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Conroy Gold and Natural Resources plc

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FY2001 Annual Report · Conroy Gold and Natural Resources plc
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Conroy Diamonds and Gold P.l.c.

Annual Report and Financial

Statements 2001

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Conroy Diamonds and Gold P.l.c.

Annual Report and Financial

Statements 2001

Contents

2 Chairman’s Statement

6 Review of Operations

10 Company Information

12 Directors’ Report

14 Auditors’ Report

15 Profit and Loss Account

16 Balance Sheet

17 Cash Flow Statement

18 Statement of Accounting Policies

19 Notes to the Financial Statements

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Chairman’s Statement

Dear Shareholder

I have great pleasure in presenting your Company’s
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the
twelve months ended May 31 2001, a period 
of further major progress for your Company. 

The year began as your Company’s shares first
traded on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM)
of the London Stock Exchange, progressed with the
discovery of a second gold deposit, the exciting
Armagh find, and concluded as your Company
extended its exploration activities into Finland, 
with diamonds the main target. Indeed, it was a
year in which the Company’s name fully reflected
its activities for the first time.

Discovery of Gold in County Armagh

The new and exciting gold discovery in Co. Armagh,
6.5km along strike from your Company’s Tullybuck-
Lisglassan deposit in Co. Monaghan is both
gratifying and of great significance. It provides solid
evidence to support your Company’s postulation
that Tullybuck-Lisglassan is not an isolated gold
deposit but is part of a much larger mineral field -
the Armagh-Monaghan Gold Belt - now known to

extend for at least 20km. This discovery
also points to the very real

possibility that a number 

of economic gold deposits
could be located within 
the 1,500km2 area in the
Longford-Down Massif over
which your Company holds
exploration licences. Within
this area, your Company has
identified numerous other

geochemical anomalies, which may indicate
mineralised zones of similar potential.

The two original discovery holes in Co. Armagh
have now been followed up by a further eleven
holes for a total of 800m of drilling. Gold
mineralisation has been intersected in all but 
one hole (which was targeted on a base metal
anomaly). Two, or possibly three, mineralised
structures have been identified to date over a
strike length of approximately 150 meters. The
zone of mineralisation remains open along strike
and at depth and to date only a small section of
what is a very extensive geochemical anomaly
(3.5km x 1.5km) has been drill tested.

The drilling results suggest that the recently
reported findings of an independent European
Research Team led by the British Geological Survey
on your Company’s Tullybuck-Lisglassan gold
deposit may also apply to the Armagh discovery.
The Research Team found “a new structural
orientation not previously observed” at the
Tullybuck-Lisglassan deposit and believes “that
mineralisation is more extensive” than previously
indicated. This independent confirmation of the
conclusions previously reached by your Company’s
technical experts, that the orientation of the gold
veins is different to that of the base metals
mineralised structures, paves the way for 
additional discoveries at Tullybuck-Lisglassan 
as well as new discoveries elsewhere within 
the Armagh-Monaghan Gold Belt.

The new find in Co. Armagh also provides 
strong support for your Company’s geological
model for the Armagh-Monaghan Gold Belt – 
the interpretation of geological factors and events,
which have controlled the emplacement of
mineralisation within the belt. Both Tullybuck-
Lisglassan and the new Co. Armagh discovery 
are spatially related to the very important Orlock
Bridge Fault, which your Company believes is the
geological structure, which most influenced the
creation of the gold belt.

A year in which the Company’s

name fully reflected its activities

for the first time

Drilling results suggest that the findings of an independent

European Research Team paves the way for additional

discoveries at Tullybuck-Lisglassan as well as new

discoveries elsewhere

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G9 Chrome Pyrope Garnet,

a “diamond indicator

mineral”, recovered in 

the vicinity of a classic

“bullseye” aeromagnetic

anomaly, characteristic 

of a kimberlite pipe

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Finland – Diamond Exploration
Initiated with Encouraging Results

Your Company’s exploration programme was
extended to Finland at the end of the year.
Diamonds will be the main focus of exploration,
but areas prospective for gold, chrome, nickel 
and platinum group metals (PGMs) will also be
targeted.

The move into Finland is a logical step for your
Company, the management of which has previous
experience in running exploration programmes in
that country. Furthermore, Conroy P.l.c, a company
which has common directors with your Company,
and which has acquired extensive information,
knowledge and expertise in relation to Finland,
has agreed to share this data with your Company.
A value of IR£350,000 has been agreed for this
data and information (see Note 5 to the
accounts). As this constitutes a related party
transaction an appropriate resolution will be
tabled at the Annual General Meeting. Your
Company has also contracted the services of the
Geological Survey of Finland (“GSF”), with its
invaluable experience and expertise in the
geology of Finland, to work in association 
with your Company’s staff and consultants.

I am pleased to report that the initial till
sampling programme in Finland carried out on
behalf of your Company by the GSF has been
most encouraging. Kimberlitic indicator minerals
including an all-important G9 Chrome Pyrope
Garnet, a “diamond indicator mineral”, have 
been recovered in the vicinity of a classic
“bullseye” aeromagnetic anomaly, characteristic
of a kimberlite pipe. This is a very promising
beginning to the Company’s exploration
programme for diamonds in Finland, The 
recovery of a G9 garnet at such an early stage is
particularly good news and suggests our selection
of target areas for diamonds is well founded.

Successful Strategy

Your Company’s strategy is to identify and
develop significant geological and prospecting
opportunities which have major economic
potential. This strategy has already achieved
success through the identification of the mineral
potential for gold of the Longford-Down Massif 
in Ireland. The expansion of your Company’s

exploration programmes into Finland, with that
country’s potential for both diamonds and gold, 
is an exciting development which could result 
in further major exploration success.

Finance

The Company raised €933,000, net of expenses,
through the issue of 3,376,000 new ordinary
shares, the details of which are set out in Note 9
to the accounts. These funds have enabled your
Company to optimise its ongoing operations.

In accordance with the adoption of the Euro as
from 1 January 2002 your Company’s accounts 
are expressed in Euros. Consequently changes 
to the Memorandum and Articles of Association
are required and resolutions to give effect to this
will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

I am happy to inform you that during the year
your Company appointed Dolmen Butler Briscoe
as stockbrokers in Dublin.

Directors, Consultants and Staff

I would like to express my appreciation of 
the support and dedication of the directors,
consultants, in particular our Senior Geological
and Mining Consultants, Dr. Michael Smith and 
Mr. Terry Beal, and staff which has made possible
the progress and success that your Company 
has achieved. I welcome the appointment of 
Mr. David Furlong as geologist to your Company.
His extensive experience in exploration and
mining and in particular in gold has already
proved most helpful.

Future Outlook

Your Company looks to the future with
confidence. We have a strong land position in
both Ireland and Finland, a highly successful
exploration programme and a team with the
expertise and track record to build on this 
success and bring your Company forward 
in a positive direction.

Professor Richard Conroy
Chairman

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Review of Operations 

Introduction

Highlights of the Company’s operations during
the year include the discovery of a gold deposit
on the Company’s acreage in Co. Armagh in the
Longford-Down Massif, and the commencement
of exploration activities for diamonds, gold and
other minerals in Finland.

The discovery of gold in Co. Armagh followed
trenching and drilling on a section of the
extensive (3.5km x 1.5km) gold geochemical
anomaly outlined previously by the Company.
The discovery reinforces the Company’s view
that an extensive gold belt exists in Armagh-
Monaghan, and provides further evidence that 
a number of economic gold deposits could be
located within the Armagh-Monaghan Gold Belt.

In view of these excellent results, the Company
has increased its ground holding in the
Longford-Down Massif with the acquisition of
eleven further licences. The Company now holds
a contiguous block of 1,500km2 which straddles
both the border between the Republic of Ireland
and Northern Ireland and the line of the Orlock
Bridge Fault.

The Company has also been granted 23 Claim
Reservations in Finland. The selection of areas
has been based on examination of extensive
geological and geophysical databases made
available to the Company. Twelve of these Claim
Reservations are prospective for diamonds, and
initial exploration results have been highly
encouraging, with the recovery of kimberlitic
indicator minerals, including a G9 garnet, in the
vicinity of a ‘bullseye’ aeromagnetic anomaly.

The Longford-Down Massif

Armagh-Monaghan Gold Belt

The Company’s regional exploration model
suggests that mineralisation within the Armagh-
Monaghan Gold Belt in the Longford-Down

Massif, is influenced by the presence of the
Orlock Bridge Fault, a major regional geological
structure, with cross faulting breaking up the
belt into a number of discrete fault blocks. The
Tullybuck-Lisglassan Deposit in Co. Monaghan
lies within one such fault block, whilst the
newly discovered Cargallisgoran Deposit in 
Co. Armagh is located within another. The two
are separated by at least one, and possibly two,
further untested fault blocks. The belt itself is
seen to cover an area approximately 20km long
by 3km wide.

Elsewhere in the Armagh-Monaghan Gold Belt,
excellent results have been received from
reconnaissance soil geochemistry programmes.
A number of further targets have been identified
on which follow up trenching and drilling is
being planned.

The Tullybuck-Lisglassan Deposit

Further exploration work has continued at the
Company’s Tullybuck-Lisglassan Gold Deposit in
Co. Monaghan. Exploration results in this area
continue to be highly encouraging.

Further geochemical soil sampling about 1.5
kilometres to the north of Tullybuck-Lisglassan
has identified a strong gold anomaly. This
discovery conforms with the Company’s
exploration model regarding the deposition and
distribution of gold mineralisation within the
Armagh-Monaghan Gold Belt.

The British Geological Survey/CRAFT Project, in
which the Company was a participant, has been
completed. Laser ablation inductively coupled
plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied
to the analysis of vein quartz and sulphides, and
indicator kriging used for the 3D visualisation of
vein type deposits. Both approaches have
proved successful and clearly indicate their
potential as tools for gold exploration in the
Longford-Down Massif. The occurrence and
relative age of the mineralised quartz veins are
preferentially focused along bedding-parallel

New gold discovery in Co. Armagh 

is of great significance and provides

solid evidence that Tullybuck-

Lisglassan deposit is part of 

a much larger mineral field

fractures within Ordovician Black Shale units. 
At Tullybuck-Lisglassan, these units are
orthogonal to the strike of the stibnite bearing
structure, which implies that previous diamond
drillholes were unfavourably orientated for
testing the gold bearing structures.

As part of the BGS/CRAFT project, a 3D model 
of the Tullybuck-Lisglassan Deposit has been
constructed from drillhole data. Analysis of this
model by BGS personnel has concluded that
mineralisation is more extensive than 
previously indicated. 

The Cargallisgoran Deposit

This new find at Cargallisgoran, Co. Armagh is
located some 6.5 kilometres along strike from
the Tullybuck-Lisglassan Deposit. Geochemical
prospecting outlined an extensive gold anomaly,
with a known surface expression to date of
approximately 3.5km x 1.5km. Over one part 
of this anomaly, where bedrock comes close 
to surface, over 400 metres of trenching was
completed. Bedrock sampling of these trenches
showed elevated gold values, and following
mapping and geological interpretation, drill 
sites were selected.

The first borehole was drilled to intersect the
sub-surface extension of a broad gold anomaly
identified in one of the trenches. Between 16.50
metres and 23.44 metres down hole it
intersected an interval of 6.94 metres grading
4.14 g/t gold. This included a section of 1.87
metres between 17.97 metres and 19.84 metres
which averaged 8.84 g/t. The second hole was
drilled to intersect the subsurface extension of a
diffuse low grade surface anomaly on a separate
structure which had been identified in the
trenches. This returned an intersection of 9.27

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metres grading 1.88 g/t gold between 14.73
metres and 24 metres down hole.

The two original discovery holes have now been
supplemented by a further eleven holes drilled
to an average downhole depth of 62 metres.
Follow up drilling has extended the zone of
mineralisation to over 150 metres along strike.
All but one intersected significant gold
mineralisation, the exception being a hole that
was targeted on a base metal anomaly. These
holes have proven continuity, both along strike
and down dip, of mineralisation intersected in
the two discovery holes. 

In total in the past year, 810 metres of drilling
has been completed at Cargallisgoran. 

Visit by BBC Northern Ireland 

to Armagh 30 August 2001

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Mineralisation at Cargallisgoran is associated
with sulphides (primarily arsenopyrite), hydraulic
fracturing, and quartz/carbonate and
quartz/feldspar veining.

Two, or possibly three, separate and distinct
mineralised structures have been identified 
to date through trenching and drilling. These
structures have been intersected by drilling 
over a strike length of approximately 150
metres, and are still open both along strike 
and at depth.

The recovery of a G9 Chrome

Pyrope Garnet at such an early

stage is particularly good news

and suggests our selection of

target areas for diamonds is

well founded

Furthermore, this drilling programme has 
tested only one small section of what is a very
extensive anomaly (3.5km x 1.5km) and work 
is ongoing to evaluate the potential of other
parts of this feature. 

Further Exploration

Exploration for both gold and base metals
elsewhere in the Longford-Down Massif is
progressing.

Reconnaissance soil geochemistry surveys have
shown a series of gold anomalies associated
with the Slieve Glah Shear Zone in Co. Cavan,
approximately 45 kilometres south west of
Tullybuck-Lisglassan. Infill sampling in this area
has now revealed an extensive continuous gold
anomaly over approximately 1.7 kilometres.
Work is continuing to evaluate the potential 
of this area.

To the south of the Armagh-Monaghan Gold
Belt, a 50km2 area has been identified as being
highly prospective for base metals. Geologically,
this area is very similar to the Leadhills/
Wanlockhead mining field in Scotland. Numerous
base metal veins have been worked here in 
the past and evaluation of the area’s potential 
is in progress.

Finland

Finland’s long history of mining reflects a
favourable geology which is highly prospective
for diamonds and other minerals. The Company’s
Directors and consultants have extensive
experience in Finland and have long recognised
the prospectivity of the Finnish Baltic Shield. 
To complement this in-house experience the
services of the Geological Survey of Finland
(“GSF”) has been contracted by the Company 
to work in association with its staff and
consultants. The GSF has invaluable expertise
and experience in the geology of Finland, 
as well as state of the art laboratories 
and facilities.

G9 Chrome Pyrope Garnet 

Photomicrograph courtesy 
of Dr. Karl A. Kinnunen, 
Geological Survey of Finland

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The Pre-Cambrian Archaean rocks of the Baltic
Shield underlying much of the central and
northern parts of Finland form part of two
major geological structures known as the
Karelian and Kola Cratons. These Cratons
extend over the border into Russia. The 
Russian portion of the Karelian Craton hosts 
the Lomonosova diamond deposit, one of 
the largest in the world. The whole combined
structure, known as the Baltic Shield, forms the
ancient geological heart of northwest Europe.
Significantly, it is equivalent in age and
geological make up to the Southern African
and Western Australian Cratons and the
Canadian Shield, all of which have yielded
major diamond deposits.

The geology of Finland also includes extensive
Archaean greenstone belts. The rocks of these
greenstone belts exhibit characteristics similar
to those hosting significant gold deposits
throughout the world. 

During the past year, 23 Claim Reservations
covering approximately 200km2 have been
granted to the Company. These Claim
Reservations have been carefully selected 
on the basis of extensive geological and
geophysical databases made available to the
company, and target highly prospective areas.
Each Claim Reservation covers an area of up 
to 9km2 and gives the holder exclusivity in
applying for Exploration Claims within that
area. No financial commitment is attached 
to a Claim Reservation.

Diamonds

Most diamonds are formed in kimberlite pipes,
which are generally associated with Archaean
shield geology. Certain minerals are unique 
to kimberlite pipes and are thus known as
“kimberlitic indicator minerals”. Some of these

A highly successful exploration programme

and a team with the expertise and track

record to build on this success 

minerals come from the same source rock as
diamonds. G9 and G10 garnets are of particular
importance in this regard and are known as
“diamond indicator minerals”.

Geophysical techniques are also very relevant
in diamond exploration. Kimberlite pipes may
show magnetic highs or lows characterised by
a bullseye pattern in northern latitudes. The
databases made available to the Company
included detailed aeromagnetic information
and to date this has highlighted twelve
geophysical anomalies displaying kimberlitic
pipe characteristics. These areas, which are
located in both the Karelian and Kola Cratons 
in Finland, are now held under Claim
Reservation by the Company.

Initial results over selected Claim Reservations
are very encouraging. Till sampling has
recovered kimberlitic indicator minerals
including an all important G9 Chrome 
Pyrope Garnet in the vicinity of a ‘bullseye’
aeromagnetic anomaly. Follow-up exploration
is now underway.

Gold, Platinum Group Metals (PGM) 
and Base Metals

Eleven Claim Reservations are currently held by
the Company for gold, PGM and base metals.

Exploration activities are focused around
Central Lapland. Following evaluation based 
on analysis of data held by the GSF, and
reconnaissance field trips, detailed till 
sampling programmes will be put in place. 

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Company Information

Directors, Secretary 
and Advisers

Professor Richard Conroy 
Executive Chairman*

Maureen T. A. Jones 
Managing Director*

James P. Jones F.C.A.†
Finance Director*

Louis J. Maguire†
Non-Executive Director*

Henry B. Knott†§
Non-Executive Director

Dr. Pamela Conroy§
Non-Executive Director

Henry H. Rennison†§
Non Executive Director*

* Members of Executive Committee
†

Members of Remuneration Committee

§

Members of Audit Committee

Company Secretary and 
Registered Office

James P. Jones
10 Upper Pembroke Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
www.conroydiamondsandgold.com

Auditors

Arthur Andersen
Chartered Accountants
Andersen House
International Financial 
Services Centre
Dublin 1

Nominated Adviser

Seymour Pierce Limited
29/30 Cornhill
London EC3V 3NF

Nominated Broker

Seymour Pierce Ellis Limited
Talisman House
Jubilee Walk
Three Bridges 
Crawley
West Sussex RH10 1LQ

Dublin Stockbrokers

Dolmen Butler Briscoe
Dolmen House
4 Earlsfort Terrace
Dublin 2

Legal Advisers

William Fry Solicitors
Fitzwilton House
Wilton Place
Dublin 2

Olswang
90 Long Acre
London WC2 9TT

Roschier-Holmberg & Waselius
Keskuskatu 7A
00100 Helsinki
Finland

Blake, Cassels & Graydon
Box 25
Commerce Court West
Toronto M5L 1A9
Canada

Registrars

Capita Corporate Registrars PLC
Marine House
Clanwilliam Court
Dublin 2

Professor Richard Conroy

Maureen T. A. Jones 

James P. Jones F.C.A.

Dr. Pamela Conroy

Henry H. Rennison

Louis J. Maguire

Henry B. Knott

Financial Information

Contents

12 Directors’ Report

14 Auditors’ Report

15 Profit and Loss Account

16 Balance Sheet

17 Cash Flow Statement

18 Statement of Accounting Policies

19 Notes to the Financial Statements

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Directors’ Report 

for the Year Ended 31 May 2001

The Directors present their annual report,
together with the audited financial statements
of Conroy Diamonds and Gold P.l.c. for the year
ended 31 May 2001.

Principal Activities and Business Review

The current focus of the Company’s activities is
on a major geological structure in Ireland known
as the Longford-Down Massif. The Company has
acquired prospecting licences over an area of
almost 1,500km2. On one small portion of this
licence area, at Clontibret in County Monaghan,
the Company has intersected high grades and
mineable widths of gold mineralisation in the
Tullybuck/Lisglassan deposit, which, the
Directors believe, has the potential to become
the first major gold mine in Britain or Ireland in
recent times. Recent drilling of the Tullybuck/
Lisglassan deposit has yielded further excellent
results. 

Exploration within the Company’s licence area
has demonstrated, in addition to the Tullybuck/
Lisglassan gold deposit, an extensive gold belt
which extends over a distance of up to 20km
from County Armagh into County Monaghan.
Geochemical surveys within this gold belt point
to the existence of lookalike units to Tullybuck/
Lisglassan, with the potential to host further
similar mineral deposits. During the year a new
gold deposit was discovered at Cargallisgoran 
in County Armagh on one of the anomalies
identified in the Geochemical survey.

The Company has also acquired claim
reservations in Finland which have diamond 
and gold prospects.

Future Development of the Business

It is the intention of the Directors to continue 
to develop the activities of the Company. Further
strategic opportunities in mineral resources, 
both in Ireland and abroad, will be sought 
by the Company.

Results for the Year and State of Affairs 
at 31 May 2001

The profit and loss account for the year ended
31 May 2001 and the balance sheet at that 
date are set out on pages 15 and 16
respectively. The Company recorded a loss for
the financial year of €305,369 (2000 -
€131,790). The shareholders’ funds increased to
€3,231,810 at 31 May 2001 from €2,603,915 at
31 May 2000.

No dividends or transfers to reserves are
recommended by the Directors.

Important Events since the Year End

There have been no significant events affecting
the Company since the end of the financial year.

Health and Safety at Work

The well-being of the Company’s employees 
is safeguarded through adherence to health 
and safety standards in accordance with the
requirements of the Safety, Health and 
Welfare at Work Act, 1989.

Directors

The Directors who served during the year 
are as follows:

R.T.W.L. Conroy

P. Conroy

J.P. Jones

L.J. Maguire

M.T.A. Jones

H.B. Knott

H.H. Rennison

In accordance with the Company’s articles 
of association, Miss M.T.A. Jones and Mr H.H.
Rennison will retire by rotation and, being
eligible, will offer themselves for re-election 
at the Annual General Meeting.

Directors’ and Secretary’s Shareholdings
and Other Interests

The interests of the Directors and Secretary, all
of which were beneficially held, in the ordinary
share capital of the Company at 31 May 2000
and 31 May 2001 were as follows:

Ordinary Shares 
of 2.5p each 

Options

R.T.W.L. Conroy

3,750,010

1,000,000

J.P. Jones

360,010

275,000

M.T.A. Jones

750,010

325,000

H.H. Rennison

330,010

50,000

P. Conroy

L.J. Maguire

H.B. Knott

500,010

125,000

310,010

150,010

50,000

25,000

Price
May 2001 IR£

Expiry Date

Year

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Details of the options are as follows:

At 31 Granted

Directors May 2000 During
Year

Exercised  At 31 
During

R.T.W.L. Conroy

500,000

500,000

-

1,000,000

.20

4 Dec 2010

J.P. Jones

150,000

125,000

M.T.A. Jones 200,000

125,000

H.H Rennison

50,000

P. Conroy

125,000

L.J. Maguire 50,000

H.B. Knott

25,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

275,000

.20

4 Dec 2010

325,000

.20

4 Dec 2010

50,000

.20

4 Dec 2010

125,000

.20

4 Dec 2010

50,000 

.20

4 Dec 2010

25,000

.20

4 Dec 2010

Except as disclosed above, neither the Directors
nor their families had any beneficial interest in
the share capital of the Company. There have
been no contracts or arrangements entered into
during the financial year in which a Director of
the Company had a material interest and which
were significant in relation to the Company’s
business except as disclosed in Note 14 to 
the financial statements.

Substantial Shareholdings

So far as the Board is aware, no person or
company, other than the Directors’ interests
disclosed above, held 3% or more of the 
issued ordinary share capital of the Company 
at September 2001.

Euro

The Euro conversion project is currently
underway and progress is being assessed in
advance of all critical dates. The costs of
ensuring Euro compliance are not material.

Political Donations

There were no political donations during 
the year.

Directors’ Responsibility Statement

Company law requires the Directors to prepare
financial statements for each period which give
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of 
the Company and of the profit or loss of the
Company for that period. In preparing the
financial statements, the Directors have:

selected suitable accounting policies and 
then applied them consistently;

(cid:2) made judgements and estimates that are

reasonable and prudent.

As explained in Note 1 to the financial
statements, the Directors have reviewed
cashflow projections and other relevant
information and are satisfied that the Company
will be able to continue in operation for the
foreseeable future. Accordingly, the financial
statements have been prepared on the going
concern basis.

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
proper accounting records which disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial
position of the Company and to enable them 
to ensure that the financial statements comply
with the Companies Acts 1963 to 1999. They 
are also responsible for safeguarding the assets
of the Company and hence, for taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and
detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Auditors

The auditors, Arthur Andersen, Chartered
Accountants have expressed their willingness 
to continue in office in accordance with Section
160 (2) of the Companies Act, 1963.

On behalf of the Board

R.T.W.L. Conroy
Chairman

J.P. Jones
Director

Approved by the Directors 17 October 2001

(cid:2)
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Auditors’ Report

To the Members of Conroy Diamonds and
Gold P.l.c.:

We have audited the financial statements on
pages 15 to 23 which have been prepared under
the historical cost convention and in accordance
with the accounting policies set out on page 18.

Respective Responsibilities of Directors
and Auditors

As described on page 13, the Directors are
responsible for the preparation of financial
statements in accordance with Accounting
Standards generally accepted in Ireland. Our
responsibilities, as independent auditors, are
established in Ireland by statute, the Auditing
Practices Board, and our profession’s ethical
guidelines.

Basis of Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with
Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing
Practices Board. An audit includes examination,
on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the
amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. It also includes an assessment 
of the significant estimates and judgements
made by the Directors in the preparation of 
the financial statements, and of whether the
accounting policies are appropriate to the
Company’s circumstances, consistently applied
and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to
obtain all the information and explanations
which we considered necessary in order to
provide us with sufficient evidence to give
reasonable assurance that the financial
statements are free from material misstatement,
whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or
error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated
the overall adequacy of the presentation of
information in the financial statements.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements give a
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the
Company at 31 May 2001 and of its loss and
cashflows for the year then ended and have
been properly prepared in accordance with 
the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1999.

We have obtained all the information and
explanations we consider necessary for the
purposes of our audit. In our opinion, proper
books of account have been kept by the
Company. The Company’s financial statements
are in agreement with the books of account.

In our opinion, the information given in the
Directors’ report on pages 12 to 13 is consistent
with the financial statements.

The net assets of the Company, as stated in the
balance sheet on page 16, are more than half of
the amount of its called up share capital and, in
our opinion on that basis there did not exist at
31 May 2001, a financial situation which, under
Section 40(1) of the Companies (Amendment)
Act, 1983 would require the convening of an
extraordinary general meeting of the Company.

Arthur Andersen
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor

17 October 2001
Dublin 

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Profit and Loss Account 

for the Year Ended 31 May 2001

Notes

2001
€

2000
€

Operating Expenses

Other Income

Loss on Ordinary Activities before Taxation

Tax on loss on ordinary activities

Loss for the Year

Profit and Loss Account, at 31 May 2000

Profit and Loss Account, at 31 May 2001

2

3

4

(320,190) 

(132,071)

14,821

281

(305,369) 

(131,790)

-

(305,369)

(438,425) 

(743,794) 

- 

(131,790)

(306,635)

(438,425)

There are no recognised gains or losses other than the loss for the year.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of this profit and loss account.

On behalf of the Board

R.T.W.L. Conroy
Chairman

J.P. Jones
Director

Approved by the Directors 17 October 2001

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Balance Sheet

31 May 2001

Fixed Assets

Mineral interests

Tangible assets

Current Assets

Debtors

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Net Current Assets

Total Assets less current Liabilities

Creditors: Amounts falling due 
after more than one year

Net Assets

Capital and Reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Profit and loss account

Notes

5

10

2001
€

2000
€

3,261,035

1,910,459

65,863

11,960

3,326,898

1,922,419

6

7

8

9

9

45,957

1,049,695

1,095,652

18,134

1,443,763

1,461,897

(968,536)

(780,401)

127,116

681,496

3,454,014

2,603,915

(222,204)

-

3,231,810

2,603,915

557,449

450,283

3,418,155

2,592,057

(743,794)

(438,425)

Shareholders’ Funds - all equity

11

3,231,810 

2,603,915

The accompanying notes form an integral part of this balance sheet.

On behalf of the Board

R.T.W.L. Conroy
Chairman

J.P. Jones
Director

Approved by the Directors 17 October 2001

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Cash Flow Statement

for the Year Ended 31 May 2001

Net Cash (Outflow)/Inflow 
from Operating Activities

Returns on Investments and 
Servicing of Finance

Taxation

Capital Expenditure 
and Financial Investments

Notes

2001
€

2000
€

12A

(16,875)

142,033

-

-

- 

-

12B

(1,419,985)

(535,803)

Net Cash Outflow before Financing

(1,436,860)

(393,770)

Financing

12B

1,155,468

1,729,666

(Decrease)/Increase in Cash

12C

(281,392)

1,335,896

The accompanying notes form an integral part of this cash flow statement.

On behalf of the Board

R.T.W.L. Conroy
Chairman

J.P. Jones
Director

Approved by the Directors 17 October 2001

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Statement of Accounting Policies

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The Company’s
principal accounting policies are set out below. All of these policies have been applied consistently
throughout the year.

A Mineral Interests

i

Exploration, Appraisal and Development Expenditure

The Company accounts for mineral expenditure under the ‘full cost’ method of accounting.

Exploration, appraisal and development expenditure is incurred on acquiring, exploring or
testing exploration prospects. All lease, licence and property acquisition costs, geological and
geophysical costs and other direct costs of exploration, appraisal and development are
capitalised. The amount capitalised includes other operating expenses directly related to these
activities.

ii Cost Pools

Costs are capitalised within geographic cost pools which initially comprise Ireland and the rest
of the world.

Costs relating to the exploration and appraisal of mineral interests which the Directors consider
to be unevaluated are initially held outside the cost pool. Costs held outside the cost pool are
reassessed at each year end. When a decision to develop these interests has been taken, or
there is evidence of impairment, the related costs are transferred to the cost pool.

Proceeds from the disposal of part or all of an interest which is outside the cost pool is credited
to that interest with any excess being credited to the cost pool. 

iii Ceiling Test

A ceiling test is carried out at each balance sheet date to assess whether the net book value 
of capitalised costs in the pool, together with the future costs of development of undeveloped
reserves, is covered by the discounted future net revenues from the reserves within the pool,
calculated at prices prevailing at the year end. Any deficiency arising is provided for to the
extent that, in the opinion of the Directors, it is considered to represent a permanent
diminution in the value of the related asset, and where arising, is dealt with in the profit 
and loss account as additional depreciation.

iv Depreciation

Expenditure within the cost pool is depreciated using the unit of production method based on
commercial reserves. Costs used in the unit of production calculation comprise the net book
value of capitalised costs plus the anticipated future costs of development of the undeveloped
reserves at current year end unescalated prices. Changes in cost and reserve estimates are dealt
with prospectively.

B Issue Expenses and Share Premium Account

Issue expenses arising on the issue of equity securities are written off, in the first instance, against
the share premium account, with any issue expenses in excess of the balance on the share
premium account being written off to the profit and loss account.

C Tangible Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided 
on a straight line basis to write off the cost less estimated residual value of the assets over their
estimated useful lives as follows:

Motor vehicles
Office equipment

5 years
8 years

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Notes to the Financial Statements

31 May 2001

1 Operations and Going Concern

The Company is an investment holding company and is currently involved in the development of
mineral exploration opportunities, principally in the Longford-Down Massif.

During the year €933,264, net of expenses, was raised by the issue of new share capital. The
finance raised will be used to continue to develop the Company’s activities.

On the basis of their review of projected cash flow information, and taking into account the above
funding together with the very encouraging results obtained from the exploration programme, the
Directors consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.

2 Operating Expenses

2001
€

2000
€

Management services and operating expenses (a)

862,509

528,281

Transfer to Mineral Interests (Note 5)

(542,319) 

(396,210)

320,190

132,071

a The Company had seven employees during the period (2000 - one). The remuneration paid

during the period comprised salary of €385,848, social welfare costs of €25,161 and pension
costs of €86,972 (2000 - €20,882 and €1,837 respectively).

3 Loss on Ordinary Activities before Taxation

The loss on ordinary activities before taxation is arrived at after charging the following items,
which are stated at amounts prior to the re-allocation to mineral interests:

Auditors’ remuneration

Directors’ emoluments

fees

other including pension contributions

2001
€

15,872

79,359

393,638

2000
€

15,872

79,359

-

Included in director’s emoluments is an amount of €86,972 which relates to pension costs accrued
at the year end. This amount will be transferred to a defined contribution pension scheme which is
to be established in the coming financial year.

All losses arose from continuing operations.

4 Tax on loss on Ordinary Activities

No taxation charge arises in the financial year due to losses incurred. There was no unprovided
deferred taxation at 31 May 2001 (2000 - €Nil).

(cid:2)
(cid:2)
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Notes to the Financial Statements

continued

5 Mineral Interests

Costs held outside cost pool:

Cost

Ireland
€

Overseas
€

Total
€

At 31 May 2000

1,910,383

76

1,910,459

Expenditure during the period

- licences and appraisal

- other operating costs (Note 2)

355,430

510,142

452,827

32,177

808,257

542,319

At 31 May 2001

2,775,955

485,080

3,261,035

During the year the Company acquired a number of claim reservations in Finland which have
diamond and gold prospects. The selection of claim reservations was based on information,
knowledge and expertise acquired by the Company from Conroy P.l.c. for a consideration 
of €444,408 which was included in creditors at year end. The Company and Conroy P.l.c. 
have common shareholders and Directors. The Company’s senior geological consultant, 
Dr. Michael Smith, was engaged by the Board to review the value attributed to the 
knowledge transfer.

The Directors have considered the proposed work programmes for these mineral interests,
presently held outside the cost pools. They are satisfied that there are no indications of
impairment, but recognise that future realisation of the mineral interests, held outside the 
cost pools, is dependent on further successful exploration and appraisal activities and the
subsequent economic production of the mineral reserves.

6 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year

VAT receivable

Other

7 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Accruals 

Due to related undertaking (Note 14)

Bank overdraft 

2001
€

41,512

4,445

45,957

2001
€

701,307

222,204

45,025

968,536

2000
€

13,246

4,888

18,134

2000
€

622,700

-

157,701

780,401

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8 Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

Due to related undertaking (Note 14)

9 Called up Share Capital and Share Premium

Authorised:

2001
€

222,204

2000
€

-

2001
IR£

2000
IR£

400,000,000 ordinary shares of 2.5p each

10,000,000

10,000,000

Issued and Fully Paid:

Share Capital

Share Premium

Number

IR£

€

IR£

€

Start of year

14,185,070

354,627

450,283

2,041,411

2,592,057

Share issue (a) 

3,376,000

84,400

107,166

725,840

921,626

Issue expenses

-

-

-

(75,235)

(95,528)

End of year

17,561,070

439,027

557,449

2,692,016

3,418,155

a In May 2001 3,376,000 ordinary shares of IR£0.025 were issued for a consideration of £0.19

sterling per share to fund further mineral exploration. This realised IR£0.24 per share resulting
in a premium of IR£0.215 per share.

10 Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost

31 May 2000

Additions

31 May 2001

Accumulated Depreciation

31 May 2000

Depreciation charge

31 May 2001

Net Book Value

31 May, 2000

31 May 2001

Office
Equipment
€

Motor
Vehicles
€

15,209

12,656

27,865

4,593

3,484

8,077

10,616

19,788

3,359

56,753

60,112

2,015

12,022

14,037

1,344

46,075

Total
€

18,568

69,409

87,977

6,608

15,506

22,114

11,960

65,863

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Notes to the Financial Statements

continued

11 Reconciliation of Movement in Shareholders’ Funds

At 31 May, 2000

Loss for the financial year

Shares issued, net

At 31 May 2001

2001
€

2000
€

2,603,915

998,420

(305,369)

(131,790)

933,264

3,231,810

1,737,285

2,603,915

12 Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

A Reconciliation of Loss to Net Cash Outflow from Operating Activities:

Operating Loss

Depreciation

Increase in Creditors

(Increase)/Decrease in Debtors

Net Cash (Outflow)/Inflow from Operating Activities

B Analysis of Cash Flows:

Capital Expenditure and Financial Investment

2001
€

2000
€

(305,369)

(131,790)

15,506

300,811

(27,823)

(16,875) 

2,572

224,627

46,624

142,033

2001
€

2000
€

Investment in mineral interests

(1,350,576)

(535,083)

Purchase of tangible fixed assets

(69,409)

(720)

(1,419,985)

(535,803)

Financing

Issue of share capital, net

Due to related party (Note 14)

Shareholders’ loan (repayments) net

933,264

222,204

-

1,737,285

-

(7,619)

1,155,468

1,729,666

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12 Notes to the Cash Flow Statement (Cont’d)

C Analysis and Reconciliation of Net Funds:

31 May
2000

Cash
Flow

31 May
2001

Cash at bank and in hand

1,443,763

(394,068)

1,049,695

Bank overdrafts

(157,701)

112,676

(45,025)

1,286,062

(281,392)

1,004,670

13 Commitments and Contingencies

Obligations under Mineral Interests

The Company has received prospecting licences under the Republic of Ireland Mineral Development
Acts 1940 to 1995 for areas in Monaghan and Cavan. It has also received licences in Northern
Ireland for areas in Armagh and Down in accordance with the Mineral Development Act (Northern
Ireland) 1969.

The Company has certain obligations in respect of these licences at year end. The commitments in
relation to these licences are as follows:

Expiration period:

(cid:2) Within one year

Between two and five years

2001
€

2000
€

176,494

250,138

426,632

114,276

149,829

264,105

14 Related Party Transactions

As described in Note 5, the Company acquired information, knowledge and expertise from Conroy
P.l.c., a company which has common shareholders and Directors and of which one of the Directors
and shareholders of the Company has a controlling interest. The consideration was €444,408, of
which €222,204 is payable within one year and the balance of €222,204 after one year. 

The Company also shares accommodation with Conroy P.l.c. The Company bears its appropriate
share of the related costs directly.

(cid:2)