Quarterlytics / Basic Materials / Agricultural Inputs / Highfield Resources Ltd

Highfield Resources Ltd

hfr · ASX Basic Materials
Claim this profile
Ticker hfr
Exchange ASX
Sector Basic Materials
Industry Agricultural Inputs
Employees 11-50
← All annual reports
FY2018 Annual Report · Highfield Resources Ltd
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Annual Report
31 December 2018

highfieldresources.com.au

ABN 51 153 918 257

CONTENTS 

Page

Corporate Directory 

Chairman’s Letter 

Chief Executive Officer’s Letter 

Sustainability Report 

Directors’ Report 

Financial Report 

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and 
Other Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

1

2

3

4

32

68

70

71

72

73

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

74

Directors’ Declaration 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

ASX Additional Information 

95

96

97

102

CORPORATE 
DIRECTORY 

Directors

Mr. Derek Carter (Independent Non-Executive Chairman)
Mr. Peter Albert (Managing Director & CEO)
Ms. Pauline Carr (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Mr. Richard Crookes (Non-Executive Director)
Mr. Roger Davey (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Mr. Jim Dietz (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Mr. Owen Hegarty (Non-Executive Director)
Mr. Brian Jamieson (Non-Executive Director)

Mr. Isaac Querub (Independent Non-Executive Director)

Company Secretary

Mr. Donald Stephens

Registered Office & Principal Place of 
Business

169 Fullarton Road
DULWICH, SA 5065

Telephone: 
Facsimile: 

+61 8 8133 5000
+61 8 8431 3502

Website:  

highfieldresources.com.au

Share Registry

Advanced Share Registry Pty Ltd
110 Stirling Highway
NEDLANDS, WA 6009

Telephone:  

Facsimile:  

+61 8 9389 8033
+61 8 9389 7871

Auditor

Pricewaterhouse Coopers
Level 11/70 Franklin Street 
ADELAIDE, SA 5000

Telephone:  

+61 8 8218 7000

Facsimile:  

+61 8 8218 7999

Stock Exchange

Australian Securities Exchange
(Home Exchange: Perth, Western Australia)

ASX Code: HFR

2

CHAIRMAN’S 
LETTER

Dear Shareholders

As you would be aware, 2018 was a year that continued to 
deliver a few surprises for the Company. The requirement in 
March 2018 that the Company provide another layer of de-
tail to its already comprehensive reports on seismicity, subsi-
dence and salt by-product management was something we 
hadn’t anticipated and has effectively added one year to the 
overall permitting process. We are confident that the quan-
tity and quality of the work will assist us in the subsequent 
approvals that are required after the environmental permit. 
Certainly,  the  government  authorities  in  Navarra,  Aragon 
and  Madrid  have  all  responded  positively  to  the  work  that 
has  been  carried  out  to  meet  the  additional  requirements. 
The  team  in  Pamplona  has  responded  admirably  to  the 
Government requests, working with good grace while main-
taining  the  focus  and  commitment  necessary  to  secure  the 
environmental permit as soon as possible.

Other  activities  have  re-confirmed  the  competitive  attracti-
veness of the Muga mine, with independent third-party re-
views delivering additional confidence as well as a new Ore 
Reserves  statement  which  tested  all  aspects  of  the  project 
model.  These  studies  have  reinforced  the  Board’s  commit-
ment to deliver the project for the benefit of all stakeholders. 

Potash prices in 2018 have continued to strengthen, slightly 
better than we had predicted with prices typically US$35 per 
tonne better than in 2017 and now about US$45 per tonne 
above the 2016 lows. Most forecasters are predicting a gra-
dual increase in demand of 2% to 2.5% pa in the longer term 
– which continues to bode well for Highfield. 

At  the  AGM  in  May  2018  I  signaled  my  intention  to  step 
down from the Board of Highfield and in keeping with this 
undertaking I will not be seeking re-election at the forthco-
ming AGM in May 2019. In addition, Owen Hegarty has also 
indicated that he will not seek re-election as a Director and 
will retire from the Board at the conclusion of the AGM. The 
Board will continue to have a robust and appropriate mix of 
expertise and experience to progress the project.

I would like to thank all of our shareholders for their conti-
nued support. I also wish to thank my fellow Board members, 
the  management  team  and  all  of  our  employees  for  their 
efforts during the year, efforts I am convinced will deliver the 
positive result we are all looking for.  

Derek Carter
28 March 2019

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders3

local communities and local government officers has resulted 
in an unprecedented level of support for the development of 
the Muga Mine.

During 2018 we have undertaken a critical review of our other 
tenements to identify those areas most likely to yield potash 
resources and as a consequence, we have relinquished some 
areas. This will enable us to focus all of our exploration re-
sources on the key target areas of Vipasca, Sierra del Perdón 
and Pintanos – all of which have good potash potential. 

Almost inevitably, 2019 will be a pivotal year for the Company. 
We  remain  confident  that  a  negative  environmental  permit 
outcome is highly unlikely, whereas the positive outcome we 
expect in the near term will set us on the path of the develo-
pment timetable for which we have been planning.

I would like to thank the Board for its support, our sharehol-
ders, my management team for their continued enthusiasm, 
professionalism and drive, and the local communities and go-
vernments for their commitment and support as we reach the 
final steps in the environmental permitting process.

Peter Albert
28 March 2019

CHIEF 
EXECUTIVE 
OFFICER’S 
LETTER

Dear Shareholders

2018  has  been  another  challenging  but  also  fruitful  year 
for  the  Company.  Almost  one  year  ago  the  authorities  in 
Madrid,  as  part  of  the  environmental  permitting  process, 
required  that  the  company  provide  more  detail  and  clarifi-
cation  around  the  areas  of  seismicity,  subsidence  and  salt 
by-product  management.  This  information  was  required  to 
be provided within three months and the Company provided 
more than 20 additional reports in response. In late July the 
Madrid authority requested 14 other government bodies to 
provide commentary and feedback on the Company submis-
sion. By the end of December 2018 all responses had been 
provided and all, excepting two unsolicited submissions from 
local anti-development groups, are positive and supportive. 
In the early part of 2019, the Company and our advisors have 
been in continuous dialogue with the Madrid environmental 
authority and whilst we cannot provide any firm commitment 
or a firm date, we remain very confident of a positive outco-
me in the near future.

Whilst the permitting process has been our main focus du-
ring  the  year,  there  have  also  been  a  number  of  significant 
achievements including a new Mineral Resources Statement, 
a  new  Ore  Reserves  Statement,  a  Muga  Project  Update 
and  a  refreshed  Acciona  Memorandum  of  Understanding. 
Effectively  the  team  in  Pamplona  has  re-stated  the  Project 
and we only await the issuance of a positive environmental 
approval from the Madrid Environmental Ministry before we 
can commence with the next stage of Muga’s development. 
The next stage will of course be securing the mining conces-
sion and the construction permits in parallel with completing 
the detailed engineering, ordering equipment, signing cons-
truction  contracts  and  generally  preparing  for  construction 
commencement activities.  The team is very confident about 
the work done to date and is already liaising with the autho-
rities to ensure all of our “ducks are lined up” for these next 
steps before construction.

The team at our offices in Pamplona is a little smaller than it 
was two years ago and we are focused on delivering the out-
come desired by all stakeholders. As I have expressed before, 
I believe that the cultural importance we attach to our core 
values of Commitment, Respect, Excellence and Attitude will 
underpin the long-term sustainability and success of our bu-
siness. Certainly, our communication and interaction with the 

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders4

SUSTAINABILITY 
REPORT

About this section

CEO letter

Living Sustainably

Prioritizing targets, contributing to 
sustainable goals

Sustainable Performance Overview 

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders5

About this section 

This section sets out the highlights of our fourth sustainability 
report which comprises all sustainable activities by Highfield 
Resources  Limited  (the  “Company”  or  “Highfield”)  and  its 
Spanish  subsidiary  Geoalcali  SLU  (“Geoalcali”),  together 
“the  Group”.  As  a  result  of  changing  our  reporting  period 
end  from  June  to  December,  effective  31  December  2017, 
the  Group’s  annual  reports  and  sustainability  reports  are 
now aligned on a calendar year basis. As a transitional me-
asure, rather than prepare a standalone sustainability report 
based  on  Global  Reporting  Initiative  (“GRI”)  Standards  for 
the  short  reporting  period  for  the  six  months  1  July  2017 
to  31  December  2017,  the  Company  decided  that  its  GRI 
Sustainability  Report  2018,  our  fourth  in  total  but  the  first 
following the change in year end, would instead cover the 18 
months period 1 July 2017 to 31 December 2018 (for simpli-
city “the year”).

In addition to creating greater transparency in our company 
performance,  this  year  we  have  integrated  Sustainability 
Development Goals (“SDG”) into our corporate reporting by 
using the Business Reporting on SDGs guideline developed 
by GRI and United Nations Global Compact. 

The  purpose  of  this  section  is  to  outline  the  most  relevant 
events  that  are  included  in  the  standalone  Sustainability 
Report  2018.  This  year´s  sustainability  report  explains  how 
we  approach  our  obligations  to  operate  in  a  sustainable 
manner, and how we plan ahead to ensure our future perfor-
mance will meet high standards of environmental, social and 
governance “ESG” management in the communities in which 
we operate. For this fourth report, the Group has subscribed 
to the GRI Standards reporting recommendations.  GRI is an 
international  independent  organization  that  helps  busines-
ses,  governments  and  other  organizations  understand  and 
communicate the impact of business on critical sustainability 
issues such as climate change, human rights, corruption and 
many others. With regards to this report, the Company has 
also included the SDG of the United Nations into our corpo-
rate  reporting.    SDG  are  becoming  increasingly  important, 

as they are an articulation of the world´s most pressing en-
vironmental, social and economic issues and, as such, act as 
a definitive list of the material ESG perspectives for the bu-
siness world. Investors are becoming increasing focused on 
companies’ commitments to SDG. These two guidelines are 
the most widely adopted frameworks and contribute to the 
Company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

It  is  fundamental  for  us  that  we  conduct  our  activities  in  a 
sustainable  and  responsible  manner.  Sustainability  reports 
are an indispensable tool to communicate sustainability ob-
jectives established by the Group, offering an opportunity to 
our stakeholders to review the Group’s performance and to 
contact us with suggestions or comments on the content in 
the report. 

The  report  has  been  divided  into  four  main  sections:  Our 
Business, Our Environment, Our People, and Our Community, 
because  that  is  how  the  Group  articulates  its  Sustainability 
Framework, which aims to:

 — Articulate  our  corporate  vision,  values  and  corporate 

governance that guide us in our operations;

 — Listen  to  feedback  from  the  different  groups  within 
our  local  communities  that  may  be  affected  by  our 
operations;

 — Set  appropriate  objectives  to  address  the  key  topics 

arising;

 — Communicate what we do; and

 — Measure and report our performance.

Each of these sections provides information on our sustaina-
bility activities during the year. For further information visit:

https://www.highfieldresources.com.au/
sustainability-reports/

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders6

CEO letter 

I am pleased to present our fourth Sustainability Report. 

Population growth of more than 80 million people per annum 
means that our planet is facing an ever increasing sustainabi-
lity challenge.   With the right policies, the necessary strate-
gic collaborations and an incorporation of circular economy 
models into our business plans, the industrial minerals sector 
can  contribute  meaningfully  to  complying  with  the  United 
Nations  2050  vision  of  reducing  emissions  while  widening 
access to resources to help feed the world, thus achieving a 
sustainable future for the survival of our planet. It is therefore 
important  that  companies  and  governments  work  together 
to  establish  European  policies  that  facilitate  businesses  ac-
cess  to  these  resources,  especially  if  we  take  into  account 
that globalization and increased competition in the raw ma-
terial markets is constantly increasing. 

The  Company’s  projects  are  located  in  the  provinces  of 
Navarra and Aragon in Spain. These projects aim to produce 
potash,  an  industrial  mineral  that  is  used  in  fertilisers.  The 
responsible  use  of  fertilisers  is  key  to  meeting  the  challen-
ge  of  global  nutrition.  The  production  of  food  for  humans 
is one of the key challenges faced by the world today and is 
the  United  Nations  Sustainable  Development  Goal  number 
2. The agricultural and livestock production to feed the 7.6 
billion people currently on the planet already occupies 43% 
of all land (excluding deserts and frozen regions). This per-
centage  would  have  to  increase  in  order  to  feed  the  2050 
forecast of 9.8 billion people. But a commensurate increase 
in land area space would leave little room for biodiversity. A 
large study (Nature Sustainability by the scientific publisher 
Springer Nature Group) concluded that more productive use 
of existing arable land is the only logical answer to this dilem-
ma and fertilisers will play a key role. 

Innovation and new technological solutions will be crucial for 
the sustainable development of our planet. Minerals produc-
tion and the use of minerals in all aspects of our daily lives 
such  as  mobile  phones,  cars,  planes,  trains,  housing  mate-
rials, roads, chemicals, pharmaceutical drugs, are essential to 
the lifestyle we have become used to. A less well understood 
application  of  minerals  is  in  the  production  of  agricultural 
products to feed 7.6 billion people every single day.  The im-
portance of fertilisers and other minerals to assist in greater 
production of food sources from the world’s limited land area 
will be essential to the sustainability of our species. Highfield 
Resources  and  our  Spanish  company  Geoalcali  believe  we 
have a responsible role to play in the production of potash to 
assist in the sustainability goals that we will all have to meet.   
As an example, during November 2018, in collaboration with 
the  Instituto  Geológico  y  Minero  de  España  (“IGME”)  and 
Magnesitas Navarras, a local minerals producer, we launched 
an exhibition, Essential Minerals for a Sustainable Future at 
the  Pamplona  Planetarium,  with  the  aim  of  contributing  to 
the  understanding  of  a  sector  that  has  the  lowest  level  of 
public acceptance in the EU compared to other economic ac-
tivities. We are aware that it is fundamental to act responsibly 

in the extraction of these minerals and we are also aware of 
the importance of involving new generations by supporting 
quality education. We all have the task of building a sustai-
nable future for our families, our communities and our world. 

During  2018,  the  Company  achieved  several  important  mi-
lestones  in  our  vision  to  “build  a  successful,  sustainable, 
potash business with respect for stakeholders and the envi-
ronment”. These milestones include the completion and op-
timisation of our mine design, preliminary plant design and 
engineering  optimisation  work,  an  update  of  our  Minerals 
Resources Statement for Muga, as well as an update of our 
Ore  Reserves  Statement  for  Muga,  and  a  Project  Update 
which  restated  capital  and  operating  costs  and  reaffirmed 
the  future  Muga  Mine  as  a  long  term  development  oppor-
tunity which will provide multiple benefits to its many stake-
holders.  We are pleased to confirm the results of all of this 

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders7

continue to uphold our core values of CREA (Commitment, 
Respect, Excellence and Attitude) in our everyday activities.

It  is  our  desire  to  serve  as  a  best  practice  example  in  the 
Spanish mining industry. As a result of our vision of develo-
ping a sustainable business, we have worked towards adop-
ting  policies  to  strengthen  our  accountability  and  commit-
ment  to  best  practices.  We  have  developed  many  features 
to  achieve  a  minimal  environmental  impact,  for  example  a 
restoration  plan  designed  to  progressively  rehabilitate  the 
project  site  during  and  after  mine  operations,  salt  by-pro-
duct sales and/or residue placed underground and zero salt 
on surface shortly after the end of planned mine operations, 
construction  of  visual  barriers  around  the  project  site,  wa-
ter management facilities to achieve zero water release from 
site, and much more. The mining industry in the EU will need 
to comply with high environmental and social standards and 
at  Geoalcali,  we  are  committed  to  those  requirements  and 
plan to go further in our transformation for sustainability in 
the future.

Peter Albert
CEO Geoalcali and Highfield Resources 

technical and cost work positions Muga as one of the world’s 
highest margin potash mines. 

During the year we have continued our efforts to obtain the 
environmental permit that will allow the Company to apply 
for  the  necessary  permits  to  build  our  first  mine,  Muga.  To 
achieve  our  plans,  we  have  continued  to  actively  engage 
with all stakeholders in a transparent and open manner, in-
cluding  the  local  communities,  our  employees,  the  provin-
cial  and  central  Governments,  local  NGOs  and  investors. 
Geoalcali,  our  Spanish  subsidiary,  has  been  recognised  in 
various forums as an example of best practice in community 
engagement for our Public Participation Plan and communi-
cation activities which have included open doors events, in-
formation events and suggestion boxes in the communities.  
We are committed to maintaining an open dialogue with our 
stakeholders throughout the life span of the project and will 

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders8

Living Sustainably

Geoalcali and Highfield are focused on operating in a respon-
sible and sustainable manner, minimising any environmental 
impact,  optimising  energy  efficiency  and  using  resources 
appropriately. The Group also acknowledges the importance 
of  appropriately  managing  the  risks  which  derive  from  mi-
ning activities in order to ensure a high standard of outcomes 
for local communities and other stakeholders. 

Accordingly, our goal is to ensure that the Group’s activities 
not  only  comply  with  current  legislation,  but  are  also  alig-
ned with external international guidelines such as the Aarhus 
Convention,  the  UN´s  Global  Compact,  the  Rio  de  Janeiro 
Earth Summit, IFC Performance Standards and the Equator 
Principles.

The participation of stakeholders through our development 
process is critical to ensuring that the concerns of residents 
are  addressed  as  part  of  the  Group´s  decision  making  pro-
cess. A good governance system is also essential to ensure 
appropriate  commitment  to  ethical  criteria  regarding  envi-
ronmental and social management.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersCORPORATE VISION AND 
VALUES

“To build a successful and 
sustainable potash business 
with respect for stakeholders 
and the environment.”

This vision is then supported by our four core values: CREA

Commitment
We  are  committed  to  best  practices  in  health 
and safety, the environment, and the commu-
nities in which we operate.

Respect 
To  act  and  communicate  collaboratively  with 
transparency, sincerity and an understanding of 
cultural diversity.

Excellence
To seek to continuously improve through a cycle 
of  goal-setting,  accountability,  evaluation  and 
innovation, resulting in enhanced value creation.

Attitude
To  uphold  the  highest  standards  in  regards  to 
ethical performance, honesty, integrity, fairness 
and equality with all stakeholders.

10

THE FRAMEWORK

The Group understands that sustainability needs to be embe-
dded in the culture and in the daily processes. But first, it is 
fundamental to understand the impact of the business to be 
able to address every aspect that is key for a successful out-
come. The Company has always actively listened to all of its 
stakeholders whilst developing plans to take into account the 
interests of the people and the best environmental outcomes 
around the Muga Mine.  

In the graphic below, the Group’s vision and core values form 
the  center  of  our  sustainable  framework.  We  have  defined 
as our four main areas: Our Business, Our Environment, Our 
People and Our Community – these combined, drive our sus-
tainability activities.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders11

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders12

Prioritizing 
targets, 
contributing to 
sustainable goals

In our previous report, the Company carried out a materiality 
assessment  based  on  the  participation  of  all  stakeholders. 
The  same  exercise  this  year  confirmed  the  same  ten  mate-
rial topics as relevant to our business. These ten topics are 
described  below  and  each  of  these  fits  within  one  of  our 
key subjects under the Company´s Sustainability Framework 
as  described  above,  ie.  Our  Business,  Our  People,  Our 
Environment and Our Community.

Receipt of necessary permits 

Anti-Corruption Measures  

Wealth Creation 

The  Company  continues  to  centre 
its efforts on the permitting process, 
to  obtain  a  positive  environmental 
permit.  After  this,  the  Company 
will  work  to  obtain  the  necessary 
construction  and  industrial  activity 
permits.

Business ethics, and the measures 
necessary  to  maintain  high  stan-
dards  in  this  respect,  are  key  fac-
tors in ensuring the Company ope-
rates in accordance with its values.

It is anticipated that the Muga Mine 
will generate wealth for several de-
cades.  This  topic  is  relevant  to  all 
stakeholders  and  is  of  special  rele-
vance to the creation of stable em-
ployment and the indirect job posi-
tions that the project will create.

Ensure employee Health and 
Safety 

For the Group, safety will always be 
a  prime  priority.  The  Company  has 
a  firm  commitment  to  establishing 
a strong Health and Safety culture.

Creation of Quality 
Employment 

It  is  estimated  that  the  Muga 
Mine,  at  full  capacity,  will  genera-
te  approximately  800  jobs  in  mul-
tiple  disciplines  including  opera-
tors,  administration,  technicians 
and  logistic  positions.  The  mine 
will  also  generate  many  indirect 
jobs in the surrounding towns and 
communities.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders13

Water Management  

Waste Management 

Restoration of the Area 

Proper  water  management  under-
pins  profitability  as  well  as  safe-
guarding  the  community  and  the 
environment.  Since 
the  project 
inception,  Geoalcali  has  included 
plans  for  an  integrated  water  ma-
nagement system to ensure proper 
use of water resources.

Throughout  the  mine  life,  mana-
gement  will  plan  appropriate  mine 
closure  activities  to  achieve  an  op-
timal closure scenario at the end of 
the  mine  life.  This  commitment  is 
included  within  the  Environmental 
Impact  Study  and  will  be  imple-
mented  from  the  first  day  of  mine 
construction.

With regards to environmental ma-
nagement,  the  Company  is  com-
mitted  to  delivering  high  quality 
environmental  results.  As  a  result 
of  this  commitment,  backfilling 
has been incorporated to minimise 
surface waste. Backfilling is recog-
nised as one of the most effective 
means  for  waste  management  by 
the  Spanish  Government’s  Waste 
Management  Framework  Plan  of 
2015. By selling salt as our by-pro-
duct, the Company will also deve-
lop a circular economy based sus-
tainable business.

Prioritise Health and Safety in 
the Community  

The Health and Safety of the com-
munity  is  another  priority  for  the 
development of the mine. It is also 
an aspect of prime interest for the 
residents  of  the  area  which  requi-
res Geoalcali’s commitment in the 
industrial  and  mine  design.  The 
facilities  of  the  mine  will  be  cons-
tructed under strict environmental 
requirements to avoid air and wa-
ter contamination.

Community Involvement 

The  Group  is  committed  to  trans-
parency,  communication  and  parti-
cipation with the local communities 
and confirms its desire to be a good 
It  participates 
corporate  citizen. 
through the Geoalcali Foundation in 
various  initiatives  to  build  a  strong 
engagement  with  the  community 
and also undertakes communication 
activities  to  enhance  relationships 
with local stakeholders.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders14

REPORTING 
IMPROVEMENT

For  this  fourth  Sustainability  Report,  the  Company 
has also included an alignment to SDG by conduc-
ting an SDG targets prioritization exercise. This ac-
tivity was undertaken with the input from all depart-
ments in an exercise to identify negative impacts of 
the  Company’s  current  and  future  performance  as 
well as identifying those SDG in which the Company 
can contribute positively.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders15

Material topics

Receipt of necessary Permits

Ensure employee Health and Safety

Anti-Corruption Measures

Wealth Creation

Prioritise Health and Safety in the 
Community

Water Management

Generation of Quality Employment

Waste Management

Restoration of the Area

Community Involvement

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders16

Sustainable 
Performance 
Overview

OUR BUSINESS

Responsible Management is a determinant 
for a sustainable journey 

The Directors of Highfield Resources Limited and its subsidia-
ries  are  committed  to  achieving  and  demonstrating  robust 
corporate governance practices which are appropriate to our 
size and stage of development and which facilitate the long 
term performance and sustainability of the Company as well 
as  protecting  and  enhancing  the  interests  of  our  sharehol-
ders. The Board guides and monitors the business and affairs 
of  the  Group  on  behalf  of  the  shareholders  by  whom  they 
are elected and to whom they are accountable. The Board, 
with  the  assistance  of  its  Committees,  regularly  reviews  its 
governance practices to ensure they remain consistent with 
the needs of the Group. In addition, the Group monitors de-
velopments in governance market practice, expectations and 
regulations.

Developing a sustainable potash business in 
Spain  

During  the  past  year  the  Company  has  achieved  many  mi-
lestones with advances made in both permitting and project 
engineering for our flagship Muga Mine. Milestones include:

 — Completion  of  metallurgical  test  work  and  process 

plant design;

 — Continued exploration work on our Vipasca and Sierra 

del Perdón tenements;

 — An updated Mineral Resources Statement;

 — A Muga Project Update including revised capital costs, 
operating costs and estimated financial outcomes;

 — An  updated  Memorandum  of  Understanding  with 
Acciona, one of Spain’s largest construction contractors;

 — Award of a number of detailed design and construction 

packages;

 — An updated Ore Reserves Statement; and,

 — Submission  of  additional  detailed  documentation  to 
the Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica (“MITECO”), 
the national environment ministry, on subsidence, seis-
micity and salt by-product management.

All of this work ensures that the Company will be prepared 
for the next steps in the Muga Project development once the 
environmental permit, or Declaración de Impacto Ambiental 
(“DIA”), is approved. 

In 2018 potash prices continued their recovery from the lows 
of 2016, with prices approximately US$35 per tonne better 
than in 2017. Most forecasters are predicting long term an-
nual price increases of 2% to 2.5%, which bodes well for the 
Company’s longer term outlook. The Company remains com-
mitted to building a business which can profitably operate in 
any market environment.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersIn our everyday activities

In  our  everyday  activities,  safety  always  comes  first. 
Therefore,  we  have  included  several  procedures  in  our 
daily actions to build a strong safety culture. 

Additionally,  we  have  a  core  focus  on  minimising  envi-
ronmental risks and always look to ensure the best envi-
ronmental outcomes, following legal requirements, local, 
regional and international standards and guidelines.  

The Group also believes that open and transparent com-
munication with all stakeholders is fundamental to achie-
ving  a  sustainable  business  outcome.    Maintaining  an 
active role through listening and taking into account the 
needs  and  expectations  of  all  stakeholders  will  help  the 
Company  build  a  project  that  respects  the  environment 
and  local  communities.  The  Group  is  also  committed  to 
accountability  and  by  incorporating  SDG  in  its  sustaina-
bility assessments has enhanced its efforts in reporting to 
its stakeholders. 

Muga Mine will generate economic growth and social de-
velopment by creating quality long term employment with 
a preference for local employees and suppliers.  It will be 
a significant employer in the region. Moreover, contribu-
ting to social initiatives through the Geoalcali Foundation 
strengthens relationships with the local community.

All of these activities help build our intention of becoming 
and  being  recognized  as  a  good  corporate  citizen.  The 
leadership  team  is  committed  to  building  a  sustainable 
project,  locally  and  globally,  and  to  ensuring  that  ever-
yone within the Geoalcali and Highfield team shares the 
same commitment.

The Group has continued to reinforce these objectives by:

Upholding our Code of Business Ethics and 
Conduct (“Code”)

The  Company  is  aware  that  in  every  day  operations  deci-
sions are taken by individuals or groups. Therefore, it is cru-
cial to communicate and establish a clear definition of the 
Company´s values and culture so that all staff members act 
within the expected ethical behaviour standard. The Code 
ensures that the correct policies and procedures are in pla-
ce  to  support  the  Group´s  corporate  governance.  During 
this year, the Company has revised its Code, in both English 
and Spanish, to ensure it remains clear and up to date.

Promoting transparency and participation 
within our Local Community 

Since  its  inception,  the  Company  has  been  committed  to 
transparency through open and continuous communication 
with  the  local  communities.  A  variety  of  talks,  presenta-
tions and interactive events have been undertaken by the 
Company and this is an ongoing activity that will be main-
tained and enhanced throughout all stages of the project.

Continued support of social initiatives through 
our Geoalcali Foundation

The  Geoalcali  Foundation  continues  supporting  different 
initiatives  that  aim  to  contribute  to  a  better  future  by 
assisting  the  improvement  of  social  well-being  in  the 
neighbouring  communities.  These  initiatives  are  based  on 
the Foundation´s four pillars and also contribute to the UN’s 
SDG:

Social 
Integration

Sustainable 
Communities

Quality 
Education

Commitment 
to the 
Environment

Participation in local, national and international 
CSR programmes

As  part  of  its  commitment  to  the  regional  programmes  of 
Social Responsibility Management, Geoalcali participates in 
the  Navarra  Government’s  InnovaRSE  programme,  and  has 
earned the Reconcilia certificate in recognition of its efforts 
in this field. In Aragon, Geoalcali is a member of the CSR pro-
gramme, RSA. This year, Geoalcali also joined the community 
#PorelClima, a national initiative of Ecodes, which is recog-
nised  as  a  best  practice  example  as  defined  by  the  United 
Nations Global Compact SDG Action Guide for Companies.  
Being part of the #PorelClima Community requires commit-
ting to several initiatives designed to fight global warming.

In  2017  the  Company  also  participated  in  the  Solidarity 
Challenge,  an  initiative  in  which  Navarra  based  companies 
participate in physical activity programmes which in turn re-
sult  in  donations  to  local  associations.  On  a  kilometer  per 
person basis, Geoalcali achieved first place as compared to 
other participating companies.

Following international guidelines and norms 

Part  of  the  Company’s  commitment  to  achieving  a  sus-
tainable  outcome  is  the  Implementation  of  an  Integrated 
Management System that includes Quality, Environment and 
Health and Safety. The following standards have been adop-
ted by the Company:

 — ISO 9001 Quality Management

 — ISO 14001 Environmental Management

 — UNE 22480 Sustainable Mining Management 

 — OHSAS 18001 Health and Safety Management

Also, incorporated into the Company’s Management Systems 
is  the  ISO  26000  standard  for  Corporate  Responsibility  as 
well as alignment to other key international programmes and 
guidelines, eg. GRI Standards, IFC standards and the Equator 
Principles. The ISO 26000 standard is today one of the most 
prestigious and globally recognised standards. It covers the 
bases  and  recommendations  needed  to  help  organisations 
implement  a  socially  responsible  way  of  operating  in  order 
to achieve, maintain and protect its “social licence” and to 
achieve acceptance of the Company and its projects within 
the local communities.

Reconcilia Certificate Award Ceremony 

Actively participating in several forums

International Fertilizer Association (IFA) - World Technical 
Symposium

The IFA biennial technical symposium was held in Madrid on 
12 April 2018. Around 150 producers, business leaders and 
managers from more than 100 countries participated in this 
event. Highfield’s CEO, Peter Albert, was one of the speakers 
invited to present the Company’s Muga Project.

XIV International Energy and Mineral Resources 
Conference 

The  XIV 
International  Energy  and  Mineral  Resources 
Conference took place in Sevilla in April 2018.  The conferen-
ce comprised four days of analysis, discussions, and exchan-
ge of information related to exploration and the benefits of 
mineral resources, raw materials and their transformation, in-
cluding energy and its future, management systems, and po-
licy frameworks. Close to 800 people attended the technical 
sessions,  speeches,  individual  presentations  and  panel  dis-
cussions.  Gonzalo  Mayoral,  Geoalcali’s  Director  Facultativo 
made  a  presentation  titled  ‘Mining  design  of  Muga  Mine 
Project with the Deswik programme’.

The Talent Map forum 

The Talent Map forum in Navarra is a business forum where 
General Managers and HR Directors of companies in Navarra 
discuss  topics  such  as  the  future  of  talent  in  Navarra,  em-
ployability competences and the influence of the digital and 
industrial transformation on the human capital of the region´s 
companies. Javier Olloqui, Geoalcali’s HR Director, participa-
ted in this forum.

First Conference on the Use of Resources and the Circular 
Economy

More than fifty professionals attended the First Conference 
on the Use of Resources and the Circular Economy organized 
by the Foro LideraRSE and the Diario de Navarra Foundation 
in  collaboration  with  Forética,  the  World  Business  Council 
for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and Sustainn. Waste 
management  and  its  use  as  valuable  resources  for  compa-
nies  led  the  round  table  on  Circular  Economy  and  Navarra 
Mining.  Geoalcali  was  represented  by  its  Head  of  External 
Relations, Ricardo Pérez.

LideraRSE Conference on Circular Economy

European Mining Policy Laboratory, MIN-GUIDE 2018

The  Instituto  Geológico  y  Minero  de  España  (IGME)  invi-
ted Geoalcali, as an example of good practice in the social 
management of a mining project, to this conference held in 
Madrid at the end of May 2018. Susana Bieberach, Geoalcali’s 
Communications and Social Responsibility Manager, presen-
ted at the conference.

Women, Mining and Industry Forum

The 5th National Aggregates Congress 

The 5th National Aggregates Congress, held in Santiago de 
Compostela from 24 to 26 October 2018, included a round 
table to define the fundamentals of a strategy for the sector 
which facilitates improved communication with the social en-
vironment.  Geoalcali was invited as a pioneer in the imple-
mentation of a voluntary Participation Process that includes 
several initiatives such as information days, open days, and 
installation of suggestion boxes. Ricardo Pérez attended and 
presented at the conference. 

Women, Mining and Industry

On  7  November  2018,  Susana  Bieberach  participated  in 
the  Women,  Mining  and  Industry  forum,  organized  by 
the  Embassy  of  Canada  in  Spain  in  collaboration  with  the 
Government  of  Andalucía  and  held  in  the  International 
Institute  of  San  Telmo,  in  Sevilla.    The  forum  analysed  the 
position of women in industry and in the mining sector, inclu-
ding aspects such as equal opportunities, professional inte-
gration and promotion, professional profiles in the industry, 
and the challenge of diversity in the sector. Lucía Martín, one 
of Geoalcali’s geologists, has also participated in the Women 
in Mining programme in 2017 and 2018, including attending 
the Women in Mining conference.

University liaison

Geoalcali  has  continued  to  engage  with  universities,  one 
example being the presentation by Ricardo Pérez ‘Sustainable 
strategy in a mining project’ to mining engineering students 
at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid in November 2018.

Navarra Jobs

On 7 June 2018, the Baluarte Exhibition Centre in Pamplona 
hosted  the  IV  edition  of  Navarra  Jobs,  the  most  important 
jobs  and  entrepreneurship  fair  in  the  region.  More  than 
1,200 people and 43 companies and entities participated in 
the event at which the job expectations of different compa-
nies were discussed and close to 200 job posts were offered. 
Geoalcali provided detailed information about Muga Mine’s 
employment plans.

Navarra Jobs

Recognition awards

This year the Company has received the following awards: 

InnovaRSE certificate

RSA 2019 certificate

Reconcilia certificate

Receipt of the Cycle of 
Improvement award as a result of 
sustainable initiatives

Aragón Province Social 
Responsibility Seal for the third 
consecutive year

Work Life Balance Award

Blue Stamp/Seal

for Health and Safety

Bonus 2017

A health and safety recognition for 
having a low accident rate

Cultural Award by the 
Association of Foundations 
of Navarra

for the “Transformation of the 
Municipal Waste facility at 
Liédena”

For more information on developments in the Group’s business, including each of its projects, see the Directors’ Report which 
commences on page 32 of the Company’s Annual Report 2018 or visit https://www.highfieldresources.com.au/asx-releases/.

22

OUR ENVIRONMENT

The protection of the environment is a 
priority

As stated and embedded in our Core Values of “CREA”, 
we are committed to the best practices in terms of safety 
and health, the environment and the community in which 
we  operate.  The  Group  understands  that  the  protection 
of the environment is a priority. 

Long  term  economic  development  can  only  be  unders-
tood if it is accompanied by adequate environmental and 
social management, within the framework of sustainability.

The  Company  continuously  incorporates  improvement 
measures that not only meet legal requirements but also 
go beyond in our aim of creating a sustainable, respectful 
project throughout all of Muga’s development phases.  

Planning for the best environmental outcomes 
for Muga

The  Company  has  always  been  committed  to  ensuring 
minimal environmental impact from its operations and in-
deed, if possible, to achieve improved environmental out-
comes. Some specific examples, as presented to MITECO 
in our submission documentation for the DIA approval are:

 — A Mining Waste Management Plan for the removal 
of all waste material and restoration of the site. This 
commitment makes Muga one of the benchmark mi-
ning projects in terms of waste management.

 — An Environmental Risk Quantitative Analysis was ca-
rried  out  by  expert  consultants  in  order  to  analyse 
the probability of an environmental incident and to 
articulate mitigation and emergency measures.

 — Geoalcali  has  incorporated  into  its  Management 
Plan  for  prevention  and  management  of  environ-
mental  risk,  an  emergency  action  protocol  in  the 
event  of  an  environmental  accident.  The  aim  is  to 
consider these types of scenarios in order to mana-
ge  effectively  any  possible  negative  impact  on  the 
environment.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersEnvironmental Management today

ZERO ENVIRONMENTAL ACCIDENTS

There  have  been  no  environmental  accidents  in  this 
period.

IMPROVED IDENTIFICATION OF DRILLING 
LOCATIONS

In the process of locating proposed drilling sites, the 
Company  has  adopted  an  improved  methodology 
which considers environmental, social and health and 
safety factors in order to ensure the optimal drill site 
location.

FOLLOW-UP AND FULFILMENT OF OUR 
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS FOR 
DRILLING WORKS

This work includes the development of the restoration 
plans  for  each  exploration  site,  reviewing  the  selec-
tion  of  the  drilling  location,  and  inspections  during 
the  drilling  work  and  through  to  their  restoration. 
Through  this  process,  the  preventive  and  corrective 
measures  necessary  for  its  execution  are  defined  in 
such a way as to avoid any environmental impact. In 
addition, local authorities review the Company’s res-
toration activities and to date no non-compliance out-
comes have been registered.

100% DRILLING SITES RESTORED

100% of the land used for drilling has been restored in 
accordance with the legislation. All official monitoring 
of  the  Company’s  environmental  performance  has 
been satisfactory.

WATER MANAGEMENT

The  monitoring  of  the  local  water  network  is  on-
going,  including  surface  and  ground  water.  This  will 
provide the necessary background data for when the 
Company commences operations. 

RAISING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS 

Several training initiatives have been launched for en-
vironmental personnel, as well as the development of 
environmental awareness campaigns for employees.

PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY 

During  this  period,  monitoring  of  fauna  population 
was maintained in collaboration with SEO/BirdLife, a 
wildlife  NGO,  by  monitoring  the  use  of  nest  boxes 
installed for birds and bats in the project site.

24

OUR COMMUNITY

Committed to transparency and 
participation of the communities

Geoalcali  and  Highfield  Resources  understand  the  impor-
tance of gaining and maintaining community support for its 
project. As stated in Enduring Value: The Australian Minerals 
Industry Framework for Sustainable Development: “Unless a 
company earns that licence and maintains it on the basis of 
good performance on the ground, and community trust, the-
re will undoubtedly be negative implications”. 

Mining  projects  have  to  understand  the  implications  of  un-
coordinated  stakeholder  management  which  could  lead  to 
problems such as communities seeking to block project de-
velopments; employees choosing to work for a company that 
is  a  better  corporate  citizen;  and  ongoing  legal  challenges 
even after regulatory permits have been obtained. 

Geoalcali understands that listening and engaging with key 
stakeholders is crucial in order to detect emerging commu-
nity issues at an early stage and deal with them proactively 
rather than reactively, thus fostering greater public trust. 

During  this  period  the  Company  continued  engaging  with 
the community by:

Holding informative sessions for local 
stakeholders

In  October  2017  Geoalcali  held  an  Open  Doors  Event 
in  the  core  shed  the  Company  owns  in  the  town  of 
Sangüesa, the closest Navarran town to the project site. 
Approximately  two  hundred  local  residents  attended 
the  session  to  see  and  discuss  with  Geoalcali  emplo-
yees first-hand information regarding the Muga Project. 
Among  the  attendees  were  the  mayors  of  Sangüesa, 
Javier, Yesa, Ezprogui, Liédena, Cáseda, Lumbier, Petilla 
de  Aragón,  Undués  de  Lerda,  Sada  and  Rocaforte,  as 
well  as  representatives  from  Cederna  Garalur,  a  so-
cial  and  economic  development  NGO,  and  other 
organisations.

The event was also attended by more than 50 students 
from the Institute of Professional Training of Lumbier.

Open Doors Event held in October 2017

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersOrganising information breakfast with local 
authorities to explain the permitting process 

Raising Awareness in local schools about the 
Roles of Women in Mining

Geoalcali organised a meeting in August 2018 to exp-
lain the evolution and development of Muga Project to 
the  local  town  halls.  The  main  objective  of  the  forum 
was to give an update on the current status and prepa-
ration  of  the  project,  to  detail  the  actions  carried  out, 
the next steps planned and to answer any questions.

The event, which took place in the town of Javier, was 
attended  by  the  main  public  representatives  of  10  lo-
calities, as well as members of the municipal bodies. In 
total, 32 people attended.

“For us, this informative 
meeting is part of the 
commitment made by the 
company with communities 
and stakeholders in 2016, 
to promote information 
and public participation, 
transparency and dialogue 
throughout the whole life of 
the project”

Peter Albert in Informative Breakfast of August 2018

Diversity, and specifically female inclusion in the work-
force,  is  a  strong  Company  commitment.  It  is  our  be-
lief that a balanced diverse workforce will lead to long 
term sustainable business outcomes. Fairness, equality 
and dignity are all commitments embedded in our core 
values.

The  2018  International  Women´s  Day  occurred  on  8 
March 2018 and Geoalcali organised an awareness ini-
tiative  on  diversity  and  equality  in  two  local  schools, 
Colegio  Luis  Gil  and  Instituto  de  Sangüesa.    The  aim 
was to explain to children the importance of empowe-
ring women and incorporating women in industry, parti-
cularly in the mining sector which is traditionally a male 
dominated industry.

Mentoring Talks in local schools

Informing, educating and enthusing the public 
about minerals and their essential role in 
society 

In  collaboration  with  IGME  and  Magnesitas  Navarras, 
Geoalcali organized an exhibition explaining the use of 
minerals from prehistory to the present day and raising 
awareness on how the sector contributes to innovation 
and sustainability. The exhibit reached more than 8,000 
people and 42 schools during November and December 
2018.

Minerals exhibition held at the Planetarium 

Geoalcali Foundation Activities

The table below shows how Geoalcali’s Foundation has participated in local communities, and how this involvement fits 
within the key areas set out in ISO 26000 and in the SDG, as well as the Foundation’s four priority areas, or Pillars.

PARTICIPATION OF THE FOUNDATION IN THE COMMUNITY 

RELEVANT PILLARS OF THE 
GEOALCALI FOUNDATION

ISO 26000
RECOMMENDATIONS/SDG

SOCIAL INVESTMENT 
THAT PROMOTES 
SOCIAL AND 
ECONOMIC 
DEVELOPMENT 
THROUGH TOURISM

Implementation of tourist brochure in Undués de 
Lerda 

Support for the development of a tourist product 
derived from the natural heritage of Castiliscar by 
recovering and protecting two green areas, one of 
which is a biosphere reserve

Support for the urban mural art festival in Sangüesa 
(local artists from Navarra and international artists)

Arrangement of Camino de Santiago passage through 
Rocaforte

Dissemination of the Roman heritage of Liédena

Infrastructures for the conservation of the historic site 
of Sos del Rey Católico

Enclosure and adaptation of the Las Losas park in 
Rocaforte (old restored landfill)

INICIATIVES THAT 
PROMOTE HEALTH

Healthy eating programme among students

Healthy recipes contest among students

‘Postures, thoughts and healthy practices’ programme

Ensuring medical and ambulance services during 
various events in the festival days in Sangüesa

Sustainable 
communities

Sustainable 
communities

Committed to the 
Environment

Sustainable 
communities

Quality education

Sustainable 
communities

Committed to the 
Environment

Sustainable 
communities

Quality education

Sustainable 
communities

Committed to the 
Environment

Sustainable 
communities

Committed to the 
Environment

Sustainable 
communities

Committed to the 
Environment

Quality education

Sustainable 
communities

Quality education

Sustainable 
communities

Quality education

Sustainable 
communities

 
PARTICIPATION OF THE FOUNDATION IN THE COMMUNITY 

RELEVANT PILLARS OF THE 
GEOALCALI FOUNDATION

ISO 26000
RECOMMENDATIONS/SDG

DEVELOPMENT 
AND ACCESS TO 
TECHNOLOGY

Installation of public wifi in Undués de Lerda 

Provide new technologies (projector for digital 
blackboard) in the college of Sangüesa

Introduce new technologies (digital blackboard) and 
acquisition of new books for the library of the school 
of Sos del Rey Católico 

PROMOTION OF 
EDUCATION AND 
CULTURE

Acquisition of school material for the nursery school 
of Sos del Rey Católico (the only nursery in Las Altas 
Cinco Villas area)

Literary contest (short stories) about the Irati Train in 
Liédena

E-learning for Las Altas Cinco Villas

Tree-planting in the viewing point of Liédena (old 
restored landfill)

Sustainable 
communities

Quality education

Sustainable 
communities

Quality education

Sustainable 
communities

Quality education

Sustainable 
communities

Quality education

Sustainable 
communities

Quality education

Sustainable 
communities

Quality education

Sustainable 
communities

Quality education

EMPLOYMENT 
CREATION AND 
DEVELOPMENT OF 
ACTIVITIES

SOCIAL INVESTMENT

Annual celebration of Santa Bárbara paying tribute to 
miners

Sustainable 
communities

Adaptation of a space to be used as a first aid kit 
in Liédena avoiding the definitive disappearace of 
the pharmacy and maintaining the service to the 
neighbours

Promote the spaces in the region of Sangüesa where 
personal and social autonomy of the people with 
intelectual disabbilities is promoted and guaranteed 
through training (to technical personnel, institutions 
and neighbours) in easy-to-read format

Support of a cis (Josenea) in the maintenance of two 
jobs (for elderly aged 50) through the ecological 
garden for the study of potash

School transport in order to facilitate the access to 
educational centres close to the locality

Sustainable 
communities

Social integration

Sustainable 
communities

Social integration

Committed to the 
Environment

Sustainable 
communities

Sustainable 
communities

Quality education

 
28

OUR PEOPLE

Creating a healthy workplace environment

Engaged employees have a direct impact in driving business 
success. The Company understands that in order to achieve 
an operation’s productivity, efficiency and high standards of 
safety, environment and social performance it is key to deve-
lop a high level of involvement from all staff members and a 
cohesive work environment. The Company monitors its plan 
in order to continuously improve the workplace environment 
and has focused its efforts in: 

Boosting training within the organisation

Professional  development  of  Geoalcali  staff  has  been 
key during the period. In order to determine their trai-
ning needs, individual interviews have been carried out 
with  each  member  of  the  team,  conducted  by  the  HR 
Department.  After  these  interviews,  the  training  plan 
was defined and the following programmes launched:

 — Language Programme. Four groups of English lan-
guage  training  have  been  organized  with  a  total 
of 1,040 hours, which has had the participation of 
13 people and a Spanish language learning group 
with a total of 80 hours, with the participation of 
3 people.

 — Mine Visits Programme. This programme has been 
designed so that the majority of the staff could vi-
sit an operating mine as well as processing plants 
in  Europe.  The  purpose  of  this  programme  was 
to  achieve  a  better  insight  of  underground  mi-
ning projects based in Spain, UK and Germany by 
analysing similarities and differences to Geoalcali´s 
Muga Mine.  80% of the workforce has participa-
ted in this programme. 

 — On site Experience Programme. During this year, 
the Company seconded two professionals to work 
in other operations in order to gain hands-on ope-
rating experience. One of the Company´s resour-
ce geologists spent three months working at the 
Labambe copper mine in Zambia. The other staff 
member is working at the Capricorn Copper Mine 
in Australia for twelve months.

 — Team  Work  Plan.  The  need  for  team  cohesion 
by  upholding  the  core  values  of  the  Company, 
CREA.  CREA  is  the  defining  cultural  principle  of 
the  Company  and  its  importance  to  our  future 
will continue to be reinforced by  holding  various 
teamwork  activities,  both  inside  and  outside  the 
Company.  

Site visit to operating mines in Europe

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersSupporting initiatives to uphold inclusion and 
diversity 

Developing actions to create a stronger work 
life balance 

A diverse workforce will bring different ideas and new 
ways of thinking to the business. Different points of view 
enrich the overall performance of the Company and this 
is aligned with the Company’s values and policies, ensu-
ring the Group is an equal opportunity employer.   

In terms of diversity inclusion, the Company has carried 
out internal and external actions, listed below:

 — An event on 8 March 2018 marking International 

Women’s Day.

The  Company  has  implemented  an  Absence  Permit 
Management Procedure that includes measures that go 
beyond  the  basic  legal  requirements  in  respect  of  ac-
companying  family  members  to  medical  consultations, 
working time management for official studies, etc.

The Company has also developed a Work Calendar that 
includes flexibility measures in order to facilitate a grea-
ter work life balance for the staff.

 — Collaborating  with 

and 
International Woman in Mining Programme by su-
pporting female workers participation.

the  Metisphere 

 — Supporting a female group of six representatives 
that  attended  the  Woman  in  Mining  Congress  in 
Seville (Spain).

 — Participation  of  70%  of  the  female  workforce  in 
the ‘Inspiring Girls’ mentoring programme as vo-
lunteer mentors. This programme´s aim is to boost 
STEM  (Science,  Technology,  Engineering  and 
Mathematics)  careers  for  girls.  Geoalcali´s  contri-
bution is to promote in the community careers for 
women in the resources industry.

Team members at Women in Mining Conference

30

Health and Safety efforts at a glance

Workplace health and safety is a key factor for all industries in 
order to promote the wellness of both employees and emplo-
yers. It is a duty and a moral responsibility of the Company to 
protect every employee from harm. The Group understands 
that  to  achieve  ingrained  safety  awareness  requires  a  com-
mitment from the leadership team and from all employees. 
It has to become part of the Company’s core culture.  This is 
why the Company undertook a number of initiatives during 
this  period  to  ensure  a  high  level  of  workplace  health  and 
safety, now and in the future. For example:

Increasing staff training

This year the Company continued training our personnel 
by  organizing  11  internal  safety  training  courses.  The 
Company also organized external training listed below:

 — Safe  Driving  Course  (Tecdrive):  8  hours,  14  peo-
ple; safety refresher course according to Spanish 
mining safety rules ITC 02.1.02 (Natural Resources 
Research and Development) 5 hours, 6 people.

 — First  Aid  Course  (Mutua  Navarra):  2  hours,    20 

people.

 — Approved  Course  on  Defibrillator  Use 

(IDM 

Medical): 8 hours, 6 people.

 — Course on Investigation of Incidents and Accidents 
in  the  Work  Environment  (Prevenna):  2  hours,  3 
people.

 — Preventive  Culture  based  on  ‘The  Risk  Factor’ 

(Dupont): 2 hours, 21 people.

First aid training 

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders31

Contributing to a safer workplace  

Safety performance

During  this  period  the  Health  and  Safety  department 
updated the safety manuals and undertook several stu-
dies to contribute positively to a safe workplace.  These 
studies  were  focused  on  the  correct  and  safe  use  of 
computer screens, a mobility plan to boost vehicle sha-
ring or the use of bicycles and a study on noise, dust and 
chemical waste during mineral cutting activities.

The Company also held Emergency Plan simulations in 
December 2018. 

Every  year  the  Company  organises  general  medical 
checks for all staff. 

An  appropriate  safety  culture  will  be  a  cornerstone  of  the 
Company’s future culture as it moves into construction and 
operations. Management considers that developing that cul-
ture  now  will  lay  the  foundation  for  the  future.  As  such,  in 
the  past  year  there  has  been  an  increased  focus  on  safety 
awareness, reporting of any and all incidents and discussing 
safety at every meeting. 

The table below shows the results of the Company’s monito-
ring of its safety performance, part of its process of measu-
ring and reporting its performance:

Geoalcali also improved the facilities at its offices by ins-
talling a defibrillator machine.

ACCIDENTS

The Company initiated weekly mindfulness sessions and 
provided regular fruit for employees as well as talks by 
external  health  professionals,  all  designed  to  help  en-
courage a healthy workplace and healthy life habits.

One minor accident with LTI (lost time injury) (Geoalcali 
staff)

Two minor accidents with LTI (contractor staff)

Mindfulness sessions

Both  accidents  were  investigated.  It  was  demonstrated 
that the operators in each case did not follow the established 
procedure. Corrective measures: retraining in the procedure 
and specific training to improve safety culture were applied.

Raising awareness 

Each  year  Geoalcali  organises  an  incentive  plan  for  its 
employees which rewards good ideas that improve the 
health and safety culture of the Company. This year the 
Company received nine contributions from its staff. 

Also,  during  the  period  the  communication  topics 
around  safety  have  increased  and  as  a  new  initiative, 
Geoalcali has incorporated in its daily meetings proto-
col a safety moment or ‘Safety Topic’ in order to ensure 
that in our daily activities we think about safety first.

INCIDENTS

(NEAR-MISS OR UNDESIRED CIRCUMSTANCES)

Six unsafe conditions reported and addressed.  

Four  opportunities  to  improve  existing  facilities  repor-
ted. These will be taken into account and incorporated 
in the near future.

Two unsafe acts or unsafe behaviour reported of varying 
degrees:

One from contractor staff (Corrective measure: 
dismissal).  

One from Geoalcali staff (Corrective measure: 
retraining).

Site visit to mines

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersDIRECTORS’ 
REPORT

The  Directors  present  their  report  for  Highfield  Resources 
Limited 
(“Highfield  Resources”,  “Highfield”,  or  “the 
Company”) and its subsidiaries (“the Group”) for the finan-
cial year ended 31 December 2018.

Directors

Board Committees

Interests in the Securities of the Company

Results of Operations

Dividends

Corporate Structure

Nature of Operations and Principal Activities

Review of Operations

Geoalcali Foundation

Corporate

Annual Review of Ore Reserves and Mineral 
Resources

Corporate Governance – Mineral Resources 
and Ore Reserves Calculations

Significant Changes in the State of Affairs

Significant Events After the Reporting Date

Likely Developments and Expected Results 
of Operations

Environmental Regulations and Performance

Share Options

Indemnification and Insurance of Directors 
and Officers

Directors’ Meetings

Proceedings on Behalf of Company

Corporate Governance

Auditor Independence and Non-Audit 
Services

Audited Remuneration Report

34

Directors

The names, qualifications and experience of the Company’s Directors in office during the period and until the date of this report 
are as follows. Directors were in office for the entire period unless otherwise stated.

Mr. Derek Carter

Independent Non-Executive 
Chairman, BSc, MSc, 
FAusIMM(CP)

Mr. Peter Albert

Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Officer, BSc 
(Hons), EMBA, FAusIMM, 
MIOM3, CEng

Mr. Carter has over 40 years’ experience in exploration and mi-
ning geology and management. He held senior positions in the 
Shell Group of Companies and Burmine Ltd before founding Mi-
notaur Gold NL in 1993. He is the former Chairman of Petratherm 
Limited (resigned 31 March 2014) and Minotaur Exploration Ltd 
(resigned  November  2016),  and  a  former  board  member  of  In-
trepid Mines Ltd (resigned November 2015) and Mithril Resour-
ces Ltd (resigned December 2014), all ASX listed companies.  Mr. 
Carter  is  also  a  Director  and  Chairman  of  ASX  listed  company, 
Petratherm Limited.

Mr. Carter is a former President of the South Australian Chamber 
of  Mines  and  Energy,  former  board  member  of  the  Australian 
Gold Council, is a member of the South Australian Minerals and 
Petroleum Experts Group and the Minerals and Energy Advisory 
Council,  and  a  former  Chairman  of  the  Minerals  Exploration 
Advisory Group.  He was awarded AMEC’s Prospector of the Year 
Award (jointly) in 2003 and is a Centenary Medalist.

Mr. Albert has over 30 years’ experience in project management, 
general management and operations management in mining and 
minerals processing in Australia, Africa and Asia. Mr. Albert is a 
metallurgist and holds an Executive MBA degree. He is a Mem-
ber  of  the  Institute  of  Materials,  Minerals  and  Mining  (London), 
a  Fellow  of  the  Australasian  Institute  of  Mining  and  Metallurgy 
(“AusIMM”) and a Chartered Engineer. Mr. Albert was awarded 
the “Mining CEO of the Year” at the 2012 Asia Mining Congress. 
Mr. Albert was also awarded the “Mining Executive of the Year” 
at the 2013 Asia Mining Congress.

Before joining the Company, Mr. Albert held CEO roles with two 
Hong Kong listed organisations, Jinchuan Group International Re-
sources Company and G-Resources Group. He has held leaders-
hip and senior executive roles with OZ Minerals Limited, Oxiana 
Limited,  Shell-Billiton  (Australia),  Aker  Kvaerner  (Australia)  and 
Johannesburg  Consolidated  Investments  (South  Africa).  In  the 
three years immediately before the end of the financial year, Mr. 
Albert held no other directorships of any listed companies.

Ms. Pauline Carr 

Independent Non-Executive 
Director, BEcon, MBA, 
FAICD, FCIS, FGIA

Ms. Carr has over 30 years’ commercial experience in manage-
ment, corporate governance and compliance, mergers and acqui-
sitions, investor and stakeholder relations and corporate restruc-
tures. She currently provides business improvement, compliance, 
risk  management,  project  management  and  corporate  gover-
nance solutions to executive management teams internationally. 
Prior to this, Ms. Carr held senior positions with Newmont Asia 
Pacific and ASX listed Normandy Mining Limited and worked for 
a number of years in the oil and gas sector with Exxon Mobil. She 
sits on several Boards and is Chancellor of the University of South 
Australia.  She  is  also  Deputy  Chairman  of  the  South  Australian 
Minerals and Energy Advisory Council and the Minerals and Pe-
troleum Expert Group. In the three years immediately before the 
end of the financial year, Ms. Carr held no other directorships of 
any listed companies.

Mr. Richard Crookes

Non-Executive Director, 
BSc (Geology), Grad Dip 
Applied Finance

Mr. Crookes has over 30 years’ experience in the resources and 
investments industries. He is a geologist by training having wor-
ked in the industry most recently as the Chief Geologist and Mi-
ning Manager of Ernest Henry Mining in Australia (now Glenco-
re). Mr. Crookes most recently spent six years with EMR Capital 
as an Investment Director and prior to that, 12 years as an Exe-
cutive Director in Macquarie Bank’s Metals Energy Capital (MEC) 
Division  where  he  managed  all  aspects  of  the  Bank’s  principal 
investments in mining and metals companies as well as the ori-
gination of numerous Project Finance transactions. Mr. Crookes 
has extensive experience in funds management, deal origination, 
evaluation,  structuring,  and  execution  of  investment  entry  and 
exits for both private and public resources companies in Australia 
and overseas. In the three years immediately before the end of 
the  financial  year,  Mr.  Crookes  held  two  other  directorships  of 
listed companies (Chairman Black Rock Mining Ltd BKT:ASX, sin-
ce October 2017; Executive Director Lithium Power International 
Ltd LPI:ASX, since October 2018).

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders35

Mr. Roger Davey 

Independent Non-Executive 
Director, ACSM, MSc., 
C.Eng., Eur.Ing., MIMMM

Mr. Davey is currently a Non-Executive Director of a number 
of mining companies in the junior mining sector. 

He is a Chartered Mining Engineer with over 35 years’ expe-
rience in the international mining industry. Up to December 
2010, he was an Assistant Director and the Senior Mining En-
gineer at N M Rothschild (London) in the Mining and Metals 
project finance team, where for 13 years he was responsible 
for  the  assessment  of  the  technical  risk  associated  with  all 
the current and prospective project loans. Prior to this his ex-
perience covered the financing, development and operation 
of both underground and surface mining operations in gold 
and base metals at senior management and director level in 
South America, Africa and the United Kingdom. He is fluent 
in Spanish.

His  previous  positions  include  Director,  Vice  president  and 
General Manager of Minorco (AngloGold) subsidiaries in Ar-
gentina (1994 - 1997), where he had responsibility for the de-
velopment of the Cerro Vanguardia open pit gold-silver mine 
in  Patagonia;  Operations  Director  of  Greenwich  Resources 
plc, London (1984 - 1992), with gold interests in Venezuela, 
Sudan, Egypt and Australia; Production Manager for Blue Cir-
cle Industries in Chile (1979 - 1984); and various production 
roles from graduate trainee to mine manager, in Gold Fields 
of South Africa (1971 - 1978).

Mr  Davey  is  a  graduate  of  the  Camborne  School  of  Mines, 
England  and  holds  a  Master  of  Science  degree  in  Mineral 
Production Management from Imperial College, London Uni-
versity. He is a Chartered Engineer (C.Eng.), a European En-
gineer (Eur. Ing.) and a Member of the Institute of Materials, 
Minerals and Mining (MIMMM).

In the three years immediately before the end of the finan-
cial year, Mr. Davey held no other directorships of any listed 
companies.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders36

Mr. Jim Dietz 

Independent Non-Executive 
Director, B.Eng (Chem), 
M.Eng (Chem)

Mr. Dietz has over 42 years’ experience in the fertiliser, chemical 
and  petroleum  industries,  primarily  in  senior  operational  roles. 
From 2000 until 2010, he was Chief Operating Officer of Potash 
Corporation  of  Saskatchewan 
(“PotashCorp”),  the  world’s 
largest fertiliser company.  Prior to that position, Mr. Dietz held a 
variety of other senior management roles, including President of 
Nitrogen, during his 17 year career with PotashCorp.  During that 
time, Mr. Dietz was responsible for global operations as well as 
Safety, Health, and Environment performance and Procurement. 
Mr. Dietz also represented PotashCorp on the Board of Directors 
of Arab Potash Company. Mr. Dietz is a Chemical Engineer and 
holds  both  a  Masters  and  Bachelors  designation  from  the  Ohio 
State  University.  In  the  three  years  immediately  before  the  end 
of the financial year, Mr. Dietz held no other directorships of any 
listed companies.

Mr. Owen Hegarty 

Non-Executive Director, BEc 
(Hons), FAusIMM

Mr. Hegarty has over 40 years’ experience in the global mining 
industry. He spent 25 years with Rio Tinto where he was Managing 
Director of Rio Tinto Asia and Managing Director of the Group’s 
Australian  copper  and  gold  business.  He  was  the  founder  and 
CEO of Oxiana Limited Group which grew from a small exploration 
company  to  a  multi-billion  dollar  Asia  Pacific  focused  base  and 
precious metals producer, developer and explorer.

Mr.  Hegarty  is  the  Executive  Chairman  of  specialist  resources 
private equity firm, EMR Capital, Highfield’s largest shareholder 
and cornerstone investor. In 2006, Mr. Hegarty was awarded the 
AusIMM  Institute  Medal  and  in  2008  the  G.J.  Stokes  Memorial 
Award for his achievements and leadership in the mining industry.

In the three years before the end of the financial year, Mr. Hegarty 
is, or has been, a director of various listed and unlisted resources 
companies including Hong Kong listed G-Resources Group Ltd, 
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd, Tigers Realm Coal Limited and EMR 
Capital.  He  is  also  a  member  of  a  number  of  Government  and 
industry advisory groups. 

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders37

Mr. Brian Jamieson

Non-Executive Director, 
FCA, FAICD

Mr. Isaac Querub

Independent Non-
Executive Director, BA 
(Administration) BA (Law) 

Mr.  Jamieson  has  over  40  years’  experience  in  the  advisory, 
manufacturing,  resources  and  technology  industries  in  Australia 
and offshore. 

Mr. Querub was an advisor to both the Company and its wholly 
owned Spanish subsidiary, Geoalcali, from September 2017 until 
joining the Board on 5 April 2018.  

He is presently Non-Executive Chairman of ASX listed companies 
Mesoblast Limited and Sigma Healthcare Limited.

Mr. Jamieson was a Non-Executive Director of ASX listed Oxiana/
OZ Minerals Limited from 2005 to 2015 and served as Chairman of 
Audit Risk and Compliance, Nomination and Remuneration, and 
Due Diligence Committees.  He was a Non-Executive Director of 
Tatts  Group  Limited  from  2005  to  December  2017  and  served 
as the Chairman of Audit and Risk Committee, Chairman of the 
Due  Diligence  Committee  and  member  of  the  Remuneration 
Committee.    He  was  also  a  Non-Executive  Director  of  ASX 
listed Tigers Realm Coal from 2010 to 2015 and chaired various 
committees.

Mr.  Jamieson  was  Chief  Executive  of  Minter  Ellison  Melbourne 
from  2002-2005.    Prior  to  joining  Minter  Ellison,  Mr.  Jamieson 
was Chief Executive Officer at KPMG Australia from 1998-2000, 
Managing  Partner  of  KPMG  Melbourne  and  Southern  Regions 
from 1993-1998 and Chairman of KPMG Melbourne from 2001-
2002.  Prior to the merger of Touche Ross & Co and Peat Marwick

Hungerfords  to  form  KPMG,  Mr.  Jamieson  was  the  Managing 
Partner for Australia for Touche Ross & Co.

He has over 30 years’ experience in providing advisory and audit 
services to a diverse range of public and large private companies.  
He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
Australia and New Zealand and a Fellow of the Australian Institute 
of Company Directors.

In the three years immediately before the end of the financial year, 
Mr. Jamieson held no other directorships of any listed companies. 

He is one of Spain’s most senior commodities professionals and 
has  a  successful  track  record  as  a  global  mining  executive  and 
over 35 years’ experience in the sector. He was Chief Executive 
Officer  of  Glencore  in  Spain  for  over  14  years  representing 
Glencore in negotiations which resulted in important transactions 
and  acquisitions  over  more  than  20  years.  He  led  Glencore  in 
transactions throughout Africa and Spain as well as representing 
the Company on the Board of Asturiana del Zinc, a major Spanish 
zinc  producer.  More  recently  he  was  Chief  Executive  Officer  of 
EMED, now Atalaya, which operates the former Rio Tinto copper 
mine located in southern Spain.

Mr Querub has a degree in Business Administration and a degree 
in  Law,  both  from  ICADE  -  Universidad  Pontificia  de  Comillas, 
Madrid.  He  is  currently  active  on  a  number  of  not-for-profit 
Boards as well as having extensive experience in the international 
marketing of mineral, crude and oil products.

In the three years immediately before the end of the financial year, 
Mr. Querub held no other directorships of any listed companies.

COMPANY SECRETARY

Mr. Donald Stephens, BA 
(Acc), CA

Mr. Stephens has over 25 years’ experience in the accounting, 
mining and services industries, including 14 years as a partner 
of HLB Mann Judd (SA), a firm of Chartered Accountants.  He 
is a Chartered Accountant and corporate adviser specialising 
in small cap ASX listed entities.

Mr. Stephens is a director of Mithril Resources Limited, Gooroo 
Ventures  Limited  and  Petratherm  Limited.  Additionally,  he 
is  Company  Secretary  of  Mithril  Resources  Limited,  Duxton 
Broadacre  Farms  Limited  and  Duxton  Water  Limited  and 
various  other  unlisted  public  companies.  Mr.  Stephens  is  a 
former  director  of  Odin  Metals  Limited  (formerly  Lawson 
Gold  Limited)  (resigned  February  2018)  and  Crest  Minerals 
Ltd (resigned February 2016).

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders38

Board Committees

REMUNERATION AND 
NOMINATION COMMITTEE

AUDIT, BUSINESS RISK AND 
COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE

The principal purpose of the Committee is to assist the Board 
in fulfilling its governance and oversight responsibilities in re-
lation to remuneration practices so that they:

The principle purpose of the Committee is to assist the Board 
in fulfilling its governance and oversight responsibilities rela-
ting to:

 — Link rewards to the creation of value for shareholders;

 — The  integrity  of  financial  accounting  practices  and 

 — Facilitate  operational  excellence  by  attracting  and  re-

taining talent;

 — Fairly and responsibly reward individuals having regard 
to individual and Highfield targets and performance as 
well as industry remuneration conditions; and

 — Comply with applicable regulatory obligations.

In  addition,  the  Committee  oversees  selected  nomination 
activities so that boards within the Highfield Group comprise 
individuals who are best able to discharge the responsibilities 
of directors having regard to the law and excellence in gover-
nance standards.

The  members  of  the  Remuneration  and  Nomination 
Committee  are  Ms.  Pauline  Carr  (Chairman),  Mr.  Richard 
Crookes and Mr. Jim Dietz.

reporting;

 — Risk management;

 — Internal control framework and internal audit;

 — External audit function; and

 — Compliance  with  the  Corporations  Act,  ASX  Listing 
Rules  and  the  ASX  Corporate  Governance  and 
Principles.

The  members  of  the  Audit,  Business  Risk  and  Compliance 
Committee  are  Ms.  Pauline  Carr  (Chairman),  Mr.  Derek 
Carter,  Mr.  Richard  Crookes  and  Mr.  Brian  Jamieson.  Mr. 
Brian Jamieson joined the Committee effective 1 July 2018 
following his appointment as a Director on 24 May 2018.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders39

Interests in the 
Securities of the 
Company

As at the date of this report, the interests of the Directors in the securities of Highfield Resources Limited are:

Director

Ordinary Shares

Options – 
exercisable at 
$1.29 each on or  
before
31 Dec 2025

Options – 
exercisable at 
$1.34 each on or 
before  
30 Jun 2025

Options – 
exercisable at 
$1.85 each on or 
before  
18 Nov 2024

Options – 
exercisable at 
$1.85 each on or  
before  
30 Jun 2024

Options – 
exercisable at 
$1.29 each on  or 
before  
30 Jun 2021

Options – 
exercisable at 
$2.00 each on  or 
before  
30 Jun 2019

Derek Carter 

Peter Albert 

Pauline Carr 

Richard Crookes 

Roger Davey 

Jim Dietz 

Owen Hegarty 

Brian Jamieson 

Isaac Querub 

9,221,504 

- 

- 

- 

78,000 

30,000 

- 

- 

50,000 

- 

- 

- 

2,992,287 

1,820,654 

3,000,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,000,000 

- 

- 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

1,000,000

-

1,000,000

-

-

1,000,000

-

-

-

Results of 
Operations

Corporate 
Structure

The  Company’s  net  loss  after  taxation  attributable  to  the 
members  of  Highfield  Resources  Limited  for  the  financial 
year ended 31 December 2018 was $4,229,832 (six months 
ended 31 December 2017: $469,661).

Highfield Resources Limited is a company limited by shares, 
which is incorporated and domiciled in Australia. Through its 
100%  owned  subsidiary,  KCL  Resources  Limited,  Highfield 
owns 100% of Geoalcali SLU (“Geoalcali”), a Spanish incor-
porated  company  which  hold  the  Group’s  four  exploration 
projects.

Dividends

No  dividend  was  paid  or  declared  by  the  Company  during 
the financial year and up to the date of this report.

Nature of 
Operations and 
Principal Activities

The  principal  activity  of  the  Company  during  the  financial 
year  was  mineral  exploration  and  progressing  its  flagship 
Muga Project.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders40

Review of 
Operations

MUGA PROJECT AND VIPASCA 
PROJECT

Highfield  Resources  Limited  is  a  potash  company  listed  on 
the  Australian  Securities  Exchange  with  four  100%  owned 
potash  projects  located  in  Spain´s  potash  producing  Ebro 
Basin.

The Company’s flagship Muga Project is targeting the rela-
tively  shallow  sylvinite  beds  in  the  Muga  Project  area  that 
covers  about  60km2.  Mining  is  planned  to  commence  at  a 
depth of approximately 350 metres from surface and is the-
refore ideal for a relatively low cost conventional mine acces-
sed  via  a  dual  decline,  as  demonstrated  in  the  Company’s 
Muga Project Update completed in October 2018.

the Muga Project. The Vipasca permit is highly prospective 
for economic potash mineralisation, with a primary focus on 
the deeper, higher grade, P1 and P2 potash horizons.

Previously, during the quarter ended June 2018, the Vipasca 
permit had been renewed with a reduced area, whereby the 
least prospective part of the tenement was relinquished. 

The  Muga  Project  Update  in  October  2018  also  confirmed 
the strategic importance of Vipasca as a potential extension 
of the Muga Project. The Vipasca Project previously included 
the Vipasca permit area and the Borneau permit area to the 
west of the Vipasca permit. In February 2019 the Company 
relinquished the less prospective tenement of Borneau to fo-
cus on the higher potential Vipasca permit located adjacent 
to the Muga Project.  Following this change the Vipasca per-
mit, which covers approximately 27km2, is now reported with 

As reported in its September Quarterly Activities Report of 
23  October  2018,  the  Company  completed  two  drill  holes, 
V17-03  and  V17-02,  towards  the  east  of  Vipasca  permit.  
In  its  Quarterly  Activities  Report  for  the  quarter  ended  31 
December 2018 the Company reported that drill hole V17-03 
ended at 925 metres with an in-hole intercept of 52 metres 
of  potash  bearing  rock  while  the  second  drill  hole  V17-02 
intersected a thin potash seam.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersMuga Project Approvals Process  

On  8  March  2018  the  Company  advised  that  it  had  been 
provided  with  copies  of  the  final  two  outstanding  reports 
required to complete the formal environmental consultation 
process. On 21 March 2018, the Company reported that the 
Ministry for Ecological Transition (Ministerio para la Transición 
Ecológica, “MITECO”), had requested the Company to pro-
vide further clarification on three specific items, being seismi-
city, subsidence and salt by-product management.

On 16 July 2018, the Company reported that the final clari-
fication documentation was submitted to MITECO. MITECO 
then distributed the Company’s documentation to a limited 
number of specifically identified regulatory bodies. 

In the Quarterly Activities Report for the quarter ended 30 
September  2018,  the  Company  advised  that  although  the 
process  was  well  underway,  due  to  the  European  summer 
holidays there would be a slight delay in the ability for some 
regulatory bodies to respond to MITECO.

In  its  Quarterly  Activities  Report  for  the  quarter  ended  31 
December  2018,  the  company  reported  that  in  the  month 
of December 2018 MITECO had received all of the response 
reports from the regulatory bodies, which it is now reviewing 
prior to making its decision on the award of the environmen-
tal permit, the Declaración de Impacto Ambiental (“DIA”). 

Throughout the whole process the Company has continued 
to  maintain  open  and  constructive  communication  with 
MITECO and all relevant regulatory bodies to help facilitate 
the approval process. 

The Company remains confident of receiving a positive out-
come to the environmental permitting process.

On  10  October  2018  the  Company  announced  an  updated 
Mineral  Resources  estimate  for  Muga.  Using  different  and 
improved modelling techniques the Measured and Indicated 
Mineral Resources of 235 million tonnes at 12.3% potassium 
oxide (“K2O”, potash), and Inferred Mineral Resources of 32.6 
million tonnes at 12.9% K2O was little changed from the pre-
vious statement released in 2015. 

On 15 October 2018 the Company released a Muga Project 
Update with an updated economic forecast with an NPV8 of 
€1,159  million  and  IRR  of  23%  with  a  competitive  C1  cash 
cost  of  €104/t,  including  salt  by-product.  The  project  upda-
te  reflected  a  revised  mine  plan  completed  in  the  previous 
quarter  including  all  mine  sequencing  and  scheduling  with 
extraction ratios for all depths and layouts. Access will be by 
twin declines from surface, over a length of 2.6 km to a depth 
of 350 metres. The primary production method will be room 
and pillar using continuous miners and road headers, with an 
advancing chevron pattern approach. The type of equipment 
selected to carry out the decline excavation and the preferred 
decline excavation machinery was observed in operation at a 
mine in Australia to confirm its suitability. The pillar design was 
assessed to provide an optimal extraction ratio while maintai-
ning ground stability, ensuring safe working and environmen-
tal  conditions  are  achieved  in  the  potash  environment.  The 
detailed  mine  plan  was  developed  by  the  Company’s  mine 
planning  team  with  support  from  mining  consulting  group 
SRK Consulting (UK) Limited (“SRK”). The revised mine plan 
also incorporates the anticipated requirements of the environ-
mental permitting process, particularly related to subsidence 
control and exclusion zones around towns, infrastructure and 
objects of significant cultural importance. All plant preliminary 
design and engineering optimisation work was completed du-
ring the September quarter. 

On  22  January  2019  the  Company  announced  an  upda-
te  to  the  Ore  Reserves  estimate  for  Muga.  The  Proved  and 
Probable Ore Reserves was derived from the Measured and 
Indicated Mineral Resources estimate released on 10 October 
2018 and comprises 108.7 million tonnes at 10.2% K2O, with 
Proved Ore Reserves of 42.9 million tonnes at 10.2% K2O and 
Probable Ore Reserves of 65.8 million tonnes at 10.2% K2O.

42

Muga Project Technical Update 

In  its  Quarterly  Activities  Report  for  the  quarter  ended  31 
March 2018 released on 17 April 2018, the Company repor-
ted that the metallurgical test work being undertaken at the 
Saskatchewan  Research  Council  (“SRC”)  facilities  in  Canada 
had been completed. The results were very encouraging and 
with modifications to the circuit yielding saleable grade ma-
terial on all material types as well as acceptable recoveries of 
potash. 

In  the  same  report  the  Company  stated  that  studies  were 
also completed on the best means of accessing the ore body. 
Options reviewed included the previously planned twin diver-
ging declines, a single decline with raise bore shaft, and twin 
parallel declines. The twin parallel decline option yielded the 
best outcome in terms of safety of development and opera-
tion,  cost,  time  to  complete,  and  optimal  access  to  the  ore 
body. 

In its June Quarterly Activities Report, the Company reported 
that  a  geotechnical  hole  along  the  line  of  the  declines  was 
completed  to  a  length  of  482  metres.  Good  core  recovery 
indicated  competent  rock  quality  along  most  of  its  length 
and validated the geological modelling arising from previous 
vertical drill holes. In addition, ground water quality and flow 
rate  monitoring  throughout  the  drilling  confirmed  low  flow 
rates  and  no  salinity.  This  geotechnical  work  confirmed  the 
Company’s revised plan to develop twin parallel declines. 

The  Company  also  reported  that  Hatch  had  completed  the 
basic design for the new process flowsheet to optimise MOP 
product grade, based on the metallurgical testwork program-
me completed by SRC in the previous quarter. A later addition 
to the circuit is a small crystallizer.

In  its  September  Quarterly  Activities  Report  the  Company 
provided an update on work by Micon International Company 
Ltd  (“Micon”),  a  third-party  mineral  consultancy  company, 
that  undertook  a  technical  review  of  specific  aspects  of  the 
Project. This included a high-level review of  Mineral Resources 
and  a  detailed  review  of  Ore  Reserves,  mine  planning  and 
scheduling,  mine  operations  planning,  process  design  and 
operations planning, project execution plan and programme 
sequence,  cost  plan,  contract  plans  and  procurement  plans 
which confirmed the validity and suitability of all the technical 
work reviewed, and identified potential risk areas and mitiga-
ting strategies. Micon confirmed that the quantity and subs-
tance of the work completed is generally more advanced than 
most projects at a similar stage of development. 

During the September quarter, two geotechnical holes were 
drilled from surface to intercept the location of the declines 
at  depth,  one  of  which  intersected  an  anomaly  previously 
picked  up  by  electro-tomography  with  the  core  revealing  a 
fractured  formation.  These  discontinuities  had  already  been 
accounted for in the decline design and will be mitigated by 
using an appropriate support structure during the decline de-
velopment through this area. Two hydrogeological test holes 
were completed and a piezometer installed. Hydrogeological 
pumping tests and slug tests were finalized during the quarter 
by  Amphos  21,  a  technical  consultant  specialising  in  design 
of  water  management  systems  in  mining  environments.  The 
results of the analysis indicated that there will be a low inflow 
of water of 1-2 litres per second from each decline once the 
declines are fully excavated. 

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersUpdated MOU signed with Acciona

The Company announced on 16 November 2018 that it had 
signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) 
with  Acciona  Construcción  S.A.  (“Acciona”).  The  MOU  es-
tablishes a strategic collaboration between the two compa-
nies, and names Acciona as the only preferred construction 
partner for the Project. Acciona’s responsibilities will include 
the supply, management and coordination of labour and ma-
terials for the construction of the Muga mine. Geoalcali will 
establish  and  maintain  an  Owners  Team  to  develop,  mana-
ge, monitor and supervise the construction works. The MOU 
confirms that as part of this arrangement, Acciona will assist 
in the planning of the Project, contributing its skills and expe-
rience in large, global infrastructure and industrial projects, 
thus reducing the  Project’s delivery risk. This will be key to 
ensuring the Muga Mine will be built on time and to budget 
and the MOU is a major step towards signing a construction 
contract for the Project.

Project Financing

The  Company  entered  into  a  project  finance  mandate  with 
four  Mandated  Lead  Arrangers  (“MLAs”)  in  mid-2015  for 
a  facility  to  fund  the  construction  of  the  Project,  alongside 
equity  to  be  raised  by  the  Company  Following  significant 
progress on the facility in 2015 and 2016, as a result of which 
conditional credit approval was received for a facility of €185 
million, the Company and the banks agreed to defer further 
work towards financial close until after receipt of the DIA.

The Company has continued to update the Project Finance 
syndicate on project development with respect to the finan-
cing facility for Muga.  Highfield remains confident of putting 
in place its debt financing following receipt of all approvals, 
to  support  a  final  investment  decision  and  the  commence-
ment of construction.

44

PINTANOS PROJECT

Highfield´s  100%  owned  Pintanos  Project  abuts  the  Muga 
Project to the east and covers an area of 65km2. Depths from 
surface  to  mineralisation  commence  at  around  500  metres. 
The Company is building on substantial historical potash ex-
ploration information which includes seven drill holes and ten 
seismic profiles completed in the late 1980s.

In  its  Quarterly  Activities  Report  for  the  quarter  ended  31 
December 2018 released on 29 January 2019, the Company 
reported that the application process has re-started for the 
drilling  permit  Molineras  2  following  the  conclusion  of  the 
public consultation period.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders45

SIERRA DEL PERDÓN PROJECT

Highfield´s 100% owned Sierra del Perdón (“SdP”) Project is 
located  south  east  of  Pamplona  and  covers  approximately 
120km2. Sierra del Perdón is a brownfield project which pre-
viously hosted two potash mines operating from the 1960s 
until the late 1990s producing nearly 500,000 tonnes of K60 
MOP  per  annum.  The  evaporite  was  historically  mined  pri-
marily  for  sylvinite  but  also  for  carnallite,  before  the  mine 
closure in 1996 due to relatively low potash prices of around 
US$100/tonne. There is potential for potash exploitation in 
new, unmined areas in the Sierra del Perdón Project area.

During the quarter ended 31 March 2018, the Company ad-
vised  that  an  exploration  drill  hole  was  completed  at  SdP. 
Drill  hole  SDP-014  was  designed  to  test  the  western  peri-
phery in Subiza Block, to check the continuity of the potash 
mineralization on the western edge of the old mining area. 
The drill hole targeted both sylvinite and carnallite minerali-
sation seams at a depth of 668 metres. The Upper Carnallite 
Seam has a thickness of 4.2 metres with an average grade of 
8.79% K2O, while the Lower Carnallite Seam has a thickness 

of 1.8 metres with an average grade of 8.14% K2O. Traces of 
sylvinite were intersected below this unit but the grades were 
not conclusive in showing that the sylvinite seam was inter-
sected in this drill hole. The location of this drill hole reflects 
the proximity of the depositional edge in the south western 
area of the basin.

In  its  Quarterly  Activities  Report  for  the  quarter  ended  30 
September  2018  the  Company  reported  that  two  new  ex-
ploration drill at SdP, SdP-007 and SdP-017, were completed 
within the quarter.

In the Quarterly Activities Report for the quarter ended 31 
December 2018 the Company reported that during the quar-
ter it had been advised that the second three year extension 
application  for  the  Adiós  and  Quiñones  permits  had  been 
rejected  by  the  mining  department  of  the  Government  of 
Navarra. The Company has obtained legal advice and is pro-
gressing an appeal process with regards to this decision. It is 
confident of a positive resolution.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders46

IZAGA PROJECT

The Izaga Project covers an area of more than 57km2, whe-
re historic drill holes and 2D seismic show a relatively conti-
nuous evaporite with drill hole intersects containing potash.  
With  further  positive  exploration  results,  the  project  could 
display  similar  attributes  to  the  Muga  Project.    During  the 
year ended 31 December 2018, limited additional work was 
carried out.  

In  February  2019  the  Company  relinquished  the  less  pros-
pective areas of Girardo to the north of the Osquia permit 
and Palero to the west of the Osquia permit in order to focus 
on the more prospective Osquia permit.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersGeoalcali 
Foundation

The Geoalcali Foundation is a not-for-profit Spanish founda-
tion,  funded  exclusively  by  Geoalcali.  It  was  established  to 
support projects in the communities in which the Company 
will operate its mines.

Projects

The  Company’s  community  engagement  programme  con-
tinues  to  be  well  received.  The  Geoalcali  Foundation  su-
pports  and  finances  projects  related  to  its  four  pillars: 
Quality  Education,  Social  Integration,  Sustainability,  and 
Environmental Commitment.

The Geoalcali Foundation currently provides ongoing support 
to over 20 community projects and since its establishment in 
September 2014 has been involved in more than 140 diffe-
rent projects with town halls, social associations, foundations 
and  scientific/agricultural  organizations.  Activities  from  the 
Foundation are very well known and appreciated by the local 
community.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Corporate

Directors

Mr. Isaac Querub was appointed to the Board on 5 April 2018 
as an independent Non-Executive Director. Mr. Querub has 
more  than  35  years’  experience  in  the  commodities  sector 
including 12 years as CEO of Glencore in Spain.

Mr.  Roger  Davey  was  appointed  to  the  Board  on  24  May 
2018 as an independent Non-Executive Director.  Mr. Davey 
is  a  fluent  Spanish  speaker,  having  been  a  Director,  Vice 
President and General Manager of Minorco in Argentina for 
several years. More recently he was Senior Mining Engineer 
in  the  project  finance  team  for  NM  Rothschild  Mining  and 
Metals. As chairman of Atalaya Mining Mr. Davey is experien-
ced in operating in Spain.  

Mr. Brian Jamieson was also appointed to the Board on 24 
May 2018 as a Non-Executive Director. He was on the board 
of Oxiana for 10 years and has experience in developing ex-
ploration  focused  companies  into  producers.  Mr.  Jamieson 
has been nominated by EMR to replace Owen Hegarty who 
has advised of his intention to retire from the Board.

48

Annual Review of 
Ore Reserves and 
Mineral Resources

MUGA PROJECT

In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5, the Company has per-
formed an annual review of all JORC-compliant Ore Reserves 
and Mineral Resources as at 31 December 2018. Rounding 
differences may occur.

A maiden Ore Reserves estimate for the Muga Project was calculated as part of the Definitive Feasibility Study as released to 
the ASX on 30 March 2015.

An updated Ore Reserves estimate for the Muga Project was calculated as at December 2018 and released to the ASX on 22 
January 2019. The Company considers this Ore Reserves estimate to be accurate as at 31 December 2018.

Table 1: Muga Ore Reserves Summary

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

30 June 2017

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade
K2O (%)

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade 
K2O (%)

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Proved 

Probable 

Total Proved & Probable 

42.9 

65.8 

108.7 

10.2% 

10.2% 

10.2% 

81.6 

172.1 

253.7 

11.7% 

11.4% 

11.5% 

81.6 

172.1 

253.7 

Grade 
K2O (%)

11.7%

11.4%

11.5%

Highfield  released  an  updated  JORC-compliant  Mineral  Resources  estimate  (“MRE”)  to  the  ASX  on  10  October  2018.  The 
Company considers this MRE to be accurate as at 31 December 2018. The MRE includes all Ore Reserves shown above in Table 
1.

Table 2: Muga Mineral Resources Summary

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

30 June 2017

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade
K2O (%)

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade 
K2O (%)

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade 
K2O (%)

Measured 

Indicated 

Total Measured & Indicated 

Inferred 

Total 

91.8 

143.0 

234.8 

32.6 

267.4 

12.4% 

12.1% 

12.3% 

12.9% 

12.4% 

75.1 

149.4 

224.5 

39.2 

263.7 

13.6% 

13.3% 

13.4% 

13.8% 

13.5% 

75.1 

149.4 

224.5 

39.2 

263.7 

13.6%

13.3%

13.4%

13.8%

13.5%

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders49

SIERRA DEL PERDÓN PROJECT

Highfield released a maiden MRE for the Sierra del Perdón Project to the ASX on 7 April 2015. The Company considers this MRE 
to be accurate as at 31 December 2018.

Table 3: Sierra del Perdón Mineral Resources Summary

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

30 June 2017

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade
K2O (%)

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade 
K2O (%)

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Measured 

Indicated 

Total Measured & Indicated 

Inferred 

Total 

- 

41.8 

41.8 

40.3 

82.1 

- 

10.7% 

10.7% 

10.5% 

10.6% 

- 

41.8 

41.8 

40.3 

82.1 

- 

10.7% 

10.7% 

10.5% 

10.6% 

- 

41.8 

41.8 

40.3 

82.1 

Grade 
K2O (%)

-

10.7%

10.7%

10.5%

10.6%

PINTANOS PROJECT

Highfield released a maiden MRE for the Pintanos Project to the ASX on 20 November 2013. During the year ended 30 June 
2017, two drill holes were completed at the Pintanos Project (see the Company’s ASX Quarterly Activities Report released on 
24 April 2017). The results of both holes were unfavourable compared with the block model which informed the maiden Mineral 
Resources estimate released on 20 November 2013 and therefore adversely impacted the tonnage available to be classified as 
Inferred Mineral Resources. As a result, a revised MRE was prepared and reported in the ASX Additional Information section 
of the Company’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2017, as summarised in Table 4 below. The Company continues to 
believe the exploration potential for Pintanos remains strong and will continue exploration of the project.

The Company considers this MRE to be accurate as at 31 December 2018.

Table 4: Pintanos Mineral Resources Summary

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

30 June 2017

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade
K2O (%)

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade 
K2O (%)

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade 
K2O (%)

Measured 

Indicated 

Total Measured & Indicated 

Inferred 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

70.7 

70.7 

- 

- 

- 

11.9% 

11.9% 

- 

- 

- 

70.7 

70.7 

- 

- 

- 

11.9% 

11.9% 

- 

- 

- 

70.7 

70.7 

-

-

-

11.9%

11.9%

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders50

SUMMARY

A summary of Highfield’s total Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources is shown below.

Table 5: Highfield Total Ore Reserves Summary (all projects)

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

30 June 2017

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade
K2O (%)

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade 
K2O (%)

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Proved 

Probable 

Total Proved & Probable 

42.9 

65.8 

108.7 

10.2% 

10.2% 

10.2% 

81.6 

172.1 

253.7 

11.7% 

11.4% 

11.5% 

81.6 

172.1 

253.7 

Grade 
K2O (%)

11.7%

11.4%

11.5%

Table 6: Highfield Total Mineral Resources Summary (all projects)

The MRE includes all Ore Reserves shown above in Table 5.

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

30 June 2017

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade
K2O (%)

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade 
K2O (%)

Tonnes In Place 
(Mt)

Grade 
K2O (%)

Measured 

Indicated 

Total Measured & Indicated 

Inferred 

Total 

91.8 

184.8 

276.6 

143.6 

420.2 

12.4% 

11.9% 

12.0% 

11.7% 

11.9% 

75.1 

191.2 

266.3 

150.2 

416.5 

13.6% 

12.7% 

13.0% 

12.0% 

12.6% 

75.1 

191.2 

266.3 

150.2 

416.5 

13.6%

12.7%

13.0%

12.0%

12.6%

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersCorporate 
Governance – 
Mineral Resources 
and Ore Reserves 
Calculations

Due to the nature, stage and size of the Company’s existing 
operations,  the  Company  has  historically  concluded  that 
there  would  be  insufficient  efficiencies  or  additional  gover-
nance  benefits  gained  by  establishing  a  separate  Mineral 
Resources  and  Ore  Reserves  committee  responsible  for  re-
viewing and monitoring the Company’s processes for calcu-
lating Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves and for ensuring 
that  the  appropriate  internal  controls  are  applied  to  such 
calculations.  However,  the  establishment  of  such  a  commi-
ttee,  at  an  appropriate  time,  is  under  consideration.  In  the 
meantime, the Company continues to ensure that all drill re-
sults  and  Mineral  Resources  calculations  are  validated  by  a 
competent,  senior  geologist  and  are  reviewed  and  verified 
independently by a qualified person. In addition, the existing 
composition of the Highfield Board of Directors includes two 
qualified geologists.

Significant 
Changes in the 
State of Affairs

There have been no significant changes in the state of affairs 
of the Group during the financial year, other than as set out 
in this report.

51

Significant 
Events After the 
Reporting Date

There  have  been  no  significant  events  after  the  reporting 
date requiring disclosure in this report.

Likely 
Developments and 
Expected Results 
of Operations

The Directors have excluded from this report any further in-
formation  on  the  likely  developments  in  the  operations  of 
the Company and the expected results of those operations 
in  future  financial  periods,  as  the  Directors  believe  that  it 
would be speculative and prejudicial to the interests of the 
Company.

Environmental 
Regulations and 
Performance

The  operations  of  the  Company  are  presently  sub-
ject  to  Environmental  Regulation  under  the  laws  of  the 
Commonwealth of Australia and of Spain. The Company has 
been  at  all  times  in  full  environmental  compliance  with  the 
conditions of its licences.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersIndemnification 
and Insurance 
of Directors and 
Officers

The Company has made an agreement indemnifying all the 
Directors and officers of the Company against all losses or 
liabilities incurred by each Director or officer in their capa-
city as Directors or officers of the Company to the extent 
permitted by the Corporations Act 2001. The indemnifica-
tion specifically excludes willful acts of negligence.

The  Company  entered  into  insurance  policies  in  respect 
of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance contracts for 
current Directors and officers of the Company and of the 
Company’s  controlled  entities.  The  liabilities  insured  are 
damages and legal costs that may be incurred in defending 
civil or criminal proceedings that may be brought against 
the  officers  in  their  capacity  as  officers  of  entities  in  the 
Group. The total amount of insurance premiums paid has 
not been disclosed due to confidentiality reasons.

52

Share Options

As at the date of this report there were 43,749,618 unissued 
ordinary shares under options. The details of the options are 
as follows:

Number

Exercise Price ($)

Expiry Date

3,000,000 

7,342,397 

4,832,221 

1,500,000 

5,350,000 

17,175,000 

4,550,000 

 Total: 43,749,618 

$1.29 

$1.29 

$1.34 

$1.85 

$1.85 

$2.00 

$2.50 

30 June 2021

31 December 2025

30 June 2025

30 June 2024

18 November 2024

30 June 2019

30 June 2019

No  option  holder  has  any  right  under  the  options  to 
participate in any other share issue of the Company or any 
other entity. 

The following options were issued during the financial year:

 — 3,000,000  options  with  an  exercise  price  of  $1.29, 

expiring on 30 June 2021; and

 — 7,342,397  options  with  an  exercise  price  of  $1.29, 

expiring on 31 December 2025.

The following options lapsed during the financial year:

 — 3,100,000  options  with  an  exercise  price  of  $0.75, 

expiring on 30 June 2018;

 — 9,450,000  options  with  an  exercise  price  of  $0.75, 

expiring on 11 September 2018;

 — 750,000  options  with  an  exercise  price  of  $1.00, 

expiring on 30 June 2018; and

 — 4,000,000  options  with  an  exercise  price  of  $1.25, 

expiring on 30 June 2018.

The  following  options  were  exercised  during  the  financial 
year:

 — 250,000  options  with  an  exercise  price  of  $0.75, 

expiring on 30 June 2018; and

 — 50,000 options with an exercise price of $0.75, expiring 

on 11 September 2018.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
 
 
 
 
53

Directors’ 
Meetings

The numbers of meetings of Directors and Committees held during the financial year and the number of meetings attended by 
each Director were as follows:

Director

Derek Carter 

Peter Albert 

Pauline Carr 

Richard Crookes 

Roger Davey 

Jim Dietz 

Owen Hegarty 

Brian Jamieson 

Isaac Querub 

Directors’ Meetings

Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee

Audit, Business Risk and Compliance 
Committee

A 

7 

7 

7 

7 

4 

7 

7 

4 

5 

B 

5 

7 

7 

7 

4 

7 

4 

4 

2 

A 

7 

7 

7 

7 

4 

7 

7 

4 

5 

B 

4* 

4* 

7 

7 

1* 

7 

1* 

2* 

1* 

A 

4 

4 

4 

4 

3 

4 

4 

3 

3 

B

4

4*

4

4

1*

3*

-

3

1*

A number of meetings held during the time the Director held office.

B number of meetings attended. Note that Directors may attend Committee Meetings without being a member of that Committee.

*  Attendance at meeting by invitation.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
Proceedings on 
Behalf of Company

No  person  has  applied  for  leave  of  the  Court  to  bring 
proceedings on behalf of the Company or intervene in any 
proceedings to which the Company is a party for the purpose 
of taking responsibility on behalf of the Company for all or 
any part of those proceedings. The Company was not a party 
to any such proceedings during the financial year.

Corporate 
Governance

In  recognising  the  need  for  robust  standards  of  corporate 
behaviour  and  accountability,  the  Directors  of  Highfield  su-
pport  and  adhere  to  the  principles  of  sound  corporate  go-
vernance.  The  Board  recognises  the  recommendations  of 
the  Australian  Securities  Exchange  Corporate  Governance 
Council, and considers that Highfield is in compliance to the 
extent  possible  with  those  recommendations  which  are  of 
importance and add value to the commercial operation of a 
listed exploration and resources development company.

The Company has established a set of corporate governance 
policies  and  procedures  and  these  can  be  found,  together 
with  the  Company’s  Code  of  Business  Ethics  and  Conduct, 
on the Company’s website:  www.highfieldresources.com.au.

Auditor 
Independence 
and Non-Audit 
Services

Section  307C  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001  requires  the 
Company’s  auditors  to  provide  the  Directors  of  Highfield 
with an Independence Declaration in relation to the audit of 
the  financial  report.  A  copy  of  that  declaration  is  included 
at page 96 of the annual report. No non-audit services were 
provided by the Company’s auditor.

55

Audited 
Remuneration 
Report

This report, which forms part of the Directors’ report, outlines the remuneration arrangements in place for the key management 
personnel (KMP) of Highfield Resources Limited for the year ended 31 December 2018. The information provided in this remu-
neration report has been audited as required by Section 308 (3C) of the Corporations Act 2001.

The remuneration report details the remuneration arrangements for KMP who are defined as those persons having authority 
and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the major activities of the Group, directly or indirectly, including any 
Director (whether executive or otherwise) of the Group. 

DETAILS OF DIRECTORS AND 
OTHER KEY MANAGEMENT 
PERSONNEL

Directors

Derek Carter 

Peter Albert 

Pauline Carr 

Richard Crookes 

Roger Davey 

Jim Dietz 

Owen Hegarty 

Brian Jamieson 

Isaac Querub 

Key Management 

Mike Norris 

Independent Non-Executive Chairman

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Independent Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director (appointed 24 May 2018)

Independent Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director (appointed 24 May 2018)

Independent Non-Executive Director (appointed 5 April 2018)

Chief Financial Officer

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
56

REMUNERATION POLICY

The Board is responsible for determining and reviewing compensation arrangements for the Directors and senior executives 
reporting to the Managing Director. The broad policy is to ensure that remuneration properly reflects the individuals’ duties 
and responsibilities and that remuneration is fair and competitive in attracting, retaining and motivating quality people with 
appropriate skills and experience. At the time of determining remuneration, consideration is given by the Board to the Group’s 
financial circumstances and performance.

As  part  of  its  suite  of  corporate  governance  policies  and  procedures,  the  Board  has  adopted  a  formal  Remuneration  and 
Nomination Committee Charter and Remuneration Policy.

The Committee and Board have established the following parameters as part of the remuneration framework for executives: 

Level

Short Term Incentive

Long Term Incentive1

Managing Director

Senior executives

Up to 80% of fixed remuneration
100% Corporate KPIs 

Up to 100% of fixed remuneration in the form of options 
subject to performance hurdles

Up to 60% of fixed remuneration 
(up to 60% Corporate KPIs and the remainder Personal 
KPIs)

Up to 75% of fixed remuneration in the form of options 
subject to performance hurdles

1 The performance vesting conditions of each grant are aligned to the creation of long term value for shareholders. Market based performance
(being the relative performance of the Company’s share price over a three year period against the S&P/ASX 300 Resources Index (XKR)) accounts 
for 50% of vesting conditions. Total Shareholder Return over the three year assessment period accounts for the remaining 50% of the vesting 
conditions. In general, the participant must also remain employed with the Company for a continuous period of three years from the grant date.

REMUNERATION PHILOSOPHY

The Company and its controlled entities aim to position themselves so that the total remuneration paid to employees will be 
competitive relative to the relevant market. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee will undertake a market benchmar-
king review of executive positions at least once every three years to ensure that the Company’s remuneration offerings remain 
competitive with its contemporary peer group.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersUSE OF REMUNERATION 
CONSULTANTS

The Board and the Remuneration and Nomination Committee 
seek  and  consider  advice  from  independent  remuneration 
consultants to ensure that they have information relevant to 
the  determination  of  all  facets  of  remuneration  relating  to 
the  KMP  and  senior  executives  reporting  to  the  Managing 
Director.  The  engagement  of  remuneration  consultants  is 
governed by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee 
Charter which sets the protocols and restrictions around the 
interaction between management and the consultants with a 
view to minimising the risk of any undue influence occurring 
and  ensuring  compliance  with  the  Corporations  Act  2001 
requirements.

The advice and recommendations of consultants are used by 
the  Board  and  Committee  as  a  guide  in  formulating  remu-
neration and policy. Decisions are made by the Board after 
its own consideration of the issues, but having regard to the 
advice of the Committee and consultants.

In early 2018, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee 
engaged Mercer to compile a peer index and to benchmark 
executive  remuneration  against  the  market  index.  Mercer 
was paid $12,650 for these services in May 2018.

While Mercer did not provide a remuneration recommenda-
tion in relation to any key management personnel as defined 
by  Division  1  of  Part  1.2  of  Chapter  1  of  the  Corporations 
Act  the  following  arrangements  were  made  to  ensure  that 
the report was free from undue influence by members of the 
Group’s key management personnel:

 — Mercer was engaged by, and reported directly to, the 
Chair of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee. 
The  agreement  for  the  provision  of  remuneration 
consulting  services  was  executed  by  the  Chair  of  the 
Remuneration and Nomination Committee under dele-
gated authority on behalf of the board;

 — The report was provided by Mercer directly to the Chair 

of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee; and

 — Mercer was permitted to speak to management throu-
ghout  the  engagement  to  understand  company  pro-
cesses, practices and other business issues and obtain 
management  perspectives.  However,  Mercer  was  not 
permitted to provide any member of management with 
a copy of their draft or final report.

As a consequence, the Board was satisfied that the Mercer 
report was free from undue influence from any members of 
the key management personnel being reviewed.

In  January  2018  Mercer  undertook  a  market  benchmarking 
exercise  of  Directors’  fees.  For  these  services  Mercer  was 
paid a total of $13,200. The results were considered by the 
Board and some adjustments were made to Committee fees 
which reflected the additional workload and obligations be-
ing placed on Committees. Mercer did not provide a remu-
neration recommendation for this work in relation to any key 
management personnel as defined by Division 1 of Part 1.2 
of Chapter 1 of the Corporations Act. 

58

REVIEW OF KMP 
REMUNERATION

To ensure that the KMP remuneration remains consistent with the Company’s remuneration policy, KMP and senior executive 
remuneration is reviewed annually by the Board with the assistance of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee and, as 
required, external remuneration consultants. When performing the remuneration review, the Board considers:

 — the Company’s remuneration policy and practices;

 — relevant market benchmarks;

 — the skills and experience required of each role in order to grade positions accurately and attract high calibre people; and

 — strategy, business plans and budgets.

COMPONENTS OF 
REMUNERATION OF OTHER 
KPM AND SENIOR EXECUTIVES

Total Fixed Remuneration 
(“TFR”)

Base remuneration that 
reflects the job size, 
role, responsibilities and 
professional competence of 
each executive, according to 
their knowledge, experience 
and accountabilities and 
considering external market 
relativities.

At-risk remuneration

Short Term Incentive (“STI”)

Long Term Incentive (“LTI”)

Variable, performance based, annual cash incentive 
plan designed to reward high performance against 
challenging, clearly defined and measurable objectives 
that are based on a mix of Corporate and Personal KPI 
targets that are set to incentivise superior performance.

The equity component of the 
at-risk reward opportunity, 
linked to the creation of 
shareholder value.

The Board has the flexibility to pay the STI in shares if it 
deems this is a more appropriate mechanism as befits the 
Company’s status at different junctures in time.

The mix of fixed and at-risk remuneration varies depending on the role and level of executive, and also depends on the perfor-
mance of the Company and individual. Compared with other employees, senior positions have a greater proportion of at-risk 
remuneration and have a higher proportion of their at-risk remuneration assessed on Company performance KPIs.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
(“NED”) REMUNERATION

On appointment to the Board, each NED enters into a service agreement with the Group in the form of a letter of appointment. 
The letter summarises the Board policies and terms, including compensation, relevant to the Director.

NED remuneration is reviewed periodically by the Board. NEDs receive a fixed fee remuneration consisting of an annual base 
Board fee with additional fees for any committee positions they hold. From time to time and in accordance with the Constitution 
the Board may also award non-recurring extra exertion amounts where they determine such payments are warranted.

The aggregate remuneration for NEDs has been set at an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 per annum after the Shareholders’ 
approval at the general meeting held on 24 May 2018. This amount may only be increased with the approval of Shareholders 
at a general meeting.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersDETAILS OF NED 
REMUNERATION

Fees

Board 

Remuneration and Nomination Committee 

Audit, Business Risk and Compliance Committee 

59

Chairman per annum
$

Member per annum
$

120,000 

18,000 

18,000 

60,000

9,000

9,000

All NEDs (including the Chairman) are entitled to be reimbursed for travelling and other expenses properly incurred by them in 
attending any meeting or otherwise in connection with the business or affairs of the Company.

KEY PERFORMANCE 
INDICATORS FOR SHORT TERM 
INCENTIVES

Key  Performance  Indicators  (“KPIs”)  are  aligned  to  reflect  corporate  and  strategic  objectives.    KPIs  are  reviewed  by  the 
Company’s Remuneration and Nomination Committee and approved by the Board. The KPIs of the Managing Director and the 
senior executives reporting directly to him are also reviewed by the Committee and approved by the Board. They typically cover 
targets in respect of safety, permitting, finance, project delivery, investor relations and social responsibility. In addition the senior 
executives also have personal KPIs appropriate to their areas of responsibility.

The KPIs for the year ended 31 December 2018 were assessed in accordance with the parameters set out in the Remuneration 
Policy  section  above.  The  STI  for  the  Managing  Director  was  based  on  100%  for  corporate  and  strategic  KPIs.  The  STIs  for 
senior executives of the Managing Director were based on a weighting of up to 60% for corporate and strategic KPIs and the 
remaining percentage for personal KPIs.

The level of achievement of KPIs is assessed as Threshold, Target or Stretch, whereby the KPI weighting is multiplied by 85%, 
100% or 115% respectively.  As a result, the KPI outcome may exceed the KPI weighting.

Summary Corporate and Strategic KPI Performance

For the year ended 31 December 2018 the STI corporate and strategic KPI performance outcomes for KMPs were assessed as 
follows:

KPI Category

Safety, Health, Environmental and Community 

Financials 

Project Progress 

Approvals 

Total 

Short Term Incentive Award

Weighting for 2018 
%

2018 Outcome
%

15 

27 

28 

30 

100 

15.0

13.8

13.8

-

42.6

The remuneration of the Managing Director, Peter Albert, and the Chief Financial Officer, Mike Norris, for the financial year 
included cash bonuses in respect of meeting STI KPIs agreed by the Board.  The STI awards relate to the achievement of KPIs 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 for which the bonus cost was approved by the Board and paid in March 2019. The cost 
of the achievements of KPIs for the year ended 31 December 2018 is included as an expense in the financial statements for the 
year ended 31 December 2018.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders60

LTI PERFORMANCE AND 
OUTCOMES FOR 2018 

Awards granted under the Highfield Resources Limited LTI Plan consist of share options which are granted for no consideration 
and  carry  no  dividend  or  voting  rights.  Following  vesting  and  subsequent  exercise  of  the  options  one  ordinary  share  in  the 
Company will be allocated per option. 

The vesting conditions of each grant are aligned to the creation of long term value for shareholders. Market based performance 
(being the relative performance of the Company’s share price over a three year period against the S&P/ASX 300 Resources 
Index (XKR)) accounts for 50% of vesting conditions. Total Shareholder Return over the three year assessment period accounts 
for the remaining 50% of the vesting conditions.

In general, the KMP must also remain employed with the Company for a continuous period of three years from the grant date. 

Details of Remuneration

Details of the nature and amount of each element of the remuneration of each Director and other key management personnel 
of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2018 are as below:

Short term

Options

Post-employment

Year ended 31 December 2018

Base
Salary
$

STI
Awards1
$  

Other 
Benefits
$

Share-based
Payments
$

Super-
annuation
$

Prescribed 
Benefits
$

Fees
$

Performance 
related
%

Total
$

Directors 

Derek Carter 

Peter Albert 

Pauline Carr 

Richard Crookes 

Roger Davey (appointed 24 May 2018) 

Jim Dietz 

Owen Hegarty 

Brian Jamieson (appointed 24 May 2018) 

Isaac Querub (appointed 5 April 2018) 

Key Management 

Mike Norris 

Total 

- 

117,808 

- 

- 

- 

11,192 

- 

129,000 

-

686,655 

- 

235,083 

229,0612 

186,906 

-  1,337,705 

14%

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

126,0003 

78,000 

36,167 

69,000 

60,000 

36,758 

43,218 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

158,004 

- 

- 

158,004 

158,004 

   3,492 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

126,000 

78,000 

-

-

194,171 

81%

69,000 

60,000 

198,254 

201,222 

696,842 

-

-

80%

79%

12%

24%

410,540 

- 

138,748 

63,7404 

83,814 

1,097,195 

566,951 

373,831 

292,801  744,732 

14,684 

-  3,090,194 

1 The STI awards relate to the achievement of KPIs for the year ended 31 December 2018 for which the bonus cost was approved by the Board

and paid in March 2019.  The cost of the STI award is included in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018.

2 Benefits relate to paid private accommodation and in-country residency allowance.

3 Includes a non-recurring extra exertion payment of $30,000 awarded by the Board.

4 Benefit relates to paid private accommodation.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
61

Details of remuneration for the six months ended 31 December 2017 are shown below: 

Short term

Options

Post-employment

Six months ended 31 December 2017

Base
Salary
$

STI
Awards1
$  

Other 
Benefits
$

Share-based 
Payments
$

Super-
annuation
$

Prescribed 
Benefits
$

Fees
$

Performance 
related
%

Total
$

Directors 

Derek Carter 

Peter Albert 

Pauline Carr 

Richard Crookes 

Jim Dietz 

Owen Hegarty 

Key Management 

Mike Norris 

Total 

- 

48,750 

- 

- 

- 

332,376 

- 

442,048 

105,7042 

268,073 

- 

- 

- 

- 

45,000 

37,500 

33,750 

30,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

188,932 

- 

253,194 

29,0203 

117,896 

521,308 

195,000 

695,242 

134,724  385,969 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

48,750 

-

-  1,148,201 

23%

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

45,000 

37,500 

33,750 

30,000 

589,042 

-  1,932,243 

-

-

-

-

20%

20%

1 The STI awards relate to the achievement of KPIs for the year ended 30 June 2017 for which the bonus cost was approved by the Board and
paid during the six months ended 31 December 2017, and the achievement of KPIs for the six months ended 31 December 2017 for which the 
bonus cost was accrued at the end of the period. The cost of both awards is therefore included in the financial statements for the six months 
ended 31 December 2017.

2 Benefits relate to paid private accommodation and in-country residency allowance.

3 Benefit relates to paid private accommodation.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

SHAREHOLDINGS OF 
DIRECTORS AND OTHER KEY 
MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

The number of shares in the Company held by Directors and other key management personnel of the Group, including their 
personally related parties, is set out below. There were no shares granted as compensation during the year ended 31 December 
2018.

Year ended 31 December 2018

Balance at the start
of the period

Granted as 
compensation during 
the period 

On exercise of share 
options

Other changes during 
the period

Balance at the end
of the period

Directors 

Derek Carter 

Peter Albert 

Pauline Carr 

Richard Crookes 

Roger Davey (appointed 24 May 2018) 

Jim Dietz 

Owen Hegarty 

Brian Jamieson (appointed 24 May 2018) 

Isaac Querub (appointed 5 April 2018) 

Key Management 

Mike Norris 

9,221,504 

78,000 

30,000 

- 

- 

50,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

9,221,504

78,000

30,000

-

50,000

-

-

All equity transactions with Directors and other key management personnel other than those arising from the exercise of remu-
neration options have been entered into under terms and conditions no more favourable than those the Company would have 
adopted if dealing at arm’s length.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
63

OPTION HOLDINGS OF 
DIRECTORS AND OTHER KEY 
MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

The number of options over ordinary shares in the Company held by each Director and other key management personnel of the 
Group, including their personally related parties, is set out below:

Year ended 31 December 2018

Balance at the 
start
of the period

Granted as 
compensation 
during the 
period 

Exercised 
during the 
period

Other changes 
during the 
period

Balance at the 
end
of the period

Exercisable

Not 
exercisable

Directors 

Derek Carter 

Peter Albert 

Pauline Carr 

Richard Crookes 

Roger Davey (appointed 24 May 2018) 

Jim Dietz 

Owen Hegarty 

Brian Jamieson (appointed 24 May 2018) 

2,500,000 

- 

4,820,654 

2,992,287 

1,000,000 

- 

- 

1,000,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,000,000 

- 

- 

1,000,000 

Isaac Querub (appointed 5 April 2018) 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

Key Management 

Mike Norris 

3,250,703 

1,341,778 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1,500,000) 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

7,812,941 

- 

7,812,941

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

- 

- 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

- 

- 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

-

-

-

-

2,000,000 

1,000,000 

1,000,000

4,592,481 

2,000,000 

2,592,481

No option holder has any right under the options to participate in any other share issue of the Company or any other entity.

Options granted as part of remuneration have been valued using the binomial method (which is derived from the Black-Scholes 
option  pricing  model  but  is  considered  more  suitable  for  companies  which  do  not  pay  dividends)  taking  into  account  the 
exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the 
underlying share and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option.

Options granted under the Company’s employee share option plan carry no dividend or voting rights. For details on the valua-
tion of options, including models and assumptions used, please refer to note 18.

TRANSACTIONS WITH 
DIRECTORS AND OTHER KEY 
MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

Transactions with key management personnel were made at arm’s length at normal market prices and normal commercial terms. 
There were no transactions with key management personnel for the year ended 31 December 2018 other than those disclosed 
above.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64

OPTIONS AFFECTING 
REMUNERATION

The terms and conditions of options granted during the year ended 31 December 2018 affecting remuneration in the current or 
future reporting periods are as follows:

Number 
granted

Expiry date/
last exercise 
date

Fair value 
per option 
at grant 
date

Grant date

Exercise 
price per 
option

Value of 
options at 
grant date1

Number 
of options 
vested

Vested

Max value 
yet to vest

Directors 

Derek Carter 

Peter Albert 

Pauline Carr 

Richard Crookes 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-   

08/06/18  2,992,287 

31/12/25 

$0.062 

$1.29  $186,906   

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-   

-   

Roger Davey (appointed 24 May 2018) 

08/06/18  1,000,000 

30/06/21 

$0.158 

$1.29  $158,004   

Jim Dietz 

Owen Hegarty 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-   

-   

Brian Jamieson (appointed 24 May 2018) 

08/06/18  1,000,000 

30/06/21 

$0.158 

$1.29  $158,004   

Isaac Querub (appointed 5 April 2018) 

08/06/18  1,000,000 

30/06/21 

$0.158 

$1.29  $158,004   

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

$158,004 

- 

- 

$158,004 

$158,004 

-

$186,906

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

$83,814

Key Management 

Mike Norris 

Total 

08/06/18  1,341,778 

31/12/25 

$0.062 

$1.29 

$83,814   

  7,334,065 

  $744,732   

-  $474,012  $270,720

1 The value at grant date has been calculated in accordance with the models and assumptions as disclosed in note 18.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
65

KMP EMPLOYMENT 
ARRANGEMENTS

The remuneration arrangements for KMP are formalised in employment agreements. These agreements provide for the pay-
ment of fixed remuneration, performance related STI bonuses, other short term benefits, and participation, where eligible, in 
the Company’s LTI Plan.

Executive Director

Mr. Albert is employed under an employment agreement which has no fixed term.  The notice period is three months. Depending 
on the reason for a termination of his employment, Mr. Albert may be entitled to severance benefits of up to 12 months’ cash 
remuneration (based on an average of his previous annual fixed remuneration), or other minimum severance benefits set by 
Spanish law, as applicable. 

The Board determined that with effect from 1 January 2018 the weighting of Mr. Albert’s STI be changed from 75% for corpora-
te and strategic KPIs and 25% for personal KPIs to 100% for corporate and strategic KPIs. Also, with effect from 1 January 2018, 
a CPI adjustment of 2% was applied to Mr. Albert’s annual base salary. As a result, Mr. Albert’s annual base salary increased from 
€426,341 per annum to €434,868 per annum. During the year ended 31 December 2018 Mr. Albert’s total fixed remuneration 
was therefore €434,868 ($686,655). No other changes were made to Mr. Albert’s base salary or to his short term or long term 
variable performance based incentives during the year ended 31 December 2018.

Non-Executive Directors

On appointment to the Board, each Non-Executive Director enters into a service agreement with the Group in the form of a 
letter of appointment. The letter summarises the Board policies and terms, including compensation, relevant to the Director. 
The aggregate remuneration for Non-Executive Directors has been set at an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 per annum after 
the Shareholders’ approval at the general meeting held on 24 May 2018. This amount may only be increased with the approval 
of Shareholders at a general meeting. The period of appointment is in accordance with the Company’s Constitution and the 
Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), including the provisions of the constitution which relate to the rotation of Directors.

Other Key Management Personnel

Mr. Norris is employed under an employment agreement which has no fixed term.  The notice period is three months. Depending 
on the reason for a termination of his employment, Mr. Norris may be entitled to a payment equal to three months of his annual 
fixed salary. With effect from 1 January 2018, a salary adjustment has been made to Mr. Norris’s annual base salary, resulting in 
an increase from €250,000 per annum to €260,000 per annum. During the year ended 31 December 2018 Mr. Norris’s total fixed 
remuneration was therefore €260,000 ($410,540). No other changes were made to Mr. Norris’s base salary or to his short term 
or long term variable performance based incentives during the year ended 31 December 2018.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders66

LOANS TO DIRECTORS AND 
OTHER KEY MANAGEMENT 
PERSONNEL

There were no loans to Directors or other key management personnel during the year ended 31 December 2018 (six months 
ended 31 December 2017: nil).

VOTING AND COMMENTS 
MADE AT THE COMPANY’S 
NOVEMBER 2018 ANNUAL 
GENERAL MEETING

Highfield Resources Limited received more than 98.76% of “yes” votes on its remuneration report for the financial year ended 
31 December 2018.  The Company did not receive any specific feedback at the AGM or during the current period on its remu-
neration practices.

PERFORMANCE MEASURED 
BY LOSS PER SHARE

The table below shows the performance of the Company measured by loss per share:

Loss per share (cents) 

Share price (at period end) 

Share price High for the reporting period 

Share price Low for the reporting period 

Year ended          
31 December 
2018

 Six months 
ended 
31 December 
2017

Year ended 
30 June 2017

Year ended 
30  June 2016

Year ended  
30 June 2015

Year ended 
30 June 2014

(1.28) 

$0.64 

$1.13 

$0.48 

(0.14) 

$1.03 

$1.20 

$0.82 

(2.22) 

$0.96 

$1.49 

$0.90 

(3.42) 

$1.38 

$2.04 

$1.03 

(4.38) 

$1.48 

$2.08 

$0.52 

(4.12)

$0.58

$0.68

$0.33

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders67

End of Audited 
Remuneration 
Report

Signed on behalf of the Board in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

Peter Albert

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Pamplona, Spain
28 March 2019

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders68

FINANCIAL
REPORT

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss 
and Other Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position

Consolidated Statement of Changes in 
Equity

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements

Directors’ Declaration

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Independent Auditor’s Report

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders69

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders70

Consolidated Statement 
of Profit or Loss and 
Other Comprehensive 
Income

for the year ended 31 December 2018

Continuing Operations

Revenue – interest received 

Gain on foreign exchange 

Listing and share registry expenses 

Professional and consultants’ fees 

Employee costs 

Share-based payments expense 

Travel and accommodation 

Donations 

Depreciation 

Impairment of deferred exploration and evaluation expenditure  

Other expenses 

Interest paid 

Loss before income tax 

Income tax expense 

Net loss for the period 

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified to profit and loss 

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 

Other comprehensive income for the period net of tax 

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the period 

Loss per share

Basic loss per share (cents) 

Diluted loss per share (cents) 

31 December  2018
(12 months)
$

31 December 2017
(6 months)
$

Note

19 

3 

18 

9 

10 

19 

5 

6 

6 

- 

3,239,906 

(76,612) 

(978,464) 

(1,853,979) 

(1,200,804) 

(74,257) 

(190,391) 

(90,095) 

(2,785,316) 

(110,379) 

(109,441) 

(4,229,832) 

7,470

1,933,428

(89,762)

(424,910)

(1,141,015)

(314,606)

(54,564)

(65,579)

(60,392)

-

(259,731)

-

(469,661)

- 

-

(4,229,832) 

(469,661)

3,955,046 

3,955,046 

(274,786) 

(1.28) 

(1.28) 

1,898,112

1,898,112

1,428,451

(0.14)

(0.14)

The above Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the 
accompanying notes.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated 
Statement of 
Financial Position

as at 31 December 2018

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents 

Other receivables 

Total Current Assets 

Non-Current Assets

Investments 

Other receivables 

Property, plant and equipment 

Deferred exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Total Non-Current Assets 

Total Assets 

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Total Current Liabilities 

Total Liabilities 

Net Assets 

Equity

Issued capital 

Reserves 

Accumulated losses 

Total Equity 

71

Note

31 December  2018
$

31 December 2017
$

7 

8 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

55,157,707 

1,042,187 

56,199,894 

- 

69,076 

121,566 

105,421,745 

105,612,387 

161,812,281 

2,653,731 

2,653,731 

2,653,731 

65,576,728

789,292

66,366,020

5,525

70,899

154,996

94,090,220

94,321,640

160,687,660

2,674,217

2,674,217

2,674,217

159,158,550 

158,013,443

172,618,930 

27,783,985 

(41,244,365) 

172,399,841

22,628,135

(37,014,533)

159,158,550 

158,013,443

The above Consolidated Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72

Consolidated 
Statement of 
Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 December 2018

Six months ended 31 December 2017

Issued capital
$

Accumulated 
losses
$

Share-based 
payments 
reserve
$

Foreign 
exchange 
translation 
reserve
$

Option 
premium 
reserve
$

Total
$

Balance at 1 July 2017 

172,399,841 

(36,544,872) 

19,494,860 

919,557 

1,000  156,270,386

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Loss for the period 

Other comprehensive income - foreign currency translation 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners 

Conversion of options 

Cost of issue 

Share-based payment 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(469,661) 

- 

(469,661) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

314,606 

- 

1,898,112 

1,898,112 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(469,661)

1,898,112

1,428,451

-

-

314,606

Balance at 31 December 2017 

172,399,841 

(37,014,533) 

19,809,466 

2,817,669 

1,000  158,013,443

Year ended 31 December 2018

Balance at 1 January 2018 

Total comprehensive loss for the period 

Loss for the period 

Other comprehensive income - foreign currency translation 

Total comprehensive loss for the period 

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners 

Conversion of options 

Cost of issue 

Share-based payment 

172,399,841 

(37,014,533) 

19,809,466 

2,817,669 

1,000  158,013,443

- 

- 

- 

(4,229,832) 

- 

(4,229,832) 

225,000 

(5,911) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,200,804 

- 

3,955,046 

3,955,046 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(4,229,832)

3,955,046

(274,786)

225,000

(5,911)

1,200,804

Balance at 31 December 2018 

172,618,930 

(41,244,365) 

21,010,270 

6,772,715 

1,000  159,158,550

The above Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated 
Statement of Cash 
Flows

for the year ended 31 December 2018

Cash flows from operating activities

Payments to suppliers and employees 

Interest (paid)/received 

Other receipts including GST/VAT received 

Net cash used in operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of plant and equipment 

Payments for exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from conversion of options 

Payments for share issue costs 

Net cash provided by financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash 

73

31 December  2018
(12 months)
$

31 December  2017
(6 months)
$

Note

(3,125,453) 

(1,634,017)

(109,443) 

740,234 

7,470

383,249

7 

(2,494,662) 

(1,243,298)

(57,130) 

(11,449,984) 

(11,507,114) 

225,000 

(5,911) 

219,089 

(13,782,687) 

65,576,728 

3,363,666 

55,157,707 

(6,608)

(4,666,667)

(4,673,275)

-

-

-

(5,916,573)

69,559,873

1,933,428

65,576,728

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 

7 

The above Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the 
Consolidated 
Financial 
Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2018

1. CORPORATE INFORMATION

The financial report of Highfield Resources Limited (“Highfield 
Resources”, “Highfield” or “the Company”) for the year en-
ded 31 December 2018 was authorised for issue in accordan-
ce with a resolution of the Directors.

Highfield is a company limited by shares domiciled and incor-
porated in Australia whose shares are publicly traded on the 
Australian Securities Exchange. The nature of the operations 
and the principal activities of the Company are described in 
the Directors’ Report.

75

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a)  Basis of Preparation

iii) Presentation currency

These general purpose financial statements have been pre-
pared  in  accordance  with  Australian  Accounting  Standards 
and  Interpretations  issued  by  the  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  Board  and  the  Corporations  Act  2001.  Highfield 
Resources  Limited  is  a  for-profit  entity  for  the  purpose  of 
preparing the financial statements. The financial statements 
have also been prepared on a historical cost basis. The pre-
sentation currency is Australian dollars.

b)  Compliance Statement

The financial report also complies with International Financial 
Reporting  Standards  (IFRS)  as  issued  by  the  International 
Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

c)  Basis of Consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  comprise  the  finan-
cial  statements  of  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  (“the 
Group”) at 31 December 2018 and at 31 December 2017 in 
the comparative period.

Subsidiaries are those entities over which the Company has 
the power to govern the financial and operating policies so 
as to obtain benefits from their activities. The existence and 
effect  of  potential  voting  rights  that  are  currently  exercisa-
ble or convertible are considered when assessing whether a 
Company controls another entity.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, all inter-
company  balances  and  transactions,  income  and  expenses 
and  profit  and  losses  resulting  from  inter-company  transac-
tions have been eliminated in full. Unrealised losses are also 
eliminated unless costs cannot be recovered.

d)  Foreign Currency Translation

i)  Functional currency

The functional currency for each entity in the Group is 
the  currency  of  the  primary  economic  environment  in 
which that entity operates. For the Australian entities, 
including Highfield Resources Limited, this is Australian 
dollars. For the Spanish subsidiary this is Euros.

ii)  Transactions and balances

Transactions denominated in other currencies are trans-
lated into the functional currency at the exchange rate 
prevailing  at  the  date  of  the  transaction  or  valuation 
where items are re-measured. Monetary assets and lia-
bilities denominated in foreign currency are retransla-
ted at year end exchange rates.

Foreign exchange gains and losses  resulting from the 
settlement  of  such  transactions  and  from  the  transla-
tion at period end exchange rates of monetary assets 
and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are 
recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or 
Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.

The  Group’s  financial  statements  are  presented  in 
Australian dollars. On consolidation, income statement 
items  for  each  entity  are  translated  from  the  functio-
nal currency into Australian dollars at average rates of 
exchange where the average is a reasonable approxi-
mation of rates prevailing on the transaction date. The 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position items are 
translated into Australian dollars at period end exchan-
ge rates.

e)  Segment Reporting

Operating  segments  are  reported  in  a  manner  consistent 
with  the  internal  reporting  provided  to  the  chief  operating 
decision maker. The chief operating decision maker, who is 
responsible  for  allocating  resources  and  assessing  perfor-
mance of the operating segments, has been identified as the 
Managing  Director.  The  Group  has  identified  a  single  seg-
ment focused on development of potash mines in Spain. All 
of the Group’s activities are interrelated and financial infor-
mation is reported to the Managing Director in this manner.

f)  Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Exploration and evaluation expenditures in relation to each 
separate  area  of  interest  are  recognised  as  an  exploration 
and evaluation asset in the period in which they are incurred 
where the following conditions are satisfied:

i)  the rights to tenure of the area of interest are current; 

and

ii)  at least one of the following conditions is also met:

a)  the  exploration  and  evaluation  expenditures  are 
expected  to  be  recouped  through  successful  deve-
lopment and exploitation of the area of interest, or 
alternatively, by its sale; or

b) exploration and evaluation activities in the area of in-
terest have not at the balance date reached a stage 
which  permits  a  reasonable  assessment  of  the  exis-
tence  or  otherwise  of  economically  recoverable  re-
serves, and active and significant operations in, or in 
relation to, the area of interest are continuing.

Exploration  and  evaluation  assets  are  initially  measured  at 
cost and include acquisition of rights to explore, studies, ex-
ploratory drilling, trenching and sampling and associated ac-
tivities and an allocation of depreciation and amortisation of 
assets used in exploration and evaluation activities. General 
and  administrative  costs  are  only  included  in  the  measure-
ment of exploration and evaluation costs where they are re-
lated directly to operational activities in a particular area of 
interest.

Exploration  and  evaluation  assets  are  assessed  for  impair-
ment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying 

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders76

amount of an exploration and evaluation asset may exceed 
its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of the ex-
ploration and evaluation asset (for the cash generating unit(s) 
to which it has been allocated being no larger than the rele-
vant area of interest) is estimated to determine the extent of 
the impairment loss (if any).

Where  an  impairment  loss  subsequently  reverses,  the  carr-
ying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate 
of  its  recoverable  amount,  but  only  to  the  extent  that  the 
increased  carrying  amount  does  not  exceed  the  carrying 
amount  that  would  have  been  determined  had  no  impair-
ment loss been recognised for the asset in previous periods.

Where a decision has been made to proceed with develop-
ment in respect of a particular area of interest, the relevant 
exploration and evaluation asset is tested for impairment and 
the balance is then reclassified to development. 

Where an area of interest is abandoned, any expenditure ca-
rried forward in respect of that area is written off.

g)  Income Tax

The income tax expense or benefit for the period is the tax 
payable or receivable on the current period’s taxable income 
or loss based on the applicable income tax rate for each ju-
risdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and lia-
bilities attributable to temporary differences and to unused 
tax losses.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of 
the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of 
the  reporting  period.  Management  periodically  evaluates 
positions  taken  in  tax  returns  with  respect  to  situations  in 
which  applicable  tax  regulation  is  subject  to  interpretation. 
It  establishes  provisions  where  appropriate  on  the  basis  of 
amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Current tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior pe-
riods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered 
from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax 
laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted 
or substantively enacted by the balance date.

Deferred  income  tax  is  provided  on  all  temporary  differen-
ces at the balance date between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities  and  their  carrying  amounts  for  financial  reporting 
purposes.

Deferred income tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable 
temporary differences except when:

 — the deferred income tax liability arises from the initial 
recognition  of  goodwill  or  of  an  asset  or  liability  in  a 
transaction that is not a business combination and that, 
at  the  time  of  the  transaction,  affects  neither  the  ac-
counting profit nor taxable profit or loss; or

 — the taxable temporary difference is associated with in-
vestments in subsidiaries, associates or interests in joint 
ventures, and the timing of the reversal of the tempo-
rary difference can be controlled and it is probable that 
the  temporary  difference  will  not  reverse  in  the  fore-
seeable future.

Deferred  income  tax  assets  are  recognised  for  all  deducti-
ble  temporary  differences  and  the  carry-forward  of  unused 
tax assets and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is pro-
bable that taxable profit will be available against which the 
deductible  temporary  differences  and  the  carry-forward  of 
unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilised, ex-
cept when:

 — the deferred income tax asset relating to the deducti-
ble temporary difference arises from the initial recogni-
tion of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a 
business combination and, at the time of the transac-
tion,  affects  neither  the  accounting  profit  nor  taxable 
profit or loss; or

 — the deductible temporary difference is associated with 
investments  in  subsidiaries,  associates  or  interests  in 
joint ventures, in which case a deferred tax asset is only 
recognised  to  the  extent  that  it  is  probable  that  the 
temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable fu-
ture and taxable profit will be available against which 
the  temporary  difference  can  be  recognised.The  carr-
ying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed 
at each balance date and reduced to the extent that it 
is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will 
be available to allow all or part of the deferred income 
tax asset to be recognised.

Unrecognised deferred income tax assets are reassessed at 
each balance date and are recognised to the extent that it 
has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the 
deferred tax asset to be recovered.

Deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  measured  at 
the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when 
the asset is recognised or the liability is settled, based on tax 
rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted at the balance date.

Income taxes relating to items recognised directly in equity 
are recognised in equity and not in profit or loss.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset only 
if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax as-
sets against current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets 
and liabilities relate to the same taxable entity and the same 
taxation authority.

h)  Other taxes

Revenues,  expenses  and  assets  are  recognised  net  of  the 
amount of GST/VAT, except where the amount of GST/VAT 
incurred  is  not  recoverable  from  the  taxation  authority.  In 
these  circumstances  the  GST/VAT  is  recognised  as  part  of 
the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of 
the expense. Receivables and payables in the statement of 
financial position are shown inclusive of GST/VAT.

The  net  amount  of  GST/VAT  recoverable  from,  or  payable 
to, the government is included as part of receivables or pa-
yables in the statement of financial position. Cash flows are 
presented in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis, ex-
cept that the GST/VAT component of investing and financing 
activities, which is receivable from or payable to the govern-
ment, is disclosed as operating cash flows.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders77

i)  Impairment of assets 

Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful 
life  are  not  subject  to  amortisation  and  are  tested  annually 
for  impairment,  or  more  frequently  if  events  or  changes  in 
circumstances  indicate  that  they  might  be  impaired.  Other 
assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not 
be  recoverable.  An  impairment  loss  is  recognised  for  the 
amount  by  which  the  asset’s  carrying  amount  exceeds  its 
recoverable  amount.  The  recoverable  amount  is  the  higher 
of  an  asset’s  fair  value  less  costs  of  disposal  and  value  in 
use.  For  the  purposes  of  assessing  impairment,  assets  are 
grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately 
identifiable  cash  inflows  which  are  largely  independent  of 
the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (cash-
generating  units).  Non-financial  assets  other  than  goodwill 
that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal 
of the impairment at the end of each reporting period.

Provisions  are  measured  at  the  present  value  or  manage-
ment’s  best  estimate  of  the  expenditure  required  to  settle 
the present obligation at the end of the reporting period.

If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions 
are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects the 
risks  specific  to  the  liability.  When  discounting  is  used,  the 
increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recog-
nised as an interest expense.

m) Issued capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs di-
rectly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are 
shown  in  equity  as  a  deduction,  net  of  tax,  from  the  pro-
ceeds. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of 
new shares or options for the acquisition of a new business 
are not included in the cost of acquisition as part of the pur-
chase consideration.

j)  Cash and cash equivalents

n)  Revenue

Cash comprises cash at bank and in hand. Cash equivalents 
are short term, highly liquid investments that are readily con-
vertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to 
an insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts are 
shown within borrowings in current liabilities in the statement 
of financial position.

For  the  purposes  of  the  statement  of  cash  flows,  cash  and 
cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defi-
ned above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

k)  Trade and other payables

Trade payables and other payables are carried at amortised 
cost and represent liabilities for goods and services provided 
to the Group prior to the end of the period that are unpaid 
and  arise  when  the  Group  becomes  obliged  to  make  futu-
re payments in respect of the purchase of these goods and 
services. 

Trade and other payables are presented as current liabilities 
unless payment is not due within 12 months after the repor-
ting  period.  They  are  recognised  initially  at  their  fair  value 
and  subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost  using  the 
effective interest method.

l)  Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obli-
gation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is 
probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic 
benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a relia-
ble estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. 
Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses.

When  the  Group  expects  some  or  all  of  a  provision  to  be 
reimbursed, for example under an insurance contract, the re-
imbursement is recognised as a separate asset but only when 
the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense relating 
to any provision is presented in the statement of comprehen-
sive income net of any reimbursement.

The company currently has no contracts with customers.

Interest  income  is  recorded  using  the  effective  interest 
method.

o)  Earnings per share

Basic earnings/loss per share is calculated as net profit/loss 
attributable  to  members,  adjusted  to  exclude  any  costs  of 
servicing equity (other than dividends) and preference share 
dividends, divided by the weighted average number of ordi-
nary shares, adjusted for any bonus element.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated as net profit/loss at-
tributable to members, adjusted for:

 — costs of servicing equity (other than dividends) and pre-

ference share dividends;

 — the after tax effect of dividends and interest associated 
with  dilutive  potential  ordinary  shares  that  have  been 
recognised as expenses; and

 — other non-discretionary changes in revenues or expen-
ses during the period that would result from the dilu-
tion of potential ordinary shares;

divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
and dilutive potential ordinary shares, adjusted for any bonus 
element.

p)  Share-based payment transactions

i)  Equity settled transactions:

The  Company  provides  benefits  to  individuals  acting 
as,  and  providing  services  similar  to,  employees  (in-
cluding Directors) of the Company in the form of sha-
re-based  payment  transactions,  whereby  individuals 
render  services  in  exchange  for  shares  or  rights  over 
shares (“equity settled transactions”). There is currently 
an Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) in place, which 
provides benefits to Directors and individuals providing 
services similar to those provided by an employee.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders78

The cost of these equity settled transactions with em-
ployees  is  measured  by  reference  to  the  fair  value  at 
the  date  at  which  they  are  granted.  The  fair  value  is 
determined by using the binomial method (which is de-
rived from the Black-Scholes option pricing model but 
is  considered  more  suitable  for  companies  which  do 
not  pay  dividends)  taking  into  account  the  terms  and 
conditions  upon  which  the  instruments  were  granted, 
as discussed in note 18. The expected price volatility is 
based on the historic volatility of the Company’s share 
price on the ASX.

In  valuing  equity  settled  transactions,  no  account  is 
taken of any performance conditions, other than con-
ditions  linked  to  the  price  of  the  shares  of  Highfield 
Resources Limited (“market conditions”).

The cost of the equity settled transactions is recogni-
sed, together with a corresponding increase in equity, 
over  the  period  in  which  the  performance  conditions 
are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant 
employees become fully entitled to the award (“vesting 
date”).

The cumulative expense recognised for equity settled 
transactions  at  each  reporting  date  until  vesting  date 
reflects  (i)  the  extent  to  which  the  vesting  period  has 
expired and (ii) the number of awards that, in the opi-
nion  of  the  Directors  of  the  Company,  will  ultimately 
vest. This opinion is formed based on the best available 
information at balance date. No adjustment is made for 
the  likelihood  of  the  market  performance  conditions 
being met as the effect of these conditions is included 
in  the  determination  of  fair  value  at  grant  date.  The 
charge or credit to profit or loss for a period represents 
the movement in cumulative expense recognised at the 
beginning and end of the period.

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ulti-
mately  vest,  except  for  awards  where  vesting  is  con-
ditional upon a market condition. Where the terms of 
an  equity  settled  award  are  modified,  as  a  minimum 
an expense is recognised as if the terms had not been 
modified.  In  addition,  an  expense  is  recognised  for 
any increase in the value of the transaction as a result 
of  the  modification,  as  measured  at  the  date  of  the 
modification. 

Where an equity settled award is cancelled, it is trea-
ted as if it had vested on the date of the cancellation, 
and  any  expense  not  yet  recognised  for  the  award  is 
recognised  immediately.  However,  if  a  new  award  is 
substituted for the cancelled award, and designated as 
a replacement award on the date that it is granted, the 
cancelled and new award are treated as if they were a 
modification of the original award, as described in the 
previous paragraph.

The cost of equity-settled transactions with non-emplo-
yees is measured by reference to the fair value of goods 
and services received unless this cannot be measured 
reliably, in which case the cost is measured by reference 
to the fair value of the equity instruments granted. The 
dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding options is reflected 
in the computation of earnings/loss per share (refer to 
note 6).

ii)  Cash settled transactions:

The Company may also provide benefits to employees 
in the form of cash-settled share-based payments, whe-
reby employees render services in exchange for cash, 
the amounts of which are determined by reference to 
movements in the price of the shares of the Company.

The  cost  of  cash-settled  transactions  is  measured  ini-
tially at fair value at the grant date using the binomial 
method taking into account the terms and conditions 
upon  which  the  instruments  were  granted.  This  fair 
value  is  expensed  over  the  period  until  vesting  with 
recognition of a corresponding liability. The liability is 
remeasured to fair value at each balance date up to and 
including the settlement date with changes in fair value 
recognised in profit or loss.

q)  Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The  application  of  accounting  policies  requires  the  use  of 
judgements, estimates and assumptions about carrying values 
of  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  not  readily  apparent  from 
other  sources.  The  estimates  and  associated  assumptions 
are  based  on  historical  experience  and  other  factors  that 
are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from 
these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on 
an ongoing basis. Revisions are recognised in the period in 
which  the  estimate  is  revised  if  it  affects  only  that  financial 
period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if 
the revision affects both current and future periods.

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

The  application  of  the  Group’s  accounting  policy  for 
exploration and evaluation expenditure requires judgement 
in  determining  whether  future  economic  benefits  are  likely 
either  from  future  development  or  sale  or  where  activities 
have  not  reached  a  stage  which  permits  a  reasonable 
assessment of the existence of reserves. The determination 
of  a  Joint  Ore  Reserves  Committee  (JORC)  resource  is 
itself  an  estimation  process  that  requires  varying  degrees 
of  uncertainty  depending  on  sub-classification  and  these 
estimates directly impact the point of deferral of exploration 
and  evaluation  expenditure.  The  deferral  policy  requires 
management  to  make  certain  estimates  and  assumptions 
about  future  events  or  circumstances,  in  particular  whether 
an  economically  viable  extraction  operation  can  be 
established. Estimates and assumptions made may change if 
new information becomes available.

r)  New  and  amended  standards  adopted  by  the 

Group

The Group adopted the following new or revised accounting 
standards in the period.

 — AASB  15  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers 
was adopted by the Group with effect from 1 January 
2018. However, as the Group currently has no contracts 
with  customers,  there  was  no  material  impact  on  the 
Group’s  current  period  results  or  restatement  of  pre-
viously reported financial results; and

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders — AASB  9  Financial  Instruments  was  adopted  by  the 
Group with effect from 1 January 2018. There was no 
impact of adoption given the company does not hold 
derivatives  or  financial  assets  subject  to  the  require-
ments of the new standard.  Expected credit losses on 
receivables are also not material.  

Adoption  of  these  standards  has  not  resulted  in  a  material 
impact on the Group’s current period results or restatement 
of previously reported financial results.

The  Group’s  accounting  policy  in  relation  to  revenue  has 
been updated as outlined in note 2(n) above.

s) New  standards  and 

interpretations  not  yet 

adopted

Certain new standards, amendments to standards and inter-
pretations issued by the AASB which are not yet mandatorily 
applicable to the Group have not been early adopted by the 
Group. The Group’s assessment of the impact of these stan-
dards and interpretations is set out below.

 — AASB 16 Leases (applicable to annual reporting periods 

commencing on or after 1 January 2019).

AASB 16 removes the classification of leases as either 
operating leases or finance leases for the lessee, effec-
tively  treating  all  leases  as  finance  leases.  Short  term 
leases (less than 12 months) and leases of a low value 
are  exempt  from  the  lease  accounting  requirements. 
Lessor  accounting  remains  similar  to  current  practice. 
The Directors anticipate that the adoption of AASB 16 
will not have a material impact on the Group’s financial 
statements.

 — Other standards not yet applicable

There are no other standards that are not yet effective 
and that would be expected to have a material impact 
on the Group in the current or future reporting periods 
and on foreseeable future transactions.

80

3. EXPENSES

Professional and consultants’ fees

Consulting and Directors’ fees 

Corporate advisory fees 

Legal fees 

Other 

31 December  2018
(12 months)
$

31 December  2017
(6 months)
$

(742,467) 

(77,102) 

(52,004) 

(106,891) 

(978,464) 

(302,622)

(39,079)

(29,680)

(53,529)

(424,910)

4. AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION

The auditor of Highfield Resources Limited is PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia “PwC” (2017: HLB Mann Judd) 

Amounts received or due and receivable by the parent auditor for:

- an audit or review of the financial report 

38,000 

30,000

Remuneration of other related entities of “PwC” (2017:  Bové Montero y Asociados, an affiliate firm of HLB Mann Judd)  

Amounts received or due and receivable by the subsidiary auditor for:

- an audit or review of the financial report 

29,062 

67,062 

30,036

60,036

5. INCOME TAX

a) Income tax expense

Major component of tax expense for the period: 

Current tax 

Deferred tax 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
 
81

31 December  2018
(12 months)
$

31 December  2017
(6 months)
$

b) Numerical reconciliation between aggregate tax expense recognised in the statement of profit or loss 
and other comprehensive income and tax expense calculated per the statutory income tax rate

The  tax  on  the  Group’s  loss  before  tax  differs  from  the  theoretical  amount  that  would  arise  using  the  applicable  tax  rate 
prevailing in the countries in which the Group operates as follows: 

Loss from continuing operations before income tax expense 

Tax calculated at domestic tax rates applicable to profit/(losses) in the respective countries 

Share-based payments 

Non-deductible expenses 

Net income tax benefit not brought to account 

Income tax expense 

(4,229,832) 

(1,268,950) 

170,807 

117,232 

980,911 

- 

(469,661)

(129,157)

86,517

19,166

23,474

-

c) Deferred tax

The following deferred tax balances have not been bought to account: 

Losses available to offset against future taxable income 

Net deferred tax asset not recognised 

13,335,397 

13,335,397 

9,189,951

9,189,951

d) Unused tax losses 

Unused tax losses 

Potential tax benefit not recognised at the domestic tax rate in the respective countries 

The benefit for tax losses will only be obtained if:

44,451,323 

13,335,397 

33,418,005

9,189,951

i)  the Company derives future assessable income of a nature and of an amount sufficient to enable the benefit from the de-

ductions for the losses to be realised;

ii)  the Company continues to comply with the conditions for deductibility imposed by tax legislation; and

iii) no changes in tax legislation adversely affect the Company in realising the benefit from the deductions for the losses. 

The balances in notes 5(c) and 5(d) for the current period include the losses available to offset against future taxable income for 
the Company’s Spanish subsidiary as well as for the Company itself.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
82

6. LOSS PER SHARE

31 December  2018
(12 months)
$

31 December  2017
(6 months)
$

Loss used in calculating basic and diluted EPS 

(4,229,832) 

(469,661)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic loss per share 

329,399,387 

329,225,003

Number of Shares

Effect of dilution:

Share options 

- 

-

Adjusted weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating diluted loss per share 

329,399,387 

329,225,003

There is no impact from 43,749,618 options outstanding at 31 December 2018 (31 December 2017: 51,007,221) on the earnings 
per share calculation because they are anti-dilutive. These options could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future. There have 
been  no  transactions  involving  ordinary  shares  or  potential  ordinary  shares  that  would  significantly  change  the  number  of 
ordinary  shares  or  potential  ordinary  shares  outstanding  between  31  December  2018  and  the  date  of  completion  of  these 
financial statements.

7. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Reconciliation of cash

Cash at bank 

Reconciliation of operating loss after tax to net cash flow from operations

Loss after tax 

Non-cash and non-operating items in operating loss after tax

Share-based payments 

Net gain on foreign exchange 

Impairment of deferred exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Depreciation 

Change in assets and liabilities

Decrease in trade and other receivables 

Increase in trade and other payables 

Net cash used in operating activities 

31 December  2018
$

31 December  2017
$

55,157,707 

65,576,728

(4,229,832) 

(469,661)

1,200,804 

(3,239,906) 

2,785,316 

90,095 

537,759 

361,102 

314,606

(1,933,428)

-

60,392

412,299

372,494

(2,494,662) 

(1,243,298)

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders8. OTHER RECEIVABLES

Current

GST receivable 

VAT receivable 

Other 

Non-current

Guarantees 

83

31 December  2018
$

31 December  2017
$

43,629 

367,744 

630,814 

1,042,187 

69,076 

69,076 

39,686

80,660

668,946

789,292

70,899

70,899

GST/VAT receivable and other receivables are non-interest bearing and generally receivable on terms between 30 and 45 days. 
They are neither past due nor impaired. The amount is fully collectible. Due to the short term nature of these receivables, their 
carrying  value  is  assumed  to  approximate  their  fair  value.  Other  receivables  mainly  represent  guarantees  provided  to  third 
parties.

9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Cost 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 

Net carrying amount 

Movements in Plant & Equipment

Opening balance 

Additions 

Net exchange differences on translation 

Depreciation charge for the period 

Closing balance 

614,213 

(492,647) 

121,566 

154,996 

49,125 

7,540 

(90,095) 

121,566 

533,543

(378,547)

154,996

203,378

6,608

5,402

(60,392)

154,996

10. DEFERRED EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENDITURE

Exploration and Evaluation phase - at cost

Opening balance 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred during the period 

Net exchange differences on translation 

Impairments 

Closing balance 

94,090,220 

10,408,122 

3,708,719 

(2,785,316) 

86,742,052

5,455,341

1,892,827

-

105,421,745 

94,090,220

The ultimate recoupment of costs carried forward for exploration and evaluation expenditure is dependent on the successful 
development and commercial exploitation or sale of the respective mining areas.

Impairment expense of $2,785,316 (2017: nil) was recorded in the current period in relation to Izaga project and represents 
expenses previously deferred in relation to this project.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
84

11. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables 

Other payables 

Accruals 

31 December  2018
$

31 December  2017
$

1,214,314 

40,135 

1,399,282 

2,653,731 

844,665

33,789

1,795,763

2,674,217

Trade payables, other payables and accruals are non-interest bearing and generally payable on terms between 30 and 45 days. 
Due to the short term nature of these payables, their carrying value is assumed to approximate their fair value. 

12. ISSUED CAPITAL

a)  Issued and paid up capital

Issued and fully paid 

b)  Movements in ordinary shares on issue 

172,618,930 

172,399,841

31 December  2018
(12 months)

31 December 2017
(6 months)

Number of shares

$

Number of shares

$

Opening Balance 

329,225,003 

172,399,841 

329,225,003 

172,399,841

Shares issued upon conversion of unlisted options1 

Transaction costs on share issue 

300,000 

- 

225,000 

(5,911) 

- 

- 

-

-

329,525,003 

172,618,930 

329,225,003 

172,399,841

1 December 2018

 — 250,000 shares were issued upon conversion of unlisted options exercisable at $0.75, expiring on 30 June 2018.

 — 50,000 shares were issued upon conversion of unlisted options exercisable at $0.75, expiring on 11 September 2018.

December 2017

 — No shares were issued during the six months ended 31 December 2017.

c)  Ordinary shares

The Company does not have authorised capital nor par value in respect of its issued capital. Ordinary shares have the right to 
receive dividends as declared and, in the event of a winding up of the Company, to participate in the proceeds from sale of all 
surplus assets in proportion to the number of and amounts paid up on shares held. Ordinary shares entitle their holder to one 
vote, either in person or proxy, at a meeting of the Company.

d)  Capital risk management

The Company’s capital comprises share capital and reserves less accumulated losses amounting to a net equity of $159,158,550 
at 31 December 2018. The Company manages its capital to ensure its ability to continue as a going concern and ultimately 
to optimise returns to its shareholders. The Company was ungeared at period end and not subject to any externally imposed 
capital requirements. Refer to note 17 for further information on the Company’s financial risk management policies.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
85

e)  Share Options

As at the date of this report there were 43,749,618 unissued ordinary shares under options. The details of the options are as 
follows:

Number

3,000,000   

7,342,397   

4,832,221   

1,500,000   

5,350,000   

17,175,000 

4,550,000   

43,749,618

Exercise Price $

$1.29 

$1.29 

$1.34 

$1.85 

$1.85 

$2.00 

$2.50 

Expiry Date

30 June 2021

31 December 2025

30 June 2025

30 June 2024

18 November 2024

30 June 2019

30 June 2019

No option holder has any right under the options to participate in any other share issue of the Company or any other entity.

The following options were issued during the financial year:

 — 3,000,000 options with an exercise price of $1.29, expiring on 30 June 2021

 — 7,342,397 options with an exercise price of $1.29, expiring on 31 December 2025

The following options lapsed during the financial year:

 — 3,100,000 options with an exercise price of $0.75, expiring on 30 June 2018

 — 9,450,000 options with an exercise price of $0.75, expiring on 11 September 2018

 — 750,000 options with an exercise price of $1.00, expiring on 30 June 2018

 — 4,000,000 options with an exercise price of $1.25, expiring on 30 June 2018

The following options were exercised during the financial year:

 — 250,000 options with an exercise price of $0.75, expiring on 30 June 2018

 — 50,000 options with an exercise price of $0.75, expiring on 11 September 2018

For full details refer to note 18.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders86

f)  Summary of options granted under the Long Term Incentive (LTI) Plan

Opening Balance 

Granted 

Exercised 

Lapsed 

31 December  2018
(12 months)

31 December 2017
(6 months)

Average exercise price 
per share option

Number of options

Average exercise price 
per share option

Number of options 

$1.57 

$1.29 

$0.75 

$0.82 

$1.81 

51,007,221 

10,342,397 

(300,000) 

(17,300,000) 

43,749,618 

$1.37 

$1.58 

$0.42 

$0.72 

$1.57 

51,325,000

9,162,221

(7,700,000)

(1,780,000)

51,007,221

Vested and exercisable at year end 

$1.68 

31,975,000 

$1.55 

38,845,000

13. RESERVES

Share-based payments reserve 

Foreign exchange translation reserve 

Option premium reserve 

Movements in Reserves

Share-based payments reserve

Opening balance 

Share-based payments expense 

Closing balance 

31 December  2018
(12 months)
$

31 December  2017
(6 months)
$

21,010,270 

6,772,715 

1,000 

27,783,985 

19,809,466 

1,200,804 

21,010,270 

19,809,466

2,817,669

1,000

22,628,135

19,494,860

314,606

19,809,466

The share-based payment reserve is used to record the value of equity benefits provided to Directors and executives as part of 
their remuneration and non-employees for their goods and services. Refer to note 18 for further details of the securities issued 
during the year ended 31 December 2018.

Foreign exchange translation reserve

Opening balance 

Foreign exchange translation difference 

Closing balance 

2,817,669 

3,955,046 

6,772,715 

919,557

1,898,112

2,817,669

The foreign exchange differences arising on translation of foreign controlled entities are taken to the foreign exchange trans-
lation reserve.

Option premium reserve

Opening balance 

Issue of unlisted options 

Closing balance 

1,000 

- 

1,000 

1,000

-

1,000

The option premium reserve is used to record the amount received on the issue of unlisted options.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
14. ACCUMULATED LOSSES

Movements in accumulated losses were as follows

Opening balance 

Loss for the period 

Closing balance 

87

31 December  2018
(12 months)
$

31 December  2017
(6 months)
$

(37,014,533) 

(4,229,832) 

(41,244,365) 

(36,544,872)

(469,661)

(37,014,533)

15. DIRECTORS AND OTHER KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL 
DISCLOSURES
Remuneration of Directors and Other Key Management Personnel

Details of the emoluments of the Directors and other key management personnel of the Company for the period are as follows:

Short term employee benefits 

Share-based payments 

Post-employment  

Total 

2,330,778 

744,732 

14,684 

3,090,194 

1,546,274

385,969

-

1,932,243

Key  management  personnel  are  defined  as  those  persons  having  authority  and  responsibility  for  planning,  directing  and 
controlling the major activities of the Group, directly or indirectly, including any Director (whether executive or otherwise) of 
the Group.

16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

a)  Key management personnel

Please refer to note 15 Directors and Other Key Management Personnel Disclosures.

b)  Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Highfield Resources Limited and the subsidiaries listed 
in the following table:

Name of Entity

KCL Resources Limited 

Geoalcali SLU 

Equity Holding

Country of Incorporation

31 December 
2018

31 December 
2017

Australia 

Spain 

100% 

100% 

100%

100%

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders88

17. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Exposure to foreign currency risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk arises in the normal course of the Company’s 
business.  The  Company  uses  different  methods  as  discussed  below  to  manage  these  risks.  The  objective  is  to  support  the 
delivery of the financial targets while protecting future financial security.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities. The 
Company manages liquidity risk by maintaining sufficient cash facilities to meet the operating requirements of the business and 
where appropriate investing excess funds in highly liquid short term investments. The responsibility for liquidity risk management 
rests with the Board of Directors.

Alternatives for sourcing future capital needs include the Company’s cash position and the issue of equity instruments, as well 
as debt financing. These alternatives are evaluated to determine the optimal mix of capital resources for capital needs. The 
Directors  expect  that  present  levels  of  liquidity  along  with  future  capital  raising  will  be  adequate  to  meet  expected  capital 
needs.

Maturity analysis for financial liabilities

Financial liabilities of the Company comprise trade and other payables. The contractual maturities of all trade and other payables 
are less than 6 months.

a)  Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk arises from the possibility that changes in interest rates will affect future cash flows or the fair value of financial 
instruments. The Company’s exposure to market risk for changes to interest rate risk relates primarily to its earnings on cash and 
term deposits. The Company manages the risk by investing in short term deposits where appropriate.

The Company holds substantially all of its cash and cash equivalents in Euros, being the primary currency in which it expects 
to  make  expenditure  for  the  development  of  the  Muga  Mine.  In  the  six  months  ended  31  December  2017  no  interest  was 
charged on Euro balances and $7,470 was earned on Australian dollar balances. The Company incurred interest charges totaling 
$109,441 in the year ended 31 December 2018, reflecting the fact that interest rates on Euro balances are negative.

Interest rate sensitivity

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of the Company’s statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income 
to a reasonably possible change in interest rates, with all other variables constant.

Increase 75 basis points 

Decrease 75 basis points 

Effect on Post Tax Loss ($)
Increase/(decrease)

Effect on Equity incl. accumulated losses ($) 
Increase/(decrease)

31 December 2018
(12 months)

31 December 2017
(6 months)

31 December 2018
(12 months)

31 December 2017
(6 months)

6,567 

(6,567) 

14,407 

(7,470) 

6,567 

(6,567) 

14,407

(7,470)

A sensitivity of 75 basis points has been used as this is considered reasonable given the current level of both short term and 
long  term  Australian  dollar  interest  rates.  The  change  in  basis  points  is  derived  from  a  review  of  historical  movements  and 
management’s judgement of future trends.

c)  Credit Risk Exposures

Credit risk represents the risk that the counterparty to the financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause 
the Company to incur a financial loss. The Company’s maximum credit exposure is the carrying amounts on the statement of 
financial position. The Company holds financial instruments with credit worthy third parties.  At 31 December 2018, 99% of the 
Company’s cash and cash equivalents were held in financial institutions with a rating from Standard & Poors of AA or above (long 
term). The Company had no past due or impaired debtors as at 31 December 2018.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders89

d)  Foreign Currency Risk

The Company undertakes certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies, hence exposures to exchange rate fluctuations 
arise. Exchange rate exposures are managed within approved policy parameters utilising forward foreign exchange contracts. 
The carrying amounts of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at the balance date 
expressed in Australian dollars were as follows:

Euro 

US dollars 

GB pounds 

Canadian dollars 

Total 

Liabilities ($)

Assets ($)

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

2,994,965 

2,245,829 

54,635,744 

63,723,750

87,537 

55,243 

1,621 

58,315 

12,277 

170,232 

14,047 

12,733

- 

- 

-

-

3,139,366 

2,486,653 

54,649,791 

63,736,483

The monetary assets and liabilities in the table above for the current period include the balances of the Company’s Spanish 
subsidiary as well as for the Company itself.  

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis

The Company is exposed to Euro currency fluctuations. The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10% increase and 
decrease in the Euro against the Australian dollar on the above foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, 
expressed in Australian dollars.  

31 December 2018

Profit or loss 

Other equity 

31 December 2017

Profit or loss 

Other equity 

e)  Fair Value

Euro Movement

Increase ($)

Decrease ($)

5,723,381 

5,723,381 

6,805,535 

6,805,535 

(4,682,766)

(4,682,766)

(5,568,165)

(5,568,165)

The carrying amounts of current receivables and current payables are considered to be a reasonable approximation of their fair 
value.  The Company did not hold any derivative instruments measured at fair value at 31 December 2017 or 31 December 2018.  

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders90

18. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
Share-based  payment  transactions  recognised  as  operational  expenses  in  the  Consolidated  Statement  of  Profit  or  Loss  and 
Other Comprehensive Income during the period were as follows:

Options granted during the period 

Options granted in prior periods 

31 December 2018
(12 months)
$

31 December 2017
(6 months)
$

626,887 

573,917 

1,200,804 

119,318

195,288

314,606

The Company operates an equity incentive plan known as ´Highfield Resources Limited Employee Long Term Incentive Plan’ 
(“ELTIP”). Subject to the attainment of performance hurdles and vesting conditions participants in this plan may receive options. 
The objective of this plan is to assist in the recruitment, reward, retention and motivation of senior managers. The fair value at 
grant date of options granted during the period was determined using the binomial method, as described in note 2(p), taking 
into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the share price at grant date, the expected price volatility of the under-
lying share and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option.

The table below summarises options granted during the year ended 31 December 2018:

Grant Date

Expiry date

Exercise price

Number at start 
of the period

Granted during 
the period

Exercised during 
the period

Lapsed during 
the period

Number at end 
of the period

Exercisable 
at end of the 
period

08/06/2018 

30/06/2021 

08/06/2018 

31/12/2025 

$1.29 

$1.29 

- 

- 

- 

3,000,0001 

7,342,3972 

10,342,397 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,000,000 

3,000,000

7,342,397 

-

10,342,397 

3,000,000

1 Comprises 1,000,000 options granted to each of the three Non-executive Directors appointed during 2018 as confirmed at the 
AGM on 24 May 2018. There are no service vesting or performance vesting conditions in respect of these options.

2 Represents options granted to the Manager Director, Chief Financial Officer and other employees. The options will vest on
satisfaction of the following Vesting Conditions during the three year vesting period commencing on 1 January 2018 and en-
ding on 31 December 2020:

a) Market Based Performance:

50% of the options will be assessed for vesting based upon the Company’s relative share price performance at the start of 
the vesting period, being the 20 day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of the Company’s shares immediately prece-
ding 1 January each year, to the closing price of the Company’s shares at the conclusion of the vesting period, being the 20 
day VWAP immediately preceding 31 December 2020, versus the performance of the S&P/ASX 300 Resources Index (XKR) 
for the same period, in accordance with a defined scale as follows:

 — Below 10% of index performance = nil vesting;

 — Between -10% and 0% of index performance = vests 2.5% per 1% so “at index” 25% vests; and

 — Above index performance = vests at 3% per 1% so at 25% above index 100% vests;

b) Total Shareholder Return (TSR):

50% of the options will be assessed for the vesting based upon the Company’s TSR from the opening price of the Company’s 
shares at the start of the Vesting Period to the closing price of the Company’s shares at the conclusion of the vesting period. 
The performance measure is absolute performance based on compound annual growth rate achieved in TSR.  The propor-
tion of the TSR Options that vests into shares will be determined in accordance with the following vesting scale:

 — Zero to 10% = vests at 3% per 1% so at 10% TSR 30% vests;

 — Above 10% = vests at 7% per 1% so at 20% TSR 100% vests.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
 
91

The model inputs for options granted during the year ended 31 December 2018 included:

a)  options were granted for no consideration;

b) expected lives of the options range from 3.0 to 7.5 years;

c)  share price at grant date ranged from $0.725 to $1.005;

d) expected volatility ranged from 21% to 53%;

e)  expected dividend yield of Nil; and

f)  a risk free interest rate ranging from of 2.09% to 2.20%.

The table below summarises options granted during the six months ended 31 December 2017:

Grant Date

Expiry date

Exercise price

Number at start 
of the period

Granted during 
the period

Exercised during 
the period

Lapsed  during 
the period

Number at end 
of the period

Exercisable 
at end of the 
period

13/12/2017 

30/06/2025 

13/12/2017 

30/06/2024 

$1.34 

$1.85 

- 

- 

- 

4,832,2213 

1,500,0004 

6,332,221 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

4,832,221 

1,500,000 

6,332,221 

-

-

-

3 Comprises 1,820,654 and 800,703 options granted as part of the Managing Director’s and the Chief Financial Officer’s respective
incentive based remuneration packages, and 2,210,864 other options granted under the Employee Long Term Incentive Plan. 
The options will vest on satisfaction of the following Vesting Conditions during the three year vesting period commencing on 
1 July 2017 and ending on 30 June 2020:

a) Market Based Performance:

50% of the options will be assessed for vesting based upon the Company’s relative share price performance at the start of 
the vesting period, being the 20 day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of the Company’s shares immediately pre-
ceding 1 July 2017, to the closing price of the Company’s shares at the conclusion of the vesting period, being the 20 day 
VWAP immediately preceding 30 June 2020, versus the performance of the S&P/ASX 300 Resources Index (XKR) for the 
same period, in accordance with a defined scale as follows:

 — Below 10% of index performance = nil vesting;

 — Between -10% and 0% of index performance = vests 2.5% per 1% so “at index” 25% vests; and

 — Above index performance = vests at 3% per 1% so at 25% above index 100% vests; and

b) Total Shareholder Return (TSR):

50% of the options will be assessed for vesting based upon the Company’s TSR from the opening price of the Company’s 
shares at the start of the Vesting Period to the closing price of the Company’s shares at the conclusion of the vesting period. 
The performance measure is absolute performance based on compound annual growth rate achieved in TSR.  The propor-
tion of the TSR Options that vests into shares will be determined in accordance with the following vesting scale:

 — Zero to 10% = vests at 3% per 1% so at 10% TSR 30% vests;

 — Above 10% = vests at 7% per 1% so at 20% TSR 100% vests.

4 Represents options granted to advisors in recognition of past and future contributions. The options will vest on satisfaction of
the following Vesting Conditions during the three year vesting period commencing on 1 July 2016 and ending on 30 June 
2019:

c) Market Based Performance:

50% of the options will be assessed for vesting based upon the Company’s relative share price performance at the start of 
the vesting period, being the 20 day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of the Company’s shares immediately pre-
ceding 1 July 2016, to the closing price of the Company’s shares at the conclusion of the vesting period, being the 20 day 
VWAP immediately preceding 30 June 2019, versus the performance of the S&P/ASX 300 Resources Index (XKR) for the 
same period, in accordance with a defined scale as follows:

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
92

 — Below 10% of index performance = nil vesting;

 — Between -10% and 0% of index performance = vests 2.5% per 1% so “at index” 25% vests; and

 — Above index performance = vests at 3% per 1% so at 25% above index 100% vests;

(d) Total Shareholder Return (TSR):

50% of the options will be assessed for the vesting based upon the Company’s TSR from the opening price of the Company’s 
shares at the start of the Vesting Period to the closing price of the Company’s shares at the conclusion of the vesting period. 
The performance measure is absolute performance based on compound annual growth rate achieved in TSR.  The propor-
tion of the TSR Options that vests into shares will be determined in accordance with the following vesting scale:

 — Zero to 10% = vests at 3% per 1% so at 10% TSR 30% vests;

 — Above 10% = vests at 7% per 1% so at 20% TSR 100% vests.

The model inputs for options granted during the six months ended 31 December 2017 included:

a)  options were granted for no consideration;

b) expected lives of the options range from 6.9 to 7.6 years;

c)  share price at grant date was $0.90;

d) expected volatility was 50%;

e)  expected dividend yield of Nil; and

f)  a risk free interest rate of 2.2%.

19. GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT ANALYSIS

a) Net interest (paid)/received

Australia 

Spain 

b) Non-current Assets

Australia 

Spain 

31 December 2018
(12 months)
$

31 December 2017
(6 months)
$

(109,441) 

- 

(109,441) 

7,470

-

7,470

31 December 2018
$

31 December 2017
$

- 

105,612,387 

105,612,387 

-

94,321,640

94,321,640

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
93

20. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
There have been no significant events after the reporting period requiring disclosure in this report.

21. CONTINGENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
There are no known contingent assets or liabilities as at 31 December 2018 (December 2017: Nil).

22. DIVIDENDS
No dividend was paid or declared by the Company in the year ended 31 December 2018 or the period since the end of the 
twelve months financial period and up to the date of this report. The Directors do not recommend that any amount be paid by 
way of dividend for the year ended 31 December 2018.

23. GEOALCALI FOUNDATION
As part of its Community Engagement Program, the Company established a not-for-profit Spanish foundation called the Geoalcali 
Foundation (“Foundation”). The Foundation is supported exclusively by Geoalcali and since its inauguration in September 2014 
has been involved in over 140 community projects.

24. COMMITMENTS
At 31 December 2018, the Group had entered into a number of contracts as part of the development of the Muga Potash 
Project located in Spain. The expected payments in relation to these contracts which were not required to be recognised as 
liabilities at 31 December 2018 amounted to approximately $54.5m.  The contracts are able to be terminated by the Company 
at any point in time. The amount payable following termination would be approximately $1.0m.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders94

25.  PARENT ENTITY INFORMATION
The following information relates to the parent entity, Highfield Resources Limited, at 31 December 2018 and for the year then 
ended. The information presented here has been prepared using consistent accounting policies with those presented in note 2.

Current assets 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Issued capital 

Reserves 

Accumulated losses 

Total Equity 

Profit of the parent entity 

Other comprehensive income for the period 

Total comprehensive income of the parent entity 

31 December 2018
$

31 December 2017
$

55,328,002 

159,340,261 

(225,440) 

(225,440) 

65,018,756

157,587,556

(311,507)

(311,507)

159,114,821 

157,276,049

172,618,930 

21,011,270 

(34,515,379) 

159,114,821 

172,399,841

19,810,466

(34,934,258)

157,276,049

31 December 2018
(12 months)
$

31 December 2017
(6 months)
$

418,878 

- 

418,878 

733,934

-

733,934

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
95

Directors’ 
Declaration

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Highfield Resources Limited, I state that:

1. In the opinion of the Directors:

a) the financial statements and notes of Highfield Resources Limited for the year ended 31 December 2018 are in accordance 

with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

i)  giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2018 and of its performance for the period 

ended on that date; and

ii)  complying with Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations), the Corporations Regulations 

2001 and other mandatory professional reporting requirements; and

b) the financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in note 2(b).

2. There are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and 

payable.

3. This declaration has been made after receiving the declaration by the Managing Director and the Chief Financial Officer re-
quired to be made in accordance with sections of 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 for the year ended 31 December 2018.

On behalf of the Board

Peter Albert

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Pamplona, Spain
28 March 2019

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders96

Auditor’s Independence
Declaration

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
As lead auditor for the audit of Highfield Resources Limited for the year ended 31 December 2018, I 
declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:  

(a) 

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 
relation to the audit; and 

(b) 

no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

This declaration is in respect of Highfield Resources Limited and the entities it controlled during the 
period. 

Andrew Forman 
Partner 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Adelaide
28 March 2019

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
Level 11, 70 Franklin Street, ADELAIDE  SA  5000, GPO Box 418, ADELAIDE  SA 5001 
T: +61 8 8218 7000, F: +61 8 8218 7999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders  
 
  
  
Independent 
Auditor’s Report

97

Independent auditor’s report 
To the members of Highfield Resources Limited 

Report on the audit of the financial report 

Our opinion 

In our opinion: 

The accompanying financial report of Highfield Resources Limited (the Company) and its controlled 
entities (together the Group) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(a) 

giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 31 December 2018 and of its 
financial performance for the year then ended  

(b) 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

What we have audited 
The Group financial report comprises: 

the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2018 

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended 

the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended 

the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year then 
ended 

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant 
accounting policies 

the directors’ declaration. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
report section of our report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion. 

Independence 
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical 
Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant 
to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 
in accordance with the Code. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
Level 11, 70 Franklin Street, ADELAIDE  SA  5000, GPO Box 418, ADELAIDE  SA 5001 
T: +61 8 8218 7000, F: +61 8 8218 7999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
98

Our audit approach 

An audit is designed to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from 
material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if 
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of the financial report. 

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an 
opinion on the financial report as a whole, taking into account the geographic and management 
structure of the Group, its accounting processes and controls and the industry in which it operates. 

Materiality 

Audit scope 

For the purpose of our audit we used overall Group 
materiality of $1.6 million, which represents 
approximately 1% of the Group’s total assets. 

  We applied this threshold, together with 

qualitative considerations, to determine the scope 
of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of 
our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of 
misstatements on the financial report as a whole. 

  We chose Group total assets because, in our view, 
it is the metric against which the performance of 
the Group is most commonly measured given it is 
in the exploration and evaluation phase and has no 
production or sales. 

  We utilised a 1% threshold based on our 

professional judgement, noting it is within the 
range of commonly acceptable thresholds.  

Our audit focused on where the Group made 
subjective judgements; for example, significant 
accounting estimates involving assumptions and 
inherently uncertain future events. 

The Group audit is planned and led by our Group 
audit team in Australia. Given the Group’s 
principal operating entity Geoalcali and its 
management and financial reporting function are 
based in Pamplona in Spain, we engaged 
component auditors in Spain to perform audit 
procedures over the financial information of this 
entity.   Audit procedures were performed by the 
Group audit team over the consolidation process 
and balances recorded at a Group level. The audit 
work carried out in Spain, together with the 
additional procedures performed at Group level, in 
our view provided sufficient evidence to express an 
opinion on the Group financial report as a whole.  

  We ensured that the audit teams both in Australia 

and Spain had the appropriate skills and 
competencies.  

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders  
 
 
 
 
99

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report for the current period. The key audit matters were addressed in the 
context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do 
not provide a separate opinion on these matters. Further, any commentary on the outcomes of a 
particular audit procedure is made in that context. We communicated the key audit matters to the 
Audit and Risk Committee. 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit 
matter 

Carrying value of exploration and evaluation 
assets  
(Refer to note 10) $105,421,745 

We performed the following procedures amongst 
others: 

The Group accounts for exploration and evaluation 
activities in accordance with the policy in note 2 of the 
financial report.  

Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for 
indicators of impairment by area of interest at each 
period end. Judgement is required by the Group to 
determine whether there were indicators of impairment 
of the exploration and evaluation assets, due to the need 
to make estimates about future events and 
circumstances, such as whether the resources may be 
economically viable to develop in the future. 

The carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets 
was considered a key audit matter given the size of the 
balance recorded on the Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position at 31 December 2018 and because the 
determination of the balance involves significant 
judgement made by the Group as outlined above. 

  Evaluated the Group’s assessment that there 

had been no indicators of impairment 
during the current period with reference to 
the requirements of Australian Accounting 
Standards. 

  Considered the latest available information 
regarding the projects through inquiries of 
management and the directors, including 
planned expenditure on each area of 
interest, and inspection of press releases. 

Inquired of management and the directors 
as to whether there had been any changes to, 
and obtained evidence to support, the 
Group’s right of tenure to the projects. This 
included considering the licences status, to 
assess whether the Group retained right of 
tenure. Where a licence was pending, we 
confirmed management’s expectation of 
renewal of the licence. Where right of tenure 
had been allowed to lapse, we tested whether 
costs associated with that licence had been 
assessed for impairment.  

Tested a sample of current year capitalised 
expenditure to source documents and 
considered whether they had been 
accounted for in accordance with the 
Group’s accounting policy and Australian 
Accounting Standards. 

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders  
 
 
 
  
100

Other information 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 
information included in the annual report for the year ended 31 December 2018, but does not include 
the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial 
report or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information that we obtained prior to the date of 
this auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we 
are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial report 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the 
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free 
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an 
audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material 
if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial report. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the 
Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at: 
http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar1.pdf.  
This description forms part of our auditor's report. 

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders  
 
101

Report on the remuneration report 

Our opinion on the remuneration report 

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 55 to 67 of the directors’ report for the 
year ended 31 December 2018. 

In our opinion, the remuneration report of Highfield Resources Limited for the year ended 31 
December 2018 complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the 
remuneration report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with 
Australian Auditing Standards.  

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Andrew Forman 
Partner 

Adelaide
28 March 2019

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders  
 
102

ASX 
ADDITIONAL 
INFORMATION

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders103

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders104

Additional information required by the Australian Securities Exchange Ltd and not shown elsewhere in this report is as follows. 
The information is current at 18 March 2019.

DISTRIBUTION OF SHARE HOLDERS

1 - 1,000 

1,001 - 5,000 

5,001 - 10,000 

10,001 - 100,000 

100,001- and over 

Total 

Ordinary Shares

Number of Holders

Number of Shares

194 

415 

345 

888 

236 

2,078 

92,036

1,299,389

2,851,448

30,690,065

294,592,065

329,525,003

There were 85 holders of ordinary shares holding less than a marketable parcel.

TOP TWENTY SHARE HOLDERS

The names of the twenty largest holders of quoted equity securities are listed below:

Name  

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA LIMITED 

WWB INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 

MR. WARREN WILLIAM BROWN + MRS. MARILYN HELENA BROWN 

DEREK CARTER + CARLSA CARTER  

BRING ON RETIREMENT LTD 

MR. DANIEL EDDINGTON + MRS. JULIE EDDINGTON  

CELTIC CAPITAL PTE LTD  

MR. CRAIG PETER BALL + MRS. SUZANNE KATHERINE BALL  

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

MR. MICHAEL ANDREW WHITING + MRS. TRACEY ANNE WHITING  

JONERIC PTY LTD  

PETER DAVID FERGUSON PTY LTD.  

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

WOOTOONA INVESTMENTS PTY LIMITED 

DORICA NOMINEES PTY LTD 

CRX INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 

MR. BENJAMIN JOHN HAAN   

KANBAH PTY LTD  

HGT INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 

CARINYA INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 

Number of shares 

135,011,565 

19,283,450 

16,216,550 

7,721,504 

5,400,000 

3,870,000 

3,600,000 

3,292,384 

3,103,611 

2,715,718 

2,701,076 

2,428,000 

2,408,745 

2,150,538 

2,150,000 

2,000,000 

2,000,000 

1,900,000 

1,750,000 

1,670,000 

221,373,141 

%

40.97

5.85

4.92

2.34

1.64

1.17

1.09

1.00

0.94

0.82

0.82

0.74

0.73

0.65

0.65

0.61

0.61

0.58

0.53

0.51 

67.18

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders 
 
 
105

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS

The following table shows holdings of five per cent or more of voting rights in Highfield Resources Limited’s shares as notified 
to the Company under the Australian Corporations Act 2001, Section 671B as at 18 March 2019.

Title of class  

Registered holder of securities

Identity of person or Group

Date of last 
notice  

Number 
owned

Percentage of 
total voting 
rights2

Ordinary Shares

JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

EMR Capital Investment (No. 2) Pte Ltd1

15/05/2015

104,038,875

Ordinary Shares

JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

Australian Super Pty Ltd1

28/07/2017

16,993,543

Ordinary Shares

Various holders

WWB Investments Pty Ltd1

08/11/2017

35,500,000

31.57%

5.16%

10.77%

1 Being the Group listed and its associated entities

2 The percentages quoted are based on the total voting rights conferred by ordinary shares in the Company as at 18 March

2019 of 329,525,003

UNLISTED OPTIONS

Class 

Number

Holders with more than 20%

Options over ordinary shares exercisable at $2.00 on or before 30 June 2019

17,175,000 JAWAF Enterprises Pty Ltd 4,000,000 options

Options over ordinary shares exercisable at $2.50 on or before 30 June 2019

4,550,000 Bentley Capital Limited 1,000,000 options

Options over ordinary shares exercisable at $1.29 on or before 30 June 2021

3,000,000

Isaac Querub 1,000,000 options; 
Roger Davey 1,000,000 options; 
Brian Jamieson 1,000,000 options.

Options over ordinary shares exercisable at $1.85 on or before 18 November 2024

5,350,000 Sonedala Albert 2,000,000 options.

Options over ordinary shares exercisable at $1.85 on or before 30 June 2024

1,500,000

Isaac Querub 1,000,000 options; 
Sixto Jiménez 1,000,000 options.

Options over ordinary shares exercisable at $1.34 on or before 30 June 2025

4,832,221 Sonedala Albert 1,420,654 options.

Options over ordinary share exercisable at $1.29 on or before 31 December 2025

7,342,397 Sonedala Albert 2,192,287 options.

ON-MARKET BUY BACK
There is no current on-market buy back.

VOTING RIGHTS
All ordinary shares carry one vote per share without restriction. Options have no voting rights.

USE OF PROCEEDS
In accordance with listing rule 4.10.19, the Company confirms that it has used cash and assets in a form readily convertible to 
cash in a way consistent with its business objectives during the year ended 31 December 2018.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders106

SCHEDULE OF TENEMENTS

Highfield’s Spanish potash projects are located in the Ebro potash producing basin in Northern Spain. Details are shown in the     
table below.

Project

Region

Permit Name

Permit Type

Applied

Granted

Ref#

Area Km2 Holder

Structure

Sierra del Perdón Navarra

Quiñones

Investigation

19/07/2011

Sierra del Perdón Navarra

Adiós

Investigation

19/07/2011

Application in 
process

35760

Application in 
process

35770

22,88

Geoalcali SLU 100%

59,40

Geoalcali SLU 100%

Sierra del Perdón Navarra

Ampliación de Adiós

Investigation

26/10/2012

14/02/2014

35880

40,90

Geoalcali SLU 100%

Izaga

Navarra

Osquia

Investigation

28/04/2015

12/01/2017

35970

57,42

Geoalcali SLU 100%

123,18

Vipasca

Navarra

Vipasca

Investigation

06/11/2013

11/12/2014

35900

27,30

Geoalcali SLU 100%

57,42

Muga

Muga

Muga

Muga

Muga

Muga

Muga

Pintanos

Pintanos

27,30

Navarra

Goyo (area under 
concession process)

Investigation

19/07/2011

24/12/2012

35780

14,79

Geoalcali SLU 100%

Navarra

Goyo Sur

Investigation

25/07/2014

Application in 
process

35920

8,96

Geoalcali SLU 100%

Aragón

Aragón

Aragón

Aragón

Fronterizo (area under 
concession process)

Investigation

21/06/2012

05/02/2014

Z-3502/N-3585

8,70

Geoalcali SLU 100%

Fronterizo (area outside 
concession process)

Investigation

21/06/2012

05/02/2014

Z-3502/N-3585

1,10

Geoalcali SLU 100%

Muga (area under 
concession process)

Muga (area outside 
concession process)

Investigation

29/05/2013

07/04/2014

3500

15,08

Geoalcali SLU 100%

Investigation

29/05/2013

07/04/2014

3500

5,32

Geoalcali SLU 100%

Aragón

Muga Sur

Investigation

25/09/2014

Application in 
process

3524

7,28

Geoalcali SLU 100%

61,23

Aragón

Molineras 10

Investigation

20/11/2012

06/03/2014

3495/10

18,20

Geoalcali SLU 100%

Aragón

Molineras 20

Investigation

19/02/2013

Pintanos

Aragón

Puntarrón

Investigation

08/05/2014

Application in 
process

Application in 
process

3495/20

16,80

Geoalcali SLU 100%

3510

30,24

Geoalcali SLU 100%

Total

65,24

334,37

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersProject locations are shown in the following map*.

107

*The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to estimate a 
Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders108

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 
AND DISCLAIMERS

FORWARD LOOKING 
STATEMENTS

This  report  includes  certain  ‘forward  looking  statements’. 
All  statements,  other  than  statements  of  historical  fact,  are 
forward looking statements that involve various risks and un-
certainties. There can be no assurances that such statements 
will prove accurate, and actual results and future events could 
differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. 

Such information contained herein represents management’s 
best judgement as of the date hereof based on information 
currently available. The company does not assume any obli-
gation to update any forward looking statement.

COMPETENT PERSON 
STATEMENT FOR MUGA 
POTASH PROJECT

The  Review  of  Operations  contained  within  this  annual  re-
port was prepared by Mr. Peter Albert, CEO and Managing 
Director of Highfield Resources. The information in this report 
that relates to Ore Reserves is based on information prepared 
by Dr. Mike Armitage, the Chairman of SRK Consulting (UK) 
Limited. Dr. Mike Armitage is the Competent Person who as-
sumes overall professional responsibility for the Compliance 
Opinion. The information in this report that relates to Mineral 
Resources,  Exploration  Results  and  Exploration  Targets  is 
based on information prepared by Ms. Anna Fardell, Senior 
Consultant  at  SRK  Consulting  (UK)  Limited,  and  Mr.  Tim 
Lucks Principal Consultant at SRK Consulting (UK) Limited.

Dr.  Mike  Armitage  is  employed  by  SRK  Consulting  (UK) 
Limited.  The  information  in  this  report  that  relates  to 
Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves is ba-
sed on information compiled under the direction of Dr. Mike 
Armitage, who is a Member the Institute of Materials, Metals 
and  Mining  (“IMMM”)  which  is  a  ‘Recognised  Overseas 
Professional  Organisation’  (“ROPO”)  included  in  a  list  pro-
mulgated  by  the  Australian  Securities  Exchange  (“ASX”) 
from time to time. 

Dr. Mike Armitage has sufficient experience which is relevant 
to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under con-
sideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qua-
lify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of 
the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, 
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’. 

Dr. Mike Armitage consents to the inclusion in this report of 
the matters based on this information in the form and con-
text in which it appears.

Ms. Anna Fardell is a Resource Geologist employed by SRK 
Consulting (UK) Limited, and has at least five years’ experien-
ce  in  estimating  and  reporting  Mineral  Resources  relevant 
to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit described 
herein. Ms. Fardell is a registered member of the Australian 
Institute of Geoscientists (6555) and considered a Competent 
Person (CP) under the definitions and standards described in 
the JORC Code 2012. 

Ms. Anna Fardell consents to the inclusion in this report of 
the matters based on her information in the form and context 
in which it appears.

Highfield Resources Limited  31 December 2018 Annual Report to ShareholdersCOMPETENT PERSON 
STATEMENT FOR MINERAL 
RESOURCES AND 
EXPLORATION TARGETS 
OTHER THAN THE MUGA 
POTASH PROJECT

The  Review  of  Operations  contained  within  this  annual  re-
port was prepared by Mr. Peter Albert, CEO and Managing 
Director  of  Highfield  Resources.  The  information  in  this  re-
port  that  relates  to  Mineral  Resources,  Exploration  Results 
and Exploration Targets is based on information prepared by 
Mr. José Antonio Zuazo Osinaga, Technical Director of CRN, 
S.A.;  and  Mr.  Manuel  Jesús  Gonzalez  Roldan,  Geologist  of 
CRN, S.A.

Mr.  José  Antonio  Zuazo  Osinaga  is  a  licensed  professio-
nal  geologist  in  Spain,  and  is  a  registered  member  of  the 
European  Federation  of  Geologists,  an  accredited  organi-
sation to which Competent Persons (CP) under JORC 2012 
Code  Reporting  Standards  must  belong  in  order  to  report 
Exploration  Results,  Mineral  Resources,  Ore  Reserves  or 
Exploration Targets through the ASX. 

Mr.  José  Antonio  Zuazo  Osinaga  has  sufficient  experience 
which  is  relevant  to  the  style  of  mineralisation  and  type  of 
deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is 
undertaking to qualify as CP as defined in the 2012 edition of 
the JORC Australasian Code for the Reporting of Exploration 
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves.

Mr.  José  Antonio  Zuazo  Osinaga  and  Mr.    Manuel  Jesús 
Gonzalez Roldan consent to the inclusion in this report of the 
matters based on their information in the form and context 
in which it appears.