hurst-Brown
Chairman

37

Nigel Hurst-Brown,  
Chairman

Introduction from the Chairman

Our Board views good practice in corporate governance as key to  
our business’s success. We believe achievement of that success on 
an ongoing basis requires the Group to maintain good governance 
processes and continue to enhance these as the Group develops. 
The encouragement of the entrepreneurial drive that exists in our 
business within appropriate governance structures will remain key  
to the building and ongoing delivery of shareholder value over the 
long term. That is our aim and I am pleased to be able to say that  
it is bearing positive results.

Although under the AIM rules we are not subject to the 
recommendations of any particular governance code, our Board 
draws on recommendations on corporate governance from the 
Quoted Companies Alliance and on the UK Corporate Governance 
Code in the way it is constituted and operates. Whilst compliance 
with these codes in our case is not mandatory, we do implement  
the recommendations which we feel are appropriate for a company 
of our size and type. This enriches our decision making and helps 
inform inputs to strategy and the monitoring of performance  
both at our regular meetings and otherwise as appropriate through 
the year. It is supported by our Executive and Non-Executive 
Directors alike.

We are fortunate to have a diverse, talented and committed group of 
Executive and Non-Executive Directors. Our Executive Directors are led 
by Nick Clarke, our Chief Executive, and also include Nigel Robinson, our 
Chief Financial Officer and Howard Nicholson, our Technical Director. 
They each have great experience in their respective areas of expertise 
and all work well both as a team and as part of the wider Board.

We have also been fortunate to be able to draw on the wide 
experience of Dr Michael Price, a highly experienced director in the 
mining industry providing a valuable and constructive independent 
perspective and Robert Cathery who is experienced in both the 
resources sector and public markets generally. They both make 
significant and independent contributions to our Board.

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Board of Directors

WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE

Nick Clarke
Chief Executive Officer

Nigel Robinson
Chief Financial Officer

Howard Nicholson
Technical Director

Nigel Hurst-Brown
Chairman

Robert Cathery

Non-Executive Director

Dr Michael Price

Non-Executive Director

Kenges Rakishev

Non-Executive Director

Nurlan Zhakupov

Non-Executive Director

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Nick joined CAML as Chief 
Executive Officer on 7 April 
2009.

Nigel joined CAML in November 
2007 and became Chief 
Financial Officer on 7 April 2009.

Howard joined CAML in August 
2009 and was appointed a 
Director on 7 December 2010.

Nigel joined CAML on  
7 December 2006.

Robert joined CAML on  

18 September 2007.

Michael joined CAML on  

7 December 2006. 

Kenges joined CAML on  

9 December 2013. 

Nurlan joined CAML on  

27 October 2011.

Background and experience

Background and experience

Background and experience

Background and experience

Background and experience

Background and experience

Background and experience

Background and experience

Nick has 40 years of mining 
experience, including 16 years 
spent within senior management 
positions in production and 
technical services in South 
Africa, Ghana and Saudi Arabia. 
Nick served as the managing 
director of Oriel Resources plc 
until its acquisition by OAO 
Mechel for $1.5 billion in 2008. 
In addition, Nick was managing 
director at Wardell Armstrong 
International Ltd, where he 
managed numerous 
multidisciplinary consulting 
projects in the resource sector. 
He is a graduate of Camborne 
School of Mines and a Chartered 
Engineer. Nick is also a non-
executive director of Columbus 
Copper Corporation and Wolf 
Minerals Ltd.

38

Nigel is a member of the 
Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in England & Wales 
and formerly a Royal Naval 
Officer in the Fleet Air Arm. 
Upon leaving the Royal Navy, he 
qualified with KPMG where he 
stayed for a further three years 
before leaving to work in 
commerce. He worked for six 
years in management with 
British Airways plc before 
leaving in 2002 to become  
more involved with smaller 
enterprises.

Howard is an experienced 
metallurgist with 35 years of 
experience in project 
development and mine 
operations management. 
Formerly the COO of European 
Minerals Corporation, Howard 
led the technical development 
of a large copper – gold mine in 
Kazakhstan and prior to this had 
held senior level project and 
operational management 
positions with Ashanti 
Goldfields, Lonrho and Anglo 
American.

Nigel Hurst-Brown is currently 
chief executive of Hotchkis and 
Wiley Ltd. Previously he was 
chairman of Lloyds Investment 
Managers between 1986 and 
1990 before becoming a 
director of Mercury Asset 
Management and later a 
managing director of Merrill 
Lynch Investment Managers.  
He is also a director of Borders  
& Southern Petroleum plc and  
a Fellow of The Institute of 
Chartered Accountants in 
England and Wales.

Robert Cathery was a member 

Michael Price is a mining 

Kenges Rakishev is a prominent 

Nurlan is a Kazakhstani national 

of the London Stock Exchange 

engineer and mining finance 

business leader in Kazakhstan. 

and currently employed as 

from 1967 to 2007 and was 

managing director and Head  

of Oil and Gas at Canaccord 

consultant with more than 35 

years of experience in mining 

He serves as chairman of the 

executive director, Investment 

board of directors for a number 

Banking Department at UBS 

and mining finance. Michael has 

of large companies including 

(Kazakhstan). He has extensive 

Europe. During his career in the 

extensive board experience and 

SAT & Company (KASE: SATC), a 

experience in capital markets 

City he was a director of Vickers 

he is currently a non-executive 

diversified industrial holding 

and has held a number of 

da Costa and Schroders 

Securities and Head of 

director of Eldorado Gold Corp 

company, Jinsheng SAT (Tianjin) 

positions in Kazakhstan’s 

(TSX, NYSE), Asanko Gold 

Commercial and Trading Co.Ltd, 

resource sector for Tau-Ken 

Corporate Sales at SG Securities 

Corporation (TSX) and Forbes 

Baicheng Jinsheng Nickel 

(London) Limited. He is currently 

and Manhattan Coal Corp (TSX).

Industry Co.Ltd, Taonan City 

Samruk (the national mining 

company), Chambishi Metals 

a non-executive director of 

Salamander Energy plc and 

SOCO International plc. He is a 

founder shareholder of CAML.

Jinsheng Metallurgical Products 

PLC and ENRC. He holds 

Co.Ltd, Ulanhot Jinyuanda 

Heavy Chemical Industry 

Co.,Ltd. He also serves as 

Bachelor and Masters Degrees 

in Economics from the Moscow 

State Institute for International 

chairman of NASDAQ-listed Net 

Relations (MGIMO).

Element International, Inc. 

(NETE) and Chairman of BTA 

Bank JSC.

Committee Membership

Committee Membership

CSR (Chair)

Audit / Remuneration

Committee Membership

Audit (Chair) / 

Remuneration (Chair) / CSR

Committee Membership

CSR

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Nick Clarke

Chief Executive Officer

Nigel Robinson

Chief Financial Officer

Howard Nicholson

Technical Director

Nigel Hurst-Brown

Chairman

Robert Cathery
Non-Executive Director

Dr Michael Price
Non-Executive Director

Kenges Rakishev
Non-Executive Director

Nurlan Zhakupov
Non-Executive Director

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Date of appointment

Nick joined CAML as Chief 

Executive Officer on 7 April 

Nigel joined CAML in November 

Howard joined CAML in August 

Nigel joined CAML on  

2007 and became Chief 

2009 and was appointed a 

7 December 2006.

2009.

Financial Officer on 7 April 2009.

Director on 7 December 2010.

Robert joined CAML on  
18 September 2007.

Michael joined CAML on  
7 December 2006. 

Kenges joined CAML on  
9 December 2013. 

Nurlan joined CAML on  
27 October 2011.

Background and experience

Background and experience

Background and experience

Background and experience

Background and experience

Background and experience

Background and experience

Background and experience

Nick has 40 years of mining 

Nigel is a member of the 

experience, including 16 years 

Institute of Chartered 

Howard is an experienced 

metallurgist with 35 years of 

spent within senior management 

Accountants in England & Wales 

experience in project 

positions in production and 

technical services in South 

and formerly a Royal Naval 

Officer in the Fleet Air Arm. 

development and mine 

operations management. 

Africa, Ghana and Saudi Arabia. 

Upon leaving the Royal Navy, he 

Formerly the COO of European 

qualified with KPMG where he 

Minerals Corporation, Howard 

stayed for a further three years 

led the technical development 

Nick served as the managing 

director of Oriel Resources plc 

until its acquisition by OAO 

Nigel Hurst-Brown is currently 

chief executive of Hotchkis and 

Wiley Ltd. Previously he was 

chairman of Lloyds Investment 

Managers between 1986 and 

1990 before becoming a 

director of Mercury Asset 

Management and later a 

Mechel for $1.5 billion in 2008. 

commerce. He worked for six 

Kazakhstan and prior to this had 

Lynch Investment Managers.  

before leaving to work in 

of a large copper – gold mine in 

managing director of Merrill 

In addition, Nick was managing 

years in management with 

director at Wardell Armstrong 

British Airways plc before 

leaving in 2002 to become  

more involved with smaller 

enterprises.

held senior level project and 

operational management 

positions with Ashanti 

Goldfields, Lonrho and Anglo 

American.

He is also a director of Borders  

& Southern Petroleum plc and  

a Fellow of The Institute of 

Chartered Accountants in 

England and Wales.

International Ltd, where he 

managed numerous 

multidisciplinary consulting 

projects in the resource sector. 

He is a graduate of Camborne 

School of Mines and a Chartered 

Engineer. Nick is also a non-

executive director of Columbus 

Copper Corporation and Wolf 

Minerals Ltd.

Robert Cathery was a member 
of the London Stock Exchange 
from 1967 to 2007 and was 
managing director and Head  
of Oil and Gas at Canaccord 
Europe. During his career in the 
City he was a director of Vickers 
da Costa and Schroders 
Securities and Head of 
Corporate Sales at SG Securities 
(London) Limited. He is currently 
a non-executive director of 
Salamander Energy plc and 
SOCO International plc. He is a 
founder shareholder of CAML.

Michael Price is a mining 
engineer and mining finance 
consultant with more than 35 
years of experience in mining 
and mining finance. Michael has 
extensive board experience and 
he is currently a non-executive 
director of Eldorado Gold Corp 
(TSX, NYSE), Asanko Gold 
Corporation (TSX) and Forbes 
and Manhattan Coal Corp (TSX).

Kenges Rakishev is a prominent 
business leader in Kazakhstan. 
He serves as chairman of the 
board of directors for a number 
of large companies including 
SAT & Company (KASE: SATC), a 
diversified industrial holding 
company, Jinsheng SAT (Tianjin) 
Commercial and Trading Co.Ltd, 
Baicheng Jinsheng Nickel 
Industry Co.Ltd, Taonan City 
Jinsheng Metallurgical Products 
Co.Ltd, Ulanhot Jinyuanda 
Heavy Chemical Industry 
Co.,Ltd. He also serves as 
chairman of NASDAQ-listed Net 
Element International, Inc. 
(NETE) and Chairman of BTA 
Bank JSC.

Nurlan is a Kazakhstani national 
and currently employed as 
executive director, Investment 
Banking Department at UBS 
(Kazakhstan). He has extensive 
experience in capital markets 
and has held a number of 
positions in Kazakhstan’s 
resource sector for Tau-Ken 
Samruk (the national mining 
company), Chambishi Metals 
PLC and ENRC. He holds 
Bachelor and Masters Degrees 
in Economics from the Moscow 
State Institute for International 
Relations (MGIMO).

Committee Membership

Committee Membership

CSR (Chair)

Audit / Remuneration

Committee Membership

Audit (Chair) / 
Remuneration (Chair) / CSR

Committee Membership

CSR

39

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate Governance Report

Board role and effectiveness
The Board of Directors comprises three Executive Directors and  
five Non-Executive Directors. The Board considers that all the 
Non-Executive Directors, other than Kenges Rakishev, are fully 
independent. Although Kenges Rakishev is not considered fully 
independent due to the transaction he is undertaking with the 
Company, he is considered otherwise independent including 
independent of management. Consequently, the Directors are of 
the opinion that the Board comprises a suitable balance of Executive 
and independent Directors in compliance with the QCA guidance.

The Board, through the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors 
as well as the Executive Directors, maintains regular contact with its 
advisors and seeks to ensure that it develops an understanding of 
the views of major shareholders about the Company.

The Board meets regularly throughout the year and is responsible 
for reviewing and approving the Company’s strategy and monitoring 
its financial activities and operating performance. Day-to-day 
management is delegated to the three Executive Directors who 
consult the wider Board on significant matters. Consequently, 
decisions are made promptly following consultation amongst the 
Directors concerned where necessary and appropriate.

All necessary information is supplied to the Directors on a timely 
basis to enable them to discharge their duties effectively and all 
Directors have access to independent professional advice at the 
Company’s expense, as and when required.

The Chairman is available to meet with institutional shareholders to 
discuss any issues and concerns regarding the Group’s governance. 
The participation of the private and institutional investors at the 
Annual General Meeting is welcomed by the Board.

Internal Controls
The Directors acknowledge their responsibility for the Company’s 
and the Group’s systems of internal controls, which are designed to 
safeguard the assets of the Group and ensure the reliability of 
financial information for both internal use and external publication. 
Overall control is achieved by a regular detailed reporting system 
covering both technical progress of a project and the state of the 
Group’s financial affairs.

Any system of internal controls can provide only reasonable, and  
not absolute, assurance that material financial irregularities will be 
detected or that the risk of failure to achieve business objectives  
is eliminated. The Directors consider that the system of internal 
controls operated effectively throughout the financial year and  
up to the date the financial statements were signed.

Based on the size and complexity of the Group, the Board of 
Directors does not consider that there is a need for an internal  
audit function.

40

Committees
The Board has specific Audit, CSR and Remuneration Committees 
covering three of the areas of the Group’s operation which the Board 
views as having key importance to the Group’s stakeholders. Each of  
these Committees have their own terms of reference which provide 
the necessary authorities for them to operate as they consider 
appropriate.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee comprises Dr Michael Price, Chairman, and 
Nigel Hurst-Brown, both of whom are considered independent 
Directors and attended all meetings of the Committee during the 
year. The Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities are to review 
the effectiveness of the Company’s systems of internal controls, to 
review with the external auditors the nature and scope of their audit 
and the results of the audit, and to evaluate and select external 
auditors and ensure their independence and objectivity.

In accordance with its terms of reference, the Audit Committee held 
meetings during the year with the auditors to review the plans for 
and the results of the audit of the 2013 accounts. The Chief 
Financial Officer and a representative of the external auditors are 
normally invited to attend the Committee’s meetings. Other 
Directors, staff and representatives of the external auditors may  
be invited to attend as considered beneficial by the Committee.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises Dr Michael Price, 
Chairman, and Nigel Hurst-Brown, both of whom are considered 
independent Non-Executive Directors and attended all meetings of 
the Committee during the year. The Remuneration Committee 
reviews the performance of the Executive Directors and sets the 
scale and structure of their remuneration and the basis of their 
service agreements with due regard to the interests of shareholders.

In determining the remuneration of Executive Directors, the 
Remuneration Committee seeks to enable the Company to attract 
and retain executives of the highest calibre. The Remuneration 
Committee also reviews the remuneration of other senior 
management. In addition, it decides whether to grant share awards 
in the Company and, if these are to be granted, who the recipients 
should be.

Under the Company’s share option schemes, nominal priced share 
options have been granted to the Executive Directors during the 
year as shown in note 35. The shares will generally vest one third 
each year after the date of grant subject to the achievement of any 
performance conditions to which the awards are subject.

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013The Company’s policy is to remunerate senior executives fairly in 
such a manner as to facilitate the recruitment, retention and 
motivation of staff. The Remuneration Committee agrees with the 
Board a framework for the remuneration of Executive Directors and 
senior management of the Company. The principal objectives of the 
Committee are to ensure that Executive Directors and members of 
the senior management of the Company are provided incentives to 
encourage enhanced performance and are, in a fair and responsible 
manner, rewarded for their individual contributions to the success of 
the Company.

Non-Executive Director fees are considered and agreed by the Board 
with no Director participating in any decision relating to his own 
remuneration.

Corporate and Social Responsibility Committee 
The Company has always been keenly focused on ensuring that the 
environmental and social aspects of its operations are managed to 
the highest possible standards. In recognition of this responsibility, a 
CSR Committee was established by the CAML Board in June 2012. 
The CSR Committee comprises Howard Nicholson, who is Chairman, 
Nurlan Zhakupov and Dr Michael Price. The CSR Committee is 
tasked with co-ordinating and managing CSR activities across the 
Group, further details of which are found on pages 32 to 35. 

A Group CSR policy has been developed and a copy of it can be 
found on the CAML website at www.centralasiametals.com.

Nominations Committee
The Directors are of the opinion that, given the size of the Company, 
there is no requirement for a separate Nominations Committee and 
that the Board takes on this responsibility as and when required.

Risk management
The effective management of risk is critical to the growth and 
profitability of the Group. The Group is exposed to a number of risks 
within its business and has a structured approach to identifying, 
analysing, managing and monitoring such risks. The principal risks 
and uncertainties are discussed in more detail on pages 14 to 16.

41

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and 
regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have prepared the 
Group and parent Company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union. Under company law, the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing these 
financial statements, the Directors are required to:

▲▲ select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
▲▲ make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
▲▲ state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the European Union have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and 

explained in the financial statements;

▲▲ prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in 

business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s transactions 
and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and the Group and enable them to ensure that the 
financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the 
Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

On behalf of the Board
Nigel Robinson
Chief Financial Officer
16 April 2014

42

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Directors’ Report
for the year ended 31 December 2013

The Directors present their report and the audited consolidated 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013.

Principal activities
Central Asia Metals plc (“CAML” or “the Company”) is the holding 
company for a group of companies (the “Group”) engaged in:

▲▲ the processing and subsequent production of copper cathodes, 

from secondary mining techniques;

▲▲ the identification, acquisition and development of base and 
precious metals deposits primarily in the Central Asia region  
but also worldwide.

CAML is domiciled and incorporated in the UK with the registration 
number 5559627 and the registered office is: Masters House,  
107 Hammersmith Road, London W14 0QH, United Kingdom. 

Review of business
A review of the current and future development of the Group’s 
business is given in the Strategic Report on pages 1 to 35 which 
forms part of, and by reference is incorporated in, this Directors’ 
Report.

During the year, two Extraordinary General Meetings were held by 
the Company. The first was for the approval of the capital reduction 
scheme (see page 74) and the second for the issue of shares to  
Mr Kenges Rakishev as part of the Kounrad Transaction (see pages 
9, 77 to 79). All resolutions proposed at these two meetings were 
passed. 

Financial risk management has been assessed within note 3.

Dividends
The Company’s dividend policy is that an annual dividend will be 
paid by the Company based on a minimum of 20% of the 
attributable revenues earned from its SX-EW copper project at 
Kounrad, Kazakhstan. The payments will be made by means of an 
interim and final dividend subject to the Company’s cash reserves 
providing a dividend cover of three times or greater.

During 2013, interim dividends of 3.3 pence and 4 pence per 
Ordinary Share of $0.01 each (“Share”) were paid on 1 February 
2013 and 15 November 2013 respectively. A special dividend of 3.7 
pence per Share was also paid on 1 February 2013. A final dividend 
of 3.7 pence per Share was paid on 29 May 2013.

The Directors recommend a final dividend for the year ended 
31 December 2013 of 5 pence per Share payable, subject to the 
approval of shareholders, on 20 June 2014 to those shareholders,  
on the Company’s register on 30 May 2014.

Directors and Directors’ interests
The Directors listed below served during the year and their interests 
in the issued share capital of the Company during the year were 
as follows:

Number of Shares

As at  
31 Dec  
2013

(Restated)
As at  
31 Dec  
2012

CN Hurst-Brown (Chairman)
RM Cathery1
MA Price2
N Clarke (Chief Executive Officer)
N Robinson (Chief Financial Officer)
H Nicholson (Technical Director)
N Zhakupov
K Rakishev3 (appointed 9 December 2013)

694,065

694,065
3,636,699 3,636,699
206,000
–
–
–
–
–

6,000
–
–
–
–
–

Total Directors’ Interests

4,336,764 4,536,764

1  267,445 shares held by Elizabeth Cathery, the wife of Robert Cathery; 2,189,254 Shares 
held by Robert Cathery; and 1,180,000 Shares held by Robert and Elizabeth Cathery are 
included in the above amounts.

2  These Shares are held by Shona Price, the wife of Dr. Michael Price.
3  Kenges Rakishev will hold 21,211,751 Shares upon completion of the Kounrad 

Transaction.

Several of the above Directors have also been issued shares as part 
of the EBT incentive scheme and details are contained in note 35.

There have been no changes in the beneficial interests of the 
Directors in the issued share capital of the Company between  
31 December 2013 and the date of this report.

At every annual general meeting (“AGM”), any Director who has 
been a Director at each of the two last AGMs and was not appointed 
or reappointed at either of those meetings, is required to retire and is 
eligible for reappointment. CN Hurst-Brown, N Clarke, N Robinson, 
RM Cathery and MA Price are therefore required to be appointed at 
the AGM. K Rakishev was appointed a director by the Board since 
last year’s AGM and accordingly retires and is being proposed for 
reappointment at the AGM. During the year, Directors’ and Officers’ 
liability insurance was maintained for Directors and other Officers  
of the Group.

43

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Directors’ Report (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

Director service contracts and appointment letters
The Executive Directors have entered into service contracts with the 
Company at the following salaries with effect from 1 January 2014.

Substantial Shareholding
At the date of this report the Company has been notified or is aware 
of the following interests in the Shares of the Company of 3% or 
more of the Company’s total issued share capital.

Nick Clarke 
Nigel Robinson 
Howard Nicholson 

£275,000
£175,000
£175,000

The Executive Directors service agreements are subject to notice 
periods of six months and the Company has the discretion to pay 
them in lieu of their notice period and also to place them on garden 
leave. In the event of a change of control of the Company by way of 
takeover or delisting the Executive Directors shall be entitled to 
receive a compensation payment of 12 months basic salary. Other 
fixed elements of the Executive Directors’ remuneration comprise 
private medical insurance and the service contracts also contain 
customary post termination restrictions.

Legal & General Group plc
Hargreave Hale
Commonwealth American Partners LLP
Montoya Investment Limited
Lansdowne Partners
D&A Income Limited
Majedie Asset Management
Miton Group Plc
Mr Robert Cathery1
Ogier Employee Benefit Trust2
Henderson Global Investors

Number of Shares

%

8,870,750 10.42
9.90
8,431,373
8.75
7,445,492
7.06
6,011,336
5.10
4,344,217
5.10
4,339,147
5.04
4,294,283
4.70
3,998,328
4.27
3,636,699
3.66
3,112,946
3.16
2,691,201

The Executive Directors are currently entitled to earn an annual 
bonus linked to their salary subject to the achievement of agreed 
performance targets and at the sole discretion of the CAML 
Remuneration Committee.

1  267,445 Shares held by Elizabeth Cathery, the wife of Robert Cathery; 2,189,254 Shares 
held by Robert Cathery; and 1,680,000 Shares held by Robert and Elizabeth Cathery are 
included in the above amounts.

2  Ogier EBT Shares are Shares held in trust on behalf of the CAML management team.

2013 Production Performance Bonus
The Executive Directors were entitled to production performance 
bonuses based on copper production output and the cost per unit of 
the production at Kounrad as agreed with the CAML Remuneration 
Committee.

The targets of the 2013 performance bonus were to produce  
10,000 tonnes of copper cathode and keep the C1 cash cost of 
production below $0.80/lb and as at 31 December 2013 it was 
assessed that these targets had been achieved and so production 
performance bonuses were paid. 

Non-Executive Fees
The Non-Executive Directors have each entered into appointment 
letters. Under the terms of these letters, the Non-Executive Directors 
are entitled to an annual fee as set out below.

Nigel Hurst-Brown 
Robert Cathery 
Michael Price 
Nurlan Zhakupov1 
Kenges Rakishev 

£50,000
£40,000
£50,000
£40,000
£40,000

1  Nurlan Zhakupov received a bonus of $20,000 in relation to the signing of the Kounrad 

Transaction.

The appointments are terminable by either party with one months’ 
written notice. The Company may pay the Non-Executive Directors 
in lieu of notice.

Mr Kenges Rakishev will hold 21,211,751 Shares upon completion of the Kounrad Transaction.

Policy and practice on payment of creditors
It is the Group’s policy to settle all amounts due to creditors in 
accordance with agreed terms and conditions, provided that the 
supplier has complied with all the trading terms and conditions. As 
at 31 December 2013, the Company had $208,219 (2012: $113,591) 
of trade payables which equated to approximately 39 creditor days 
(2012: 17 days).

Changes in Share Capital
There were no transactions during the year that increased the share 
capital of the Company and there were no movements of Shares in 
or out of Treasury. 

As at 31 December 2013, 1,318,929 (2012: 1,318,929) repurchased 
Shares $0.01 were held in Treasury pending their cancellation  
or possible use in the Company’s share option schemes. During the 
year, nil Shares were issued out of Treasury to satisfy the exercise  
of awards under the Company’s share option schemes.

In February 2014, 278,719 Shares were moved out of Treasury to 
satisfy the exercise of options under the Company’s share option 
schemes. 1,040,210 Shares are currently held in Treasury pending 
their cancellation or possible use in the Company employee share 
option schemes.

44

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013AGM Notice
Resolutions will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General 
Meeting, as set out in the formal Notice of Meeting which 
accompanies this Annual Report to shareholders.

Auditors and disclosure of information to auditors
Each Director in office at the date of approval of this report has 
confirmed that:

▲▲ So far as he is aware, there is no relevant audit information of 

which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and

▲▲ he has taken all reasonable steps that he ought to have taken as  
a Director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are 
aware of that information.

The auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, have indicated their 
willingness to continue in office, and a resolution that they be 
re-appointed will be proposed at the annual general meeting.

Charitable donations
During 2013 the Group’s two Kazakhstan based subsidiaries, Sary 
Kazna LLP and Kounrad Copper Company LLP, both made charitable 
donations.

Sary Kazna LLP made a donation of $6,341 (2012: $4,092) whilst 
Kounrad Copper Company LLP made donations totalling $72,591 
(2012: $34,836). The donations were primarily for support to local 
causes in the Kounrad and Balkhash area.

During the year the Group did not make any political donations.

Corporate governance
The Governance Report can be found on pages 36 to 42 of these 
financial statements. The Governance Report forms part of this 
Directors’ Report and is incorporated by cross-reference.

On behalf of the Board

Nigel Robinson
Chief Financial Officer
16 April 2014

45

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Central Asia Metals PLC

Report on the financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion:
▲▲ The financial statements, defined below, give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at  

31 December 2013 and of the Group’s profit and of the Group’s and Parent Company’s cash flows for the year then ended;

▲▲ The Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as 

adopted by the European Union;

▲▲ The Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and 

as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

▲▲ The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group 

financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

This opinion is to be read in the context of what we say in the remainder of this report.

What we have audited
The Group financial statements and Parent Company financial statements (the “financial statements”), which are prepared by Central Asia 
Metals plc, comprise:
▲▲ the Group Income Statement and Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year then ended;
▲▲ the Group and Parent Company Statements of Financial Position as at 31 December 2013;
▲▲ the Group and Parent Company Statements of Changes in Equity and Statements of Cash Flows for the year then ended; and
▲▲ the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation comprises applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union and, as regards the Parent Company, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

In applying the financial reporting framework, the directors have made a number of subjective judgements, for example in respect of 
significant accounting estimates. In making such estimates, they have made assumptions and considered future events.

What an audit of financial statements involves
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (ISAs (UK & Ireland)). An audit involves 
obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial 
statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of:
▲▲ whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s and Parent Company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied 

and adequately disclosed;

▲▲ the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Directors; and 
▲▲ the overall presentation of the financial statements.

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report and Accounts (the “Annual Report”) to identify 
material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based 
on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent 
material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

Other matters on which we are required to report by exception
Adequacy of accounting records and information and explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
▲▲ we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
▲▲ adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 

branches not visited by us; or

▲▲ the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with 

the accounting records and returns.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law 
have not been made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

46

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those of the Directors 
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 42, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of 
the Group and Parent Company financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the Group and Parent Company financial statements in accordance with applicable 
law and ISAs (UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of 
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any 
other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior 
consent in writing.

Alison Baker
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London

16 April 2014

47

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Consolidated Income Statement
for the year ended 31 December

Continuing operations
Gross revenue

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit

Distribution and selling costs
Administrative expenses
Other (expenses)/income
Exchange rate differences gain/(loss)

Operating profit

Finance income
Finance costs
Gain on re-measuring to fair value the existing interest in KCC on acquisition of control

Profit before income tax
Income tax 

Profit for the year from continuing operations

Discontinued operations
Loss from discontinued operations

Profit for the year

Profit attributable to:
 – Owners of the parent

Earnings/(loss) per share from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to 

owners of the parent during the year (expressed in cents per share)

Basic earnings/(loss) per share
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

From profit for the year

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

From profit for the year

Group

2013
$’000

Note

6

6
7

8
9

16

13
13
33 

14

20

15

15

2012
$’000

30,656

29,560
(5,770)

23,789

(194)
(8,509)
317
(409)

14,995

8
(220)
–

14,783
(4,477)

10,306

(512)

9,794

54,090

51,483
(13,778)

37,705

(357)
(9,562)
(32)
159

27,913

17
(412)
27,835

55,353
(6,712)

48,641

(14,149)

34,492

34,492

9,794

54.85
(15.96)

38.89

52.69
(15.96)

37.36

12.01
(0.60)

11.42

11.63
(0.60)

11.03

The Company has elected to take the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present the parent company Income 
Statement or Statement of Comprehensive Income. The loss for the parent Company for the year was $21,086,497 (2012: $10,423,483).

48

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 31 December

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive expense:
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss
Currency translation differences

Other comprehensive expense for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:
 – Owners of the parent
 – Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to equity shareholders arises from:
 – Continuing operations
 – Discontinuing operations

Note

25

2013
$’000

34,492

(722)

(722)

33,770

33,770
–

33,770

48,702
(14,932)

33,770

2012
$’000

9,794

(1,355)

(1,355)

8,439

8,439
–

8,439

9,095
(656)

8,439

During 2013 the Group had no balances attributable to non-controlling interests (2012: nil). Items in the statement above are disclosed net 
of tax.

49

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Financial Position
at 31 December

Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investments
Trade and other receivables

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents

Assets of disposal group classified as held for sale

Total assets

Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Ordinary Shares
Share premium 
Treasury shares
Other reserves (restated)
Retained earnings

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liability
Provisions for other liabilities and charges
Borrowings

Current liabilities
Obligations under finance leases
Trade and other payables

Liabilities of disposal group classified as held for sale

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Group

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

Company

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

Note

17
18
19
21

22
21
23
23

20

24
24

25, 26

36
28

27

20

77,716
16,693
–
17,090

111,499

3,916
1,402
1,734
42,774

49,826

186

50,012

161,511

862
–
(4,100)
44,140
94,827

135,729

–

20,287
7,474
4,006
12,343

44,110

2,592
2,885
–
33,855

39,332

8,131

47,462

91,573

862
61,431
(4,236)
4,347
8,626

71,030

–

198
–
7,990
11,216

19,404

–
30,131
1,649
28,932

60,712

–

60,712

80,116

862
–
(4,100)
44,588
36,752

78,102

–

10
1,000
5,042
45,403

51,455

–
213
–
28,231

28,444

100

28,544

79,999

862
61,431
(4,236)
4,218
6,612

68,887

–

135,729

71,030

78,102

68,887

9,652
3,667
–

13,319

–
11,860

11,860

603

12,463

25,782

161,511

272
2,139
150

2,561

19
17,186

17,205

777

17,982

20,543

91,573

–
–
–

–

–
2,014

2,014

–

2,014

2,014

80,116

–
–
–

–

–
11,112

11,112

–

11,112

11,112

79,999

The notes on pages 54 to 81 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The financial statements on pages 48 to 81 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 16 April 2014 and were signed on its behalf.

Nick Clarke 
Chief Executive Officer 

Central Asia Metals plc
Registered no. 5559627.

50

Nigel Robinson
Chief Financial Officer

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 December

Attributable to owners of the parent

Note

Balance as at 1 January 2012  
(as previously reported)

Effect of prior period restatement

At 1 January 2012 (restated)

Total comprehensive  
(expense)/income

Transactions with owners
Share based payments
Forfeited options
Reversal of stock option grants
Purchase of treasury shares
Transfer of interest in JV
Dividends
Sale of treasury shares

Total transactions with owners, 
recognised directly in equity

Balance as at 

 31 December 2012 (restated)

Total comprehensive  
(expense)/income

Transactions with owners
Share based payments
Forfeited options
Capital reduction
Promise of shares to be issued to  
KR on the completion of KCC

Dividends
Sale of Mongolian assets
Correction to treasury shares

Total transactions with owners, 
recognised directly in equity

25

9, 25
25
25
24

32
25

25

9, 25
25
24

25

25

Ordinary
 Shares
$’000

Share
 Premium
$’000

Treasury
 Shares 
$’000

862

–

862

61,431

(2,304)

–

–

61,431

(2,304)

Other
 Reserves
$’000

4,717

1,383

6,100

Retained
 Earnings
$’000

872

(1,383)

(511)

Total
 Equity
$’000

65,578

–

65,578

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

(1,355)

9,794

8,439

–
–
–
(1,982)
–
–
50

(1,932)

505
(126)
(777)
–
–
–
–

(398)

–
–
777
–
8,168
(9,602)
–

505
(126)
–
(1,982)
8,168
(9,602)
50

(657)

(2,987)

862

61,431

(4,236)

4,347

8,626

71,030

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
(61,431)

–
–
–
–

(61,431)

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
136

136

Balance as at 31 December 2013

862

–

(4,100)

During 2013 the Group had no balances attributable to non-controlling interests (2012: nil).

(722)

34,492

33,770

1,588
(346)
–

39,409
–
–
(136)

40,515

44,140

–
–
61,431

–
(10,204)
482
–

1,588
(346)
–

39,409
(10,204)
482
–

51,709

94,827

30,929

135,729

51

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 December

Company

Note

Balance as at 1 January 2012  

(as previously reported)

Effect of prior period restatement

At 1 January 2012 (restated)

Total comprehensive expense

Transactions with owners
Share based payments
Forfeited options
Reversal of stock option grants
Purchase of treasury shares
Dividends
Sale of treasury shares

Total transactions with owners, 
recognised directly in equity

Balance as at  

31 December 2012 (restated)

Total comprehensive expense

Transactions with owners
Share based payments
Forfeited options
Capital reduction
Promise of shares to be issued to  
KR on the completion of KCC

Dividends
Correction to treasury shares

Total transactions with owners, 
recognised directly in equity

9, 25
25
25
24

25

9, 25
25
24

25

25

Ordinary
 Shares
$’000

Share
 Premium
$’000

Treasury
 Shares
$’000

862

–

862

61,431

(2,304)

–

–

61,431

(2,304)

Other
 Reserves
$’000

3,237

1,383

4,620

Retained
Earnings
$’000

27,243

(1,383)

25,860

Total
 Equity
$’000

90,469

–

90,469

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

(4)

(10,423)

(10,427)

–
–
–
(1,982)
–
50

505
(126)
(777)
–
–
–

–
–
777
–
(9,602)
–

505
(126)
–
(1,982)
(9,602)
50

(1,932)

(398)

(8,825)

(11,155)

862

61,431

(4,236)

–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
(61,431)

–
–
–

(61,431)

–

–
–
–

–
–
136

136

4,218

(145)

1,588
(346)
–

39,409
–
(136)

40,515

44,588

6,612

68,887

(21,087)

(21,232)

–
–
61,431

–
(10,204)
–

51,227

36,752

1,588
(346)
–

39,409
(10,204)
–

30,447

78,102

Balance as at 31 December 2013

862

–

(4,100)

During 2013 the Group had no balances attributable to non-controlling interests (2012: nil).

52

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Cash Flows 
for the year ended 31 December

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(used in) operations
Interest paid
Income tax paid
Receipt from sale of project Kenes

Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Lost buyer deposit (Ereen)
Payment to minorities (Tochtar)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Investment in Kounrad project
Investment in Copper Bay project
Loans to JV Partners/Subsidiaries
Interest received
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired

Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to owners of the parent
Restricted cash
Receipt of third party loan – Alag Bayan
Purchase of treasury shares

Net cash used in financing activity

Exchange losses/(gains) on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Note

29
13, 20

17

18
19
19
35
13, 20
33

32
23

24

20, 29
20, 29

Group 
As at 31 December

Company 
As at 31 December 

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

41,080
(190)
(5,533)
–

35,357

–
–
(2,464)
9
(5,750)
–
–
–
17
3,293

(4,895)

(19,739)
(1,734)
–
–

(21,473)

(65)
8,924
33,871

42,795

28,037
(361)
(9)
200

27,867

100
(500)
(5,438)
31
(1,150)
(1,267)

–
15
–

(8,209)

–
–
150
(1,983)

(1,833)

3
17,828
16,043

33,871

(6,281)
(9)
–
–

(6,290)

–
–
(207)
–
(50)
(502)
(3,222)
32,360
–
–

28,379

(19,739)
(1,649)
–
–

(21,388)

1
701
28,231

28,932

(4,796)
(9)
–
–

(4,805)

100
–
(11)
–
(550)
(1,267)
–
21,256
–
–

19,528

–
–
–
(1,983)

(1,983)

–
12,740
15,491

28,231

The notes on pages 54 to 81 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

53

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2013

1.  General information
Central Asia Metals plc (“CAML” or the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) are a mining and exploration organisation with 
operations primarily in Kazakhstan and a parent holding company based in the United Kingdom.

The Group’s principal business activity is the production of copper cathode at its Kounrad operations in Kazakhstan. The Group also owns 
various exploration projects in Mongolia which are held for sale and has recently invested in a copper tailings project in Chile.

CAML is a public limited company, which is listed on the Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) of the London Stock Exchange Plc and 
incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is Masters House, 107 Hammersmith Road, London, W14 0QH.  
The Company’s registered number is 5559627.

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have 
been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Basis of Preparation
The Group’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Finance Reporting standards (“IFRS”) 
as adopted by the European Union, IFRIC Interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The 
consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with the exception of assets held for sale which 
have been held at fair value. The accounting policies which follow set out those policies which apply in preparing the financial statements for 
the year ended 31 December 2013. The Group financial statements are presented in US Dollars ($).

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of 
judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are explained 
in note 4.

The Group commenced production of copper cathodes on 30 April 2012. The cathodes are produced by the SX-EW plant at Kounrad which is 
owned and operated by Kounrad Copper Company LLP. Consequently during 2012 the cost of sales and distribution and selling costs refer to 
only eight months of operations.

On 21 October 2013, the ownership of Kounrad Copper Company LLP increased from 60% to 100% following the acquisition of 40% of 
KCC. Consequently, the results for 2013 comprise only 60% of the revenues and costs for the first nine months of the year but 100% for the 
final three months of the year.

The impact of the above two events make annual comparisons difficult from the annually reported numbers in several of the notes to the 
accounts. A more meaningful analysis of the reported revenues and costs can be obtained from the Strategic Report on page 29.

Where a change in the presentational format between the prior year and current year financial statements has been made during the year, 
comparative figures have been restated accordingly.

Going concern
The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements though its profitable operations at Kounrad. The Group has substantial cash 
balances as at 31 December 2013 and on the date of issue these financial statements. Management’s cash flow projections indicate that 
Group’s cash resources are adequate to meet all expected liabilities for the forseeable future.

The Group therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its consolidated financial statements. Please refer to notes 6, 
23 and 27 for information on the Group’s revenues, cash balances and trade and other payables.

▲▲ New and amended standards adopted by the Group
The following standards have been adopted by the Group for the first time for the financial year beginning on or after 1 January 2013 and 
have a material impact on the Group:

Amendment to IAS 1, ‘Financial statement presentation’ regarding other comprehensive income. The main change resulting from these 
amendments is a requirement for entities to group items presented in ‘other comprehensive income’ (OCI) on the basis of whether they are 
potentially re-classifiable to profit or loss subsequently (reclassification adjustments).

Amendment to IFRS 7, ‘Financial instruments: Disclosures’, on asset and liability offsetting. This amendment includes new disclosures to 
facilitate comparison between those entities that prepare IFRS financial statements to those that prepare financial statements in 
accordance with US GAAP.

IFRS 13, ‘Fair value measurement’, aims to improve consistency and reduce complexity by providing a precise definition of fair value and a 
single source of fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for use across IFRSs. The requirements, which are largely aligned 
between IFRSs and US GAAP, do not extend the use of fair value accounting but provide guidance on how it should be applied where its use 
is already required or permitted by other standards within IFRSs.

54

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Amendments to IAS 36, ‘Impairment of assets’, on the recoverable amount disclosures for non-financial assets. This amendment removed 
certain disclosures of the recoverable amount of CGUs which had been included in IAS 36 by the issue of IFRS 13. The amendment is not 
mandatory for the group until 1 January 2014, however the Group has decided to early adopt the amendment as of 1 January 2013.

▲▲ New standards and interpretations not yet adopted
A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning after 1 January 
2013, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statement. None of these is expected to have a significant effect 
on the consolidated financial statements of the Group, except the following set out below:

IFRS 9, ‘Financial instruments’, addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. IFRS 9 
was issued in November 2009 and October 2010. It replaces the parts of IAS 39 that relate to the classification and measurement of 
financial instruments. IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified into two measurement categories: those measured as at fair value and 
those measured at amortised cost. The determination is made at initial recognition.

The classification depends on the entity’s business model for managing its financial instruments and the contractual cash flow 
characteristics of the instrument. For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the IAS 39 requirements. The main change is that, in 
cases where the fair value option is taken for financial liabilities, the part of a fair value change due to an entity’s own credit risk is recorded in 
other comprehensive income rather than the income statement, unless this creates an accounting mismatch. The standard is not expected 
to have material impact on the Group.

IFRS 10, ‘Consolidated financial statements’ builds on existing principles by identifying the concept of control as the determining factor in 
whether an entity should be included within the consolidated financial statements of the parent company. The standard provides additional 
guidance to assist in the determination of control where this is difficult to assess. The standard is not mandatory for the group until 
1 January 2014. The standard is not expected to have material impact on the Group.

IFRS 12, ‘Disclosures of interests in other entities’ includes the disclosure requirements for all forms of interests in other entities, including 
joint arrangements, associates, structured entities and other off balance sheet vehicles. The standard is not mandatory for the group until 
1 January 2014. The standard is not expected to have material impact on the Group.

IFRS 11, ‘Joint arrangements’ focuses on the rights and obligations of the parties to the arrangement rather than its legal form. There are 
two types of joint arrangements: joint operations and joint ventures. Joint operations arise where the investors have rights to the assets  
and obligations for the liabilities of an arrangement. A joint operator accounts for its share of the assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses.  
Joint ventures arise where the investors have rights to the net assets of the arrangement; joint ventures are accounted for under the equity 
method. Proportional consolidation of joint arrangements is no longer permitted. The standard is not mandatory for the group until  
1 January 2014 and not material.

IFRIC 21, ‘Levies’, sets out the accounting for an obligation to pay a levy that is not income tax. The interpretation addresses what the 
obligating event is that gives rise to pay a levy and when should a liability be recognised. The Group is not currently subjected to significant 
levies so the impact on the Group is not material.

There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the Group.

Basis of Consolidation
Joint Venture Accounting – Kounrad Project
The Kounrad Project ownership changes have taken a significant amount of time to complete. Throughout the periods of joint ownership 
and under the terms of the JOA, both of the parties had an equal vote on all significant operational, financial and planning matters. 
Consequently, it was concluded that Joint Control existed over the Kounrad project and so, whilst the various transactions have been 
negotiated and submitted for government approval, the Kounrad Project has been accounted for in the following manner;

1.   The sub soil user licence operations under SK are classified as a jointly controlled asset. The assets, liabilities, income and expenditure 

have been proportionately consolidated on a 60:40 basis.

2.   All of the operations conducted under Kounrad Copper Company LLP have also been proportionately consolidated on a 60:40 basis as it 

has been a jointly owned legal entity. During 2013 the Group took advantage of the EU exemption which enabled it to delay 
implementing revised accounting standards under IFRS 11 for joint entities.

Business Combinations – Kounrad Project
Throughout 2013 the above Joint Venture Accounting has remained in place although it is recognised that the completion of both 
transactions (KCC and SUC) will result in a change in control of the Kounrad Project from joint control to control by CAML.

As such an IFRS 3 “Business Combination” will be deemed to have taken place upon completion.

Details of the accounting treatment for the business combination are contained in note 33.

55

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

Other CAML Subsidiaries
The Group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of CAML and the entities it controls drawn up to 31 December 2013.

Subsidiaries are all entities (including special purpose entities) over which the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating 
policies generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one half of the voting rights. The existence and effect of potential voting 
rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the Group controls another entity. Subsidiaries are 
fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group. The cost of an acquisition is 
measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange, plus 
costs directly attributable to the acquisition. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business 
combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any minority interest. The excess 
of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of 
acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the 
income statement.

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised losses/gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised 
losses/gains are also eliminated but considered an impairment indicator of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have 
been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests represent the portion of profit or loss and net assets in subsidiaries that are not held by the Group and are 
presented separately within equity in the consolidated balance sheet distinct from parent shareholders equity.

Where losses are incurred by a partially owned subsidiary, they are consolidated such that the non-controlling interests’ share in the losses is 
apportioned in the same way as profits. Where the subsidiary makes continuing losses such that the non-controlling interests’ share of the 
losses in a period exceeds its interest in equity, the allocation of losses to the minority ceases and the loss is allocated against the parent 
company holding.

Where profits are then made in future periods, such profits are then allocated to the parent company until all unrecognised losses 
attributable to the non-controlling interests but absorbed by the parent are recovered at which point, profits are allocated as normal.

Segment reporting
As at 31 December 2013, the Group only had one business segment consisting of an SX-EW copper plant at Kounrad in Kazakhstan.  
The Group operations are controlled from a head office in London, UK but this does not represent a separate business segment.

Foreign currency translation
The functional currency for each entity in the Group is determined as the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates 
(“the functional currency”). The consolidated financial statements are presented in US Dollars, which is the Group’s presentation currency.

Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are initially recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary 
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the functional currency rate of exchange ruling at the reporting 
date. All differences are taken to the income statement.

The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are 
translated into the presentation currency as follows:

▲▲ Assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of the balance sheet;
▲▲ Income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates; and
▲▲ All resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are taken to shareholders’ 
equity. On disposal of a foreign entity, the deferred cumulative amount recognised in equity relating to that particular foreign operation is 
recognised in the income statement.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and 
translated at the closing rate.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost comprises the 
aggregate amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration given to acquire the asset and includes costs directly attributable to 
making the asset capable of operating as intended.

The cost of the item also includes the cost of decommissioning any buildings or plant and equipment and making good the site, where a 
present obligation exists to undertake the restoration work.

56

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment on a straight-line basis over its expected useful life as follows:

▲▲ Construction in progress 
▲▲ Plant and Equipment 
▲▲ Motor Vehicles 
▲▲ Office Equipment 

– not depreciated
– over 5 to 15 years
– over 5 to 10 years
– over 2 to 10 years

Construction in progress is not depreciated until transferred to other classes of property, plant and equipment.

The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate the 
carrying value may not be recoverable, and are written down immediately to their recoverable amount. Useful lives and residual values are 
reviewed annually and where adjustments are required these are made prospectively.

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from  
the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on de-recognition of the asset is included in the income statement.

Intangible assets
Intangible assets comprise goodwill, deferred exploration and evaluation costs, mining licences and permits and computer software.

Goodwill
All business combinations in the Group are accounted for under IFRS 3 using the purchase method. Any excess of cost of the business 
combination over the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities is recognised in the 
statement of financial position as goodwill and is not amortised. To the extent that the net fair value of the acquired entity’s identifiable assets, 
liabilities and contingent liabilities is greater than the cost of the investment, a gain is recognised immediately in the income statement.

After initial recognition, goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses, with the carrying value being reviewed for 
impairment, at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.

On the acquisition of a subsidiary, the purchase consideration is allocated to the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities on the basis of 
their fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of identifiable net 
assets of the subsidiary acquired is recognised as positive goodwill.

Goodwill arising on acquisition comprised $9,278,000, being the Group’s 40 per cent share of the amount calculated in accordance with IFRS 
to recognise a deferred tax liability on the difference between the provisional fair value of the newly consolidated assets and liabilities with 
their tax base. This deferred tax liability was calculated on the acquisition of the additional 40% in Kounrad Copper Company LLP on 
21 October 2013 (note 33).

Any excess of the fair value of the Group’s share of identifiable net assets of the subsidiary exceed the cost of the acquisition is recognised 
directly in the income statement.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the cash generating unit expected to benefit from the business combination 
in which the goodwill arose. Where the recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount, including goodwill, an impairment loss is 
recognised in the income statement.

The carrying amount of goodwill allocated to an entity is taken into account when determining the gain or loss on disposal of the unit.

Deferred exploration and evaluation expenditure
Capitalised costs include costs directly related to any Group exploration and evaluation activities in the relevant area of interest. Exploration 
and evaluation expenditure capitalised includes acquisition of rights to explore, topographical, geological, geochemical and geophysical 
studies, exploration drilling, trenching, sampling and activities in relation to the evaluation of the technical feasibility and commercial 
viability of extracting a mineral resource.

Mining licences, permits and computer software
The historical cost model is applied, with intangible assets being carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment 
losses. Intangible assets with a finite life have no residual value and are amortised on a straight line basis over their expected useful lives with 
charges included in either cost of sales or administrative expenses:

▲▲ Computer software 
▲▲ Permits and Mining licences 

– over 2 to 5 years
– over the duration of the legal agreement.

The carrying value of intangible assets is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value 
may not be recoverable.

57

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

Impairment of non-financial assets
The Group carries out impairment testing on all assets when there exists an indication of an impairment. If any such indication exists the 
Group makes an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount. An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or cash-generating 
unit’s fair value less costs to sell or its value in use.

Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its 
recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects 
current market assessments of the time value of money and risks specific to the asset.

The best evidence of an asset’s fair value is the value obtained from an active market or binding sale agreement. Where neither exists, fair 
value less costs to sell is based on the best available information to reflect the amount the Group could receive for the cash-generating unit 
in an arm’s length sale. In some cases this is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis.

A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed if the recoverable amount increases as a result of a reversal of the conditions that 
originally resulted in the impairment. This reversal is recognised in the income statement and is limited to the carrying amount that would 
have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognised in prior years.

Goodwill is also reviewed annually, as well as whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be 
recoverable. Non-financial assets other than goodwill which have suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the 
impairment at each reporting date.

Disposal groups held for sale
Non-current assets are classified as held for sale and included in discontinuing operations when their carrying amount is to be recovered 
principally through a sale transaction and a sale is considered highly probable. They are stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair 
value less costs to sell if their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use.

Revenue recognition
Revenue represents the fair value of consideration received from sales of metal to an end user, net of any value added tax. It is measured as 
the consideration received for the metal after deduction of sales commissions and any other taxes. The value of the consideration is fair 
value which equates to the spot price on the date of sale or the contractually agreed price.

Gross revenue excludes customer discounts and other similar fees, which are required to be offset against revenue in accordance with IAS 18.

Revenue is only recognised at the point when the following criteria are satisfied:

▲▲ The significant risks and rewards of ownership of the product have been transferred to the buyer;
▲▲ No managerial control remains over the metal product; and
▲▲ The amount of revenue earned can be accurately measured.

Inventory
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average method.

The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprises raw materials, direct labour and all other direct costs associated with mining the 
ore and processing it to a saleable product.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less any further costs expected to be incurred to 
completion. Provision is made, if necessary, for slow moving, obsolete and defective inventory.

Current and deferred income tax
The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date in the 
countries where the Group’s subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities 
and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, the deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial 
recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting 
nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet 
date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are only recognised when they arise from timing differences where their recoverability in the short term is regarded as 
being probable.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original 
maturities of three months or less.

58

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Investments
Investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost less amounts to be written off.

Share capital
Ordinary Shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction, 
net of tax, from the proceeds.

Share based compensation
The Group operates two main Share Option Plans, the rules of which were approved by the Board in December 2007 and October 2011.  
A scheme similar in details to the one approved in October 2011 was also set up for the two overseas General Directors with the only 
difference being a specific two year vesting period as opposed to a three year vesting period. The fair value of the employee services 
received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognised as an expense. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference 
to the fair value of the options granted, excluding the impact of any non-market service and performance vesting conditions. Non-market 
vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to vest. The total amount expensed is 
recognised over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied. At each reporting 
date, the entity revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the non-marketing vesting conditions. It 
recognises the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in the income statement, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium 
when the options are exercised.

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables do not carry interest and are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment.

Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are not interest bearing and are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest method.

Provisions
Provisions for environmental restoration of mining operations are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation 
as a result of past events; it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and the amount can be reliably 
estimated. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses.

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that 
reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to 
passage of time is recognised as interest expense.

3.  Financial risk management
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks; foreign currency exchange risk, commodity price risk, tax risk, liquidity risk, 
capital risk, credit risk and interest rate risk. There risks are mitigated wherever possible by the Group’s financial management policies and 
practices described below;

Foreign currency exchange risk
The Group and Company report their financial results in US dollars and consequently they are exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from 
various currency exposures with respect to the US Dollar. Foreign currency exchange risk arises from both future commercial transactions 
where projected expenditures are sourced in currencies other than US dollars and from the resulting exchange gains and losses recognised 
on assets and liabilities and net investments in foreign operations within the Group accounts.

The Group manages its exposure to foreign currency exchange risk associated with material commercial transactions and working capital 
requirements by maintaining controlled amounts of cash in the required currencies.

The primarily Group currency requirements:

▲▲ British Pounds (GBP) – CAML head office overheads and dividends
▲▲ Kazakhstan Tenge (KZT) and US dollars (USD) – working capital requirements for the Kounrad operations

The Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) and European Euro (EUR) requirements are immaterial to the Group’s operations.

The Group’s main revenue stream from the sale of copper cathode in Kazakhstan is denominated in US dollars.

59

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

The following table highlights the major currencies the Group operates in and the movements against the dollar during the course of 
the year:

Average Rate
2013

2012

2013

2012

Movement

Reporting Date Spot Rate

Kazakhstan Tenge (KZT)
Mongolian Tugrik (MNT)
British Pound (GBP)

152.14
1,523.93
0.640

149.19
1,358.99
0.631

153.61
1,654.10
0.607

150.74
1,392.10
0.619

1.90%
18.82%
-1.94%

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk, based on US dollar equivalent carrying amounts at the reported date:

In $’000 equivalent

Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables

Net exposure

In $’000 equivalent

Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables

Net exposure

GBP

117
3,297
(2,014)

1,400

GBP

213
372
(11,104)

(10,519)

USD

214
40,630
(26)

40,818

USD

12,352
33,281
(37)

45,596

Group
2013

KZT

18,161
564
(9,758)

8,967

Group

2012

KZT

2,663
158
(6,986)

(3,165)

MNT

74
21
(50)

45

MNT

127
12
(34)

105

EUR

–
17
(62)

(45)

EUR

–
48
(60)

(12)

The Company’s exposure to foreign currency risk,based on US dollar equivalent carrying amounts at the reported date:

In $’000 equivalent

Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables

Net exposure

Company

2013

GBP

41,347
3,297
(2,014)

42,630

USD

–
27,283
–

27,283

2012

GBP

213
372
(11,104)

(10,519)

USD

45,403
27,859
(8)

73,254

The Group does not have any difference between book value and fair values for trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents and 
trade and other payables.

The tables below analyses the Group’s and Company’s trade and other receivables based on remaining period at the reporting date to 
contractual maturity date.

As at 31 December 2013

Trade and other receivables

As at 31 December 2012

Trade and other receivables

As at 31 December 2013

Trade and other receivables

As at 31 December 2012

Trade and other receivables

Less than 1 year
$’000

1-2 years
$’000

2-5 years
$’000

More than 5 years
$’000

Total
$’000

Group

1,402

17,090

2,885

12,343

–

–

 Company

–

–

18,492

15,228

Less than 1 year
$’000

1-2 years
$’000

2-5 years
$’000

More than 5 years
$’000

Total
$’000

30,131

11,216

213

45,403

–

–

–

–

41,347

45,616

All Group’s and Company’s trade and other payables are less than one year for both reporting periods.

60

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
Commodity price risk
Commodity price risk is the risk that the Group’s future earnings will be adversely impacted by changes in the market prices of commodities, 
primarily copper. Management is aware of this impact on its primary revenue stream but knows that there is little it can do to influence the 
price earned apart from a hedging scheme.

Given the low costs of production and the absence of any debt liabilities within the Group, since the commencement of production in late 
April 2012, CAML management has always felt that a hedging policy was not required and sold the copper generally on a “spot” basis.

Given the recent volatility in the copper price, the CAML Board is reviewing its position with regard to the possible hedging of copper sales. 
No decision has yet been taken to change the current approach and the CAML Board will continue to monitor this throughout 2014.

Impact of a 10% change from year-end copper price:

10% increase in copper price

10% decrease in copper price

Estimated Effect on Earnings and Equity
2012
$’000

2013
$’000

5,435

(5,435)

2,889

(2,889)

Tax risk
The taxation systems in Kazakhstan are at an early stage of development. The interpretation and application of tax laws and regulations are 
evolving, which significantly increases the risks with respect to mining and subsoil use operations, and the Group’s investments in Kazakhstan 
in comparison with more developed tax systems.

Tax legislation is subject to different and changing interpretations, as well as inconsistent enforcement. Tax regulation and compliance is 
subject to review and investigation by the authorities who may impose extremely severe fines, penalties and interest charges. The fact that 
the tax authorities have conducted an audit of a particular period does not prevent them from revisiting that period and raising an 
additional assessment.

In addition, Kazakhstan’s tax system does not recognise the concept of tax authorities giving legally binding rulings on tax issues that are 
put before them. The inconsistent enforcement and the evolution of Kazakhstan tax laws creates a risk of excessive payment of tax or 
penalties by the subsoil users if they fail to comply with tax legislation.

The Group manages this risk by complying locally with all tax regulations and ensuring that its local accounting staff are adequately trained 
and updated regarding any appropriate tax law changes. CAML also receives tax advice on local issues from its tax advisers, PwC Chartered 
Accountants and Statutory Auditors, in Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk relates to the ability of the Group and Company to meet future obligations and financial liabilities as and when they fall due.

As the Group currently has sufficient cash resources and material income stream from the Kounrad project, the liquidity risk is 
considered insignificant.

Capital risk
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns 
for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal structure to reduce the cost of capital.

The Group manages its capital in order to provide sufficient funds for the Group’s activities. Future capital requirements are regularly 
assessed and Board decisions taken as to the most appropriate source for obtaining the required funds, be it through internal revenue 
streams, external fund raising, issuing new shares or selling assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust 
the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

Due to the cash flows being generated at Kounrad from the sale of copper cathode and no debt, the Group’s capital risk is currently 
perceived as minimal although the Board will continue to monitor requirements prudently.

Credit management
Credit risk refers to the risk that the Group and Company’s financial assets will be impaired by the default of a third party. The Group and 
Company are exposed to credit risk primarily on its cash and cash equivalents as set out in note 23 and on its trade and other receivables as 
set out in note 21.

The Directors have considered the credit exposures and do not consider that they pose a material risk at the present time. The credit risk for 
cash and cash equivalents is managed by ensuring that all surplus funds are deposited only with financial institutions with high quality 
credit ratings.

The Group is exposed to the risk of not recovering VAT receivable from Kazakhstan tax authorities as set out in note 21.

61

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

Interest rate risk
The Group has no borrowings as at 31 December 2013 (2012: $150,000). The Group is funded 100% by equity and has limited exposure to 
interest rate risk.

4.  Critical accounting estimates and judgments
The Group has four key areas where critical accounting estimates and judgements are required that could have a material impact on the 
financial statements:

Impairment
As mentioned above estimates are required periodically to assess assets for impairment. These estimates will incorporate the expected 
future commodity prices, estimates of the ore reserves and projected future costs of development and production. This includes an 
assessment of the carrying values of assets held for sale.

The carrying value of the goodwill generated by accounting for the business combination of the Group acquiring an additional 40% in the 
Kounrad Project requires an annual impairment review. This review will determine whether the value of the goodwill can be justified by 
reference to the carrying value of the business assets and the future discounted cash flows of the business.

Mineral reserves and resources
The major value associated with the Group is the value of its mineral resources. These resources are the Group’s best estimate of product 
that can be economically and legally extracted from the relevant mining property. The Group’s estimates are supported by geological 
studies and drilling samples to determine the quantity and grade of each deposit.

Significant judgement is required to generate an estimate based on the geological data available. Ore resource estimates may vary from 
period to period. This judgement has a significant impact on impairment consideration and the period over which capitalised assets are 
depreciated within the financial statements.

The resources have been independently verified by Wardell Armstrong International and were classified as JORC Compliant in 2013.

Decommissioning and site rehabilitation estimates
Provision is made for the costs of decommissioning and site rehabilitation costs when the related environmental disturbance takes place. 
Provisions are recognised at the net present value of future expected costs using discount rate of 6.40% (2012: 6.86%).

The provision recognised represents management’s best estimate of the costs that will be incurred, but significant judgement is required as 
many of these costs will not crystallise until the end of the life of the mine. Estimates are reviewed annually and are based on current 
contractual and regulatory requirements and the estimated useful life of mines. Engineering and feasibility studies are undertaken 
periodically; however significant changes in the estimates of contamination, restoration standards and techniques will result in changes to 
provisions from period to period.

Business combination
The Kounrad Transaction will ultimately result in the Group acquiring the 40% of the joint venture project at Kounrad that it did not 
previously own. The assessment of the fair value uplift of the underlying assets acquired and the treatment of the two legal entities involved 
in the project as at the 31 December 2013 period end required a high degree of judgement.

The assessment of the overall project as a business combination for both legal entities, Kounrad Copper Company LLP and Sary Kazna LLP, 
and the impact on that judgement caused by the different stages of completion as at 31 December 2013 required a careful review of the 
overall transaction as opposed to the specific nature of the assets being acquired.

The fair value uplift of the assets acquired as a result of that judgement and the resulting accounting treatment have resulted in a significant 
change to both the income statement and the balance sheet of the business. The details are explained in note 33.

62

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 20135.  Segmental information
The Board is the Group’s chief operating decision-maker. Management has determined the operating segments based on the information 
reviewed by the Board for the purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. The Board considers the business from a 
geographic prospective.

As at 31 December 2013, the Group only had one business segment consisting of an SX-EW copper plant at Kounrad in Kazakhstan.  
The Group operations are controlled from a head office in London, UK but this does not represent a separate business segment.

Previously reported business segments within the Group, namely all the Mongolian operations, are classified as held for sale as at 
31 December 2013. As part of the sale process, in December 2013, New CAML Mongolia LLC and Mongolian Silver Mountain LLC were sold 
for nil consideration.

The Board assesses the performance of the Kounrad project based on a number of key operational and financial measures which relate to 
copper production output, revenues from the sales of copper and the overall costs of producing the copper. All capital related expenditure at 
the project is also closely monitored and controlled.

The segmental results for the year ended 31 December 2013 are as follows:

Gross revenue
Traxys buyers’ fees

Revenue

Kounrad EBITDA
Unallocated costs including corporate

Group continuing operations EBITDA
Gain on re-measuring to fair value the existing interest in KCC on acquisition of control
Depreciation and amortisation
Exchange rate differences gain/(loss)
Other (expenses)/income, net
Finance income
Finance costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax

Profit for the year from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations

Profit for the year

2013
 $’000 

54,090
(2,607)

51,483

39,486
(7,068)

32,418
27,835
(4,632)
159
(32)
17
(412)

55,353

(6,712)

48,641

(14,149)

34,492

2012
 $’000 

30,656
(1,097)

29,559

21,261
(5,189)

16,072
–
(984)
(409)
317
8
(220)

14,783

(4,477)

10,306

(512)

9,794

The total production at Kounrad for the 12 month period was 10,509 tonnes whilst the total quantity of copper sold was slightly higher at 
10,689 tonnes. The average price achieved from the sale of copper was $7,114 per tonne.

EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure. CAML calculates EBITDA as profit or loss for the period excluding the following items:

▲▲ Income tax expense;
▲▲ Finance income and expense; 
▲▲ Depreciation and amortisation; and 
▲▲ Discontinuing operations; and Gain on re-measuring to fair value and other income or expenses.

EBITDA is intended to provide additional information to investors and analysts. It does not have any standardised meaning prescribed by  
IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. EBITDA  
excludes the impact of cash costs of financing activities and taxes, and the effects of changes in operating working capital balances, and  
therefore is not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. Other companies may  
calculate EBITDA differently.

63

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

A reconciliation between net profit for the period and EBITDA is presented below: 

Profit for the year

Plus/(less):
Income tax expense
Depreciation and amortisation
Finance expense
Exchange rate differences (gain)/loss
Gain on re-measuring to fair value the existing interest in KCC on acquisition of control
Loss from discontinued operations
Other expenses/(income)
Finance income

Group continuing operations EBITDA

Unallocated costs including corporate

Kounrad EBITDA

Segmental assets and liabilities for the year ended 31 December 2013 are as follows:

2013
 $’000 

34,492

6,712
4,632
412
(159)
(27,835)
14,149
32
(17)

32,418

7,068

39,486

2012
 $’000 

9,794

4,477
984
220
409
–
512
(317)
(8)

16,072

5,189

21,261

Kounrad
Alag Bayan
Assets held for sale
Unallocated including corporate

Total

6.  Revenue

Group

Main plant
International customers
Domestic customers

Pilot plant
International customers
Domestic customers

Total Gross Revenue

Less: Traxys buyers’ fees

Revenue

Segmental Assets

Segmental Liabilities

31 Dec 13
 $’000 

130,473
–
186
30,852

161,511

31 Dec 12
 $’000 

45,215
5,717
8,131
32,509

91,572

31 Dec 13
 $’000 

(23,165)
–
(603)
(2,014)

(25,782)

31 Dec 12
 $’000 

(8,417)
(179)
(777)
(11,171)

(20,544)

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

53,197
796

53,993

–
97

97

54,090

(2,607)

51,483

28,885
1,504

30,389

267
–

267

30,656

(1,097)

29,559

The Group sells and distributes its copper cathode product primarily through an offtake arrangement with Traxys. The offtake arrangements 
are for 90% of the SX-EW plant’s output for the period up until 31 December 2015. The copper cathodes are delivered from the Kounrad site 
by rail under an FCA (Incoterms 2010) contractual basis and delivered to the end customers in Turkey. As part of the offtake arrangements, 
the Group sells the copper cathodes at a price linked to the London Metal Exchange (LME) copper price based on an agreed 
quotational period.

The offtake arrangements with Traxys started in May 2012 in line with the commencement of production on site. Given the lack of previous 
knowledge and experience of both the logistical issues and costs associated with delivering the copper cathodes from Kounrad to the end 
customers at that time, it was agreed to deliver the cathodes on an “open book” basis for the remaining eight months of 2012. This basis 
allowed the Group to better understand the costs and logistical issues involved during this learning period and thereby agree rates for future 
periods on a more informed basis.

64

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
Consequently, during 2012 the costs associated with the sales and distribution of the copper cathodes from Kounrad to the end customer 
were incurred by Traxys but paid for by the Group. During 2013, the costs of delivery to the end customers have been effectively borne by 
the Group through means of an annually agreed buyer’s fee which is offset from the selling price (note 8).

During 2013 the Group sold 10,500 tonnes (2012: 6,083 tonnes) of copper through the offtake arrangements. Some of the copper cathodes 
are also sold locally and during 2013 a total of 189 tonnes (2012: 320 tonnes) were sold to local customers.

7.  Cost of sales by nature

Group

Main plant
Mineral extraction tax
Reagents and materials
Depreciation and amortisation
Employee benefit expense
Consulting and other services

Pilot plant

Total

8.  Distribution and selling costs by nature

Group 

Main plant
Transportation costs 
Employee benefit expense 
Taxes and duties 
Depreciation and amortisation 
Other expenses 

Pilot plant

Total

2013
$’000

3,070
3,192
4,546
2,021
835

13,664

114

13,778

2012
$’000

1,799
1,446
941
909
327

5,422

348

5,770

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

123
60
45
37
92

357

–

357

15
10
114
6
47

192

2

194

The above distribution and selling costs are those incurred at the Kounrad site in addition to the costs associated with the offtake arrangements. 
Note 6 above refers to the costs associated with the offtake arrangements with Traxys.

9.  Administrative expenses by nature

Group

Employee benefit expense
Share based payments
Consulting and other services
Office related costs
Taxes and duties
Depreciation and amortisation

Total from continuing operations

Total from discontinuing operations

Total

2013
$’000

4,459
1,588
1,522
1,087
857
49

9,562

348

9,910

2012
$’000

4,815
505
1,348
1,254
551
36

8,509

532

9,041

65

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

10.  Auditors’ remuneration
During the year the Group obtained the following services from the Company’s auditors and its associates:

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of parent company and consolidated 

financial statements

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and its associates for other services:
 – The audit of Company’s subsidiaries
 – Tax advisory services
 – Tax compliance services

Total

11.  Employee benefit expense
The aggregate remuneration of staff, including Directors, was as follows:

Group
Continuing operations:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Staff healthcare
Other pension costs
Share based payments

Total for continuing operations

Total for discontinuing operations

Total 

Details of the Directors’ remuneration has been incorporated within note 35.

12.  Monthly average number of people employed

Group

Operational and construction
Management and Technical

Company
The monthly average number of staff employed by the Company during the year was 7 in 2013 (2012: 7).

13.  Finance income and costs

Group

Finance income
Finance costs

Net finance costs

Group

2013
$’000

170

17
107
7

301

2013
$’000

5,685
602
43
211
1,588

8,129

170

8,299

2012
$’000

162

37
78
16

293

2012
$’000

6,044
641
26
204
505

7,420

342

7,762

2013
Number

190
44

234

2012
Number

216
43

259

2013
$’000

17
(412)

(395)

2012
$’000

8
(220)

(212)

As part of the offtake arrangements, the Group may receive payment for copper cathodes immediately upon dispatch rather than waiting for 
delivery to the end customer. In such cases, interest is charged to the Group on such amounts received up to a maximum period of 60 days from 
the date of dispatch. During the year the Group incurred interest charges of $149,285 (2012: $168,712) under these arrangements.

The above finance costs also include $221,333 related to the annual assessment of the Group’s asset retirement obligations associated with 
the Kounrad project (2012: nil). The unwinding of discount is calculated on the environmental rehabilitation provision presented in note 28. 
For cash flow purposes unwinding of discount is excluded from the finance expense movement.

66

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
14.  Income tax

Current tax:
Current tax on profits for the year
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Total current tax
Deferred tax (note 36)

Income tax expense

Group

2013
$’000

6,778
–

6,778
(66)

6,712

2012
$’000

4,478
–

4,478
–

4,478

Company

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–

UK corporate income tax is calculated at 23.25% (2012: 24.5%) of the estimated assessable profit for the year. Taxation for other 
jurisdictions is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions.

The tax on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the UK statutory rate of 23.25% (2012: 
24.5%) applicable to the profit of the Group, as follows:

Profit before taxation

Tax calculated at 23.25% (2012: 24.5%)
Effect of differences in foreign tax rates
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes/non-taxable income
Change in unrecognised deferred tax asset
Movement in other timing differences

Income tax expense 

Group

2013
$’000

41,204

9,580
(218)
(3,550)
966
(66)

6,712

2012
$’000

14,271

3,496
491
1,753
(1,262)
–

4,478

The tax on the Company’s loss before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the UK statutory rate of 23.25% (2012: 
24.5%) applicable to the loss of the Company, as follows:

Loss before taxation

Tax calculated at 23.25% (2012: 24.5%)
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes/non-taxable income
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Change in unrecognised deferred tax assets

Income tax expense

Company

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

(21,087)

(10,423)

(4,903)
3,532
–
1,371

–

(2,554)
1,850
–
704

–

From 1 April 2013, the main UK Corporation tax rate reduced from 24% to 23%. Further reductions in the main tax rate to 21% from 1 April 
2014 and 20% from 1 April 2015 have been announced.

The rate reductions were substantively enacted on 3 July 2013 and have been reflected in the calculation of deferred tax at the statement of 
financial position date.

67

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

15. Earnings/(loss) per share
(a)  Basic
Basic earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing the profit/(loss) attributable to owners of the Company by the weighted average 
number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year excluding Ordinary Shares purchased by the Company and held as treasury shares 
(note 24).

Profit from continuing operations attributable to owners of the parent 
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to owners of the parent

Total

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue

Earnings/(loss) per share from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to owners of the 

parent during the year (expressed in $ cents per share)

From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

From profit for the period

2013
$’000

48,641
(14,149)

34,492

2012
$’000

10,306
(512)

9,794

88,681,029

85,782,437

$ cents

$ cents

54.85
(15.96)

38.89

12.01
(0.60)

11.42

(b) Diluted
The diluted earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding after assuming 
the conversion of all outstanding granted share options and exercise of outstanding security warrants.

Profit from continuing operations attributable to owners of the parent 
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to owners of the parent

Total

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue
Adjusted for:
 – Share Options
 – Mirabaud Securities warrants

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares for diluted earnings per share

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

From profit for the period

16. Net foreign exchange rate gains/(losses)

Group
Exchange rate gain/(loss) from:

Continuing operations

2013
$’000

48,641
(14,149)

34,492

Restated
2012
$’000

10,306
(512)

9,794

88,681,029

85,782,437

2,439,060
1,192,053

1,659,816
1,192,053

92,312,142

88,634,306

$ cents

52.69
(15.96)

37.36

2013
$’000

 159 

$ cents

11.63
(0.60)

11.03

2012
$’000

 (409)

The gains/(losses) on foreign exchange relate to the transactional gains/(losses) and translation of foreign currency assets and liabilities at 
the reporting date.

68

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
17. Property, plant and equipment

Group

Cost
At 1 January 2012
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Change in JV accounting
Exchange differences

At 31 December 2012
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Acquisition of Subsidiary
Exchange differences

At 31 December 2013

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2012
Provided during the period
Disposals
Change in JV accounting
Exchange differences

At 31 December 2012
Provided during the period
Disposals
Acquisition of Subsidiary
Exchange differences

At 31 December 2013

Construction in 
Progress
$’000

Plant and 
Equipment
$’000

Motor Vehicles 
and Office 
Equipment
$’000

19,357
5,111
–
(20,373)
(4,090)
39

44
933
–
(526)
29
(4)

476

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

3,689
–
(127)
20,373
(2,355)
37

21,617
617
(160)
482
61,733
(626)

83,663

1,072
1,174
(118)
(186)
(16)

1,926
3,937
(210)
1,871
(79)

7,445

Total
$’000

23,874
5,438
(230)
–
(6,646)
88

22,524
1,962
(203)
(44)
62,115
(654)

85,700

1,411
1,329
(199)
(286)
(18)

2,237
4,132
(239)
1,941
(87)

7,984

20,287

77,716

828
327
(103)
–
(201)
12

863
412
(43)
–
353
(24)

1,561

339
155
(81)
(100)
(2)

311
195
(29)
70
(8)

539

552

1,022

Net book value at 1 January 2013

Net book value at 31 December 2013

44

476

19,691

76,218

Included within the line Acquisition of Subsidiary are a number of adjustments resulting from the Kounrad Transaction, explained in note 33 
and on page 9. The adjustments comprise:
1.   A proportionate increase (i.e. from 60% to 100%) in the carrying values of Kounrad related property, plant and equipment of 

$11,214,903 and accumulated depreciation of $605,294.

2.   A fair value uplift applied to the Kounrad assets of $46,392,000 (of which $27,835,000 results from measuring at fair value the Group’s 
60% equity interest in KCC held before the business combination). This fair value uplift resulted in an additional depreciation charge of 
$1,335,856 during the year; and

3.   The transfer of assets related to the Kounrad project of $4,508,743, previously recognised as investments (note 19).

The Company had $198,119 of office equipment at net book value as at 31 December 2013 (2012: $9,543).

69

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

18.  Intangible assets

Group

Cost
At 1 January 2012
Additions
Disposals
Joint Venture adjustment
Exchange differences

At 31 December 2012
Additions 
Addition Goodwill (note 33)
Disposals
Joint Venture adjustment
Transfer of Bayan Resources to disposal group classified as held 

for sale

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2013

Accumulated amortisation 
At 1 January 2012
Provided during the year
Disposal
Change in JV accounting
Exchange differences

At 31 December 2012
Provided during the year
Disposal
Change in JV accounting
Exchange differences

At 31 December 2013

Net book value at 1 January 2013

Net book value at 31 December 2013

Deferred 
Exploration and 
Evaluation Costs
$’000

Goodwill
$’000

Mining Licences 
and Permits
$’000

Computer 
Software
$’000

–
–
–
–
–

–

9,278
–
–

–
–

9,278

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

9,278

5,501
1,067
(23)
–
(137)

6,408
260
–
–
–

(4,505)
(222)

1,941

8
–
(8)
–
–

–
52
–
–
(1)

51

3,412
49
(64)
(2,351)
4

1,050
5,476
–
(1)
33

(1,000)
(23)

5,536

17
1
(21)
–
4

1
4
24
1
(1)

29

6,408

1,890

1,049

5,506

24
34
–
(5)
4

57
14
–
(32)
9

–
(1)

47

13
31
–
(3)
(1)

40
12
(26)
3
(1)

28

17

19

Total
$’000

8,937
1,150
(87)
(2,356)
(129)

7,515
5,750
9,278
(33)
42

(5,505)
(246)

16,801

38
32
(29)
(3)
3

41
68
(2)
4
(3)

108

7,474

16,693

As a result of the Kounrad Transaction, explained on page 9 of the Chief Executive Officer’s Statement, the Group has recognised goodwill of 
$9,278,000.

During the year the Group also paid a Commercial Discovery Bonus (“CDB”) of $3,680,486 ($2,208,292 on 60% consolidation basis) to the 
Kazakhstan Government on completion of the exploration and resource studies associated with the Kounrad waste dumps. The completion 
of this work enabled the resources on site to be registered as part of the Kazakhstan Government official list of resources (‘State Balance’) 
and thereby facilitate their transfer to a mining licence and the subsequent production of copper from the resources. The amount of CDB 
has been capitalised under Mining licences and permits during the year and will be amortised over the remaining life of the mine.

The investment of $3,222,420 in Copper Bay has been classified as an intangible asset and added to Mining licences and permits.

During the year the Group reclassified the Alag Bayan project (Bayanresources LLC) as held for sale and consequently made a full write down 
of the assets held by the subsidiary.

The Company had no intangible assets as at 31 December 2013 (2012: $1,000,000). During the year the Company has reclassified the Alag 
Bayan project to the assets classified as held for sale and consequently fully impaired the asset.

Impairment test for goodwill
The Group currently only has one business segment, namely the Kounrad project located in Kazakhstan. The goodwill associated with this 
project and the Kounrad Transaction will be monitored by management in the future but as at 31 December 2013 the goodwill did not 
require impairment.

The recoverable amount of all CGUs has been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use pre-tax cash flow 
projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period are 
extrapolated using the estimated growth rates stated below. The growth rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for the 
copper business in which the CGU operates.

70

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 201319.  Investments

Shares in Group undertakings

Beginning of year

Addition to investments in Kounrad
Addition to investments in CAML Mongolia BV
Addition to investments in CAML Kazakhstan BV
Investment Copper Bay
Transfer of Kounrad investments to PPE
Impairment of investments in CAML Mongolia BV

End of year

Group

31 Dec 13
$’000

 4,006 

502
–
–
–
(4,508)
–

–

Company

31 Dec 12
$’000

 – 

31 Dec 13
$’000

 5,042 

31 Dec 12
$’000

 486 

4,006
–
–
–
–
–

4,006

502
25
25
3,222
–
(826)

7,990

4,006
500
50
–
–
–

5,042

Investments in Group undertakings are recorded at cost, which is the fair value of the consideration paid less impairment.

Group
On the acquisition of 100% ownership in KCC, the Kounrad investment, which was previously held in the Company, has been reclassified to 
property, plant and equipment.

The investment in Copper Bay Limited made by the Company has been classified as mining licenses and permits within the intangible assets 
of the Group.

Company
During the year, the Company invested £2 million, equating to $3,222,420, into a UK based company, Copper Bay Limited. The investment 
was to acquire a 50% controlling stake in the entity and its subsidiaries in order to develop an early stage copper tailings project in Chile. The 
funds invested are for the sole purpose of developing the project and the intention is for a pre-feasibility study to be prepared on the project 
during 2014.

Details of the Group holdings are included in the table below:

Subsidiary

Country

Activity

CAML Kazakhstan BV
CAML Mongolia BV
Sary Kazna LLP
Kounrad Copper Company LLP
Copper Bay Limited
Copper Bay (UK) Limited
Copper Bay Chile Limitada
Minera Playa Verde Limitada
Zuunmod UUL LLC 
Monresources LLC
Bayanresources LLC
New CAML Mongolia LLC
Mongolian Silver Mountain LLC

Holland
Holland
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
UK
UK
Chile
Chile
Mongolia
Mongolia
Mongolia
Mongolia
Mongolia

Holding Company
Holding Company
Kounrad project (SUC operations)
Kounrad project (SX-EW plant)
Holding Company
Holding Company
Holding Company
Exploration – Copper
Exploration – Gold
Exploration – Molybdenum
Exploration – Copper/Gold
Management Services
Exploration – Silver

CAML %  
2013

CAML % 
2012

Date of  
Incorporation

100
100
100
100
53
53
53
53
85
80
70
–
–

100
100
100
60
–
–
–
–
85
80
70
100
100

23 Jun 08
23 Jun 08
6 Feb 06
29 Apr 08
29 Oct 10
9 Nov 11
12 Oct 11
20 Oct 11
3 May 07
18 May 07
1 Aug 08
8 Jun 07
1 Apr 07

The 53% holding of the Copper Bay Group of companies is presented on a non-diluted basis. On a fully diluted basis the Group holding 
would be 50%.

20.  Assets held for sale
The Group continues to hold for sale the assets it owns in Mongolia and is actively seeking to sell the Ereen and Handgait projects. The sale 
process is taking far longer than the CAML Board ever anticipated due to the current political and regulatory uncertainties in the country and 
the implications of a court case brought by the Group’s minority partner on the Ereen project.

During the year, Bayanresources LLC (Alag Bayan) was also transferred to this group of assets held for sale following on from the failure to 
acquire a mining licence and the subsequent decision of the CAML Board to dispose of the asset and effectively cease all operations in 
Mongolia. These assets have been written down to nil. Retained liabilities include provisions for decommissioning and site rehabilitation 
estimates and outstanding trade and other payables.

As a consequence of the above, the Company deemed it prudent to write down all of its Mongolian assets during the year. This resulted in a 
total impairment charge of $12,879,357 against the assets and a loss from discontinuing operations for the year ending 31 December 2013 
of $14,149,137 (2012: loss $511,990).

71

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

In December 2013 New CAML Mongolia LLC and Mongolian Silver Mountain LLC were sold for nil consideration.

Assets of disposal group classified as held for sale

Intangible assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Property plant and equipment
Trade and other receivables

Total

31 Dec 13
$’000

31 Dec 12
$’000

–
21
91
74

186

7,777
16
211
127

8,131

The investment carried directly in the Company’s accounts relating to the Ereen project at 31 December 2013 is nil (2012: $100,000).

Liabilities of disposal group classified as held for sale 

Provisions
Trade and other payables

Total

Loss from discontinuing operations

Discontinuing operations

General and administrative expenses
Asset write down charge
Exchange rate differences (loss)/gain

Operating Loss from discontinuing operations

Finance income
Finance costs

Loss before income tax from discontinuing operations
Income tax 

Loss from discontinuing operations

Cash flows of disposal group classified as held for sale:

Group

Operating cash flows
Investing cash flows

Total cash flows

21. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables

Trade receivables, net
Receivables from related parties
Prepayments

Less: non – current portion
Trade receivables
Receivables from related parties

Current Portion

31 Dec 13
$’000

31 Dec 12
$’000

553
50

603

2013
$’000

(348)
(12,879)
(753)

(13,980)

–
(169)

(14,149)
–

(14,149)

2013
$’000

(523)
–

(523)

 743 
 34 

777

2012
$’000

(532)
(4)
159

(377)

7
(141)

(511)
(1)

(512)

2012
$’000

(670)
100

(570)

Group

Company

31 Dec 13
$’000

5,715
(33)

5,682
11,654
1,156

18,492

(5,436)
(11,654)

1,402

31 Dec 12
$’000

2,176
–

2,176
12,340
712

15,228

31 Dec 13
$’000

58
–

58
41,216
73

41,347

(3)
(12,340)

2,885

–
(11,216)

30,131

31 Dec 12
$’000

114
–

114
45,403
99

45,616

–
(45,403)

213

The carrying value of all the above receivables is a reasonable approximation of fair value.

72

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
The amounts receivable from related parties is a consequence of the joint venture accounting treatment required at the Kounrad project due to 
the nature of the ownership structure (note 33). The amounts will disappear once the transaction to acquire 100% of the project is completed.

The Group’s main receivable is the VAT incurred on purchases within Kazakhstan. As at 31 December 2013 a total of $5,436,475 (2012: 
$2,047,553) of VAT receivable was still owed to the Group by the Kazakhstan authorities. The Group still remains confident about its 
prospects to recover this outstanding debt and is working closely with its advisers and local partners to achieve this. The planned means of 
recovery will be through a combination of the local sales of cathode copper to effectively offset VAT liabilities and by a successful appeal to 
the authorities. An appeal was lodged on 19 November 2013 by the local tax advisers and the outcome was still pending as at 31 December 
2013. However, as a result of the above and the uncertainty regarding timing, the Group has reclassified the VAT receivable from current  
to non-current.

Management’s policy is to assess all trade and other receivables for recoverability on a regular basis. A provision is made where doubt exists 
and amounts are fully written off when information comes to light that the amounts due will not be recovered. 

Please refer to note 3 for information on aging of trade and other receivables.

22.  Inventories

Group

Raw Materials
Finished Goods

31 Dec 13
$’000

31 Dec 12
$’000

3,779
137

3,916

2,248
344

2,592

The Group did not have any slow moving, obsolete or defective inventory as at 31 December 2013 (2012: nil).

23.  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and on hand
Short term deposits

Cash at bank and on hand included in assets held for sale

Total cash and cash equivalent

Restricted cash

Total cash and cash equivalent including restricted cash

Group

Company

31 Dec 13
 $’000 

31 Dec 12
 $’000 

31 Dec 13
 $’000 

31 Dec 12
 $’000 

32,774
10,000

42,774

21

42,795

1,734

44,529

33,855
–

33,855

16

33,871

–

33,871

28,932
–

28,932

–

28,932

1,649

30,581

28,232
–

28,232

–

28,232

–

28,232

The cash balance as at 31 December 2013 including restricted cash was $44,528,881 (2012: $33,871,138). The restricted cash balance 
relates primarily to the capital reduction scheme completed in August 2013 (note 24).

An amount of $10.0 million (2012: nil) was held in a short term deposit account as at 31 December 2013 and had been set aside to satisfy 
the 2013 corporate income tax liability in Kazakhstan which falls due in April 2014 (note 24).

68.7% of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents including restricted cash at the year end were held by an AA- rated bank (2012: 83.4%).  
The rest of Group’s cash was held within mix of institutions with credit rating between B – B1 (2012: B+ – B1).

24.  Share capital and premium

At 1 January 2012

Purchase of own shares
Sale of treasury shares

At 31 December 2012

Capital reduction
Sale of treasury shares

At 31 December 2013

Number of 
Shares 
No

86,165,934

 – 
 – 

86,165,934

 – 
 – 

86,165,934

Ordinary 
Shares
$’000

862

 – 
 – 

862

 – 
 – 

862

Share
Premium
$’000

61,431

 – 
 – 

61,431

(61,431)
 – 

Treasury 
Shares
$’000

(2,304)

(1,982)
50

(4,236)

 – 
136

 – 

(4,100)

Total
$’000

59,989

(1,982)
50

58,057

(61,432)
136

(3,238)

73

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

The par value of Ordinary Shares is $0.01 per share (2012: $0.01) and all shares are fully paid. During 2013, the Company did not issue any 
shares not did it repurchase any shares. A share buy-back programme was undertaken in 2012 and a total of 1,318,929 shares were 
purchased between July 2012 and December 2012 at a value weighted average price of 93.059 pence. A total of $1,982,677 was spent on 
the purchases during 2012. These shares were held in Treasury as at 31 December 2013 pending their cancellation or possible use in the 
Company employee share scheme.

During the year, the Company completed a court approved capital reduction scheme, which resulted in an amount of $61,431,533 being 
transferred from the share premium account to distributable reserves. A condition of the capital reduction scheme was to set aside an amount 
(into a restricted bank account), which would cover all creditors as of the effective date of the capital reduction (1 August 2013). To fulfill this 
condition, the Company set aside £1 million (approximately $1.6 million), which primarily represented the allowance to KR as part of the 
Kounrad Transaction. The majority of the money in the restricted account would be released upon the completion of the Kounrad Transaction.

25.  Other reserves

Group

Balance as at 1 January 2012 (as previously reported)

Effect of prior period restatement

At 1 January 2012

Currency translation differences
Reversal of stock option grants
Exercised options
Share based payments

At 31 December 2012

Currency translation differences
Promise of shares to be issued to KR on the completion of KCC
Exercised options
Correction of treasury shares
Share based payments

At 31 December 2013

Share Option 
Reserve
$’000

Shares Reserve  
to be Issued
$’000

Currency 
Translation 
Reserve
$’000

Total Group
$’000

3,466

1,383

4,849

–
(777)
(126) 
505

4,451

–
–
(346)
(136)
1,588

5,557

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–
39,409
–
–
–

39,409

1,251

–

1,251

(1,355)
–
–
–

(104)

(722)
–
–
–
–

(826)

6,100

1,383

6,100

(1,355)
(777)
(126)
505

4,347

(722)
39,409
(346)
(136)
1,588

44,140

On 21 October 2013, the Group completed the transfer from KR to the Group of an additional 40% of Kounrad Copper Company LLP taking 
its ownership to 100%. This transfer forms part of overall transaction (the “Kounrad Transaction”). The Company agreed to issue 15,336,096 
ordinary shares in the Company as consideration for the 40% interest in KCC albeit the shares would only be issued once the whole Kounrad 
Transaction was completed (note 33).

As at 31 December 2013, the Kounrad Transaction had not been fully completed as the transfer of the 40% in the subsoil use contract were 
still awaiting Government approval. Consequently, the shares were not issued as at 31 December 2013 and have been classified as a 
contingent equity consideration.

26.  Equity settled share based payments
The Company provides additional rewards to staff, in addition to their salaries and annual discretionary bonuses, through the granting of 
share options in the Company. The Company effectively has two such option schemes in place, the Old Scheme and the New Scheme.

Old Scheme
The first share option plan was introduced by the Company in February 2008 and initially had an exercise price of $6.42. On the recommendation 
of the Remuneration Committee the exercise price for the participants was reduced to $0.68 in February 2010 to reflect the changed economic 
circumstances of the Company and maintain some form of incentive for staff. Only those staff still employed by the Group at this time 
benefited from this decision and those participants who had left the Group maintained an exercise price of $6.42 on their options. The vesting 
of share options in the plan is purely conditional upon time served by the participant and as at 31 December 2013 all options have fully vested.

New Scheme
The second share option plan was introduced by the Company in October 2011. This scheme has an exercise price of effectively nil for the 
participants. The nil-cost share options granted under this scheme vest on the basis of a third annually depending on the achievement by 
the Group and the participant of the performance targets as determined by the CAML Remuneration Committee. Under a separate 
Non-Executive share option plan 2012, Nurlan Zhakupov was granted 100,000 nil-cost options in 2012 which vest on the basis of a third 
annually, without any performance conditions due to his Non-Executive role.

As at 31 December 2013, a total of 520,086 Old Scheme options and 2,082,974 New Scheme options (including those issued to Nurlan 
Zhakupov) were outstanding. Share options are granted to Directors and selected employees. The exercise price of the granted options is 
presented in the table below for every grant. In general, options vest in 1/3 tranches over three-year period. The Company has the option but 
not the legal or constructive obligation to repurchase or settle the options in cash.

74

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Movements in the number of share options outstanding and their related weighted average price are as following:

At 1 January

Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Expired

At 31 December

2013

Average Exercise 
Price in $ per 
Share Option

0.61

0.01
–
–
–

0.51

Options  
(Number)

2,328,074

455,529
(180,543)
–
–

2,603,060

Restated 
2012

Average Exercise 
Price in $ per 
Share Option

1.06

0.01
–
–
–

0.61

Options  
(Number)

1,415,373

1,063,244
(150,543)
–
–

2,328,074

Out of the 2,603,060 outstanding options (2012: 2,328,074), 1,273,968 options (2012: 868,696) were exercisable. Options exercised in 2013 
were cash settled at the spot price on the date, and resulted in total cash consideration paid of $345,748 (2012: $125,785). The related 
weighted average share price at the time of exercise was $1.92 (2012: $1.52) per share.

An amount of $1,588,116 (2012: $504,601) has been credited to the share option reserve for the grant of stock options for the period ending 
31 December 2013.

In respect of the period between the date an award is issued and the date it is exercised the number of shares covered by such awards is 
increased by up to the value of dividends as if these were reinvested in Company shares at the dates of payment. During the year the 
additional dividend related share options charge was $571,214 (2012: nil).

Directors did not exercise any share options during the year.

Share options outstanding at the end of the end of the year have the following expiry date and exercise prices:

Grant – vest 

21 Feb 08
21 Feb 08
3 Sep 10
6 Oct 11
8 May 12
27 Sep 12
24 Jul 13

Total

Expiry Date  
of Option 

21 Feb 18
21 Feb 18
21 Feb 18
5 Oct 21
7 May 22
26 Sep 22
23 Jul 23

Restated

Option Exercise 
 Price $ 

Share options
2013

6.42
0.68
0.68
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01

164,000
255,000
101,086
594,201
833,244
200,000
455,529

2012

164,000
355,000
151,629
594,201
863,244
200,000
–

2,603,060

2,328,074

Employee Benefit Trust
An Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) was set up by the Company during 2009 as a means of incentivising the senior management of CAML prior 
to the Initial Public Offering (IPO). All of the shares awarded as part of the EBT scheme vested on the successful completion of the IPO on 
30 September 2010.

A total of 2,534,688 Ordinary Shares were initially issued as part of the arrangements in December 2009 followed by a further issue of 
853,258 in September 2010. The shares were issued at the exercise price of $0.68 which was the best estimate of the Company’s valuation 
at the time. Details of the awards are contained in note 35.

Restatement
At the time that the EBT scheme was organised, an amount was set aside in the Company’s reserves based on a Black Scholes valuation 
model. During the year the Company decided that this initial approach was incorrect and that the value of the reserve should have been 
aligned with the scheme share valuation of $0.68. Consequently, the Company has adjusted the reserve to reflect this change which has 
resulted in an additional charge to the reserve of $1,383,594.

27.  Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Dividends payable
Corporation tax, social security and other taxes

The carrying value of all the above payables is equivalent to fair value.

Group

Company

31 Dec 13
$’000

222
1,012
10,626

11,860

31 Dec 12
$’000

1,767
9,603
5,816

17,186

31 Dec 13
$’000

208
1,012
794

2,014

31 Dec 12
$’000

1,349
9,603
160

11,112

75

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

As at 31 December 2013, the main liabilities of the Group are the Corporate Income tax liability at Kounrad for the 12 months ending 
31 December 2013. The Group made a net provision for this liability of $8,367,253 (2012: $4,271,306) having paid an amount of $1,302,000 
in advance in December 2013.

The Company provided $1,011,446 as an allowance for the accrued dividend on the 15,336,096 shares payable to KR as part of the 
completion of the Kounrad Transaction. The dividend associated with the remaining 5,875,655 shares for the outstanding 40% transfer of 
the subsoil use contract of the Kounrad project has been classified as a contingent liability (note 30).

Please refer to note 3 for information on aging of trade and other payables.

28. Provisions for other liabilities and charges

Group

At 1 January 2012

Change in estimate asset retirement obligation Kounrad
Exchange rate difference

At 31 December 2012

Change in estimate asset retirement obligation Kounrad
Unwinding of discount
On acquisition of 40% KCC 
Exchange rate difference

At 31 December 2013

Provisions for 
Liabilities and 
Charges
$’000

2,139

33
(33)

2,139

151
219
1,198
(40)

3,667

The only provision accounted for by the Group is for the asset retirement obligation associated with the mining activities at Kounrad. As a 
direct result of the increase in ownership of Kounrad Copper company from 60% to 100% on 21 October 2013, the provision has increased 
to $3,667,292 (2012: $2,138,728).

29. Cash generated from operations

Profit/(loss) before income tax including discontinued 

operations

Adjustments for:
Depreciation
Amortisation
Foreign exchange
Lost buyer deposit (Ereen)
Gain on re-measuring to fair value the existing interest in KCC 

on acquisition of control

Change in provision for doubtful receivables
Impairment of Mongolian Intercompany receivables
Impairment of Mongolian intangible assets and investments
Impairment of Sary Kazna non-Kounrad interest receivable 
Reversal of intercompany receivable impairment
Share based payments
Cash settled share options and EBT shares
Finance income
Finance costs
Changes in working capital:
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Movement in provisions
Transfer of interest in JV

Cash generated from/(used) in operations

76

Group 
As at 31 December

Company 
As at 31 December 

Note

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

41,204

14,271

(21,087)

(10,423)

17
18
16, 20

20

25
25
13, 20
13, 20

22, 20
21, 20
27, 20
28

4,564
68
594
–

(27,835)
33
–
12,879
–
–
1,588
(482)
(17)
581

306
10,444
(2,969)
122
–

41,080

1,329
32
759
(100)

–
–
–
–
–
505
–
(15)
361

(2,050)
(2,152)
6,579
352
8,168

18
–
(1,111)
–

–
13,691
1,927
–
–
1,588
(482)
(391)
9

–
82
(525)
–
–

28,037

(6,281)

9
–
(79)
(100)

–
4,756
–
3,268
(1,068)
505
–
–
9

–
(2,749)
1,078
–
–

(4,796)

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 201330. Contingencies
 As at 31 December 2013, the Group had a contingent liability related to the Kounrad Transaction of £235,026, equivalent to $387,511. This is 
based on the value of the 2013 interim dividend of 4 pence per share which was paid in November 2013 and the agreed consideration of 
5,875,655 ordinary shares in the Company for the transfer of the subsoil use contract as part of the Kounrad Transaction. As this element of 
the Kounrad Transaction had not been completed as at 31 December 2013 it is considered to be a contingent liability and the amount will 
only be paid on completion of the whole Kounrad Transaction.

31. Commitments

 Group

Kazakhstan
UK
Mongolia

Total

Group 

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Other

Total

31 Dec 13 
$’000

31 Dec 12 
$’000

737
1,095
90

1,922

411
71
103

585

31 Dec 13
$’000

31 Dec 12
$’000

178
218
1,526

1,922

186
224
175

585

At 31 December 2013, amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements amounted to $1,922,398 for the Group  
(2012: $584,960).

32. Dividend per share
The Company announced a dividend policy on 13 December 2012. In line with that policy, the Company paid $14,306,000 in 2013 which 
consisted of a special dividend of 3.7 pence per share and an annual dividend for 2012 of 7 pence per share.

In November 2013, an amount of $5,432,584 was paid representing a 2013 interim dividend of 4 pence per share. The final dividend in 
respect of the year ended 31 December 2013 of 5 pence per share will be recommended at the forthcoming Annual General meeting (AGM).

33. Business combination
On 27 June 2013, the Company announced a new framework agreement (the “Agreement”) for the acquisition of the remaining 40% of the 
Kounrad Project. The Agreement superseded the previous arrangements with SAT and more details on the background and history to the 
Kounrad Project ownership changes can be found within the Chief Executive Officer’s Statement within the Strategic Report.

The Agreement will result in CAML obtaining control over the Kounrad Project in two transactions:

▲▲ The first transaction (“KCC Transaction”) was effected by the transfer of the remaining 40% share capital of KCC from SAT to Mr Kenges 
Rakishev (“KR”), followed by the subsequent transfer to CAML’s wholly owned subsidiary CAML Kazakhstan BV (“CAML BV”), which was 
registered on 21 October 2013.

▲▲ The second transaction (“SUC Transaction”) will be effected by the transfer of the remaining 40% economic interest in the subsoil use 

contract (“SUC”) from SAT to KR, followed by a subsequent transfer to CAML’s wholly owned subsidiary SK. The transfer to KR and then 
to SK remained outstanding as at 31 December 2013.

The agreed purchase consideration consists of 21,211,751 ordinary shares in the capital of the Company (“CAML Shares”) and an 
entitlement to a cash payment in lieu of any benefits to which KR might have been entitled to had the CAML Shares been issued to KR on 
the transfer of the KCC interest to CAML BV, rather than on completion, capped at £904,120. In March 2014 the parties to the Agreement 
recognised that an amount of £848,470 had accrued under this entitlement, and agreed that a further entitlement capped at £1.1 million 
would accrue to KR. The parties have also agreed to change the longstop date from 31 March 2014 to 30 June 2014. The above cash 
entitlements are only payable to KR upon the completion of the Kounrad Transaction.

The CAML Shares will be allocated in two tranches, with one tranche of 15,336,096 Ordinary Shares (72.3% of the CAML Shares) for the 
transfer of the 40% share capital of KCC to CAML BV (the “CAML Shares 1”). The remaining 5,875,655 Ordinary Shares (27.7% of the CAML 
Shares) for the transfer of the 40% economic interest in the SUC to SK (the “CAML Shares 2”).

As part of the Agreement, KR was to be appointed to the CAML Board and this was duly completed on 9 December 2013.

77

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

Status of ownership changes as at 31 December 2013
The transfer of the 40% interest of KCC to the Group was registered on 21 October 2013. The SUC Transaction remains outstanding as at 
the year end, pending receipt of the relevant waiver of the pre-emptive rights and approvals of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The submission of the relevant documentation for the waivers and approvals to facilitate the transfer to SK was submitted to the relevant 
authorities on 6 March 2013.

The Agreement stipulated that the whole transaction would be completed by the longstop date of 31 March 2014. At a CAML Board 
meeting in March 2014, KR indicated that this would not be possible but that a revised longstop date of 30 June 2014 would be achieved. 
On 28 March 2014, the Company announced the extension to the longstop date.

Upon the completion of both the KCC Transaction and the SUC Transaction there will result in a change in control of the Kounrad Project 
from joint control to control by CAML. As such an IFRS 3 “Business Combination” will be deemed to have taken place upon completion.  
The nature of the Kounrad project is such that both KCC and the SUC are interlinked and neither could operate in isolation effectively or 
commercially. Consequently, it is also felt by management that the acquisition of each entity can be considered to form the parts of a single 
business combination.

Whilst the SUC Transaction was not complete at 31 December 2013, and will not be accounted for until such time as it is complete, it is 
apparent from their inter-dependency that both transactions fall under the scope of IFRS 3.

KCC Transaction
Consequently, in accordance with IFRS 3 “Business Combinations”, the Group recognized the acquired assets and liabilities based upon their 
fair values. Management made a preliminary assessment on a provisional basis at the time of the completion but recognise that they may 
be required to reassess these values within 12 months from the date of acquisition should a material change arise. Any revisions to the 
provisional values will be reflected as of the acquisition date.

The following table summarises the consideration paid for KCC, the fair value of assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

Consideration at 21 October 2013 

Equity instrument (promise of 15.3m Ordinary Shares)
Dividends payable

Total consideration

Recognised amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed

Cash and cash equivalents
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Other liabilities and charges
Deferred tax liabilities (note 36)

Total identifiable net assets
Purchase consideration
Provisional goodwill

$’000

39,409
1,012

40,421

Provisional Fair 
Value 
$’000

3,293
29,130
1,630
14,342
(3,941)
(4,033)
(9,278)

31,143
40,421
9,278

Goodwill arising on acquisition comprises $9,278,000 being the amount, calculated in accordance with IFRS, to recognise a deferred tax 
liability on the difference between the provisional fair value of newly consolidated assets and liabilities and their tax base. The goodwill is not 
deductible for tax purposes.

The fair value of the 15,336,096 Ordinary Shares promised as part of the consideration paid for the 40% share capital of KCC was 
determined based on the published share price on the date of registration, 21 October 2013. An equity instrument of $39,408,839 was  
recognised within other reserves recorded by the Group to recognise its promise to issue the shares on completion of the Kounrad 
Transaction. A further amount of $1,011,446 in lieu of the agreement to pay the interim dividend to KR was accrued within the Group and 
Company liabilities (note 27).

Acquisition related costs of $221,264 have been charged to administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement for the year 
ended 31 December 2013.

78

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013The Group recognised a gain of $27,835,000 as a result of measuring at fair value its 60% equity interest in KCC held before the business 
combination. The gain is included in other income, as a line item “Gain on re-measuring to fair value the existing interests in KCC on 
acquisition of control”, in the Group’s income statement for the year ended 31 December 2013. The fair value uplift applied to the assets 
acquired as part of the transaction has all been applied to the plant and equipment of KCC resulting in an uplift of $46,392,000 to the 
carrying value.

The revenue included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income since registration of the transfer of the 40% interest in KCC 
on 21 October 2013 and contributed by KCC was $20,183,301. KCC also contributed profit of $10,265,727 over the same period.

Had KCC been consolidated from 1 January 2013, the consolidated statement of income would show pro-forma revenue of $72,186,537 and 
profit of $49,836,183.

SUC Transaction – not completed as at 31 December 2013
Given that the SUC Transaction had not been completed at the year end, it continues to be accounted for as a jointly controlled asset. The 
acquisition of the remaining 40% economic interest in the SUC will also be accounted for in accordance with IFRS 3 once completion occurs. 
This is expected during the first half of 2014.

As at 31 December 2013, It was estimated that a gain of $14,052,000 would have been recognised as a result of measuring at fair value the 
Group’s 60% economic interest in the SUC held prior to the business combination had it occurred at that date. As with the KCC Transaction, 
this will be recognised in other income in the Group’s income statement on the date of completion.

34.  Events after the reporting period
KZT devaluation
On 11 February 2014 Kazakhstan’s Central Bank decided to stop supporting the Tenge exchange rate and decrease currency interventions. 
As a result, the exchange rate of the Tenge (KZT) depreciated to 185 KZT for 1 US dollar (USD), approximately 20% compared to the rate 
used for 31 December 2013 accounting purposes.

Whilst no adjustment to the accounts has been made to reflect this devaluation, it is worth noting that the impact on the results as at 
31 December 2013 was an effective reduction in the Kazakhstan corporate income tax (CIT) and mineral extraction tax (MET) liability of 
approximately $1.9 million based on the revised exchange rate offset by an effective reduction in the outstanding VAT receivable balance  
of approximately $1 million.

At the Group level it is also worth noting that the devaluation will impact on the net asset position of the Group in future reporting periods.  
A devaluation impact on the net assets of $41.9 million denominated in KZT as at 31 December 2013 is 20% or $8.4 million.

Kounrad Transaction
Whilst the SUC Transaction remained outstanding at the year end, the submission of the relevant documentation for the waivers and 
approvals for the transfer to SK was submitted to the relevant authorities on 6 March 2014.

In March 2014 the parties to the Agreement recognised that an amount of £848,470 had accrued under the original cash entitlement, and 
that a further entitlement capped at £1.1 million could accrue to KR. The parties have also agreed to change the longstop date from 
31 March 2014 to 30 June 2014. The above cash entitlements are only payable to KR upon the completion of the Kounrad Transaction.

Whilst the SUC Transaction was not complete at 31 December 2013, and will not be accounted for until such time as it is complete, it is 
apparent from their inter-dependency that both transactions fall under the scope of IFRS 3 (notes 2 and 33).

35. Related party transactions
The Group had the following related party balances and transactions during the year ended 31 December 2013. Related parties are those 
entities owned or controlled by the Company, which is the ultimate controlling party of the Group.

Transactions between the Company and related parties:

Amounts receivable based on the Kounrad Transaction

CAML Kazakhstan BV
Current portion
Non-current portion

Total

31 Dec 13
$’000

31 Dec 12
$’000

30,000
11,216

41,216

–
–

–

79

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2013

On 21 October 2013, the transfer of the remaining 40% in Kounrad Copper Company LLC was registered. The acquisition was registered 
under the ownership of CAML Kazakhstan BV which is a 100% controlled subsidiary of the Company. The agreed consideration for the 
acquisition was 15,336,096 Ordinary Shares in the Company and the value of the 2013 interim dividend associated with those shares.  
The dollar equivalent of the consideration as at 21 October 2013 is $40,421,000, which is at year end USD/GBP closing rate equates to 
$41,216,433.

Directors’ Remuneration, EBT shares and options
Directors’ remuneration, including Non-Executive Directors, during the year was as follows:

Group

Executive Directors:
Nick Clarke
Nigel Robinson
Howard Nicholson
Non-Executive Directors
Dr Michael Price
Nigel Hurst-Brown
Robert Cathery
Nurlan Zhakupov
Kenges Rakishev

Directors’ emoluments

2013
Basic salary/fees
$

2013
Annual Bonus
$

2013
Benefits in kind
$

2013
Total
$

2012
Total
$

406,695
258,095
258,095

70,389
70,389
54,747
54,747
5,214

406,695
258,095
258,095

–
–
–
20,000
–

5,527
10,152
3,641

4,794
–
–
–
–

818,917
526,342
519,831

1,005,663
771,128
878,788

75,183
70,389
54,747
74,747
5,214

67,648
63,391
47,544
47,544
–

1,178,371

942,885

24,114

2,145,370

2,881,706

The emoluments of the highest paid Director totalled $818,917 in 2013 (2012: $1,005,663). Details of the Directors’ interests in the Ordinary 
Shares of the Company are set out in the Governance Report and below. No Director has a service agreement with the Company that is 
terminable on more than 12 months’ notice.

Directors’ EBT share awards

CN Hurst-Brown
M A Price
N Clarke
H Nicholson
N Robinson

Total Directors’ Interests

As at 31 Dec  
2013
Number

As at 31 Dec  
2012
Number

250,543
300,543
1,342,887
446,715
646,715

250,543
300,543
1,342,887
646,715
646,715

2,987,403

3,187,403

The above shares were awarded to the Directors of the Company as part of the EBT incentive scheme. All the share awards were made prior 
to the IPO and vested upon its successful completion.

Directors’ Options awards
During 2013 the Company awarded the following New Scheme options to the Directors of the Company (note 26).

Group

Nick Clarke
Nigel Robinson
Howard Nicholson
Nurlan Zhakupov

Total

24 Jul 13
Number

110,403
70,063
70,063
–

250,529

08 May 12
Number

219,298
164,473
164,473
100,000

648,244

Kounrad Transaction
Mr Kenges Rakishev (“KR”) will become a major shareholder of CAML upon completion of the Kounrad Transaction. He was appointed to the 
CAML Board on 9 December 2013. As a consequence, KR must be considered a related party in any dealings he has with the Group.

Whilst the SUC Transaction completes, KR has a 40% interest in the licence associated with that operation. As far as the Group is aware,  
the Group does not have any other dealings with companies associated with KR. As part of the obligations on KR for completing the  
Kounrad Transaction, he will be required to sign a relationship agreement with CAML setting out the terms of the relationship between  
KR and the Group.

80

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
As part of KR’s business interests outside of the Kounrad Transaction and his dealings with the Group, KR recently announced the proposed 
acquisition of a 46.5% share in BTA Bank JSC. At the same time as this announcement by KR, JSC Kazkommertsbank also announced the 
proposed acquisition of a 46.5% interest in BTA Bank JSC. The Group uses the facilities of JSC Kazkommertsbank within Kazakhstan for 
normal day-to-day banking.

Other Related Parties
As at 31 December 2013, all the intercompany loans together with all the outstanding interest receivable from both Sary Kazna LLP and 
Kounrad Copper Company LLP had been fully repaid.

As at 31 December 2013, $10,315,600 of intercompany loans and management fee receivable with the Mongolian subsidiaries had been 
written off during the 12 month period as part of the Group impairment testing (2012: $4,327,306) together with a further $3,375,576 of 
interest receivable (2012: $428,935).

The Company also received interest income during the year of $391,348 (2012: $2,836,988) and management fee income from Sary Kazna 
LLP of $60,000 (2012: $60,000).

36. Deferred income tax
Group
The movements in the Group’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

Other timing differences
Deferred tax liability on fair value adjustment
Tax losses

Deferred tax liability, net

Reflected in the balance sheet as:
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax liability, net

At 1 January 
2013
$’000

Acquisition
$’000

Group

Currency 
translation 
differences
$’000

Credited 
to income 
statement
$’000

At 31 December 
2013
$’000

(272)
– 
–

(272)

–
(272)

(272)

(179)
(9,278)
–

(9,457)

–
(9,457)

(9,457)

11
–
–

11

–
11

11

66
–
–

66

–
66

66

(374)
(9,278)
–

(9,652)

–
(9,652)

(9,652)

A deferred tax liability of $9.3 million has been recognised in respect of the Kounrad Copper Company LLP acquisition that occurred in the 
year (2012: nil). The net assets of KCC were recognised in the consolidated financial statements at their fair values at the date of acquisition. 
The tax base of the individual assets and liabilities remains the same as the pre-acquisition tax base as the transaction is considered to be 
non-taxable. A taxable temporary difference arises as a result of the acquisition of the long term assets where the carrying amount is 
increased to fair value at the date of acquisition but its tax base remains at cost.

The deferred tax liability arising from this taxable temporary difference is recognised in the consolidated financial statements to reflect the 
future tax consequences of recovering the long term assets recognised at fair value. The resulting deferred tax liability affects goodwill.

Where the realisation of deferred tax assets is dependent on future profits, the Group recognises losses carried forward and other deferred 
tax assets only to the extent that the realisation of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable.

The Group did not recognise other potential deferred tax assets arising from losses of $4.5 million (2012: $2.1 million) as there is insufficient 
evidence of future taxable profits. Unrecognised losses can be carried forward indefinitely.

At 31 December 2013, the Group had other deferred tax assets of $4.9 million (2012: $3.5 million) in respect of the exploration assets pool, 
depreciation, share-based payments and other temporary differences which had not been recognised because of insufficient evidence of 
future taxable profits.

There are no significant unrecognised temporary differences associated with undistributed profits of subsidiaries at 31 December 2013 and 
2012, respectively.

Company
At 31 December 2013 and 2012 respectively, the Company had no recognised deferred tax assets or liabilities.

At 31 December 2013, the Company had not recognised potential deferred tax assets arising from losses of $2.2 million (2012: $1.1 million) 
as there is insufficient evidence of future taxable profits. The losses can be carried forward indefinitely.

At 31 December 2013, the Company had other deferred tax assets of $4.9 million (2012: $3.5 million) in respect of share-based payments 
and other temporary differences which had not been recognised because of insufficient evidence of future taxable profits.

81

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCE REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSCENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
Legal Advisors
As to English law
Ashurst LLP
Broadwalk House
5 Appold Street 
London EC2A 2HA
United Kingdom

As to Kazakh law
White & Case Kazakhstan LLP
117/6 Dostyk  Avenue
Almaty, 050059
Kazakhstan

As to Mongolian law
Tsets
Suite 409, Bridge Group Building
Enhtaivni Avenue
Ulaan Baatar 210651
Mongolia 

Independent Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
1 Embankment Place
London WC2N 6RH
United Kingdom

Public Relations
Pelham Bell Pottinger
5th Floor, Holborn Gate
330 High Holborn
London WC1V 7QD
United Kingdom

Registrars
Computershare Investor Services
The Pavilions
Bridge Road,
Bristol BS13 8AE
United Kingdom

Directors, Secretary and Advisers

Board of Directors 
Nigel Hurst-Brown, Non-Executive Chairman
Nick Clarke, Chief Executive Officer
Nigel Robinson, Chief Financial Officer
Howard Nicholson, Technical Director
Robert Cathery, Non-Executive Director
Dr Michael Price, Non-Executive Director
Nurlan Zhakupov, Non-Executive Director
Kenges Rakishev, Non-Executive Director

Principal Places of Business 
UK
11 Albemarle Street,
London W1S 4HH
United Kingdom

Kazakhstan
Business Centre No.2 
4 Mira street
Balkhash
Kazakhstan 

Mongolia
Bodi Tower 
Sukhbaatar Square, 1st Khoroo,
District Chingeltei
Ulaanbaatar 15160 
Mongolia

Company Secretary
Tony Hunter

Registered Address
Masters House, 
107 Hammersmith Road, 
London W14 0QH 
United Kingdom

Registered number
5559627

Company website
 www.centralasiametals.com 

Nominated Advisor
Peel Hunt LLP 
Moor House, 
120 London Wall
London EC2Y 5ET
United Kingdom

Stockbroker
Mirabaud Securities LLP
33 Grosvenor Place
London SW1X 7HY
United Kingdom

82

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Notes

83

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013Notes

84

CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2013FSC LOGO TO GO 
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Central Asia Metals plc
11 Albemarle Street,
London W1S 4HH
United Kingdom