Company Registration No: 11143400
Annual Report
and Accounts for the year
ended 31 December 2022
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Contents
Page
1
Highlights
4
Chairman’s Statement
5
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022
26
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022
43
Corporate Governance Report
55
Report of the Audit, Sustainability and Risk Committee
Report of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee
58
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in Respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements 60
61
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Kropz plc
70
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
72
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
73
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
74
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
75
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
127
Company Statement of Financial Position
128
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
Notes to the Company Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
129
139 - 140
Company Information
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Highlights
Key developments during the 2022 financial year
Corporate
Kropz plc (“Kropz” or the “Company”) issued 6,700,000 ordinary shares, at an exercise price of £0.001 an
ordinary share, in the Company to key members of the executive management team, including certain
Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities in January 2022. The issue of ordinary shares was due
to awards vesting that had been issued under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan of 31 July 2020,
announced on 4 August 2020;
The fifth and final drawdown on the US$ 5 million equity facility with the ARC Fund, Kropz’s major
shareholder (“Further Equity Facility”), as announced on 26 February 2021, occurred on 10 March 2022
for US$ 200,000;
The third and fourth final drawdowns on the ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility with the ARC Fund (“ZAR 200
Million Equity Facility”), as announced on 29 September 2021, occurred on 25 March 2022 for ZAR 40
million and on 26 April 2022 for ZAR 33 million;
As announced on 27 April 2022, Kropz Elandsfontein entered into an agreement with the ARC Fund for a
ZAR 25 million (approximately US$ 1.60 million) bridge loan facility (“Loan 1”) to meet cash requirements
in respect of Kropz Elandsfontein and the drawdown of Loan 1 took place on 28 April 2022. Loan 1 was
unsecured, repayable on demand, with no fixed repayment terms and was repayable by Kropz Elandsfontein
on no less than two business days’ notice. Interest was payable on Loan 1 at 14% nominal per annum and
compounded monthly;
As announced on 11 May 2022, Kropz entered into a new conditional convertible equity facility of up to
ZAR 177 million (approximately US$ 11 million) (“ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility”) with the ARC Fund to
fund Elandsfontein to first revenues from bulk concentrate sales - this was approved by Kropz shareholders
and became unconditional on 1 June 2022; and
The first drawdown on the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility occurred on 2 June 2022 for ZAR 103.5
million (approximately US$ 7 million). After set-off against Loan 1, Kropz received an amount of ZAR
78.5 million (approximately US$ 5 million);
The second drawdown on the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility was made on 7 July 2022 for ZAR 60 million
(approximately US$ 4 million);
On 9 August 2022, a final drawdown on the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility was made for ZAR 13.5
million (approximately US$ 0.9 million);
As announced on 20 July 2022, Mark Summers expressed his intention to leave the Company and he resigned
as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Executive Director of the Company in January 2023;
As announced on 9 August 2022, Kropz, Kropz Elandsfontein and ARC Fund agreed to a further ZAR 121.5
million (approximately US$ 7.3 million) bridge loan facility (“Loan 2”) to meet immediate cash requirements at
Kropz Elandsfontein. A draw down of ZAR 60 million (approximately US$ 3.6 million) on Loan 2 was made on
9 August 2022. Loan 2 was unsecured, repayable on demand, with no fixed repayment terms and was
repayable by Kropz Elandsfontein on no less than two business days’ notice. Interest was payable on Loan 2
at the South African prime overdraft interest rate plus 6%, nominal per annum and compounded monthly;
The second drawdown on Loan 2 was made on 1 September 2022 for ZAR 47 million (approximately
US$ 2.8 million). The third and final draw down of ZAR 14.5 million on Loan 2 was made on
29 September 2022;
As announced on 14 September 2022, Machiel Reyneke retired as a non-executive director of the Company
and was replaced by Gerrit Duminy, as non-executive director and representative of the ARC Fund;
As announced on 30 September 2022, Kropz, Kropz Elandsfontein and ARC Fund agreed to a further ZAR 126
million (approximately US$ 7 million) bridge loan facility (“Loan 3”) to meet immediate cash requirements at
Kropz Elandsfontein. A draw down of ZAR 60.5 million (approximately US$ 3.4 million) on Loan 3 was made
on 6 October 2022. Loan 3 was unsecured, repayable on demand, with no fixed repayment terms and was
repayable by Kropz Elandsfontein on no less than two business days’ notice. Interest was payable on Loan 3
at the South African prime overdraft interest rate plus 6%, nominal per annum and compounded monthly;
The second and final drawdown on Loan 3 was made on 28 October 2022 for ZAR 65.5 million
(approximately US$ 3.7 million);
1
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Highlights (continued)
As announced on 14 November 2022, Kropz entered into a new conditional convertible equity facility of up to
ZAR 550 million (approximately US$ 31.6 million) (“ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility”) with ARC Fund to
progress the ramp-up of operations at Elandsfontein and provide working capital to the Company for general
corporate purposes and further funding of early site works, at the Hinda project in the Republic of Congo -
which was approved by Kropz shareholders and became unconditional on 30 November 2022;
The first drawdown on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility occurred on 1 December 2022 for ZAR 307.5 million
(approximately US$ 18.1 million). After set-off of Loan 2 and Loan 3 of ZAR 247.5 million, Kropz received an
amount of ZAR 60 million (approximately US$ 3.5 million);
The second drawdown on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility of ZAR 135 million (approximately
US$ 7.9 million) occurred on 22 December 2022; and
As announced on 7 December 2022, Michelle Lawrence resigned as chief operating officer of Kropz and as
an executive director of Kropz Elandsfontein with effect from 1 January 2023. Mark Maynard was appointed
chief operating officer with effect from 1 January 2023.
Elandsfontein
The focus at the Elandsfontein project continued to be the production ramp-up of the mine and beneficiation
plant;
BNP released the ZAR 77 million (approximately US$ 5 million) restricted cash in the bank account of
Elandsfontein on 10 January 2022 upon satisfaction of BNP’s requirement for Kropz to bridge the funding
shortfall in respect of Kropz Elandsfontein as announced on 1 September 2021;
During 2022, further delays were experienced in the commissioning ramp up of operations at Elandsfontein
resulting in further funding shortfalls due to:
o The requirement to re-engineer parts of the fine flotation circuit as proposed by the vendor;
o The lack of operator expertise and experience; and
o Mining rates and associated delivery of ore to the plant being compromised due to the presence of
competent banks of hard material within the orebody, that were previously unknown. Subsequently,
the vendor has provided design changes which were implemented at the plant, additional operator
training was conducted and new equipment was brought to site to facilitate mechanical breaking which
has been effective to date, but alternative methods are being considered;
To quantify and assess the impact of this hard material on the future mine plan, an infill drilling programme
was undertaken;
Independent geological consultants were commissioned which provided an updated JORC (2012)
compliant Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”):
o Updated MRE now caters for improved geotechnical characteristics of the ore in addition to the grade
characteristics;
Increase in total phosphate resources at Elandsfontein to 106.58 million tonnes ("Mt");
o
o Downgrade of much of the previously Measured resource to Indicated, and downgrade of previously
Indicated resources to Inferred. Total Measured and Indicated resource tonnage has reduced by
approximately 76%. The updated resource considered core recovery, average drill hole spacing and
sample count;
o Grade has improved, with the refined lithological contacts and improved estimates from the infill drilling
and pit sampling programme. This correlates well with the current pit intersections; and
o Proven reserve of 7.31 Mt at 10.71% P2O5.
Hinda
Since 31 December 2021, management has been reviewing the Hinda Updated FS and financial model as
prepared by Hatch;
Various capital cost optimisation initiatives have been identified for investigation ahead of detailed design;
Development alternatives are being considered and potential funding options investigated; and
Potential funding solutions for the development of Hinda are being evaluated and considered.
2
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Highlights (continued)
Key developments post the financial year end
Corporate
As announced on 16 January 2023, Kropz appointed Louis Loubser to the board of the Company as Chief
Executive Officer (“CEO”) and executive director;
The third drawdown on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility of ZAR 60 million (approximately US$ 3.5 million)
occurred on 25 January 2023;
The fourth drawdown on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility of ZAR 40 million (approximately US$ 2.2 million)
occurred on 27 February 2023; and
Management is in the process of refinancing the BNP facility (outstanding amount US$ 18,750,000) and
currently expects that a replacement loan will be in place in the third quarter of 2023 before the expiry of
the facility.
Elandsfontein
First bulk shipment and sale of 33,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate from Kropz Elandsfontein was
announced on 23 January 2023;
A second shipment and sale of 20,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate from Kropz Elandsfontein was
announced on 14 March 2023;
During April 2023 two further shipments of 33,000 tonnes and 11,000 tonnes were sold and a further 33,000
tonnes in June 2023;
As announced on 14 March 2023, Kropz, Kropz Elandsfontein and ARC Fund agreed to further ZAR 285
million (approximately US$ 15.5 million) bridge loan facilities (“Loan 4”) to meet immediate cash requirements
at Kropz Elandsfontein. A first draw down of ZAR 25 million (approximately US$ 1.4 million) on Loan 4 was
made on 14 March 2023. Loan 4 is unsecured, repayable on demand, with no fixed repayment terms and is
repayable by Kropz Elandsfontein on no less than two business days’ notice. Interest is payable on Loan 4 at
the South African prime overdraft interest rate plus 6%, nominal per annum and compounded monthly; and
A second draw down on Loan 4 for an amount of ZAR 90 million was made on 28 March 2023, a third
drawdown of ZAR 30 million was made on 25 April 2023 and a fourth draw down of Loan 4 was made on
23 June 2023.
Hinda
Potential funding solutions for the development of Hinda are being evaluated and considered;
Continued engagement with local government regarding project development; and
Reduced sized project is currently being assessed to propose a fit-for-purpose low capex project to prove
the concept of producing phosphate concentrate in the Congo and exporting it.
3
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Chairman’s Statement
Dear shareholder,
In the course of 2022, we faced significant challenges in achieving desired production levels at Elandsfontein.
Thanks to our major shareholder, African Rainbow Capital (“ARC”) additional funding was provided to meet
these challenges.
On 16 January 2023, we were delighted to announce that appointment of Louis Loubser, a very experienced
mining operations executive, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In March 2023 also ARC agreed
to provide a ZAR 285 million bridge loan facility to Kropz Elandsfontein.
Since early 2023, production has improved at Elandsfontein, though not yet to planned levels, and we were
delighted to announce the first bulk shipment of phosphate rock was made in January as well as a further 5
shipments that have been made in 2023 to date. The focus now is on achieving further sustainable increases
in production and grade.
The Board thanks all the members of the executive, management, the teams on the ground, contractors,
auditors and advisers for all their efforts and assistance during the year. I would also like to thank Mark
Summers, the former CEO, for his service to the Company and wish him well for his future endeavours. We
once again want to thank our major shareholder, ARC, for their further commitment and continued support.
Lord Robin William Renwick of Clifton
Non-executive Chairman
28 July 2023
4
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022
Market overview
Phosphate rock prices have dropped significantly since their peak in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine on
24 February 2022. As of 2023, the market for phosphate rock has remained relatively stable, with modest price
increases observed in the first few months of the year. The demand for phosphate continues to be strong from
the agricultural sector, particularly from key markets such as the US, Brazil, China and India. There is a growing
need for increased food production in India, China and especially Africa. However, there are still concerns
around supply constraints impacted by the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical events. Lastly, the US is
expected to become an increased importer of phosphate rock as supplies dwindle in central Florida and North
Carolina. As a result, some price volatility is expected to continue over the near term. However, considering the
macro economic drivers, the overall market is expected to remain relatively stable with modest price increases
over the medium to long term.
Elandsfontein rock concentrate is expected to be able to enjoy a slight premium in pricing due to its low
cadmium, low calcium and P2O5 ratio as well as advantageous freight to Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Significant changes in the state of affairs
Share issues
The issued share capital at 31 December 2021 was 909,571,975 ordinary shares (2020: 558,627,558).
On 18 January 2022, Kropz announced the issue of 6,700,000 ordinary shares, at an exercise price of £0.001
an ordinary share, in the Company to key members of the executive management team, including certain
Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities. The issue of ordinary shares was due to awards vesting that
had been issued under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan of 31 July 2020 as announced on 4 August
2020.
On 7 March 2022, Kropz announced the fifth and final drawdown of US$ 200,000 on the US$ 5 million equity
facility with the ARC Fund, Kropz’s major shareholder (“Further Equity Facility”), and this was settled by the
issue of 3,474,536 new ordinary shares at the issue price of 4.20 pence per share to ARC on 10 March 2022.
In addition, in accordance with the Original Equity Facility, any fees associated with the bank guarantee provided
by ARC, would be settled by the issue of new ordinary shares to ARC. ARC notified the Company that the final
guarantee fees due to ARC amounted to US$ 311,733 and was settled by the issue of 3,971,712 new ordinary
shares at the issue price of 6.75 pence per share to ARC on 10 March 2022.
The issued share capital at 31 December 2022 was 923,718,223 ordinary shares (2021: 909,571,975).
Projects
Elandsfontein overview
Elandsfontein hosts the second largest phosphate deposit in South Africa, after Foskor’s operation at
Phalaborwa. Elandsfontein has been developed with the capacity to produce circa one million tonnes per
annum (“Mtpa”) of phosphate rock concentrate from a shallow mineral resource which is expected to be sold
on both local and international markets. The Company owns 74% of the issued share capital of Kropz
Elandsfontein, the company which owns the Elandsfontein project.
Elandsfontein’s geographic location and proximity to logistics infrastructure are advantageous and allow for
easy access to both local and international markets.
5
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Prior to 2022, in excess of US$ 170 million was spent at Elandsfontein on project capital expenditure to construct
the original and optimisation phases of the processing plant and infrastructure, initial mining and capitalised
working capital. Following a suspended commissioning process in 2017, Kropz Elandsfontein conducted further
geological drilling and a metallurgical test programme to define a robust process circuit, to cater for the increased
variability of ore present within the Elandsfontein resource. As a result of competent banks of hard material
encountered in the pit, further drilling was conducted in 2022 and consequently a revised mineral resource
estimate was produced as further discussed below.
Activity for the year ended 31 December 2022
The 2021 construction activities at Elandsfontein had largely been completed and mining activities which
recommenced in October 2021 resulted in first ore being introduced into the plant in December 2021 with first
production of phosphate rock concentrate (“Concentrate”) being achieved in March 2022. The focus for the
2022 financial year, which continued into 2023, was to fully commission the plant, remove bottlenecks and
establish specific operating parameters for the production ramp up phases towards steady state capacity.
Mining and geology
Delays were experienced in the ramp-up of operations at Elandsfontein, largely being driven by continued ore
variability in the current mining area. Mining rates and associated delivery of ore to the plant were compromised
due to the presence of competent banks of hard material within the orebody that were previously unknown.
Following additional infill drilling, relogging of historical cores and mapping of ore exposures as intersected within
the current mining horizon, an updated JORC (2012) compliant Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) was announced
on 10 January 2023.
Based on the current mining conditions, on-site learnings and revised geological interpretations, it was considered
prudent that the mineral resource be reclassified.
The updated Elandsfontein resource is defined below, on a total (gross) and net attributable basis.
ELANDSFONTEIN RESOURCE STATEMENT AS OF 15 DECEMBER 2022
CLASS
TONNES
(Mt)
P2O5
(%)
SiO2
(%)
Al2O3
(%)
MgO
(%)
Fe2O3
(%)
CaO
(%)
Measured
Indicated
Total Measured
& Indicated
Inferred
Total Resources
9.40
9.62
19.02
87.56
106.58
11.21
7.90
9.54
7.68
8.01
65.58
75.21
70.45
73.92
73.30
1.13
1.17
1.15
1.20
1.19
0.16
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.16
0.90
0.86
0.88
1.03
1.00
16.10
11.24
13.64
11.15
11.59
NETT ATTRIBUTABLE (74% TO THE COMPANY)
6.96
7.12
11.21
7.90
Measured
Indicated
Total Measured
& Indicated
Inferred
Total Resources
Note: All numbers are reported to two significant figures. Rounding may cause minor discrepancies to the numbers
reported in this table.
16.10
11.24
65.58
75.21
73.92
73.30
11.15
11.59
64.79
78.87
1.13
1.17
0.90
0.86
0.16
0.12
1.20
1.19
0.16
0.16
1.03
1.00
7.68
8.01
70.45
13.64
14.07
1.15
0.88
0.14
9.54
CON-
TAINED
P2O5
(Mt)
1.05
0.76
1.81
6.72
8.54
0.78
0.56
0.67
4.98
6.32
The resource estimate was updated after including the geological information contained in 30 additional sonic
boreholes with recoveries above 90%. The additional drillholes have provided significant insight in terms of the
6
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
geological interpretation, mineralised lithologies and data confidence. Differences are further seen in the elevation
with regards to the top contact of mineralisation. The 2022 modelling further utilised implicit modelling which created
additional refined contacts between lithologies. The optimised modelling has contributed to improved grades over
the more accurately estimated areas and will improve planning in terms of anticipating mineralised horizons, and
lithology types which are not always visibly distinguishable.
DIFFERENCE 2018 VS 2022 RESOURCE DECLARATION
CLASS
TONNES
(Mt)
P2O5
(%)
SiO2
(%)
Al2O3
(%)
MgO
(%)
Fe2O3
(%)
CaO
(%)
CON-
TAINED
P2O5
(Mt)
Total Measured
and Indicated
2022
Total Measured
and Indicated
2018
Difference
Measured and
Indicated
Inferred 2022
19.02
9.54
70.45
1.15
0.14
0.88
13.64
1.81
77.80
8.30
74.90
1.17
0.17
0.93
11.86
3.60
-58.78
1.24
-4.45
-0.02
-0.03
-0.05
1.78
-1.79
87.56
7.68
73.92
1.20
0.16
1.03
11.15
23.30
Inferred 2018
Difference
Inferred
Note: All numbers are reported to two significant figures. Rounding may cause minor discrepancies to the numbers
reported in this table.
82.50
64.26
-8.58
0.03
3.65
7.50
0.13
1.15
5.48
0.08
2.20
0.05
0.95
6.72
1.28
5.44
The 2022 reserve estimate was impacted by the reclassification of the resource estimate. Reserves are estimated
at 17.42 Mt at a P2O5 grade of 9.19% of which 7.31 Mt is proven at 10.71% P2O5, where previously no proven
tonnes were stated in 2018.
CLASSIFICATION
Proven
Probable
Total Reserve
Proven
Probable
Total Reserve
ELANDSFONTEIN RESERVE STATEMENT AS AT 15 DECEMBER 2022
TONNES
(Mt)
P2O5
(%)
CONTAINED
P2O5
(Mt)
7.31
10.71
10.11
8.09
17.42
9.19
NETT ATTRIBUTABLE (74% TO THE COMPANY)
5.41
10.71
7.48
8.09
12.89
9.19
0.78
0.82
1.60
0.58
0.61
1.18
There is a 46 Mt difference between the 2018 and 2022 estimates, which is mainly due to the downgrade in the
measured and indicated resource categories in the 2022 resource estimate.
7
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
DIFFERENCE 2018 VS 2022 RESERVE DECLARATION
P2O5
(%)
TONNES
(Mt)
RESOURCE CLASSIFICATION
CONTAINED
P2O5
(Mt)
0.78
Total Proven 2022
-
Total Proven 2018
0.82
Total Probable 2022
6.11
Total Probable 2018
1.60
Total Proven and Probable 2022
6.11
Total Proven and Probable 2018
Difference Proven and Probable
-4.51
Note: All numbers are reported to two significant figures. Rounding may cause minor discrepancies in this
table
7.31
-
10.11
63.63
17.42
63.63
-46.21
10.71
-
8.09
9.60
9.19
9.60
-0.41
Plant and processing
Hot commissioning (C4) activities and production ramp up was undertaken during 2022. Plant stability was
difficult to achieve due to the influence of varying quantities of ultra fine material contained in the ore and poor
flotation conditioning.
Despite power generation issues in South Africa causing intermittent load shedding, we were able to mitigate
the adverse effects on our production by utilizing emergency backup generators on several occasions.
However, it is important to note that this has led to increased operating costs.
Environmental Management Programme (“EMPr”)
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (“DMRE”) approved the Kropz EMPr on 20 November 2015.
Due to transitional provisions in terms of Section 12 (5) of the National Environmental Act (“NEMA”), as
amended, DMRE directed Kropz during 2016 to amend its EMPr to bring it into line with amendments in NEMA.
Since there was an appeal against the DMRE having approved the Mining Right, this only became possible
after the Minister of the DMRE dismissed the appeal against the Mining Right on 14 December 2017.
The amendments to the EMPr were subsequently made during 2020. The updated EMPr was submitted to the
DMRE in September 2020. On 26 March 2021, management received the approved updated EMPr for the
Elandsfontein project from the DMRE. The updated EMPr strongly emphasizes the adherence to the required
rehabilitation measures.
Offsets
In November 2019, the DMRE directed Kropz to carry out a further Offset Study to be done by an independent
specialist which was subjected to a thirty-day public participation process ("PPP").
In July 2020, Kropz Elandsfontein submitted a revised Offset Study to the DMRE. Herein, Management put
forward its objections regarding the 2015 Offset Study originally submitted to the DMRE and contended that the
2015 Offset Study did not adequately consider Kropz’s effective innovative rehabilitation measures already
demonstrated.
Following due consideration of all the comments and responses received during the thirty-day public
participation period, management received notification from the DMRE on 4 March 2021 that the conditions
required to cater for the offsets of land will be removed from the Elandsfontein EMPr.
It is understood that several appeals against the DMRE’s decision were lodged with the Department of Forestry,
Fisheries and the Environment, and the outcome of this matter remains pending.
8
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Water use licence (“WUL”)
An appeal against the Elandsfontein WUL was heard from 1 to 4 February 2021. Following four sittings on the
matter, where final evidence was presented to the Water Tribunal, it was announced on 9 September 2021, that
the appeal was dismissed.
Dewatering of the aquifer continued in accordance with the updated ground water management plan and monitoring
activities remain in line with the WUL conditions.
Safety, health and environment
As at 31 December 2022, the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (“LTIFR”), per 200,000 man hours, was 1.290
(2021 - 0.698). The increase in LTIFR is related to four Lost Time injuries as compared to three in the previous
reporting period of which one was a reportable injury. No major environmental incidents were reported during
the year. Kropz Elandsfontein held various wellness campaigns during 2022, which included a blood donation
drive, HIV and AIDS awareness and general health (i.e., blood pressure).
Corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) and sustainability
The execution of the five-year Social and Labour Plan (“SLP”), aligned with the 2018 South African Mining
Charter, and approved by the DMRE, remains on track. During the reporting period, Kropz Elandsfontein has
commenced with the development of the next iteration of the SLP and submitted it in Q4 of 2022. The DMRE
requested minor amendments, which were submitted in March 2023 for final approval. The plan includes
progressive improvements to obtain compliance on the employment equity and procurement objectives of the
South African Mining Charter scorecard.
The following strategic focus areas have been identified for the updated SLP:
Education;
Social wellness;
Local economic development; and
Urban reconstruction and infrastructure upgrades.
Through collaboration with the local community forum, the execution of various community development projects
continued during 2022 and the selection of new projects formed part of the 2022 - 2026 SLP. The Saldanha
Bay Municipality (“SBM”) confirmed alignment with their Infrastructure Development Plan (“IDP”) and has
endorsement of the various SLP projects.
SLP LED Projects
Education support
During 2022 Kropz Elandsfontein continued to support the Hopefield Primary School teacher’s programme.
Infrastructure upgrades were done at two Early Childhood Development (“ECD”) centres in Hopefield. One of
the upgrades was required to enable final registration of the ECD centre. For the 2022-2026 SLP, Education
will remain a key focus area.
Disabled project
During 2022, with the assistance of a local NGO, a needs analysis was carried out for various disabled
individuals in Hopefield. This identified necessary infrastructure upgrades which included the installation of
handrails, wheelchair pathways etc. Fourteen recipients within the Hopefield community benefited from this
project.
9
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Hopefield Thusong community centre upgrade
The infrastructure upgrade of the community centre included the addition of two new rooms, a kitchen and
bathroom facilities. The handover of the Thusong Centre took place at an official handover ceremony with the
SBM mayor during 2022.
Ad-Hoc CSR Projects
Through engagements with various stakeholders, Kropz Elandsfontein supported the following initiatives and
organizations:
1) Schools ECO Club (Annual Science camp and ECO awards)
2) Silwerblare pensioners social club
3) Universal Rugby club (Infrastructure and annual awards)
4) Mfesane (Disabled day)
5) All saints Anglican church (Annual event)
Stakeholder Engagement
Kropz Elandsfontein continues to engage with the local community on a regular basis and held a community
meeting during 2022 to provide an update on the state of the business and various other issues. Kropz
Elandsfontein also issued quarterly newsletters to the community to keep them updated on the business as
well as various initiatives and projects.
Post reporting period events
Transport and logistics
As announced on 23 November 2021, Transnet provided Kropz Elandsfontein with a draft port access
agreement to support the long-term export of Elandsfontein's phosphate rock through the port of Saldanha.
Final contract negotiations are underway. An interim agreement, with tariffs and a forecast of export quantities,
is in place while the agreement is being finalised. Exports through Cape Town will potentially be required for no
more than 350,000 tonnes of Elandsfontein's eventual production of approximately 1 million tonnes per annum,
if capacity through the port of Saldanha is unavailable for a limited period of time.
Sales
The first bulk shipment and sale of 33,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate from Kropz Elandsfontein was
announced on 23 January 2023 with a second shipment and sale of 20,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate
as was announced on 14 March 2023. During April 2023, two further shipments of 33,000 tonnes and 11,000
tonnes were sold and a further 33,000 tonnes in June 2023. These exports occurred through the port of
Saldanha.
Hinda
The Hinda project, currently 100% owned by Cominco S.A., is believed to be one of the world’s largest
undeveloped phosphate reserves. Ownership is expected to be diluted to 90% through the participation of the
Republic of Congo (“RoC”) government. Hinda consists of a sedimentary hosted phosphate deposit located
approximately 40 km northeast of the city of Pointe-Noire. The project is fully permitted.
Prior to acquisition by Kropz, more than US$ 40 million was spent on project development, including drilling,
metallurgical test work and feasibility studies. Since its acquisition by Kropz, a further US$ 4.7 million has been
spent.
10
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Activity for the year ended 31 December 2022
Kropz has been reviewing the Hinda Updated Feasibility Study (“Updated FS”) and the financial model as
prepared by Hatch.
Highlights of the Updated FS
The phased approach studied will initially deliver 1 Mtpa phosphate rock concentrate through the existing
Port of Pointe-Noire (“Phase 1”), expanding to 2 Mtpa phosphate rock concentrate through a new port
facility at Pointe Indienne (“Phase 2”);
The phased approach is intended to reduce up-front execution capital requirements by making use of
existing port facilities, thus limiting the first phase to 1 Mtpa phosphate rock concentrate;
The Hinda Updated FS demonstrates low technical and mining risk and attractive project economics;
The mineral resource is unchanged from the 2018 Competent Persons Report, with 201 million tonnes of
measured mineral resource at 11.6% P2O5 and 381 million tonnes of indicated mineral resource at 9.8%
P2O5;
The Hinda Updated FS delivers a minimum 28-year life of mine (“LOM”), extracting 31 million tonnes of ore
in Phase 1 and 214 million tonnes of ore in Phase 2;
Estimated Phase 1 capital cost is US$ 355 million, Phase 2 capital cost is US$ 310 million (in real 2021
terms), with a nominal, peak funding requirement of US$ 392 million, as the first phase cash flows supports
the subsequent Phase 2 expansion capital expenditure;
Phase 1 operating cost on a free-on-board (“FOB”) basis is US$ 63 per tonne phosphate rock concentrate,
and Phase 2 operating cost is US$ 70 per tonne phosphate rock concentrate, inclusive of mining royalties;
Using a December 2021 price forecast received from CRU on a FOB Pointe-Noire basis, the real LOM
earnings before interest and taxation margin is US$ 65 per tonne of phosphate rock concentrate;
There is an estimated three-year execution schedule; and
Base case, nominal internal rate of return (“IRR”) of 19.2% and base case, ungeared, nominal net present
value (“NPV”) (at 11.1% discount rate) of US$ 397 million.
The Hinda Updated FS included detailed engineering of the open pit mine, associated mine dewatering and
surface water management, the beneficiation plant and all associated infrastructure, tailings storage facilities
and water storage dam, a gas fired power plant and gas supply pipeline, a 30 kV overhead line (“OHL”) to
support construction and early works, mine access roads, an accommodation camp and port infrastructure.
Costs and schedules associated with procurement, construction management and commissioning are also
included.
Hatch delivered a robust execution strategy, which provides high confidence in achieving execution success.
The beneficiation plant employs standard and proven technologies, and the design is based on extensive
laboratory and pilot-scale test work completed between 2013 and 2016.
Further Opportunities
A mine plan was run scheduling the immediate commencement of Phase 2 production, i.e. 2 Mtpa of phosphate
rock concentrate to be exported through a new port facility. This opportunity led to a conservative increase in
ungeared NPV (at 11.1% discount rate) to US$ 543 million with an IRR of 21%. The estimated capital cost for
the immediate commencement of Phase 2 is US$ 618 million, based on the study work completed. If this option
is studied further, it will be possible to further optimise both capital and operating costs. Collaboration with other
market players to share in costs of infrastructure such as port, power and roads are also an opportunity to
consider.
Further opportunities also exist to enter into a long-term power purchase agreement with one of several
companies already established in-country. The capital cost of the gas fired power plant would therefore be
removed from the estimate, although this would be offset by an increase in power costs.
11
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
A number of other capital cost optimisation initiatives have been identified for investigation ahead of detailed
design which should further improve project economics.
Updated ESIA
The project has an approved environmental compliance certificate issued in April 2020, valid for 25 years. As a
result of the modifications to the project in the Hinda Updated FS, the ESIA has been updated to comply with
local regulations. The RoC Ministry of Environment has approved the Updated ESIA and the project has a valid
environmental compliance certificate.
Mining Investment Agreement (“MIA”)
The MIA, which sets out the legal and fiscal framework under which Cominco S.A. would invest and operate within
the RoC was signed by all parties on 10 July 2018 and ratified by the RoC Government on 27 December 2021.
Déclaration d’Utilité Publique (“DUP”)
The Ministry of Land Tenure and Public Domain is responsible for managing land tenure and legal land rights
in RoC. The land commission has evaluated the land usage requirements of the Hinda Project and liaises with
legal property owners and traditional land users to determine, based on the legislation, a baseline for land use
to be used for compensation and relocation.
The main declaration of public utility (DUP) process has covered an area of 30 km2. Public consultations were
organized by Cominco and CM2E. Land surveys were carried out from end of November 2020 until mid-January
2021, followed by an optimisation session in line with the Updated FS. The final report is still to be finalised.
The MIA states that expropriation costs and compensations are to be borne by the government of the RoC and
that Cominco can prefinance some or all of the costs.
Mineral resources
The Hinda resource is defined below, on a total (gross) and net attributable basis. No additional drilling was
conducted in 2022.
Mineral Resource Statement, as declared by SRK on 31 August 2018
Class
Gross
Measured
Indicated
Inferred
Total
Measured
Indicated
Inferred
Total
Quantity
(Mt)
Grade
(%P2O5)
Grade
(%Al2O3)
Grade
(%MgO)
Grade
(%Fe2O3)
Grade
(%CaO)
Grade
(%SiO2)
Contained
P2O5 (Mt)
200.5
380.9
94.4
675.8
180.5
342.8
85.0
608.3
11.6
9.8
7.5
10.0
3.7
5.0
4.8
4.6
3.8
3.3
3.6
3.5
1.4
1.8
1.7
1.7
21.8
17.6
15.8
18.6
Net Attributable (90% attributable to the Company)
11.6
9.8
7.5
10.0
3.7
5.0
4.8
4.6
3.8
3.3
3.6
3.5
1.4
1.8
1.7
1.7
21.8
17.6
15.8
18.6
42.7
48.5
52.2
47.3
42.7
48.5
52.2
47.3
23.3
37.3
7.1
67.7
20.9
33.6
6.4
60.9
12
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Safety, health and environment
No environmental or safety incidents were reported during the year.
Sustainability
In line with the MIA and its commitments, Cominco S.A. continued its interactions with the local communities
associated with the Hinda project. On-going projects include the usage of project site manpower, the funding of
teachers at local schools, educational support for vulnerable children, specific projects for woman, water boreholes
and food security projects through the establishment of orchards, vegetable gardens and small-scale agriculture
projects.
Post reporting period events
Prior to commencing Phase 1, a reduced sized test project is currently being assessed to propose a fit-for-
purpose low capex project to prove the concept of producing phosphate concentrate in the Congo and exporting
it. The project will focus on the mining and processing the section of the resource which does not require
flotation.
Strategy
The Company’s long-term strategy is to build a portfolio of high-quality phosphate mines and to be a major
player within the sub-Saharan African plant nutrient sector. Its priority is to bring Elandsfontein to steady-state
production and profitability whereafter the development of Hinda will be prioritised.
Business model
The Company’s business model is to source high-quality resources and to bring them into production to
contribute to the Company’s strategic competitiveness and profitability.
Once production has commenced at Elandsfontein and Hinda, the Company may consider acquiring additional
assets and/or adding downstream beneficiation opportunities, where the Board believes shareholder value
could be increased.
Objectives and outlook for the year ahead
Objectives
Kropz
Kropz’s overriding objective is to deliver strong shareholder and stakeholder returns over the long term.
Elandsfontein
The primary focus of the year ahead will be to further increase the ramp-up of operations to achieve steady
state while optimising process recoveries and mining costs. Optimised production capacity is expected to be
determined over the next 12 months and will be based on the maximum profitability.
Hinda
Further to the completion of the Hinda Updated FS in December 2021, management is working to secure
funding to commence with project development in accordance with the MIA.
13
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Outlook
Kropz’s Elandsfontein project delivered first production in early 2022. The Company is confident in the inherent
value contained within each of its core assets. Global phosphate rock demand and pricing is robust, and the
work being carried out will provide Kropz with direction for the next phase of its development, subject to short-
term challenges being managed. The year ahead should provide the Company with a solid foundation for its
future development.
Financial review for the year ended 31 December 2022
Summary of key financial indicators for the year:
Impairment in the value of mine property, plant and equipment and inventory at Kropz Elandsfontein of US$ 93
million;
Cash and cash equivalents of US$ 2 million (2021: US$ 2 million)
Various equity and debt raises as set out in “Highlights” on page 1;
Trade and other payables of US$ 7 million (2021: US$ 4 million); and
Property, plant, equipment and development and exploration assets, after the impairment above, of US$ 111
million (2021: US$ 180 million).
Key performance indicators
The Company is a mining and development entity whose assets comprise a mine and plant in the ramp-up
phase in South Africa and an exploration asset in the RoC. Currently, minor revenues have been generated
from local sales in South Africa during 2022 with first bulk sale in January 2023. The key performance indicators
for the Company will be achieving steady state production and the advancement of the Hinda project.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Company and its subsidiaries (“the Group”) are subject to various risks relating to political, economic, legal,
social, industry, business and financial conditions. The following risk factors, which are not presented in any
order of priority, do not purport to be a complete list or explanation of all the risks involved in the Company or
the Group’s activities.
Access to financing
The ramp up at Elandsfontein, the capital expenditure plans of the Group and the further development and
exploration of mineral properties in which the Group holds interests or which the Group may acquire, may
depend upon the Group’s ability to obtain financing through joint ventures, debt financing, equity financing or
other means. No assurance can be given that the Group will be successful in obtaining any required financing
as and when needed on acceptable terms or at all, which could prevent the Group from further development
and exploration or additional acquisitions.
Failure to obtain additional financing on a commercial and timely basis may cause the Group to postpone its
capital expenditure plans, forfeit its rights in properties or reduce or terminate operations. Reduced liquidity or
difficulty in obtaining future financing could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.
The Group’s Projects may require greater investment than currently expected or suffer delays or interruptions,
which could cause cost overruns. Any such delay, interruption or cost overruns in implementing the Group’s
planned capital investments could result in the Group failing to complete the Projects and a reduction in future
production volumes, which could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, financial condition,
results of operations and prospects. In addition, the Projects may not prove to be commercially viable upon
completion.
14
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
The Group’s ability to obtain future financing will depend in part on its ability to achieve positive cash flows from
its current operations within time and budget, an extended commissioning ramp-up period will have an adverse
impact on the business and financial performance of the Group. Refer to note 2a to the Group financial
statements which explains that the Group is reliant on revenue from production ramp up and expect to require
additional financing and a material uncertainty exists that may that cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability
as a going concern.
Dependence on maintenance of good relationship with regulatory and governmental departments
The Group relies on the maintenance of good relationships with regulatory and governmental departments in
South Africa and the RoC. Failure to maintain these relationships may adversely impact the Group’s
performance.
Ramp-up of Elandsfontein
The Elandsfontein project may require further funding to achieve steady state operations in Q4 2023. Any delays
in securing of additional funding will have an adverse impact on the business and financial performance of the
operation. There can be no guarantee that implementation of the recently completed modifications identified by
the Company and its technical consultants will result in a successful long-term operation of the mine. Failure to
achieve ramp-up of the Elandsfontein project, or a significant delay in the completion of ramp-up, could result
in a material adverse impact on the business, and the financial performance and position of the Group.
Access to infrastructure
Mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend, to a significant degree, on adequate
infrastructure. In the course of developing Hinda, the Group may need to construct and support the construction
of infrastructure, which includes permanent water supplies, tailings storage facilities, power, logistics services
and access roads.
Reliable roads, power sources and water supply are important determinants, which affect capital and operating
costs. Unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage, government or other interference in the
maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could materially adversely affect the Group’s operations,
financial condition and results of operations. Any such issues arising in respect of the supporting infrastructure
or on the Group’s sites could materially adversely affect the Group’s results of operations or financial condition.
Furthermore, any failure or unavailability of the Group’s operational infrastructure (for example, through
equipment failure, disruption to its transportation arrangements or reduced port capacity) could materially
adversely affect the production output from its mines or development of a mine or project.
Limited or reduced port capacity at the Port of Saldanha, as well as the associated cost increase for procuring
alternative logistics could have an adverse impact on the business and financial performance of the Group.
Operational targets
The financial performance of the Group is subject to its ability to achieve a target concentrate specification and
production efficiency at its Elandsfontein project, according to its pre-determined budget. Failure to do this may
result in failure to achieve operational targets with a consequent material adverse impact on the business,
operations and financial performance of the Group.
Excessive overburden stripping, non-economical mining of ore, ore losses and the dilution of feed grade to the
processing facility could all have an adverse impact on the processing operations. Furthermore, high variability
in the daily feed grades could also have an adverse impact on operations and financial performance of the
Group.
15
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Any further unscheduled interruptions in the Group’s operations due to mechanical, electrical or other failures
or industrial relations related issues or problems or issues with the supply of goods or services could have a
serious impact on the financial performance of those operations. Furthermore, any interruption or disruption in
the supply chain of key production chemicals sourced from international suppliers could materially adversely
affect the production output from the mine.
New entrant risk
Kropz Elandsfontein will, once production has been achieved of a commercial saleable grade product, be a new
entrant in the global phosphate rock market, selling its products into a globally competitive and established
market.
There can be no guarantee that the sales estimates set by Kropz Elandsfontein will be achieved until a
successful track record has been achieved. Not achieving appropriate selling prices for its commercial grade
products, would have a material adverse effect on the business, operations and financial performance of the
Group.
Mining and mineral processing risks
The business of mining and mineral processing involves a number of risks and hazards, including industrial
accidents, labour disputes, community conflicts, activist campaigns, unusual or unexpected geological
conditions, geotechnical risks, ore variability, equipment failure, changes in the regulatory environment,
environmental hazards, ground water and weather and other natural phenomena such as earthquakes and
floods. The Group may experience material mine or plant shutdowns or periods of reduced production as a
result of any of the above factors. Such occurrences could result in material damage to, or the destruction of,
mineral properties or production facilities, human exposure to pollution, personal injury or death, environmental
and natural resource damage, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability, and may result in
actual production differing, potentially materially, from estimates of production, whether expressly or by
implication. There can be no assurance that the realisation of operating risks and the costs associated with
them will not materially adversely affect the results of operations or financial conditions of the Group.
Geotechnical, ore variability, geological and hydrogeological risks could have a material adverse impact on the
safety, business and financial performance of the Group’s operation.
Failure to successfully dewater the mining area and maintain water levels in the mining area at the Elandsfontein
project could have a material adverse impact on the operational performance, financial performance and
financial condition of the Group.
Enforcement of contractual rights in the RoC
The legal system in the RoC is based on the French civil law system (the Civil Code of the former French
Equatorial Africa), which has enacted the Uniform Act to harmonise business law in Africa in order to guarantee
legal and judicial security for investors and companies in its member states, as well as a Uniform Act on
Arbitration Law, allowing recourse to a standard arbitration mechanism for the settlement of contractual disputes
arising from civil or commercial contracts concluded in the RoC as an alternative to RoC courts for legal
proceedings relating to contracts.
Under Congolese law, parties may enter into private contracts in the language of their choice, however, a French
translation is always required for them to be used before any constituted authority in the RoC. In addition,
enforcement of contracts concluded outside of Congo before an RoC court, administrations and other
constituted authorities, requires their prior registration with the Office for Registration and Stamp Duties and, in
the absence of a specific exemption, payment of the applicable registration fees and stamp duties.
Certain contracts concluded in the RoC (such as leases) must also be presented for registration with the Office
for Registration and Stamp Duties, due to their nature and listing in the General Tax Code, Volume 2. Moreover,
16
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
certain contracts (such as commercial leases) must also be notarised or authenticated by a notary if concluded
as private deeds, prior being registered as described above.
If any of these processes are not strictly followed, the RoC courts and administrations may disregard the
concerned contract and, as regards the requirement to register certain contracts with the Office for Registration
and Stamp Duties, the tax administration may apply fines of 100% of the amount of registration fees due.
Further, the tax administration tends to disregard any payment convention exemption for the purpose of applying
these fines.
If any of the Group’s contracts are deemed unenforceable, this could have a material adverse effect on the
operations and financial results of the Group.
Commodity pricing
The future profitability and viability of the Group’s operations will be dependent upon the market price of
phosphate rock to be sold by the Group. Mineral prices fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors
beyond the control of the Company. The level of interest rates, the rate of inflation, the world supply of mineral
commodities, the global level of demand from consumers and the stability of exchange rates can all cause
significant fluctuations in prices. Such external economic factors are in turn influenced by changes in
international investment patterns, monetary systems and political developments. Commodity prices have
fluctuated widely in recent years, and future price declines could cause commercial production to be
impracticable, thereby having a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and
results of operations. A significant or sustained downturn in commodity prices would adversely affect the
Group’s available cash and liquidity and could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of
operations and financial condition of the Group in the longer term.
In addition to adversely affecting the Group’s reserve estimates and its financial condition, declining commodity
prices can impact operations by requiring a reassessment of the feasibility of a particular project. Such a
reassessment may be the result of a management decision or may be required under financing arrangements
related to a particular project. Even if the Elandsfontein project and the Hinda project are ultimately determined
to be economically viable, the need to conduct such a reassessment may cause substantial delays or may
interrupt operations until the reassessment can be completed.
Environmental regulation and environmental compliance
Mining operations have inherent risks and liabilities associated with damage to the environment and the disposal
of waste products occurring as a result of mineral exploration and production. Environmental and safety
legislation and regulation (e.g. in relation to reclamation, disposal of waste products, pollution and protection of
the environment, protection of wildlife and otherwise relating to environmental protection) is frequently changing
and is generally becoming more restrictive with a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their
Directors and employees and more stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations. Future changes
could impose significant costs and burdens on the Group (the extent of which cannot be predicted) both in terms
of compliance and potential penalties, liabilities and remediation.
Breach of any environmental obligations could result in penalties and civil liabilities and/or suspension of
operations, any of which could adversely affect the Group. Further, approval may be required for any material
plant modifications or additional land clearing and for ground disturbing activities. Delays in obtaining such
approvals could result in the delay to anticipated exploration programmes or mining activities.
There may also be unforeseen environmental liabilities resulting from mining activities, which may be costly to
remedy. If the Group is unable to fully remedy an environmental problem, it may be required to stop or suspend
operations or enter into interim compliance measures pending completion of the required remedy. The potential
exposure may be significant and could have a material adverse effect on the Group. The Group has not
purchased insurance for environmental risks (including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result
17
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
of the disposal of waste products occurring from exploration and production) as it is not generally available at a
price which the Group regards as reasonable.
In South Africa, the Regulations Pertaining to the Financial Provision for Prospecting, Exploration, Mining or
Production Operations 2015 (R1147 of 20 Nov 2015) provides that the holder of a mining right must provide for
rehabilitation and remediation costs, with particular reference to when the mine is decommissioned at the end
of mining, or production operations. It is expected that mining operations at Elandsfontein will cease in year
2032. The under-provision of such a rehabilitation liability could result in future liabilities being payable, which
could have a material adverse impact on the financial condition of the Group.
Government regulation and political risk
The Group’s operating activities are subject to laws and regulations governing expropriation of property, health
and worker safety, employment standards, waste disposal, protection of the environment, mine development,
land and water use, prospecting, mineral production, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational health
standards, toxic wastes, the protection of endangered and protected species and other matters. While the
Directors believe that the Group is in compliance with all material current laws and regulations affecting its
activities, future changes in applicable laws, regulations, agreements or changes in their enforcement or
regulatory interpretation could result in changes in legal requirements or in the terms of existing permits and
agreements applicable to the Group or its properties, which could have a material adverse impact on the Group’s
current operations or planned development projects. Where required, obtaining necessary permits and licences
can be a complex, time-consuming process and the Group cannot assure whether any necessary permits will
be obtainable on acceptable terms, in a timely manner or at all.
The costs and delays associated with obtaining necessary permits and complying with these permits and
applicable laws and regulations could stop or materially delay or restrict the Group from proceeding with any
future exploration or development of its properties. Any failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations
or permits, even if inadvertent, could result in interruption or closure of exploration, development or mining
operations or material fines, penalties or other liabilities.
The Group has operations located in South Africa and the RoC and the Group’s activities may be affected in
varying degrees by political stability and governmental regulations. Any changes in regulations or shifts in
political attitudes in South Africa and the RoC are beyond the control of the Group and may adversely affect its
operations.
Adverse sovereign action
The Group is exposed to the risk of adverse sovereign action by the governments of South Africa and RoC. The
mining industry is important to the economies of these countries and thus can be expected to be the focus of
continuing attention and debate. In similar circumstances in other developing countries, mining companies have
faced the risks of expropriation and/or renationalisation, breach or abrogation of project agreements, application
to such companies of laws and regulations from which they were intended to be exempt, denials of required
permits and approvals, increases in royalty rates and taxes that were intended to be stable, application of
exchange or capital controls, and other risks.
Environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) and climate change
As the focus on ESG increases, there are increasing environmental, social and governance risks that may affect
the Group’s ability to raise capital; obtain permits; work with communities, regulators and Non-Governmental
Organisations (“NGOs”) and/or protect its assets from impairments.
At Kropz, we acknowledge that our business activities affect the society and environment around us, and that
we have an opportunity and an implicit duty to ensure this impact is positive. We also believe that efficient and
sustainable operations are a necessity for long-term value creation.
18
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
We are committed to taking responsibility when conducting our business by integrating ESG factors into our
investment decisions and operational processes. Given the stage of development of Kropz, social initiatives
have been limited to those outlined above at Elandsfontein.
Climate change could potentially affect the demand for fertilisers by impacting global agricultural activity. This
in turn could affect the demand for fertiliser feed materials, and could cause events such as prolonged droughts
that could reduce the availability of water at the different project sites.
As the Kropz operations develop, more initiatives will be undertaken on the ESG front and progress on these
will be reported on in the next annual report.
Governance
The Board considers sound governance as a critical component of the Group’s success and the highest priority.
The Company has an effective and engaged Board, with a strong non-executive presence from diverse
backgrounds, and well-functioning governance committees. Through the Group’s compensation policies and
variable components of employee remuneration, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee (“Remuneration
Committee”) of the Board seeks to ensure that the Company’s values are reinforced in employee behaviour and
that effective risk management is promoted.
More information on our corporate governance can be found in the Corporate Governance Report on pages 43
to 54.
Directors’ section 172 statement
The following disclosure describes how the Directors have had regard to the matters set out in section 172 and
forms the Directors’ statement required under section 414CZA of The Companies Act 2006. This reporting
requirement is made in accordance with the corporate governance requirements identified in The Companies
(Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018, which apply to company reporting on financial years starting on
or after 1 January 2019.
The matters set out in section 172(1) (a) to (f) are that a Director must act in the way they consider, in good
faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole,
and in doing so have regard (amongst other matters) to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
the likely consequences of any decision in the long term;
the interests of the Company’s employees;
the need to foster the Company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;
the impact of the Company’s operations on the community and the environment;
the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and
the need to act fairly between members of the Company.
The analysis is divided into two sections, the first to address stakeholder engagement, which provides
information on stakeholders, issues and methods of engagement. The second section addresses principal
decisions made by the Board and focuses on how the regard for stakeholders influenced decision-making.
Section 1: Stakeholder mapping and engagement activities within the reporting period
The Company continuously interacts with a variety of stakeholders important to its success, such as equity
investors, joint venture partners, debt providers, employees, government bodies, local community and vendor
partners. The Company works within the limitations of what can be disclosed to the various stakeholders with
regards to maintaining confidentiality of market and/or commercially sensitive information.
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Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Who are the key stakeholder
groups
Why is it important to engage
this group of stakeholders
How did Kropz engage with
the stakeholder group
What
engagement
resulted
from
the
Equity investors and
equity partners
All substantial shareholders
that own more than 3% of
the Company’s shares are
listed on page 37 of the
Directors’ Report.
The Company owns 74% of
Kropz Elandsfontein, the
owner of the Elandsfontein
project in South Africa. 26%
is owned by ARC.
Access to capital is of vital
importance to the long-term
success of the business to
enable the development of
Hinda. Equity partner
involvement is vital to the
success of the development
of these projects, without
which the Company cannot
create value for its
shareholders by producing
phosphate rock concentrate
and therefore a return on
the investment.
The Company owns 70% of
Elandsfontein Land
Holdings (Pty) Ltd (“ELH”),
the owner of the
Elandsfontein mining
property in South Africa.
30% is owned by ARC.
Through selected
engagement activities, the
Company strives to obtain
investor buy-in into its
strategic objectives detailed
on page 13 and the
execution thereof.
Kropz Elandsfontein may
require further funding to
complete the ramp up at
Elandsfontein. Cominco
Resources requires further
funding to develop Hinda.
As such, existing equity
investors and potential
investment partners are
important stakeholders.
The Company seeks to
promote an investor base
that is interested in a long-
term holding in the
Company and will support
the Company in achieving
its strategic objectives.
During the course of 2022,
the percentage of shares
held in public hands
decreased and the overall
daily volume of shares
traded increased.
The key mechanisms of
engagement included:
Substantial shareholders
• Both ARC and Kropz
International have
appointed Directors to the
Board of Kropz; and
• The other existing
The Company engaged with
investors on topics of
strategy, governance, project
updates and performance.
Please see “Dialogue with
shareholders” section of the
Directors’ report on page 37.
substantial shareholders
have regular meetings
and interactions with the
Chairman and/or CEO.
The CEO presented at a
number of investor
roadshows, conferences and
one on one meetings.
Investment and equity
partners
• ARC have representatives
on the Kropz
Elandsfontein and ELH
Boards of Directors in
terms of the respective
shareholder’s
agreements; and
• Regular Board meetings
are held.
Prospective and existing
investors
• The AGM and Annual and
Interim Reports;
• Investor roadshows and
presentations;
• One on one investor
meetings with the
Chairman and/or CEO;
• Access to the Company’s
broker and advisers;
• Regular news and project
updates; and
• Social media accounts
e.g. Twitter @Kropzplc;
• Site visits for potential
cornerstone investors.
During 2022, the Company
secured the ZAR 177 Million
Equity Facility, ZAR 121.5
million and ZAR 126 million
bridge loans as well as a
further ZAR 550 million
Equity Facility with ARC.
In terms of the ZAR 200
Million Equity Facility and the
additional equity facilities,
ARC will potentially be able
to acquire a total further
8.3% interest in the
Company, eventually taking
its 83.2% interest at
December 2022, to 91.5%.
At the Company’s general
meeting held on 30 May
2022 all resolutions were
duly passed with 100% of the
votes cast in favour of
resolutions proposed.
At the Company’s AGM held
on 30 June 2022 all
resolutions were duly
passed.
At the Company’s general
meeting held on 30
November 2022 all
resolutions were duly passed
with at least 98% votes in
favour of resolutions
proposed.
In May 2020, the amended
facility agreement was
signed between Kropz
Elandsfontein and BNP,
thereby moving the first
principal debt repayment to
31 December 2022. The first
quarterly instalment of
US$ 3.75 million was made
during December 2022.
20
Funding providers
Kropz Elandsfontein has a
US$30 million, fully utilised,
debt facility with BNP that
commenced in September
2016.
Access to funding is of vital
importance to the long-term
success of the business to
be able to complete the
Elandsfontein project. The
debt facility was utilised in
the construction of
Elandsfontein.
Various contractual
conditions of the debt
finance require regular
• One on one meetings
with the CEO and/or
COO;
• Regular reporting on
project progress;
• Ad hoc discussions with
management, as
required; and
• Tripartite discussions
between Kropz
Elandsfontein, ARC and
management to ensure
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
updates on ongoing
progress.
Ongoing support from
potential new debt providers
is required to achieve the
construction of Hinda.
The majority of its
employees going forward
will be based in South Africa
and the Directors consider
workforce issues holistically
for the Group as a whole.
The Company’s long-term
success is predicated on the
commitment of its workforce
to its vision and the
demonstration of its values
on a daily basis.
The Board have identified
that reliance on key
personnel is a known risk.
Employees
The Company has 14 South
African, 2 UK and 5 RoC
employees, including its
Directors.
Two of the Directors are UK
residents, 1 Monegasque, 1
American and 2 are South
African resident Directors.
The CEO during the year
under review was South
Africa-based.
Employees
The Board met with
management to discuss the
long-term remuneration
strategy.
Advisors were appointed to
do the independent party
review to examine non-
executive Director and
executive team remuneration
in 2018 at the time of the AIM
IPO.
Board reporting has been
optimised to include sections
on engagement with
employees.
South African and Congo
employees
The team were trained in
aspects of corporate policies
and procedures to engender
positive corporate culture
aligned with the Company
code of conduct.
Meetings were held with staff
to provide project updates
and ongoing business
objectives.
there are no compliance
matters outstanding in
relation to the facility.
General employees
• The Company maintains
an open line of
communication between
its employees, senior
management and the
Board.
• The CEO reports
regularly to the Board;
• Key members of the
executive team are
invited to some of the
audit and risk committee
meetings;
• There is a formalised
employee induction into
the Company’s corporate
governance policies and
procedures; and
• There is an HR function
in the UK.
South African employees
• There is an HR function
in South Africa;
• Senior management
regularly visit the
operations in South Africa
and engage with its
employees through one
on one and staff
meetings, employee
events, project updates,
etc; and
• Staff safety committees
continue to operate.
Congo employees
• Senior management
regularly visit the
operations in RoC and
engage with its
employees through one
on one and staff
meetings, employee
events, project updates,
etc.
Governmental bodies
The Company is impacted
by national, regional and
local governmental
organisations in South
Africa and the RoC.
Regular engagement with
organs of state at national,
regional and local levels is
required to keep
stakeholders informed and
supportive of project
developments.
The Company provides
general corporate
presentations regarding the
Elandsfontein project
development as part of
ongoing stakeholder
engagement with the South
African government,
Western Cape provincial
government and local
Meetings have been held
with various representatives
of the national, regional and
local government bodies, to
discuss ongoing compliance
and other regulatory matters
relating to mining.
The Company has received
its South African requisite
21
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
municipal government. The
Company maintained its
good relations with the
respective government
bodies and frequently
communicated progress.
The Company engages with
the relevant departments of
the RoC government in
order to progress the
development of Hinda.
• The Company has
community liaison officers
in South Africa and RoC;
• The Company has
identified all key
stakeholders within the
local community in the
reporting period;
• Elandsfontein
management has open
dialogue with the local
government and
community leaders
regarding the project
development;
• Similarly, Hinda
management are actively
engaging with local
government and
communities directly
impacted by the Hinda
project; and
• The Company has
existing Corporate Social
Responsibility policies
and management
structure at corporate
level. The Company will
expand on these policies
and structures at a local
project level as the
Company moves into
production.
• Management continue to
work closely with
appointed contractors,
consultants and suppliers
to manage and optimise
deliverables; and
• One on one meetings
between management
and suppliers;
• Vendor site visits and
facility audits to ensure
supplier is able to meet
requirements; and
• Contact with procurement
department and accounts
payable.
Community
The local communities
adjacent to Elandsfontein in
South Africa and Hinda in
the RoC.
The Company engages with
the local community to
obtain acceptance for future
development plans.
Community engagement will
inform better understanding
and decision making.
The local community in
Hopefield and the greater
Saldanha Bay municipal
area provides employees for
Elandsfontein and its
contractors for operations.
Similarly, the communities
surrounding Hinda will
provide employees to the
project and contractors
during construction and
operation.
The Company will have a
social and economic impact
on the local communities.
The Company is committed
to ensuring sustainable
growth, minimising adverse
impacts. The Company will
engage these stakeholders
as is appropriate.
Suppliers
During the Elandsfontein
operations phase, the
Company will be using key
suppliers under commercial
contracts for the operations
of mine, plant, road and port
logistic operators and
laboratory service providers,
all of whom are reputable
and established service
providers.
Kropz’s contractors and
suppliers are fundamental
to ensuring that the
Company can meet the
ramp-up and steady state
operating objectives.
Using quality suppliers
ensures that as a
business, the high
performance targets can be
met.
The Company also relies on
a number of supply and
maintenance contracts to
ensure ongoing operations.
At a community level, the
Company has also
environmental and land use
permits.
In addition, the Company has
received the required permits
to develop Hinda, subject to
securing funding for these
activities.
The Company has ongoing
engagements with the local
community as part of its
sustainability initiatives.
Stakeholder identification has
enabled the Company to
ensure that representatives
of all stakeholder groups may
participate in the community
engagement programme.
See page 10 of the strategic
report for an update on the
potential transport and
logistics uncertainties facing
the Group.
Smaller local vendors were
engaged at a broader level to
better align with company
objectives.
22
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
partnered with a number of
SMME companies.
Section 2: Principal decisions by the Board
Principal decisions are defined as both those that have long-term strategic impact and are material to the Group,
but also those that are significant to key stakeholder groups. In making the following principal decisions, the
Board considered the outcome from its stakeholder engagement, the need to maintain a reputation for high
standards of business conduct and the need to act fairly between the members of the Company.
During the financial year ending 31 December 2022
A third drawdown of ZAR 40 million occurred on 16 March 2022 and the fourth drawdown of ZAR 33 million occurred
on 26 April 2022 of the ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility. The ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility is fully drawn at the date
of this annual report.
Convertible loan facility for ZAR 177 million from ARC, entered into on 11 May 2022
As announced on 27 April 2022, a funding shortfall of approximately US$ 11 million (approximately ZAR 177
million) was expected due to slower than expected progress in the ramp up of operations at Kropz Elandsfontein,
production of sufficient phosphate rock concentrate for the first bulk sale would move to later than originally
expected.
The ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility was in addition to the ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility, which ARC and the
Company entered into in February 2021.
As announced on 27 April 2022, Kropz and ARC entered into a further ZAR 25 million (approximately US$ 1.60
million) bridge loan facility (the “Loan 1”) to meet immediate cash requirements at Elandsfontein at the end of
April 2022. When the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility became unconditional, Loan 1 was offset against it leaving
ZAR 152 million available for future drawdown.
The ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility comprises a total commitment of up to ZAR 177 million provided by ARC,
which was to be drawn down subject to ARC’s discretion.
At any time during the term of the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility, repayment of the ZAR 177 Million Equity
Facility capital amount would, at the election of ARC, either be:
In the form of the conversion into ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each in the Company and issued to ARC, at a
conversion price of 9.256 pence per ordinary share each, representing the 30-day VWAP on 4 May 2022, and
at a fixed exchange rate of ZAR 1 = GBP 0.0504 (“Further Conversion”); or
Payable in cash by the Company at the end of the term of the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility.
Following a Conversion, the Company will apply for the newly issued Ordinary Shares in the capital of the
Company to be admitted to trading on AIM, a market operated by London Stock Exchange plc (“AIM”).
The first drawdown of ZAR 103.5 million was made on 2 June 2022.
The ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility will bear interest at 14% per annum and will be compounded monthly and
will be payable in cash to ARC by the Company.
The term of the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility is from 2 June 2022 to the earlier of:
Five years from 2 June 2022; or
One year after the term loan facility provided by BNP Paribas to Kropz Elandsfontein (in the amount not
exceeding US$ 30 million), has been repaid;
The ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility is secured by the shares that Kropz holds in Cominco Resources Ltd.
23
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
The ZAR 177 million Equity Facility was above the authorisation limits given at the Annual General Meeting in
June 2021. Specific shareholder approval was required for the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility, which
shareholder approval was obtained on 30 May 2022. Ordinary shares to be issued to ARC in terms of the ZAR
177 Million Equity Facility, if so elected by ARC, would be a maximum of 96,378,566 ordinary shares.
Convertible loan facility for ZAR 550 million from ARC, entered into on 14 November 2022
As announced on 14 November 2022, Kropz entered into a new convertible equity facility of up to ZAR 550 million
(“ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility”) (approximately US$ 31.6 million), with ARC in order to progress the ramp-up
of operations at the Elandsfontein project. In addition, the funding would also provide working capital to the
Company for general corporate purposes and further funding, of approximately US$ 1 million for working capital
and early site works, at the Hinda project in the Republic of the Congo.
The ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility comprises a total commitment of up to ZAR 550 million provided by ARC, which
can be drawn down at the discretion of Kropz, as follows:
Loan 2 and Loan 3 were settled by way of a first advance under the New ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility,
once approved and unconditional, leaving ZAR 302.5 million available for further drawdown over the facility
term; and
The remaining ZAR 302.5 million of the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility was available from the date that all
the conditions were met (the “Effective Date”) and up to 15 December 2023. Each drawdown, however,
remains subject to ARC's sole discretion.
At any time during the term of the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility, the repayment of the ZAR 550 Million Equity
Facility capital amount will, at the election of ARC, either be:
In the form of the conversion into ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each (“Ordinary Shares”) in the Company
and issued to ARC, at a conversion price of 4.579 pence per Ordinary Share each, representing the 30-day
VWAP on 21 October 2022, and at fixed exchange rate of ZAR 1 = GBP 0.048824 (“Conversion”); or
Payable in cash by the Company at the end of the term of the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility.
Following a Conversion, the Company will apply for the newly issued Ordinary Shares in the capital of the
Company to be admitted to trading on AIM, a market operated by London Stock Exchange plc (“AIM”).
The New ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility will bear interest at the South African prime overdraft interest rate plus
6 per cent., nominal per annum and compounded monthly (“Interest”). Interest will be payable in cash to ARC
by the Company.
The term of the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility will be from the Effective Date, to the earlier of:
5 years from the Effective Date; or
2 years after the term loan facility provided by BNP Paribas to Elandsfontein (in the amount not exceeding
US$ 30 million), has been repaid in full, or such later date as ARC may agree in writing;
The ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility will be available for drawdown until 15 December 2023.
The ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility is secured by the shares which Kropz holds in Cominco Resources Ltd
(“Share Charge”).
Approval from the South African Reserve Bank for the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility was obtained on
17 November 2022 and shareholder approval on 30 November 2022.
The key stakeholder groups that could be materially impacted are existing shareholders and potential investors.
Existing shareholders may have conflicting interests with the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility and ZAR 550 Million
Equity Facility due to potential dilution of their shareholding. The Directors considered the impact of this and
concluded that obtaining the convertible facility from ARC was the only funding opportunity available to the
24
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Company in order to secure funding for the delivery of the Elandsfontein project to first revenue. Various funding
alternatives had been investigated by the Directors, in conjunction with its brokers and advisers, over the last
year, both from an equity raise perspective and through possible project finance facilities. Equity markets were
subdued and no new or existing equity investors were prepared to provide the required funding.
Due to the fact that Machiel Reyneke and Gerrit Duminy, the ARC representatives on the Board, and Mike
Nunn, representing Kropz International are considered to be concert parties, they were not permitted to consider
or vote on the approval of the proposed ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility and ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility by
the Board. The independent, non-executive Directors, being Lord Robin Renwick, Linda Beal and Mike Daigle,
and the CEO, Mark Summers, in consultation with the nominated adviser, considered the transaction to be fair
and reasonable.
As a result of the ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility, ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility and the ZAR 550 Million Equity
Facility, ARC could increase its interest in the Company by a further approximate 8.3%, taking its eventual
interest in the Company to approximately 91.5%.
First drawdown of the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility for ZAR 307.5 million (approximately US$ 18.1 million)
was made on 1 December 2022 which comprised:
Set-off of Loan 2 and Loan 3 of ZAR 247.5 million;
ZAR 10 million for the Company’s general corporate purposes and funding of ongoing running costs of the
Hinda Project; and
ZAR 50 million in respect of working capital for Elandsfontein.
A second drawdown of ZAR 135 million (approximately US$ 7.9 million) of the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility
was made on 22 December 2022.
Post 31 December 2022
A third drawdown of ZAR 60 million (approximately US$ 3.5 million) of the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility was
made on 25 January 2023 and a fourth drawdown of ZAR 40 million (approximately US$ 2.2 million) on
27 February 2023.
As announced on 14 March 2023, Kropz, Kropz Elandsfontein and ARC Fund agreed to further ZAR 285 million
(approximately US$ 15.5 million) bridge loan facilities (“Loan 4”) to meet immediate cash requirements at Kropz
Elandsfontein. A first draw down of ZAR 25 million (approximately US$ 1.4 million) on Loan 4 was made on
14 March 2023.
Loan 4 is unsecured, repayable on demand, with no fixed repayment terms and is repayable by Kropz
Elandsfontein on no less than two business days’ notice. Interest is payable on Loan 4 at the South African
prime overdraft interest rate plus 6%, nominal per annum and compounded monthly.
A second draw down on Loan 4 for an amount of ZAR 90 million was made on 28 March 2023, a third drawdown
of ZAR 30 million was made on 25 April 2023 and a fourth drawdown of ZAR 80 million was made on 23 June
2023.
This Strategic Report was approved by the Board of Directors.
Louis Loubser
Chief Executive Officer
28 July 2023
25
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022
The Board of Directors (“Board”) present their fifth Annual Report for Kropz plc (“the Company”) and the Kropz
plc Group (“Group”) for the year ended 31 December 2022.
Directors
The names of Directors of the Company in office at any time during or since the end of the 31 December 2022
financial year are:
Lord Robin Renwick of Clifton
Louis Ronald Loubser
Mark Robert Summers
Gerrit Jacobus Duminy
Linda Janice Beal
Michael Albert Daigle
Michael John Nunn
Machiel Johannes Reyneke
Non-executive Chairman
Chief Executive Officer (appointed 16 January 2023)
Chief Executive Officer (resigned 16 January 2023)
Non-executive Director (appointed 16 September 2022)
Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director (resigned 16 September 2022)
Company secretary
Fusion Corporate Secretarial Services (Pty) Ltd.
Cautionary statement
The review of the business and its future development in the Strategic Report has been prepared solely to
provide additional information to shareholders to assess the Group’s strategies and the potential for these
strategies to succeed. It should not be relied on by any other party for any other purpose. The review contains
forward-looking statements which are made by the Directors in good faith based on information available to
them up to the time of the approval of the reports and should be treated with caution due to the inherent
uncertainties associated with such statements.
Principal activities and significant changes in nature of activities
Kropz is an emerging plant nutrient producer and developer with a phosphate mine and plant in the ramp-up
phase in South Africa and an exploration asset in the RoC.
Business review and future developments
Details of the business activities and future developments can be found in the Strategic Report on pages 5 to
14.
Operating Results
The net loss after tax of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2022 amounted to US$ 97.8 million
(2021: US$ 18.3 million).
Dividends paid or recommended
In respect of the year ended 31 December 2022 no dividends were paid or declared and the Directors do not
recommend the payment of a dividend (2021: no dividends paid or declared).
26
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Capital structure
Details of the Company’s share capital, together with details of the movements therein are set out in Note 12
to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company has one class of ordinary share which carries no
right to fixed income.
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (“SECR”)
The new SECR framework, which came into force in April 2019 requires qualifying UK companies to report on
their energy usage and provide information on the energy efficient action taken during the reporting period.
Kropz is exempt from these disclosures as it did not consume more than 40,000 kWh in the UK during the
reporting period.
Significant changes in state of affairs
Please refer to the Strategic Report.
Significant events subsequent to reporting date
Details of the Group’s significant events subsequent to the reporting date are included in the Strategic Report
and Note 34 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial risks
The Group’s operations expose it to different financial risks including foreign exchange risk, credit risk, liquidity
risk and interest rate risk. Details of the principal financial risks are set out in Note 31.
Kropz Elandsfontein has a fully drawn down project financing facility with BNP for US$ 30 million, the full
details which are set out in Note 16 of the Annual Financial Statements. In accordance with the repayment
schedule the first quarterly instalment of US$ 3.75 million was made in December 2022.
The Group has various outstanding convertible equity facilities with ARC as set out in Note 14 of the Annual
Financial Statements.
The Group has a risk management programme in place which seeks to manage the impact of these risks on
the performance of the Group and it is the Group’s policy to manage these risks in a non-speculative manner.
Refer to note 2a to the Group financial statements which explains that the Group is reliant on revenue from
production during Elandsfontein's ramp up and on management's ability to secure additional funding in order
meets its obligation as they become due. A material uncertainty therefore exists that may cast significant doubt
on the Group’s ability as a going concern.
Political contributions and charitable donations
During the year the Company did not make any political contributions or charitable donations (31 December
2021 – none).
Annual general meeting (“AGM”)
The AGM for the shareholders of the Company was held on 30 June 2023 at 1 p.m. for the purpose of
considering and, if thought fit, passing five ordinary resolutions and two special resolutions as set out in the
Notice of AGM that was sent to all shareholders on 7 June 2023.
27
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Shareholders have an opportunity at the AGM to meet the directors in attendance, to receive an update on
the development of the business and to ask questions of the Board. The Group proposes a separate resolution
for each substantially different item of business, giving shareholders the opportunity to vote on each issue.
External auditors
BDO LLP (“BDO”) continued in office as auditors for the Company in 2022.
Employment policies
The Company is committed to promoting policies which ensure that high calibre employees are attracted,
retained and motivated, to ensure the ongoing success for the business. Employees and those who seek to
work within the Group are treated equally regardless of gender, age, marital status, creed, colour, race or
ethnic origin.
Health and safety
The Group continues to maintain a high standard of workplace safety. In order to execute this, there is a
health, safety and environmental team in Kropz Elandsfontein to review the health and safety policy and risks
of Kropz Elandsfontein and make recommendations to the Kropz Elandsfontein board. In addition, the Group
also developed and maintained an internal management system and also provides training and support to
employees and sets demanding standards for workplace safety.
Payment to suppliers
The Group’s policy is to agree terms and conditions with suppliers in advance; payment is then sought to be
made in accordance with the agreement provided the supplier has met the terms and conditions. Under normal
operating conditions, suppliers are generally paid within 30 days of receipt of invoice.
Future developments
The Group will continue its mineral exploration activities with the objective of finding further mineralised
resources, particularly the development of the Hinda project. The Group may also consider the acquisition of
further prospective exploration interests and the development or acquisition of downstream beneficiation.
Environmental issues
The Group operates within the resources sector and conducts business activities with respect for the
environment while continuing to meet the expectations of government stakeholders, shareholders, employees
and suppliers. In respect of the period under review, other than as set out in the Strategic Report, the Directors
are not aware of any particular or significant environmental issues which have been raised in relation to the
Group’s operations. The Group holds a mining licence in South Africa and an exploitation licence in the RoC.
The Group’s operations are subject to environmental legislation in these jurisdictions in relation to its
exploration and project development activities and remains committed to these requirements.
The Company pursues the development of quality rock phosphate exploration, mining and processing in
support of the global fertiliser industry’s contribution to food security, worldwide. The Board believes it is part
of the Group’s corporate responsibility to ensure its current and future operations are conducted in a
responsible manner and in compliance with local and international environmental regulations and that
integrating ESG matters into its operations is an important element to being a responsible corporate citizen.
28
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Information on Directors
Lord Renwick of Clifton
Non-executive Chairman
(appointed 26 November 2018)
Interest in Ordinary Shares
and Options
Louis Loubser
Chief executive officer
(appointed 16 January 2023)
to South Africa and
Lord Renwick of Clifton is a former diplomat and served as British
Ambassador
the United States. He served
subsequently as Deputy Chairman of the merchant bank Robert Fleming,
then for fifteen years as Vice Chairman of J.P. Morgan Europe. He has
served on many boards including BHP Billiton, Fluor Corporation,
SABMiller, British Airways and Harmony Gold. He is currently Chairman of
the Advisory Board of Stonehage Fleming and Senior Adviser to
Richemont and Appian Capital.
300,000 fully paid Ordinary Shares
Louis Loubser is a B Comm graduate with an MBA cum laude, both from
Stellenbosch University. He also holds a certificate in international quarry
management from the University of Derby in the UK. From 2018 to 2022
Louis was chief executive at the Mooiplaats Colliery. Previously Louis led
the due diligence and acquisition of Glen Douglas Mine, SA Block and
Clinker and Infrasors Holdings for Afrimat Limited, where he was head of
business development, prior to being appointed Managing Director of
Infrasors, a position he held from 2013 to 2018.
Interest in Ordinary Shares
and Options
None
Linda Beal
Non-executive Director
(appointed 26 November 2018)
Linda Beal is a Chartered Accountant and was a partner at PwC for sixteen
years. She provided tax advice to natural resources clients on many
transactions including IPOs, mergers and group restructurings. She was
partner at Grant Thornton for two years to June 2016 where she led the
global energy and natural resources group. Linda is currently non-
executive director at Orca Energy Group Inc and i3 Energy Plc.
Interest in Ordinary Shares
and Options
None
Michael (Mike) Daigle
Non-executive Director
(appointed 26 November 2018)
Mike Daigle is a chemical engineer by qualification and has 40 years of
experience in the phosphate fertilizer industry. He worked at the Mosaic
Company from 2004 until 2016 where he served as a senior Director
responsible for Research and Development, Production Planning and
Business Development in the Phosphates Group, and was also in charge
of Mosaic’s Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia. Mike also served as VP
Operations for IMC Phosphates, and worked for Cargill Fertilizer and
Occidental Chemical. He is now a consultant to the Phosphate Industry,
where he provides expertise in phosphate mining, fertilizer production,
business development, as well as mergers and acquisitions.
Interest in Ordinary Shares
and Options
None
Gerrit Duminy
Non-executive Director
(appointed 16 September 2022)
Gerrit Duminy is a qualified Chartered Accountant (SA) and a CFA Charter
holder with over six years of experience in corporate finance and deals. He
is currently employed as a deal executive at African Rainbow Capital. As a
part of his responsibilities, he serves as a director on several of the ARC
Fund’s portfolio company boards where he actively tries to unlock growth
and synergistic value. As a deal manager, Gerrit has oversight
responsibility for the valuations of the R20bn investment portfolio. He also
is responsible for the identification, analysis and execution of new
investment opportunities. As one of seven deals executives at ARC, Gerrit
29
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
has portfolio and investment management responsibilities for a portion of
the investment portfolio.
Interest in Ordinary Shares
and Options
None
Michael (Mike) Nunn
Non-executive Director
(appointed 26 November 2018)
Interest in Ordinary Shares
and Options
Directors’ service contracts
Mike Nunn is a South African mining entrepreneur and investor. Mike has
founded and developed various businesses, primarily in and related to the
mining industry in Africa. Mike is widely recognised as being the pioneer of
the global tanzanite industry and was the founder of TanzaniteOne.
Subsequent to his involvement in tanzanite, Mike established Amari in
2005, where he developed multiple mining businesses in various sub-
Saharan African countries. These businesses included diamonds, gold,
nickel, platinum, coal, manganese and mining engineering services.
Mike established Kropz Elandsfontein with the objective of developing a
world class fertilizer business with a sub-Saharan African focus. Mike has
more than 25 years of mining experience.
54,933,474 fully paid Ordinary Shares
The CEO is employed on an ongoing basis, which may be terminated by either party giving six months’ notice.
Non-executive Directors were appointed for an initial term of one year in 2018. During 2019 the terms were
amended and the non-executive appointments were extended, until terminated by either party on three
months’ notice.
Indemnifying Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Directors of the Company, against all liabilities to another person
that may arise from their position as Directors of the Company and the Group, except where the liability arises
out of conduct involving a lack of good faith.
Appropriate insurance cover is maintained by the Company in respect of its Directors and officers. During the
financial period the Company agreed to pay an annual insurance premium of US$ 82,057 (2021:
US$ 128,397) in respect of Directors’ and officers’ liability and legal expenses insurance contracts, for
Directors, officers and employees of the Company.
The insurance premium relates to cover for:
Costs and expenses incurred by the relevant officers in defending proceedings, whether civil or criminal and
whatever the outcome; and
Liabilities that may arise from their position, with the exception of conduct involving a wilful breach of duty.
Share dealing code
The Company has adopted a share dealing code for Directors and applicable employees (within the meaning
given in the AIM Rules for Companies) in order to ensure compliance with Rule 21 of the AIM Rules for
Companies and the provisions of the Market Abuse Regulations (“MAR”) relating to dealings in the Company’s
securities. The Board considers that the share dealing code is appropriate for a company whose shares are
admitted to trading on AIM.
30
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Remuneration report
This remuneration report sets out information about the remuneration of Kropz’s key management personnel
for the year ended 31 December 2022. The term ‘key management personnel’ (“KMP”) refers to those persons
having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group, directly or
indirectly, including any Director (whether executive or otherwise) of the Group. The prescribed details for
each person covered by this report are detailed below under the following headings:
Key terms of employment contracts and remuneration of KMP;
KMP of the Company and Group;
Remuneration policy;
Non-executive Director arrangements;
KMP remuneration; and
Share-based payments (“SBP”) granted as compensation to KMPs.
The report of the Remuneration Committee is on pages 58 to 59.
KMP of the Company and the Group
This report details the nature and amount of remuneration for the key management personnel of the Group.
The KMP during the year were:
Executive Directors
Louis Loubser
Mark Summers
Non-executive Directors
Chief Executive Officer (appointed 16 January 2023)
Chief Executive Officer and company secretary (appointed 10 January
2018 as CFO and appointed as CEO on 4 August 2020, resigned 16
January 2023)
Lord Robin Renwick of Clifton Non-executive Chairman (appointed 26 November 2018)
Linda Beal
Mike Daigle
Mike Nunn
Gerrit Duminy
Machiel Reyneke
Non-executive Director (appointed 26 November 2018)
Non-executive Director (appointed 26 November 2018)
Non-executive Director (appointed 26 November 2018)
Non-executive Director (appointed 14 September 2022)
Non-executive Director (appointed 26 November 2018, resigned 14
September 2022)
Executives of the Company, Kropz Elandsfontein and Cominco Resources Limited
Michelle Lawrence
Mark Maynard
Patrick Stevenaert
Remuneration policy
Chief Operating Officer (appointed 13 January 2014, resigned
31 December 2022)
Chief Operating Officer (appointed 31 December 2022)
Managing Director – Cominco Resources (appointed 10 March 2017)
The remuneration policy of the Company has been designed to align Director and executive objectives with
shareholder and business objectives by providing a fixed remuneration component and offering specific long-
term incentives based on key performance areas affecting the Group’s financial results. The Remuneration
Committee makes recommendations to the Board in relation to the composition of the Board, the appointment
of the CEO and succession planning, and remuneration for Directors and senior executives. The Board
endeavours with its remuneration policy to attract and retain high calibre executives and Directors to run and
manage the Group within the constraints of the financial position of the Group.
31
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
The remuneration policy, setting the terms and conditions for the executive Directors and other senior
executives, was developed by the Board. All executives receive a base salary. The Board reviews executive
packages annually by reference to the Group’s performance, executive performance and comparable
information from industry sectors and other listed companies in similar industries.
The Board may exercise discretion in relation to approving incentives, bonuses and options. The policy is
designed to attract and retain high calibre executives and reward them for performance that results in long-
term growth in shareholder wealth. Executives may also be entitled to participate in the employee share and
option arrangements.
The Board policy is to remunerate non-executive Directors at market rates for comparable companies for time,
commitment and responsibilities. The Board determines payments to the non-executive Directors and reviews
their remuneration annually, based on market practice, duties and accountability. Independent external advice
is sought when required. During the 31 December 2018 period, independent external advice was sought on
appropriate remuneration of Directors to better reflect market practice for comparable companies listed on
AIM. Fees for non-executive Directors are not linked to the performance of the Group. However, to align
Directors’ interests with shareholder interests, the Directors are encouraged to hold shares in the Company.
The Board adopted the Kropz executive long term incentive plan aiming to create a stronger link between
employee performance and reward and increasing shareholder value by enabling the participants of the plan
to have a greater involvement with, and share in the future growth and profitability of the Company.
Key terms of employment contracts and remuneration of KMP
Key terms of employment contracts for the financial year ending 31 December 2022:
Name
Mark Summers (CEO) (i)
Michelle Lawrence (COO) (ii)
Patrick Stevenaert (Managing
Director of Cominco Resources)
Base
remuneration
ZAR 3,227,653 and
GBP 88,349
ZAR 3,828,230 and
GBP 66,861
EUR 148,872
Base
remuneration
US$ *
305,937
Term of
agreement
Notice
period
No fixed term
6 months
316,155
No fixed term
3 months
156,543
No fixed term
1 month
* Converted to US$ at the 31 December 2022 GBP exchange rate of 0.812, ZAR exchange rate of 16.373 and EUR exchange rate of
0.951.
(i)
(ii)
Mark Summers was appointed as Chief Executive Officer on 4 August 2020 and resigned 16 January 2023.
Michelle Lawrence was the Chief Operating Officer of Kropz Elandsfontein and resigned end of 2022.
Key terms of employment contracts for the financial year ending 31 December 2021:
Name
Mark Summers (CEO)
Michelle Lawrence (COO)
Jan Steenkamp (non-executive
Director of Kropz Elandsfontein)
Patrick Stevenaert (Managing
Director of Cominco Resources)
Base
remuneration
ZAR 2,816,327 and
GBP 77,869
ZAR 2,188,722 and
GBP 48,745
ZAR 25,000 per
working day
EUR 148,872
Base
remuneration
US$ *
297,528
Term of
agreement
Notice
period
No fixed term
6 months
215,035
No fixed term
3 months
1,690 per
working day
176,026
No fixed term
1 month
No fixed term
1 month
Since the end of 2021 Jan Steenkamp is no longer that closely involved with the day-to-day activities.
32
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
* Converted to US$ at the 31 December 2021 GBP exchange rate of 0.727, ZAR exchange rate of 14.789 and EUR exchange rate of
0.846.
Non-executive Director arrangements
Non-executive Directors receive a Board fee and fees for chairing Board committees (see table below). They
do not receive performance-based pay or retirement allowances but do receive additional fees for chairing
Board committees.
Fees are reviewed annually by the Board taking into account comparable roles and market data provided by
the Board’s independent remuneration adviser. The current base annual fees were set with effect from
26 November 2018 and remained unchanged (other than as noted below) during the 2021 and 2022 financial
years:
Chairman
Non-executive Director
Additional Fees:
Audit, Sustainability and Risk Committee – chairperson (Linda Beal)
Audit, Sustainability and Risk Committee – member
Remuneration and Nomination Committee – chairperson (Lord Robin
Renwick)
Remuneration and Nomination Committee – member
* Converted to US$ at the 31 December 2022 exchange rate of 0.812.
Base fees per
annum
GBP
40,000
30,000
Base fees
per annum
US$*
49,261
36,946
5,000
-
-
-
6,158
-
-
-
All non-executive Directors enter into a letter of appointment with the Company. The letter summarises the
Board’s policies and terms, including remuneration, relevant to the office of Director. Directors with special
responsibilities are disclosed within the various committee reports in the Corporate Governance Report.
Mike Daigle’s non-executive Director fees increased to GBP48,000 (US$ 59,113) per annum with effect from
1 January 2021.
KMP remuneration
The remuneration for each Director and KMP of the Group during the year to 31 December 2022 was as
follows:
Short-term benefits
Name
Executive Directors
Mark Summers (iii)
Non-executive Directors
Lord Robin Renwick
Linda Beal
Mike Daigle
Gerrit Duminy (iv)
Machiel Reyneke (iv) (v)
Mike Nunn (v)
Total Directors’
remuneration
Remuneration (i)
US$*
Bonus
US$*
Options (ii)
US$*
330,340
330,340
49,292
47,689
59,150
-
-
-
156,131
486,471
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(185,750)
(185,750)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
US$*
144,590
144,590
49,292
47,689
59,150
-
-
-
156,131
(185,750)
300,721
33
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Executives
Michelle Lawrence (iii)
Patrick Stevenaert
333,171
158,586
491,757
-
31,541
31,541
(93,829)
17,139
(76,690)
239,342
207,266
446,608
* Converted to US$ at the 31 December 2022 GBP exchange rate of 0.812, ZAR exchange rate of ZAR 16.373 and EUR
exchange rate of 0.951.
Includes UK NIC, UK payroll tax and pension.
(i)
(ii) Options as share-based payment arrangements under the ESOP, LTIP and other schemes are expensed over the
vesting period. Mark Summers and Michelle Lawrence resigned and therefore their options are forfeited and were
credited to profit and loss.
(iii) Mark Summers and Michelle Lawrence resigned on 31 December 2022.
(iv) Machiel Reyneke resigned on 16 September 2022 and Gerrit Duminy was appointed on 16 September 2022.
(v) Machiel Reyneke, Gerrit Duminy and Mike Nunn receive no Director fees.
The remuneration for each Director and KMP of the Group during the year to 31 December 2021 was as
follows:
Short-term benefits
Name
Executive Directors
Mark Summers
Non-executive Directors
Lord Robin Renwick
Linda Beal
Mike Daigle
Machiel Reyneke (iii)
Mike Nunn (iii)
Total Directors’
remuneration
Executives
Jan Steenkamp
Michelle Lawrence
Patrick Stevenaert
Remuneration (i)
US$*
Bonus
US$*
Options (ii)
US$*
310,631
310,631
55,012
53,101
66,014
-
-
174,127
232,108
232,108
277,814
277,814
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
US$*
820,553
820,553
55,012
53,101
66,014
-
-
174,127
484,758
232,108
277,814
994,680
60,011
222,611
176,026
458,648
-
153,961
-
153,961
-
243,618
91,220
334,838
60,011
620,190
267,246
947,447
* Converted to US$ at the 31 December 2021 GBP exchange rate of 0.727, ZAR exchange rate of ZAR 14.789 and EUR
exchange rate of 0.846.
Includes UK NIC, UK payroll tax and pension.
(i)
(ii) Options as share-based payment arrangements under the ESOP, LTIP and other schemes are expensed over the
vesting period, which includes the years to which they relate and their subsequent vesting periods.
(iii) Machiel Reyneke and Mike Nunn receive no Director fees.
SBP granted as compensation to KMP
Employee Share Option Plan and Long-Term Incentive Plan
Kropz operates an ownership-based scheme for executives and senior employees of the Group. In
accordance with the provisions of the plans, executives and senior employees may be granted options to
34
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
purchase parcels of ordinary shares at an exercise price determined by the Board based on a recommendation
by the Remuneration Committee.
The following plans have been adopted by the Company:
An executive share option plan which was used to grant awards on Admission of the Company to AIM (the
“ESOP Awards”) – a performance and service-related plan pursuant to which nominal-cost options can be
granted; and
An executive long-term incentive plan (the “LTIP Awards”) – a performance and service-related plan pursuant
to which conditional share awards, nominal-cost options and market value options can be granted (together,
the “Incentive Plans”).
The incentive plans will be used to recruit, retain and incentivise key executives and employees. The ESOP
Awards were used to grant awards on Admission. The LTIP Awards have been used to grant awards following
Admission and will be the main incentive plan used to grant awards following Admission.
Each ESOP and LTIP Award converts into one ordinary share of Kropz upon exercise. No amounts are paid
or payable by the recipient on receipt of the option, aside from when the option is exercised, in which event a
nominal amount per ordinary share is payable by the recipient. The options carry neither rights to dividends
nor voting rights. Options may be exercised from time to time as stipulated in the award conditions prior to
their expiry. Each employee performance right will be converted into one ordinary share of Kropz upon vesting
conditions being met. No amounts are paid or payable by the recipient on receipt of the performance rights.
The performance rights carry neither rights to dividends nor voting rights.
The options granted expire as determined by the Board based on a recommendation by the Remuneration
Committee, or immediately following the resignation of the executive or senior employee, whichever is the
earlier.
Summary information for options as SBP arrangements in existence at 31 December 2022
LTIP Awards
As announced on 4 August 2020, 6,700,000 LTIP Awards were awarded to a Director and senior
management. Of this total, 2,350,000 LTIP Awards were granted to each of Mark Summers and Michelle
Lawrence and 1,000,000 to Patrick Stevenaert. These performance conditions which related to the initial
commissioning of Elandsfontein, the completion of the Hinda Updated FS and being in employment at
31 December 2021 were considered by the Remuneration Committee based on a recommendation from the
non-executive director of Kropz Elandsfontein that the Elandsfontein performance conditions had been met
and the LTIP Awards vested on 31 December 2021. Consequently, 6,700,000 ordinary shares were issued
on 24 January 2022, at an exercise price £0.001 an ordinary share, in the Company.
As announced on 2 July 2021, 7,800,000 LTIP Awards were awarded to a Director and senior management.
Of this total, 2,400,000 LTIP Awards were granted to each of Mark Summers and Michelle Lawrence and
900,000 to Patrick Stevenaert. The LTIP options will vest on various dates from 30 June 2022 to 31 December
2024, subject to the terms of the LTIP Plan Rules (as set out in the Company’s Admission Document),
including financial and non-financial performance conditions. Mark Summers and Michelle Lawrence resigned
and therefore forfeited their options.
These LTIP Awards have performance conditions aligned to implementing the Company’s strategic plans,
including appropriate weightings on the successful commissioning and ramp-up of the Elandsfontein project,
completion of the development plan, fund raising and construction of the Hinda project.
35
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
The LTIP Awards are £0.001priced options over a total of 3,000,000 ordinary shares are outstanding at
31 December 2022 and represent 0.3% of the Company’s issued share capital at 31 December 2022.
Participants of the LTIP Awards need to remain employed by Kropz in order to exercise awards.
The Remuneration Committee will determine whether the performance condition has been met and to the
extent performance conditions have not been achieved on or before the fifth anniversary of the date of grant.
LTIP Awards were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model and are to be expensed over the respective
vesting periods, being 17 months for LTIP Awards.
ESOP Awards
ESOP options outstanding at 31 December 2021 were as follows:
Name
Expiry date
Exercise price (pence)
Mark Summers
Michelle Lawrence
28 November 2028
28 November 2028
0.1
0.1
Number of ESOP
Awards
3,362,609
1,465,137
4,827,746
During the financial year ended 31 December 2022, no ESOP Awards were issued as SBP.
Mark Summers and Michelle Lawrence resigned and therefore forfeit their options. Consequently, no ESOP
Awards are outstanding at 31 December 2022.
Shareholdings (ordinary shares)
The numbers of ordinary shares in the Company held during the financial year by KMP, including shares held
by entities they control, are set out below.
Name
Mike Nunn (i)
Robin Renwick
Mark Summers
Michelle
Lawrence
Patrick
Stevenaert
Balance –
1 January
2022
54,933,474
300,000
414,889
-
-
Received as
remuneration
Options
exercised
Other
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,350,000
2,350,000
1,000,000
Balance –
31 December
2022
54,933,474
300,000
2,764,889
2,350,000
1,000,000
-
-
-
-
-
(i)
Mike Nunn’s beneficial interest in Ordinary Shares is held through Kropz International.
The numbers of ordinary shares in the Company held during the year ended 31 December 2021 by KMP,
including shares held by entities they control, are set out below.
Name
Mike Nunn (i)
Robin Renwick
Mark Summers
Balance –
1 January
2021
54,933,474
300,000
414,889
Received as
remuneration
Options
exercised
Other
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balance –
31 December
2021
54,933,474
300,000
414,889
-
-
-
36
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Other than as indicated above, no other KMP held any ordinary shares in the Company during the financial
year.
Holdings of equity warrants over equity instruments
During the year ended 31 December 2020, 121,837 warrants were issued to H&P Advisory Limited. These
warrants were issued at 6.75 pence per ordinary share and expired on 4 August 2022.
Other transactions with KMP during the year ended 31 December 2022
No KMP has entered into a material contract (apart from employment contracts) with the Company and the
Group. No amount of remuneration is outstanding at 31 December 2022.
There were no other transactions with KMP and related parties.
Substantial shareholdings
The Directors are aware of the following substantial interests or holdings in 3% or more of the Company’s
ordinary shares as at 26 July 2023.
Major Shareholder
ARC
Kropz International
No of Shares
768,339,330
54,933,474
Percentage of
Issued Share
Capital *
83.2%
5.9%
* Issued share capital – 923,718,223 ordinary shares at 31 December 2022
Statement of disclosure of information to auditors
As at the date of this report the serving Directors confirm that:
So far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are
unaware; and
They have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as Directors in order to make themselves aware
of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.
Dialogue with Shareholders
All investors
The Board attaches great importance to providing shareholders with clear and transparent information on the
Group's activities, strategy and financial position. General communication with shareholders is co-ordinated
by the Chairman and/or CEO. In addition, the independent Directors provide a further avenue for engagement
with investors.
The Company publishes on its website the following information, which the Board believes plays an important
part in presenting all shareholders with an assessment of the Group’s position and prospects:
•
•
•
•
•
Updated investor presentations;
The Company’s most up to date technical reports on each of its projects;
All annual and interim financial statements going back to the Company’s original inception in 2018;
All Company press releases issued under the RNS service going back to the IPO on AIM in 2018;
Details on the proxy voting results of all resolutions put to a vote at the most recent AGM; and
37
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
•
Contact details including a dedicated email address info@kropz.com through which investors can contact
the Company.
The Company’s AGM was held on 30 June 2023. The AGM was held at the offices of Memery Crystal, 165
Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2DY.
Institutional investors
In general, the Board maintains a regular dialogue with its major institutional investors, providing them with
such information on the Company’s progress as is permitted within the guidelines of the AIM rules, MAR and
requirements of the relevant legislation. The Company typically holds meetings with institutional investors and
other large shareholders following the release of interim and year-end financial results.
The Company has had increased contact with both current and prospective institutional shareholders as part
of the fund-raising initiatives during the year under review.
Private investors
The Company acknowledges that the majority of its private investors hold their shares via nominee
shareholders and may not be able to fully exploit their shareholder rights effectively. Accordingly, the Company
is committed to engaging with all shareholders and not just institutional shareholders.
As the Company is too small to have a dedicated investor relations department, the CEO is responsible for
reviewing all communications received from shareholders and determining the most appropriate response.
The CEO works in conjunction with the Company’s PR advisers to facilitate engagement with its shareholders.
Board review
The Board as a whole is kept informed of the views and concerns of major shareholders by briefings from the
CEO, Chairman and the Company’s broker. Any significant investment reports from analysts are also
circulated to the Board.
Going concern
During the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group incurred a loss of US$ 97.8 million (2021: US$ 18.3
million) after impairment losses and experienced net cash outflows from operating activities. Cash and cash
equivalents totalled US$ 2.1 million as at 31 December 2022 (2021: US$ 2.5 million).
Elandsfontein is currently the Group’s only source of operating revenue. As Elandsfontein is still busy ramping
up its operations an operating loss is therefore also expected in the year following the date of these accounts.
The Group is consequently dependent on future fundraisings to meet any production costs, overheads, future
development and exploration requirements and quarterly repayments on the BNP loan that cannot be met
from existing cash resources and sales revenue.
The Company did not reach project completion as stipulated in the BNP facility agreement by 31 December
2022. Considering the delay in achieving sales, the Company also failed to fund the debt service reserve
account as required. BNP have, to date, waived these requirements, preventing the Company from falling in
default of its loan terms, by means of several waivers since December 2022 to 30 September 2023.
At the end of the waiver period, the bank has the contractual right to request the immediate repayment of the
outstanding loan amount of US$ 18,750,000. Management is in the process of refinancing the loan and
expects that a replacement loan will be in place in the third quarter of 2023.
38
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Operational cash flows and impairment loss
An impairment loss of US$ 92.7 million has been recognised as at 31 December 2022 in relation to the
Elandsfontein mine based on the 5-year forecast and the latest life of mine (LOM) plans following the
downgrade of the resource per an updated MRE as announced on 10 January 2023 and set out in the Strategic
report. Please refer to Note 25 for some key assumptions and sensitivity analysis. The recoverable amount
of the Elandsfontein mine was estimated based on discounted cashflows expected to be generated from the
continued use of the cash generating unit (CGU) using market-based commodity prices and exchange rate
assumptions, estimated quantities of recoverable minerals, production levels, operating costs and capital
requirements and its eventual disposal based on the CGU’s 5 year and latest LOM plans. These calculations
include a number of estimates which if the actual outcome were different could have a significant impact on
the financial outcome of the Elandsfontein mine operations and the Group’s funding needs.
The going concern assessment was performed using the Group’s 18-month forecast. The Group’s going
concern and forecast cash flows are largely driven by Elandsfontein, as the Group’s only operating asset.
Elandsfontein’s forecast cashflows are based on its updated mine plan, considering the downgrade of the
resource per an updated MRE as announced on 10 January 2023 and set out in the Strategic report and
utilises the model which was used for impairment purposes. Please refer to Note 25 for some key assumptions
and sensitivity analysis.
Elandsfontein's forecast cashflows were estimated using market-based commodity prices, exchange rate
assumptions, estimated quantities of recoverable minerals, production levels, operating costs and capital
requirements over an 18-month period. As with the impairment assessment, the going concern assessment
only considered Elandsfontein’s resources defined as “measured” and “indicated” per the updated MRE. The
resource classified as “inferred” was not considered part of the mine plan for purposes of the going concern
and impairment assessments.
The forecast cashflows include a number of estimates which if the actual outcome were different could have
a significant impact on the financial outcome of the Elandsfontein mine operations and the Group’s funding
needs.
The 18-month forecast assumes the refinancing of the BNP loan facility in September 2023.
The critical estimates in the LOM plan and forecast cashflows expected to be generated are as follows:
Phosphate rock prices and grade;
Phosphate recoveries;
Operating costs;
Discount rates.
Foreign exchange rates; and
The going concern assessment and forecast cashflows are highly sensitive to these estimates.
Phosphate rock prices and grade: Forecast phosphate rock prices are based on management’s estimates of
quality of production and selling price and are derived from forward price curves and long-term views of global
supply and demand in a changing environment, particularly with respect to climate risk, building on past
experience of the industry and consistent with external sources.
The first bulk shipment and sale of 33,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate from Kropz Elandsfontein
occurred in January 2023. A second shipment and sale of 20,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate from Kropz
Elandsfontein was recorded 14 March 2023. During April 2023 two bulk sales were achieved of 33,000 tonnes
and 11,000 tonnes respectively. A further sale of 33,000 tonnes was recorded in June 2023.
Kropz is a new entrant to the phosphate market and has to date sold its shipments at a discount to market
prices as it firstly establishes itself in the market and secondly works to improve its product grade.
39
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
In relation to pricing, the most significant judgement in the LOM plan and cashflow forecast is that Kropz will
be able to obtain the market price for its 31% P2O5 phosphate concentrate for all shipments from beginning of
2024. The cashflow model assumes a discount to the prevailing market price for 31% P2O5 phosphate
concentrate for the period up to April 2023 largely due to variability in the grade of Elandsfontein’s product
being produced during its ramp-up phase and considering that Elandsfontein is a new market entrant. The
ability to achieve market rates on sales is largely dependent on Elandsfontein’s ability to consistently produce
31% P2O5 concentrate. Failing this, the Group may continue to suffer a discount to market rates. Estimated
phosphate rock prices that have been used to estimate future revenues in the LOM are as follows:
Assumptions
Phosphate rock per tonne
2023
$140
2024
$159
Long term
(2025+)
$164
Phosphate recoveries: The production volumes incorporated into the LOM model were 2.8 million tonnes of
phosphate rock. Estimated production volumes are based on detailed LOM plans of the measured and
indicated resource as defined in the MRE, and take into account development plans for the mine agreed by
management as part of the long-term planning process. Production volumes are dependent on a number of
variables, such as: the recoverable quantities; the production profile; the cost of the development of the
infrastructure necessary to extract the reserves; the production costs; the contractual duration of mining rights;
and the selling price of the commodities extracted.
Estimated production volumes have been used to estimate future revenues. Such estimates made within the
impairment assessment are subject to significant uncertainty given the ongoing ramp up, and production
volumes achieved subsequent to the year end have been lower than expected.
There was a delay in ramp-up largely driven by the need to re-engineer parts of the fine flotation circuit
proposed by the vendor, but it has also been affected by early unpredicted ore variability and lack of operator
experience. Mining rates and associated delivery of ore to the plant were also compromised due to the
presence of competent banks of hard material within the orebody that were previously unknown. This
hardbank material could, at the time, not be mined with the available equipment on site, resulting in mining
delays while the required equipment for mechanical breaking could be brought to site.
Subsequently the vendor has provided design changes which were implemented at the plant, additional
operator training was conducted and a mobile crusher implemented in the interim to facilitate the crushing of
the affected ore to an appropriate size fraction until further test work has been conducted for a permanent
solution. Several alternatives to deal with the indurated material in the pit were investigated, and new
equipment has arrived on site to improve the mining efficiency and facilitate adequate feed to the plant.
Post year-end, Elandsfontein has produced 100,000 tonnes from January 2023 to June 2023. Given the slower
actual ramp-up compared to the LOM plan, the forecast cashflow assumes that production will ramp up to an
average of 34,000 tonnes per month in 2H 2023. With the ramp-up of the Elandsfontein mine still underway
and the challenges experienced to date, it is uncertain whether these production volumes will be achieved.
Reserves and resources: The LOM plan includes only the measured and indicated resources as defined in
the MRE which represents only around 4 years of forecast production. There was a significant reduction in
the measured and indicated resource in the MRE issued in December 2022 as set out in the Strategic report.
The Directors believe that the inferred resources in the MRE are capable of being accessed giving a mine life
of around 15 years, but this has not been taken into account in the discounted cashflows.
Exchange rates: Foreign exchange rates are estimated with reference to external market forecasts. The
assumed long-term US dollar/ZAR exchange rate over LOM is estimated to be ZAR19/USD and for the
forecast cashflows to be ZAR18.50/USD.
40
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Operating cost: Operating costs are estimated with reference to contractual and actual current costs adjusted
for inflation. Key operating cost estimates are mine and plant operating costs and transportation and port
costs.
Mine and plant operating costs: The forecast mine and plant costs were based on the contracted rates with
the current mine and plant operators.
Port costs: The Group has a draft port access agreement with Transnet for Saldanha port but this has not yet
been signed. The Group has paid guest port charges for Saldanha for the shipments in 2023 to date, which
are higher than the assumed port cost in the LOM model but in line with the draft agreement with Transnet.
Transportation costs: Transnet has informed the Group that it may have to export some shipments through
Cape Town in 2023 and 2024 which would lead of higher transportation cost to Cape Town. The transportation
costs in the discounted cashflows assume that 10% of 2023 and 2024 shipments are through Cape Town at
the higher logistic cost.
As production is still ramping up and the port access agreement with Transnet has not yet been signed, the
actual operating costs may be higher than the estimates in the discounted cash flows.
Discount rates: A discount rate of 12.59% was applied to the discounted cash flows used in the LOM plan.
This discount rate is derived from the Group’s post-tax weighted average cost of capital (WACC), with
appropriate adjustments made to reflect the risks specific to the CGU and to determine the pre-tax rate. The
WACC takes into account both debt and equity. The cost of equity is derived from the expected return on
investment by the Group’s investors. The cost of debt is based on its interest-bearing borrowings the Group
is obliged to service. Specific risk is incorporated by applying beta factors. The beta factors are evaluated
annually based on publicly available market data.
There is a risk that revenue is lower and operating costs are higher than the estimates included in the
discounted cashflows with the result that the recoverable amount from the Elandsfontein mine is lower than
the discounted cashflows. Please also see Note 25 Impairment losses for sensitivity analysis.
Funding
The Group is consequently dependent on future fundraisings to meet any production costs, overheads, future
development and exploration requirements and quarterly repayments on the BNP loan that cannot be met
from existing cash resources and sales revenue.
ARC Fund, on various occasions in the past provided funding to support the Group’s operations. In May 2022,
Kropz secured a further ZAR equity facility of up to ZAR 177 million from ARC Fund to be used exclusively for
the purposes of bringing the Elandsfontein project to first revenues, given a slower ramp-up in operations than
originally envisaged. More recently, as announced on 14 March 2023, Kropz, Kropz Elandsfontein and the
ARC Fund agreed to further ZAR 285 million (approximately US$ 15.5 million) bridge loan facilities to meet
immediate cash requirements at Kropz Elandsfontein. A first draw down of ZAR 25 million (approximately
US$ 1.4 million) on this was made on 14 March 2023. The loan is unsecured, repayable on demand, with no
fixed repayment terms and is repayable by Kropz Elandsfontein on no less than two business days’ notice.
Interest is payable at the South African prime overdraft interest rate plus 6%, nominal per annum and
compounded monthly. A second draw down for an amount of ZAR 90 million was made on 28 March 2023
and a third drawdown of ZAR 30 million was made on 25 April 2023. A fourth drawdown of ZAR 80 million
was made on 23 June 2023 for Kropz Elandsfontein to be able to service its quarterly payment of interest and
capital to BNP Paribas. ZAR 60 million remains undrawn at the date of this report. Given that BNP Paribas is
exiting South Africa, the Group was unable to refinance the existing loan with them. Considering their position,
BNP has been supportive of the refinancing strategy and has waived the requirement on the Company to
reach project completion at Elandsfontein as well as to fund the debt service reserve account consecutively
since December 2022 to 30 September 2023. Kropz Elandsfontein has made all the capital and interest
payments to BNP as required to the date of this report.
41
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
A further funding shortfall is expected in the year subsequent to the date of these accounts and as a result the
Group will need to raise funding to provide additional working capital to finance its ongoing activities.
Management has successfully raised money in the past from its supportive major shareholder, but there is no
guarantee that adequate funds will be available if needed in the future. Management has confirmed with ARC
and have sufficient comfort that they have no intention to call any outstanding loans over the next 12-months
for cash repayment. Management engages frequently with BNP regarding the capital repayment and
refinancing of the BNP debt facility. Significant progress has been made with the refinancing of the BNP loan
facility and Management, at the date of this report, are in advance discussions with several investors to provide
the required funding to repay the BNP debt facility.
Going concern basis
Based on the Group’s current available reserves, recent operational performance, forecast production and
sales coupled with Management’s track record to successfully raise additional funds as and when required, to
meet its working capital and capital expenditure requirements, the Board have concluded that they have a
reasonable expectation that the Group will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and at
least to December 2024.
For these reasons, the financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which
contemplates the continuity of normal business activities and the realisation of assets and discharge of
liabilities in the normal course of business.
As there can be no guarantee that the required future funding can be raised in the necessary timeframe, a
material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern
and therefore it may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.
The financial report does not include adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded
asset amounts or to the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Group not
continue as a going concern.
Subsequent events
Disclosures in relation to events after 31 December 2022 are shown in Note 34 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
This Directors Report was approved by the Board of Directors.
Louis Loubser
Chief Executive Officer
28 July 2023
42
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Corporate Governance Report
The Company is registered in England and Wales and listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
Introduction
The Board is committed to the principles of good corporate governance and to maintaining high standards and
best practice of corporate governance. The Directors have developed corporate governance practices which
are suitable for the size and nature of the Company and have adopted the Quoted Companies Alliance
Corporate Governance Code (2018 Edition) (the “Code”). The Directors also note that with effect from
28 September 2018, all AIM companies must provide details on their website and in their Annual Report of
the recognised corporate governance code that the Company has decided to apply, how it complies with that
Code and, where it departs from this, an explanation of the reasons for doing so. To the extent that the
Company departs from any of the provisions of the Code it will provide details on its website (www.kropz.com)
as required.
The Chairman is responsible for leading the Board to ensure that Kropz has in place the strategy, people,
structure and culture to deliver value to shareholders and other stakeholders of the Group over the medium
to long term. The Board is conscious that the corporate governance environment is constantly evolving and
the charters and policies under which it operates its business are monitored and amended as required.
The Code sets out ten principles and we have outlined below the Group’s application of the Code.
The Board considers that the Company has complied, from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022, with all the
provisions of the Code except as follows:
The Remuneration Committee comprises the Chairman as the chairperson of the committee, one
independent non-executive Director and two non-independent non-executive Directors. The Chairman is
considered suitable to fulfil this position considering the size of the Board and the Company and his prior
experience;
Gerrit Duminy, a non-independent non-executive Director is on the Audit, Sustainability and Risk Committee
in view of his financial experience and experience on other company audit committees; and
No formal assessment of the Board performance has been carried to date. This will be done in the 2023
financial year.
The following section provides an explanation as to why the Company has departed from certain guidelines.
Establish a strategy and business model to promote long-term value for shareholders
The Board has set out the vision for Kropz for the medium to long term. The Board is responsible for
formulating, reviewing and approving the Group’s strategy, budgets and corporate actions. The Company
holds Board meetings at least three times each financial year and at other times as and when required.
Detailed disclosure on the Company’s business model and strategy is disclosed on the Company’s website
and in the Strategic Report on page 13.
Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations
Kropz has a Board with experience in understanding the needs and expectations of its shareholder base. It
supplements this with professional advisers including public relations, nominated adviser and brokers who
provide advice and recommendations in various areas of its communications with shareholders. Kropz
engages with its shareholders through its website which has been designed as a hub to provide information
to shareholders and provides regular updates to the market via the Regulatory News Service.
43
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Corporate Governance Report (continued)
The Company does not currently have a dedicated investor relations role. The CEO and COO are responsible
for this function currently. The Board feels that this is appropriate given the size and stage of development of
the Company.
Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and their implications for long-term
success
Key resources and relationships on which the business relies are its customers, workforce, suppliers,
shareholders, local community and elements of the regulatory framework.
Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns they may have with relevant management. Grievance
mechanisms are in place for employees.
Feedback from potential customers is at present informal. The Company will contact customers on an ad hoc
basis once sales commence and provide verbal feedback where necessary to senior management.
Engagement with the local community is carried out at site, by means of monthly meetings with the established
Community Forums. Grievance mechanisms are in place for the community, with Company contact details
displayed at site access points.
Feedback from regulators is provided via the regular framework of reporting and inspections that are carried
out.
Stakeholder identification and engagement is set out in the Section 172 statement contained in the Strategic
Report.
Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats, throughout the
organisation
Kropz recognises that risk is inherent in all of its business activities. Its risks can have a financial, operational
or reputational impact. A summary of the key risks is set out in the Strategic Report on pages 14 to 19. The
Company’s system of risk identification, supported by established governance controls, ensures it effectively
responds to such risks, whilst acting ethically and with integrity for the benefit of all its stakeholders.
The Company’s key internal controls procedures are:
Prioritised risk register - risks are evaluated to establish root causes, financial and non-financial impacts and
likelihood of occurrence. Consideration of risk impact and likelihood is taken into account to determine which
of the risks should be considered as a principal risk. The effectiveness and adequacy of mitigating controls
are assessed. If additional controls are required, these are identified and responsibilities assigned. The
Company’s management is responsible for monitoring the progress of actions to mitigate key risks. Key risks
are reported to the Audit, Sustainability and Risk Committee and at least once a year to the full Board;
Preparation of annual cash flow projections for approval by the Board and ongoing review of expenditure and
cash flows;
Establishment of appropriate cash flow management and treasury policies for the management of liquidity,
currency and credit risk on financial assets and liabilities;
Regular management meetings to review operating and financial activities; and
Recruitment of appropriately qualified and experienced staff to key financial and operational management
positions.
Maintain the Board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by the Chairman
The Board currently comprises one executive Director, Louis Loubser, and five non-executive Directors,
including the Chairman. The Chairman, Lord Robin Renwick of Clifton, and two of the non-executive Directors,
Linda Beal and Mike Daigle are considered to be independent. The remaining two non-executive Directors,
44
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Corporate Governance Report (continued)
Mike Nunn and Gerrit Duminy, are not considered to be independent. Mike Nunn is a large shareholder of the
Company, and Gerrit Duminy is the Board representative of Kropz Elandsfontein’s BEE partner and the
Company’s largest shareholder, ARC.
Since AIM Admission in November 2018, the Company has the following appropriately constituted
committees, each with formally delegated duties and responsibilities set out in respective written terms of
reference:
Audit, Sustainability and Risk Committee (“Audit Committee”); and
Remuneration and Nomination Committee (“Remuneration Committee”).
Lord Robin Renwick of Clifton, the Chairman of the Company, is also Chairman of the Remuneration
Committee. Lord Renwick is independent in character, and suitable to fulfil this position considering the size
of the Board and the Company and his prior experience. Lord Renwick is supported by one other independent
non-executive Director as well as Mike Nunn and Gerrit Duminy who are not considered independent but are
on the committee due to their previous experience and the fact that they are aligned with shareholders’
interests by virtue of their representative holdings in the Company.
Gerrit Duminy, a non-independent non-executive Director, is on the Audit Committee. Gerrit’s financial
experience and representation on a number of other listed company audit committees deem him suitably
qualified to serve on the Audit Committee.
The Board is responsible for the overall leadership and effective management of the Company, setting the
Company’s values and standards and ensuring maintenance of a sound system of internal control and risk
management. The Board is also responsible for approving Company policy and its strategic aims and
objectives as well as approving the annual operating and capital expenditure budgets. The Board supports
the concept of an effective Board leading and controlling the Company and believes the Company has a well-
established culture of strong corporate governance and internal controls that are appropriate and proportional,
reflecting the Company’s culture, size, complexity and risk.
All Directors bring a wide range of skills and international experience to the Board. The non-executive Directors
hold meetings without the executive Directors present. The Chairman is primarily responsible for the working
of the Board of the Company. The CEO is primarily responsible for the running of the business and
implementation of the Board strategy and policy. The CEO is assisted in the managing of the business on a
day-to-day basis by the group financial manager and other management.
The Board has a schedule of regular meetings where it approves major decisions and utilises its expertise to
advise and influence the business. The Board will meet on other occasions as and when the business
demands. During the financial year under review the Board met on four occasions.
The Board and its committees are supplied with appropriate and timely information, including detailed financial
information, in order to discharge its duties. All Directors have access to the advice and services of the
company secretary, who is responsible for ensuring that Board procedures are followed and that applicable
rules and regulations are complied with. Independent professional advice is also available to Directors in
appropriate circumstances.
A detailed agenda is established for each scheduled meeting and appropriate documentation is provided to
Directors in advance of the meeting. Regular Board meetings provide an agenda that will include reports from
the CEO, reports on the performance of the business and current trading, and specific proposals where the
approval of the Board is sought. Areas discussed include, amongst others, matters relating to the AIM listing,
placing and funding arrangements, the South African Mining Charter and mining legislation, RoC Mining
Convention and the strategic direction of the Company. Minutes of the meetings from committees of the Board
are circulated to all members of the Board, unless a conflict of interest arises, to enable all Directors to have
oversight of those matters delegated to committees.
45
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Corporate Governance Report (continued)
In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, each Director must retire in any three-year period,
so that over a three-year period all Directors will have retired from the Board and been subject to shareholder
re-election. All Directors have access to the advice and services of the company secretary and other
independent professional advisers as required. Non-executive Directors have access to key members of staff
and are entitled to attend management meetings in order to familiarise themselves with all aspects of the
Company. It is the responsibility of the Chairman and the company secretary to ensure that Board members
receive sufficient and timely information regarding corporate and business issues to enable them to discharge
their duties.
Board and committee meetings attendance
During the year under review, three Audit Committee meetings and one Remuneration Committee meeting
were held.
During the year there were four Board meetings by the Directors of the Company.
Attendance of Directors and committee members at Board and committee meetings held during the year is
set out in the table below.
Board meetings
Audit
Committee
meetings
Remuneration
Committee
meetings
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
1/1
4/4
2/2
2/2
2/2
-
-
1/1
1/1
1/1
-
1/1
-
1/1
1/1
-
Lord Robin Renwick of Clifton
Mark Summers
Linda Beal
Mike Daigle
Mike Nunn
Gerrit Duminy
Machiel Reyneke
Division of responsibilities
The division of responsibilities between the non-executive Chairman and the CEO is clearly defined in writing.
However, they work closely together to ensure effective decision making and the successful delivery of the
Group’s strategy.
The CEO
The CEO is responsible for the running of the Group’s business for the delivery of the strategy for the Group,
leading the management team and implementing specific decisions made by the Board to help meet
shareholder expectations. He also takes the lead in strategic development, by formulating the vision and
strategy for the Group.
The CEO reports to each Board meeting on all material matters affecting the Group’s performance. Given the
structure of the Board and the fact that the Chairman and CEO roles are fulfilled by two separate individuals,
the Board believes that no individual or small group of individuals can disproportionately influence the Board’s
decision making.
The Chairman
The Chairman leads the Board, ensuring constructive communications between the Board members and that
all Directors are able to play a full part in the activities of the Company. He is responsible for setting Board
agendas and ensuring that Board meetings are effective and that all Directors receive accurate, timely and
clear information.
46
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Corporate Governance Report (continued)
The Chairman officiates effective communication with shareholders and ensures that the Board understands
the views of major investors and is available to provide advice and support to members of the executive team.
Non-executive Directors
There are currently five non-executive Directors (including the Chairman), of which three are independent non-
executive Directors. The role of the non-executive Directors is to understand the Group in its entirety and
constructively challenge strategy and management performance, set executive remuneration levels and
ensure an appropriate succession planning strategy is in place. They must also ensure they are satisfied with
the accuracy of financial information and that thorough risk management processes are in place. The non-
executive Directors also assist the Board with issues such as governance, internal control, remuneration and
risk management. No non-executive Directors are participants in any share option plans of the Company.
Effectiveness
Composition of the Board
The Board consists of the Non-Executive Chairman, the CEO, two non-executive Directors and two further
independent non-executive directors. The names, skills and short profiles of each member of the Board, are
set out on pages 29 to 30. Each year the Board considers the independence of each non-executive Director
in accordance with the Code.
The Board considers Lord Robin Renwick of Clifton, Linda Beal and Mike Daigle to be independent as they
are not involved in any executive capacity, have no other or material business relationships with the Company,
have no material investment in the Company nor are associated with any such investor and have no close
family or other business relationships with the Company or any of its Directors or senior executives.
Non-executive Directors were appointed for an initial term of one year in 2018. During 2019 the terms were
amended and the non-executive appointments were extended, until terminated by either party on three
months’ notice.
To ensure that they clearly understand the requirements of their role, the Company has a letter of appointment
in place with each non-executive Director. Employment contracts are entered into with the executive Director
and senior executives so that they can clearly understand the requirements of the role and what is expected
of them.
Commitment
Each Director commits sufficient time to fulfil their duties and obligations to the Board and the Company. They
attend Board meetings and join ad hoc Board calls and offer availability for consultation when needed. The
contractual arrangements between the Directors and the Company specify the minimum time commitments
which are considered sufficient for the proper discharge of their duties. However, all Board members
appreciate the need to commit additional time in exceptional circumstances.
Non-executive Directors are required to disclose prior appointments and other significant commitments to the
Board and are required to inform the Board of any changes to their additional commitments. Details of the
non-executive directors’ external appointments can be found on pages 29 to 30.
Before accepting new appointments, non-executive Directors are required to obtain approval from the
Chairman and the Chairman requires the approval of the whole Board. It is essential that no appointment
causes a conflict of interest or impacts on the non-executive Director’s commitment and time spent with the
Group in their existing appointment.
47
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Corporate Governance Report (continued)
Details of executive Director service contracts and of the Chairman’s and the non-executive Directors’
appointment letters are given on pages 32 to 33. Copies of service contracts and appointment letters are
available for inspection at the Company’s registered office during normal business hours.
Development
All newly appointed Directors are provided with an induction programme which is tailored to their existing skills
and experience, legal update on Directors’ duties and one on ones with members of the senior management
team. The Board is informed of any material changes to governance, laws and regulations affecting the
Group’s business.
Information and support
All Directors have access to the advice and services of the company secretary and each Director and each
Board committee member may take independent professional advice at the Company’s expense, subject to
prior notification to the other non-executive Directors and the company secretary.
The appointment and removal of the company secretary is a matter for the Board as a whole. The company
secretary is accountable directly to the Board through the Chairman.
Ensure that between them the Directors have the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and
capabilities
The Board has been assembled to allow each Director to contribute the necessary mix of experience, skills
and personal qualities to deliver the strategy of the Company for the benefit of the shareholders over the
medium to long term. Full details of the Board members and their experience and skills are set out on pages
29 to 30.
Together the Board provide relevant mining and fertilizer sector skills, the skills associated with running large
public companies, African experience and technical and financial qualifications to assist the Company in
achieving its stated aims. The Board comprises UK, US, Monegasque and South African Directors and has
one female Director.
The Directors keep their skillsets up to date as required through the range of roles they perform with other
companies and consideration of technical and industry updates by external advisers. The Directors receive
regular briefing papers on the operational and financial performance of the Company from the executives and
senior management.
Evaluate Board performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement
Appointments to the Board
The Company has a Remuneration Committee, the composition of which is set out on page 51.
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for maintaining a Board of Directors that has an appropriate mix
of skills, experience and knowledge to be an effective decision-making body, ensuring that the Board is
comprised of Directors who contribute to the successful management of the Company and discharge their
duties having regard to the law and the highest standards of corporate governance, considering and
recommending Board candidates for election or re-election and reviewing succession planning.
The Remuneration Committee undertakes a detailed selection process as per the recruitment and diversity
policy to appoint or re-appoint a Director to the Board. Included in this process are appropriate reference
checks which include but are not limited to character reference and bankruptcy to ensure that the Board
remains appropriate for that of an AIM quoted company.
48
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Corporate Governance Report (continued)
Evaluation of senior executives
Arrangements put in place by the Board to monitor the performance of the Group’s executives include:
A review by the Board of the Group’s financial performance;
Annual performance appraisal meetings incorporating analysis of key performance indicators with each
individual to ensure that the level of reward is aligned with respective responsibilities and individual
contributions made to the success of the Group;
An analysis of the Group’s prospects and projects; and
A review of feedback obtained from third parties, including advisors (where applicable).
Informal evaluations of the CEO and other senior executives’ individual performance and overall business
measures are undertaken progressively and periodically throughout the financial period.
Whilst the Board is aware that the Code recommends that the Board and its committees are evaluated on a
yearly basis this has not been undertaken during 2022 . However, an evaluation will be undertaken in 2023.
Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours
The Board seeks to embody and promote a corporate culture that is based on sound ethical values and
behaviours, something we see as being a cornerstone to a strong risk management programme.
Code of conduct
The Board acknowledges the need for continued maintenance of the highest standard of corporate
governance practice and ethical conduct by all Directors and employees of the Group.
The Board has approved a code of conduct for Directors, officers, employees and contractors, which describes
the standards of ethical behaviour that are required to be maintained. The code of conduct was approved prior
to the Company’s listing on the AIM market. The Group promotes the open communication of unethical
behaviour within the organisation.
Compliance with the code of conduct assists the Company in effectively managing its operating risks and
meeting its legal and compliance obligations as well as enhancing the Group’s corporate reputation.
The code of conduct describes the Group’s requirements on matters such as confidentiality, conflicts of
interest, use of Group information, sound employment practices, compliance with laws and regulations and
the protection and safeguarding of the Group’s assets.
An employee who breaches the code of conduct may face disciplinary action. If an employee suspects that a
breach of the code of conduct has occurred or will occur, he or she must report that breach to the CEO, via
the Company’s confidential “Whistle Blowing” process. No employee will be disadvantaged or prejudiced if he
or she reports in good faith a suspected breach. All reports will be investigated, acted upon and kept
confidential.
Anti-bribery and anti-corruption
The Company has adopted an anti-corruption and bribery policy which applies to the Board and employees
of the Company and the Group. It generally sets out their responsibilities in observing and upholding a zero-
tolerance position on bribery and corruption in all the jurisdictions in which the Group operates. It also provides
guidance to those working for the Group on how to recognise and deal with bribery and corruption issues and
the potential consequences of failing to adhere to this guidance. The Company expects all employees,
suppliers, contractors and consultants to conduct their day-to-day business activities in a fair, honest and
ethical manner, be aware of and refer to this policy in all of their business activities worldwide and to conduct
49
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Corporate Governance Report (continued)
business on the Company’s behalf in compliance with it. Management at all levels are responsible for ensuring
that those reporting to them, internally and externally, are made aware of and understand this policy.
The Group’s anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy is set out in the code of conduct and has been aligned to
meet UK and South African laws governing anti-bribery and anti-corruption. The Group takes a zero tolerance
approach to acts of bribery and corruption by any Directors, officers, employees and contractors. The Group
will not offer, give or receive bribes, or accept improper payments to obtain new business, retain existing
business or secure any advantage and will not permit others to do so on its behalf.
Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for purpose and support good decision
making by the Board
The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the Company by directing and
supervising the Company’s affairs. The role of the Board is as follows:
To provide direction and entrepreneurial leadership of the Company within a framework of prudent and
effective controls which enable risks to be appropriately assessed and managed;
To set the Company’s strategic aims, ensure that the necessary financial and human resources are in place
for the Company to meet its objectives and review management performance;
To demonstrate ethical leadership, setting the Company’s value and standards and ensuring that its
obligations to its shareholders and others are well understood;
To create a performance culture that drives value creation without exposing the Company to excessive risk
or value destruction;
To be accountable, and make well-informed and high quality decisions based on a clear understanding of
the Company’s broader goals and specific objectives;
To create the right framework for helping Directors meet their statutory duties under the Companies Act 2006,
and/or any other relevant statutory and regulatory regimes; and
To promote its governance arrangements and embrace the evaluation of their effectiveness.
Internal controls
In applying the principle that the Board should maintain a sound system of internal control to safeguard
shareholders’ investment and the Group’s assets, the Directors recognise that they have overall responsibility
for ensuring that Kropz maintains systems to provide them with reasonable assurance regarding effective and
efficient operations, internal control and compliance with laws and regulations and for reviewing the
effectiveness of that system. However, there are inherent limitations in any system of control and accordingly
even the most effective system can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance against material mis-
statement or loss, and that the system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve
the business objectives.
The key features of the internal control system are described below:
Control environment
The Company is committed to high standards of business conduct and seeks to maintain these standards
across all of its operations. There are also policies in place for the reporting and resolution of suspected
fraudulent activities. The Company has an appropriate organisational structure for planning, executing,
controlling and monitoring business operations in order to achieve its objectives.
Risk management and internal control
The Board has carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group. Details of these risks
are set out on pages 14 to 19. The Board has reviewed the Company’s risk management and internal control
systems during the year and consider them to be effective. Management is responsible for the identification
and evaluation of key risks applicable to their areas of business. These risks are assessed on a continual
50
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Corporate Governance Report (continued)
basis and may be associated with a variety of internal and external sources, including infringement of
intellectual property, sales channels, investment risk, staff retention, disruption in information systems, natural
catastrophe and regulatory requirements.
Group businesses will participate in periodic operational/strategic reviews and annual plans. The Board
actively monitors performance against plan. Forecasts and operational results are consolidated and presented
to the Board on a regular basis. Through these mechanisms, performance is continually monitored, risks
identified in a timely manner, their financial implications assessed, control procedures re-evaluated and
corrective actions agreed and implemented.
Main control procedures
The Company has implemented control procedures designed to ensure complete and accurate accounting for
financial transactions and to limit the exposure to loss of assets and fraud. Measures taken include segregation
of duties and reviews by management.
There are clear and consistent procedures in place for monitoring the system of internal financial controls. The
Board considers the internal control system to be adequate for the Group.
Financial and business reporting
It is the responsibility of the Directors to ensure that the financial accounts are prepared and submitted. Having
assessed the current Annual Report, along with the accounts, the Directors confirm that, taken as a whole,
they are fair, balanced and understandable. The Directors also confirm that these documents provide the
necessary information in order for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and
strategy.
The going concern statement provided by the directors is on pages 38 to 42 of the Directors Report. The
independent auditor’s report is set out on pages 61 to 69.
The CEO provides, at the end of each six monthly period, a formal statement to the Board confirming that the
Group’s financial reports present a true and fair view, in all material respects, and that the Group’s financial
condition and operational results have been prepared in accordance with the relevant accounting standards.
The statement also confirms the integrity of the Group’s financial statements and that it is founded on a sound
system of risk management and internal compliance and controls which implements the policies approved by
the Board, and that the Group’s risk management and internal compliance and control systems, to the extent
they relate to financial reporting, are operating efficiently and effectively in all material respects.
Board committees
The Company has established an Audit Committee and a Remuneration Committee with formally delegated
duties and responsibilities. The minutes of all committees are circulated for review and consideration by all
relevant Directors, supplemented by oral reports from the respective committee chairs at Board meetings.
Audit Committee
The Company has an Audit Committee comprised of Linda Beal, as the chairperson, together with Lord Robin
Renwick of Clifton and Gerrit Duminy. The Audit Committee report is set out on pages 55 to 57.
Remuneration Committee
The Company has a Remuneration Committee, which during the 2022 financial year comprised of Lord Robin
Renwick of Clifton, as the chairperson, together with Gerrit Duminy, Mike Nunn and Linda Beal.
The Remuneration Committee report is set out on pages 58 to 59.
51
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Corporate Governance Report (continued)
Communicate how the Company is governed and is performing by maintaining a dialogue with
Shareholders and other relevant stakeholders
Dialogue with shareholders
The Group places considerable importance on effective communications with shareholders.
The Group’s communication strategy requires communication with shareholders and other stakeholders in an
open, regular and timely manner so that the market has sufficient information to make informed investment
decisions on the operations and results of the Group. The strategy provides for the use of systems that ensure
a regular and timely release of information about the Group is provided to shareholders.
The Group also posts all reports, stock exchange announcements and media releases and copies of
significant business presentations on the Company’s website.
The Company’s two largest shareholders, ARC and Kropz International, are represented on the Board. In
addition, the Chairman and CEO have frequent direct face-to-face and virtual meetings throughout the period
with some of the other major shareholders as well as with analysts and brokers.
Constructive use of the AGM
Under normal circumstances, the Board encourages full participation of shareholders at the AGM to ensure a
high level of accountability and understanding of the Group’s strategy and goals. However, as it was not
possible to publish the 2022 Accounts prior to issuing the Notice of Annual General Meeting, a separate
general meeting is being held on 1 September 2023, at which the 2022 Accounts will be received and adopted.
Notice of this meeting will be send to shareholders in due course.
The Company has provided information in the notice of AGM that is presented in a clear, concise and effective
manner. Shareholders will still be provided with the opportunity to submit questions in relation to each
resolution before they are put to the vote and discussion is encouraged by the Board. Shareholders will be
able to submit those questions in writing via email, in accordance with the instructions contained in the Notice
of AGM and (once circulated) the Notice of GM. The Board will publish a summary of any questions received
which are of common interest, together with a written response on the Company’s website as soon as
practicable after the conclusion of the AGM and GM (as applicable).
Other governance matters
Diversity policy
The Group is committed to an inclusive workplace that embraces and promotes diversity, while respecting
international, sovereign, United Kingdom, South African and RoC laws.
It is the responsibility of all Directors, officers, employees and contractors to comply with the Group's diversity
policy and report violations or suspected violations in accordance with this diversity policy.
The Group recognises the value of a diverse work force and believes that diversity supports all employees
reaching their full potential, improves business decisions, business results, increases stakeholder satisfaction
and promotes realisation of the Group’s vision.
Diversity may result from a range of factors including but not limited to gender, age, ethnicity and cultural
backgrounds. The Company believes these differences between people add to the collective skills and
experience of the Group and ensure it benefits by selecting from all available talent.
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Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Corporate Governance Report (continued)
Group and individual expectations
The Group recognises Group and individual expectations, to:
Ensure diversity is incorporated into the behaviours and practices of the Group;
Facilitate equal employment opportunities based on job requirements only using recruitment and selection
processes which ensure we select from a diverse pool;
Engage professional search and recruitment firms when needed to enhance our selection pool;
Help to build a safe work environment by acting with care and respect at all times, ensuring there is no
discrimination, harassment, bullying, victimisation, vilification or exploitation of individuals or groups;
Develop flexible work practices to meet the differing needs of our employees and potential employees;
Attract and retain a skilled and diverse workforce as an employer of choice;
Enhance customer service and market reputation through a workforce that respects and reflects the diversity
of our stakeholders and communities that we operate in;
Make a contribution to the economic, social and educational well-being of all of the communities it serves;
Meet the relevant requirements of domestic and international legislation appropriate to the Group’s
operations;
Create an inclusive workplace culture; and
Establish measurable diversity objectives and monitor and report on the achievement of those objectives
annually.
Dealings with company securities
The Group’s Securities Dealing Policy is binding on all Directors, officers and employees who are in
possession of “inside information”. All such persons are prohibited from trading in the Company’s securities if
they are in possession of ‘inside information’. Subject to this condition and trading prohibitions applying to
certain periods, trading is permissible provided the relevant individual has received the appropriate prescribed
clearance. The Board considers that the share dealing code is in compliance with the MAR and AIM
requirements, and continues to meet the requirements of the Board.
Interests of other stakeholders
The Group’s objective is to leverage into resource projects to provide a solid base in the future from which the
Group can build its resource business and create wealth for shareholders. The Group’s operations are subject
to various environmental laws and regulations under the relevant government’s legislation. Full compliance
with these laws and regulations is regarded as a minimum standard for the Group to achieve.
Market disclosure
The Company is subject to parallel obligations under the AIM rules and the MAR, in relation to the disclosure
and control of price sensitive information. The Company has obligations under corporate and securities laws
and stock exchange rules to keep the market fully informed of information which may have a material effect
on the price or value of the Group’s securities and to correct any material misrepresentation, mistake or
misinformation in the market.
The Group takes continuous disclosure seriously and requires that all of its Directors, officers, employees and
contractors observe and adhere to the Group’s procedures and policies governing compliance with all laws
pertaining to continuous disclosure, tipping and insider trading.
The Company has a formal Disclosure Policy (the “Disclosure Policy”) addressing its continuous disclosure
obligations and arrangements. The objectives of the Disclosure Policy are to ensure that:
The communications of the Group with the public are timely, factual and accurate and broadly disseminated
in accordance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements;
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Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Corporate Governance Report (continued)
Non-publicly disclosed information remains confidential; and
Trading of the Group's securities by Directors, officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries
remains in compliance with applicable securities laws.
The Disclosure Policy also provides advice to all Directors, officers, employees and contractors of the Group
of their responsibilities regarding their obligation to preserve the confidentiality of undisclosed material
information while ensuring compliance with laws respecting timely, factual, complete and accurate continuous
disclosure, price sensitive or material information, tipping and insider trading.
The Disclosure Policy further covers disclosures in documents filed with the securities regulators and stock
exchanges and written statements made in the Group’s annual and interim reports, news releases, letters to
shareholders, presentations by senior management and information contained on Kropz’s website and other
electronic communications. It extends to oral statements made in meetings and telephone conversations with
analysts and investors, interviews with the media as well as speeches, press conferences and conference
calls.
If there is misuse of price sensitive or material information not yet disclosed to the market by trading or breach
in confidentiality, extremely serious penalties may apply to the individual or individuals involved.
Shareholder information
The Company’s website contains a separate section titled “Investors” which contains key documents for its
investors. The website also provides:
Information about the Company and Group;
An overview of the Group’s current projects;
Copies of its Annual Reports;
Investor presentations; and
Copies of its announcements to the London Stock Exchange.
The Company’s share registry is maintained electronically by Computershare Investor Services. Their contact
details are disclosed in the corporate directory of the Annual Report on pages 139 to 140. The market price
of the AIM traded ordinary shares at 31 December 2022 was 3.85 pence. The highest and lowest price during
the financial year was 13 pence and 3.85 pence per ordinary share respectively.
Lord Robin William Renwick of Clifton
Non-Executive Chairman
28 July 2023
54
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Report of the Audit, Sustainability and Risk Committee
The Audit, Sustainability and Risk Committee (“Audit Committee”) comprises three members, two of whom
are independent non-executive Directors including the Company Chairman, Lord Robin Renwick, and
Committee Chair, Linda Beal, who is considered by the Board to have recent and relevant financial experience.
Machiel Reyneke was a member of the committee until his resignation on 16 September 2022 when Gerrit
Duminy was appointed in his stead. Machiel Reyneke and Gerrit Duminy are not considered independent. The
Audit Committee meets formally at least twice a year, or otherwise as required, and meets with the Company’s
external auditors at least twice a year.
The Audit Committee assists the Board in discharging its responsibilities with regard to financial reporting,
including reviewing the Group’s annual and half year financial statements, accounting policies, key judgements
and estimates taken, internal and external audit and controls, reviewing and monitoring the scope of the annual
audit and the extent of the non-audit work undertaken by external auditors and advising on the appointment
of external auditors.
In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the financial information reported
to shareholders and internal control systems and ensuring effective risk management and financial control
frameworks have been implemented. The Audit Committee also ensures that appropriate procedures,
resources and controls are in place to comply with the AIM Rules for Companies and the MAR, monitors
compliance thereof and seeks to ensure that the Company and its nominated adviser are in contact on a
regular basis.
Following the commencement of production at Elandsfontein in 2022, the Group intends to conduct an
international benchmarking exercise to confirm its commitment to ESG and sustainability, and to assist in the
identification of further ESG objectives. The Audit Committee will be responsible for ensuring that ESG
improvement projects are prioritised and that the Company maintains its reputation as a responsible
phosphate producer. The 2023 annual report will provide disclosure on sustainability and ESG related matters.
The Audit Committee has written terms of reference and provides a mechanism through which the Board can
maintain the integrity of the financial statements of Kropz and any formal announcements relating to Kropz’s
financial performance and to make recommendations to the Board in relation to the appointment of the external
auditor, their remuneration both for audit and non-audit work, the nature, scope and results of the audit and
the cost effectiveness and the independence and objectivity of the auditors. A recommendation regarding the
auditors is put to shareholders for their approval in general meetings.
Kropz has established procedures for the running of the Audit Committee. This includes overview of the
identification, categorisation and prioritisation of critical risks within the business and allocation of responsibility
to its executives and senior managers. The Audit Committee is committed to maintain a risk management
framework that seeks to:
Avoid the likelihood of unacceptable outcomes and costly surprises;
Provide greater openness and transparency in decision making and ongoing management processes;
Provide for a better understanding of issues associated with the Group’s activities;
Comprise an effective reporting framework for meeting corporate governance requirements; and
Allow an appropriate assessment of innovative processes to identify risks before they occur and allow
informed judgement.
The Audit Committee is also responsible for approving, reviewing and monitoring the Company’s risk
management policy. The objectives of this risk management policy are to:
Provide a structured risk management framework that will provide senior management and the Board with
comfort that the risks confronting the organisation are identified and managed effectively;
Create an integrated risk management process owned and managed by the Group’s personnel that is both
continuous and effective;
55
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Report of the Audit, Sustainability and Risk Committee (continued)
Ensure that the management of risk is integrated into the development of strategic and business plans, and
the achievement of the Group’s vision and values; and
Ensure that the Board is regularly updated with reports by the committee.
Management is responsible for efficient and effective risk management across the activities of the Group. This
includes ensuring the implementation of policies and procedures that address risk identification and control,
training and reporting. The CEO is responsible for ensuring the process for managing risks is integrated within
business planning and management activities.
The Board reviews the effectiveness of the implementation of the risk management system and internal control
system annually. When reviewing risk management policies and the internal control system the Board takes
into account the Company’s legal obligations and also considers the reasonable expectations of the
Company’s stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, creditors, consumers,
government authorities and the community. The principal areas of risk for the Company are detailed on pages
14 to 19.
In order to ensure the independence and objectivity of the external auditor (BDO and its associated
companies), the Audit Committee has a policy in place since AIM Admission in November 2018, regarding the
provision of non-audit services by its external auditor to ensure that such services do not impair the
independence or objectivity of the external auditor. Any non-audit services provided must be pre-approved by
the chairperson of the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee met on two occasions during the 2022 financial year.
On 6 June 2022, the Audit Committee reviewed the 2021 Annual Report including consideration of the financial
statements and going concern (including material uncertainty), impairment assessment of the exploration and
evaluation assets, property, plant, equipment and mine development assets, other key judgements and
estimates, value proposition and business model. The Audit Committee received and considered memoranda
from management regarding these matters, and also took into account the views of the external auditor. The
Audit Committee concluded that no impairment charge was necessary for the exploration and evaluation
assets or the property, plant, equipment and mine development assets at 31 December 2021 and that the
going concern basis was the appropriate basis for preparation of the 2021 Annual Report, but it was
considered appropriate to recognise that there was a material uncertainty. The Audit Committee met with BDO
to discuss the findings of the 2021 annual audit and to review the appropriateness of the Group’s key
accounting policies and judgements and estimates, to review the auditor’s report to the Audit Committee and
to review the 31 December 2021 annual financial statements prior to Board approval.
On 30 September 2022, the Audit Committee reviewed the 2022 interim financial statements for the six months
ended 30 June 2022 including consideration of the financial statements and going concern (including material
uncertainty), impairment assessment of the exploration and evaluation assets, property, plant, equipment and
mine development costs, other key judgements and estimates, value proposition and business model. The
Audit Committee concluded that an impairment charge was necessary for the Elandsfontein project assets at
30 June 2022 given the delivery of ore to the plant was compromised due to the presence of competent banks
of hard material within the orebody, which was previously unknown. It was also concluded that the going
concern basis was the appropriate basis for preparation of the 2022 interim financial statements, but it was
considered appropriate to recognise that there is a material uncertainty.
On 19 January 2023, the Audit Committee met with BDO and discussed and reviewed the planning of the
2022 annual audit. At this meeting, Audit Committee reviewed the risk register and certain policies and
procedures presented by management.
On 28 June 2023, the Audit Committee reviewed the 2022 Annual Report including consideration of the
financial statements and key accounting judgements and estimates including going concern (including
material uncertainty), impairment assessment of the exploration and evaluation assets, property, plant,
equipment and mine development costs, the fair value of the derivative liability of the convertible with ARC.
56
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Report of the Audit, Sustainability and Risk Committee (continued)
The Audit Committee received and considered memoranda from management regarding these matters, and
also took into account the views of the external auditor. The Audit Committee reviewed the underlying
assumptions and the cashflow for considering going concern and agreed with management that the going
concern basis is the appropriate basis for preparation of the 2022 Annual Report but it is considered
appropriate to recognise that there is a material uncertainty. The Audit Committee concurred that an
impairment charge was necessary for the mine property, plant, equipment and inventory assets at
31 December 2022 and reviewed the underlying assumptions and calculation of the impairment charge of
US$ 92.7 million. The Audit Committee agreed with management that there was no impairment indicator for
the exploration and evaluation assets. The Audit Committee reviewed the fair value calculation for the
derivative liability of the convertible with ARC prepared by third party adviser and the underlying assumptions
and sensitivities. The Audit Committee met with BDO to discuss the findings of the 2022 annual audit and to
review the appropriateness of the Group’s key accounting policies and judgements, to review the auditor’s
report to the Audit Committee and to review the 31 December 2022 annual financial statements prior to Board
approval.
The Audit Committee assesses the quality of the external audit annually and considers the performance of the
auditor and its associates taking into account the Audit Committee’s own assessment, feedback from senior
finance personnel and views from the auditor and its associates on their performance as detailed in a report
of their audit findings at the year end, which they took the Audit Committee through at the meeting in June
2023. Based on this review, the Audit Committee was satisfied with the effectiveness of the audit for the year
ended 31 December 2022.
Linda Beal
Audit Committee Chair
28 July 2023
57
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Report of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee
At the commencement of the 2022 financial year, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee
(“Remuneration Committee”) had four members, two of whom are independent non-executive Directors. The
Remuneration Committee comprised of Lord Robin Renwick of Clifton, Linda Beal, Machiel Reyneke and Mike
Nunn. Machiel Reyneke resigned from the Remuneration Committee on 16 September 2022 and Gerrit
Duminy was appointed in his stead. Mike Nunn, Machiel Reyneke and Gerrit Duminy are not considered to be
independent. The Remuneration Committee currently comprises of four members, two of whom are
independent non-executive Directors.
The Remuneration Committee is required to meet annually and at such other times as required. Its objectives
are to:
Maintain a board of Directors that has an appropriate mix of skills, experience and knowledge to be an
effective decision making body;
Ensure that the Board is comprised of Directors who contribute to the successful management of the
Company and discharge their duties having regard to the law and the highest standards of corporate
governance;
Align the interests of executives and senior management with those of shareholders through the use of
performance-related rewards and share options in the Company;
Reward executives and senior managers according to both individual and Group performance;
Establish an appropriate balance between fixed and variable elements of total remuneration, with the
performance-related element forming a potentially significant proportion of the total remuneration package;
Review and recommend an appropriate remuneration policy, the objective of which shall be to attract, retain
and motivate executive Directors of the quality required to successfully run the Company, without paying
more than is necessary having regard to market comparables; and
Adhere to the principle that no Director or senior executive shall be involved in any decisions as to their own
remuneration.
In addition, the Remuneration Committee is responsible for considering and recommending Board candidates
for election or re-election, reviewing succession planning, determining the terms of employment and total
remuneration of the executive Directors and Chairman and considering the Group’s incentive schemes.
The remuneration package comprises the following elements:
Basic salary – normally reviewed annually and set to reflect market conditions, personal performance and
benchmarks in comparable companies;
Annual performance-related bonus – executives, managers and employees receive annual bonuses related
to specific KPIs or overall Group performance. The non-executive Directors do not participate in the
performance-related bonus scheme;
Benefits – benefits include life assurance and private medical contributions. The non-executive Directors do
not receive these benefits; and
Share options – share option grants are reviewed regularly. The non-executive Directors do not receive these
benefits.
Full details of each Director’s remuneration package and their interests in shares and share options can be
found in the Directors’ Report. There are no elements of remuneration, other than basic earnings, which are
treated as being pensionable.
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Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Report of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee (continued)
In January 2022 the Remuneration committee reviewed the performance conditions for vesting of options held
by the CEO and certain senior management and the recommendation from an Elandsfontein NED that the
Elandsfontein related conditions for vesting had been met and unanimously concluded that the Committee
should recommend to the Board that the vesting conditions had been met for certain of the LTIP Awards.
The Remuneration Committee met on 2 July 2022 to approve executive remuneration increases for the year
ended 30 June 2023 and on 13 December 2022 to appoint the new CEO.
Lord Robin William Renwick of Clifton
Remuneration Committee Chairman
28 July 2023
59
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in Respect of The Annual Report and Financial
Statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law
the Directors have elected to prepare the consolidated financial statements in accordance with UK adopted
international accounting standards. The Directors have elected to prepare the company financial statements
in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting
Standards and applicable law). Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements
unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Company
and of the profit or loss of the Group and Company for that period. The Directors are also required to prepare
financial statements in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading
securities on AIM.
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether the Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted
international accounting standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the
financial statements;
state with regard to the parent company financial statements, whether applicable UK accounting
standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial
statements; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
Group and Company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain
the Group and Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial
position of the Group and Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the
company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other
irregularities.
Website publication
The Directors are responsible for ensuring the Annual Report and the financial statements are made available
on a website. Financial statements are published on the Company's website in accordance with legislation in
the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from
legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of the Company's website is the responsibility
of the Directors. The Directors' responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements
contained therein.
This responsibility statement and the Directors’ Report were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 July
2023 and signed on its behalf by:
____________________________
_________________________________
Non-Executive Chairman
Lord Robin William Renwick of Clifton
28 July 2023
Chief Executive Officer
Louis Loubser
28 July 2023
60
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Kropz plc
Opinion on the financial statements
In our opinion:
•
•
•
•
the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent
Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2022 and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended;
the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted
international accounting standards;
the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies
Act 2006.
We have audited the financial statements of Kropz Plc (the ‘Parent Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’)
for the year ended 31 December 2022 which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position, the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, the
consolidated statement of cash flows, the company statement of financial position, the company statement of
changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements
is applicable law and UK adopted international accounting standards. The financial reporting framework that
has been applied in the preparation of the Parent Company financial statements is applicable law and United
Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting
Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice).
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and
applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities
for the audit of the financial statements 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 remain independent of the Group and the Parent Company in accordance with the ethical requirements
that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as
applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these
requirements.
Material uncertainty related to going concern
We draw attention to the disclosures made in note 2a to the Parent Company and Group financial statements,
which explains that the Group is reliant on future funding and there is no guarantee that additional funds will
be raised in the necessary timeframe. As stated in note 2a to the Parent Company and Group's financial
statements, these events or conditions along with other matters as set forth in note 2a to the Parent Company
and Group financial statements indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on
the Parent Company's and Group's ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in
respect of this matter.
61
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Kropz plc (continued)
For the reasons set out above and the resulting impact on our risk assessment, we determined going concern
to be a key audit matter.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of
accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the Directors’
assessment of the Group and the Parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of
accounting and procedures in response to the key audit matter included:
We assessed the Directors’ financial forecasts prepared for the period up to December 2024. This
included consideration of the reasonableness of key underlying assumptions by reference to recent
expenditure and project plans, commitments on the exploration assets and external data on
commodity prices and production.
We reviewed the terms and conditions of the Group’s existing debt facilities and confirmed that current
waiver issued by BNP Paribas expires in September 2023. We checked that the debt facilities were
appropriately reflected in the forecast.
We challenged management in relation to the likelihood of an additional waiver being issued by
September 2023 and obtained an understanding of the previous waivers issued.
We enquired of management about financing options in the scenario where the BNP Paribas loan will
need to be fully repaid by September. We obtained supporting evidence of ongoing discussions with
external financial institutions and investors.
We reviewed the terms and conditions of the Group’s new debt facilities entered into subsequent to
the year end, and confirmed that they were appropriately reflected in the forecasts. The bridge loan
of ZAR 285m issued by ARC in March 2023 is repayable on demand.
We confirmed the receipts under the Group’s new debt facilities with ARC entered into subsequent to
the year end to bank and that the remaining drawdowns of the facilities in the forecasts are available
under the terms of the ARC facilities.
We agreed the June 2023 opening cash position used in the cash flow forecast to bank statements
and compared the latest cash position to the forecasts.
We performed an accuracy check on the mechanics of the cash flow forecast model prepared by
management and the directors.
We obtained an understanding of the Directors’ options for the future fundraising to meet the Group’s
working capital requirements when required.
We evaluated the adequacy and consistency of going concern disclosures made in the financial
statements with the Directors’ going concern assessment.
We obtained the Directors’ sensitivity analysis and considered whether such scenarios were realistic
based on our knowledge and understanding of the business.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the
relevant sections of this report.
Overview
Coverage1
98% (2021: 97%) of Group loss before tax
99% (2021: 99%) of Group total assets
1 These are areas which have been subject to a full scope audit by the group engagement team and specified audit
procedures performed by the group engagement team and the component auditor teams.
62
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Kropz plc (continued)
Key audit matters
Materiality
Carrying value of property,
plant, equipment and mine
development assets
2022 2021
Yes
Yes
Going Concern
Yes
Yes
Group financial statements as a whole
$1,190,000 (2021: $1,900,000) based on 1% (2021: 1%) of
total assets
An overview of the scope of our audit
Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including the
Group’s system of internal control, and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the financial
statements. We also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including assessing
whether there was evidence of bias by the Directors that may have represented a risk of material
misstatement.
We assessed there to be three significant components being the Parent Company, Kropz Elandsfontein (Pty)
Ltd, which is commissioning the Elandsfontein phosphate mine in South Africa and Cominco Resources
Limited, which holds the Hinda pre-development phosphate project in Republic of Congo.
The Parent Company and Cominco Resources Limited were subject to a full scope audit by the group audit
team. A full scope audit for group reporting purposes was performed by a BDO network member firm in South
Africa on Kropz Elandsfontein (Pty) Ltd. The financial information of the remaining non-significant components
were subject to analytical review procedures by the group audit team.
Our involvement with component auditors
For the work performed by component auditors, we determined the level of involvement needed in order to be
able to conclude whether sufficient appropriate audit evidence has been obtained as a basis for our opinion
on the Group financial statements as a whole. Our involvement with component auditors included the
following:
A planning meeting was held with the component auditor remotely and detailed group reporting
instructions which included details for the testing of the significant areas and materiality were sent to
them.
We reviewed the audit files remotely and discussed the findings with the component audit team and
component management.
We held virtual meetings with management and the component auditors during the planning and
execution phases of the audit.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit
of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material
misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified, including those which had the greatest effect
on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit, and directing the efforts of the
engagement team. In addition to the matter described in the Material uncertainty related to going concern
section of our report we have determined the matter below to be the key audit matter to be communicated in
our report. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole,
and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
63
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Kropz plc (continued)
Key audit matter
of
Carrying
value
property,
plant,
equipment
mine
and
development
assets.
Notes
2(c), 4 and 25
The Group’s
total property, plant,
equipment and mine development assets
at 31 December 2022 were US$61m
(2021: US135.1m) in respect of the
Elandsfontein mine in South Africa. This
class of asset is the most significant to the
statement of financial position.
During 2022 the Reserves and Resources
estimates were revised and the outcome
was a downgrade on measured and
indicated resources. This led to the group
reducing
its production profile, and
revising the life of mine model. This
represented an impairment indicator and
as result management undertook an
impairment
the
recoverable amount of
its mining
properties. The recoverable amount of the
Elandsfontein cash generating unit (CGU)
is determined with
to a
discounted cash flow which is based on
estimates of future cash flows.
to determine
reference
test
in
the
impairment
Significant estimates and judgements
are required in determining model inputs
used
indicator
assessment, including commodity price,
production, operating costs, capital
costs, discount rates and reserves and
resources estimates. The subjectivity of
the judgements and estimates involved
in
review
resulted in this being a key area of focus
for the audit and therefore a key audit
matter.
impairment
indicator
the
How the scope of our audit addressed the
key audit matter
Our procedures in relation to management’s
impairment test included, but were not limited
to the following:
integrity
BDO SA obtained management’s
flow model and
and
discounted cash
performed
data
arithmetic checks on the model.
We determined whether the basis of
preparation of the model was in line
the applicable accounting
with
standard, our expectations and
valuation methodology.
critically
challenged
We
the
flow model,
discounted
focussing on the appropriateness of
estimates, including commodity price,
production, operating costs, capital
costs, discount rates and reserves
and resources estimates by reference
to external data.
cash
of
reserves
independent
We assessed management’s internal
assessment
and
of
resources estimates by reviewing the
report
expert
employed by management to assess
the reasonableness of management’s
internal estimate. In assessing the
report, we considered the basis of
preparation and determined whether
management has diverged from it.
BDO SA engaged with
internal
valuation experts to independently
assess the discount rate adopted by
management.
We
obtained
management’s
independent expert’s report which
forecast market prices for phosphate.
We
challenged management’s
adjustments to these market prices,
and compared short term forecast
pricing to actual prices achieved.
Within Management's
impairment
assessment, Management assumed
some downward adjustments to these
market prices for the effect of lower
grade and other market factors. We
challenged these adjustments and
compared short term price forecasts
which Management have made to
actual sales prices achieved after the
the
year end. We considered
64
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Kropz plc (continued)
of
reasonableness
sensitivities
applied by Management, checked
their calculation in order to stress test
the model and determine whether any
further impairment would be required.
to
experts
their
and
Our procedures
management
included
competence
independence,
scope of the work performed.
in
external
assessing
relation
We reviewed the adequacy of the
disclosures
statement
the
financial
against
applicable accounting standards.
requirements of
the
Key Observation
Based on our procedures we considered the
Directors’ conclusion
the
impairment charge in respect of the Group’s
Property, plant and equipment and mining
development assets as at 31 December 2022
to be reasonable.
relation
to
in
Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of
misstatements. We consider materiality to be the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions,
could influence the economic decisions of reasonable users that are taken on the basis of the financial
statements.
In order to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that any misstatements exceed materiality, we
use a lower materiality level, performance materiality, to determine the extent of testing needed. Importantly,
misstatements below these levels will not necessarily be evaluated as immaterial as we also take account of
the nature of identified misstatements, and the particular circumstances of their occurrence, when evaluating
their effect on the financial statements as a whole.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole and
performance materiality as follows:
for
Materiality
Basis
determining
materiality
Rationale for the
benchmark
applied
Group financial statements
2022
US$
1,190,000
1% of Total Assets
2021
US$
1,900,000
Parent company financial statements
2022
US$
523,000
80% of Group
materiality
2021
US$
1,400,000
74%
materiality
of Group
Materiality has been based on Total
assets as the Group is non-revenue
generating or profit making. We consider
Total assets to be one of the principal
considerations for users of the financial
statements.
Calculated/Capped at 80% (2021:74%)
the
given
of Group materiality
assessment
components
the
of
aggregation risk.
65
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Kropz plc (continued)
for
Performance
materiality
Basis
determining
performance
materiality
Rationale for the
percentage
applied
performance
materiality
for
773,000
1,235,000
339,000
900,000
65% of materiality.
In reaching our conclusion on the level of performance materiality to be applied we
considered a number of factors including the expected total value of known and likely
misstatements (based on past experience), our knowledge of the Group’s and Parent
Company’s control environment and the Directors’ attitude towards proposed
adjustments.
Component materiality
For the purposes of our Group audit opinion, we set materiality for each significant component of the Group,
apart from the Parent Company whose materiality is set out above, based on a percentage of between 30%
and 80% (2021: 36% and 74% ) of Group materiality dependent on the size and our assessment of the risk of
material misstatement of that component. Component materiality ranged from $357,000 to $952,000 (2021:
$690,000 to $1,400,000). In the audit of each component, we further applied performance materiality levels of
65% (2021: 65%) of the component materiality to our testing to ensure that the risk of errors exceeding
component materiality was appropriately mitigated.
Reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all individual audit differences in excess of
$23,000 (2021:$36,000). We also agreed to report differences below this threshold that, in our view, warranted
reporting on qualitative grounds.
Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information
included in the Annual Report and Accounts other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report
thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent
otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our
responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is
materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material
misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial
statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material
misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Other Companies Act 2006 reporting
Based on the responsibilities described below and our work performed during the course of the audit, we are
required by the Companies Act 2006 and ISAs (UK) to report on certain opinions and matters as described
below.
Strategic
report
Directors’
report
and
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors’ report for the financial
year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial
statements; and
the Strategic report and the Directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with
applicable legal requirements.
66
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Kropz plc (continued)
Matters
on
which we are
to
required
by
report
exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Parent Company and
its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material
misstatements in the strategic report or the Directors’ report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the
Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns
adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting
records and returns; or
certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the statement of Directors’ responsibilities, the Directors are responsible for the
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such
internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Parent
Company’s ability 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
the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are 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 ISAs (UK) 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 these financial statements.
Extent to which the audit was capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design
procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of
irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities,
including fraud is detailed below:
Based on:
Our understanding of the Group and the industry in which it operates;
Discussion with management and those charged with governance;
Discussion with the Audit Committee; and
Obtaining and understanding of the Group’s policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws
and regulations,
we determined that the most relevant laws and regulations related to UK company law, tax legislation, the
financial reporting framework, and applicable mining laws and environmental regulations in the jurisdiction in
which the Group operates.
67
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Kropz plc (continued)
The Group is also subject to laws and regulations where the consequence of non-compliance could have a
material effect on the amount or disclosures in the financial statements, for example through the imposition of
fines or litigations. We identified such laws and regulations to be the health and safety legislation.
Our procedures in respect of the above included:
Review of minutes of meeting of those charged with governance for any instances of non-compliance
with laws and regulations;
Holding discussions with management and the audit committee to consider any known or suspected
instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We corroborated our enquiries through our
review of board minutes and RNS announcements;
Review of correspondence with regulatory and tax authorities for any instances of non-compliance
with laws and regulations;
Review of financial statement disclosures and agreeing to supporting documentation; and
Review of legal expenditure accounts to understand the nature of expenditure incurred.
We assessed the susceptibility of the Group’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how
fraud might occur by discussing among the engagement team where fraud might occur in the financial
statements and any potential indicators of fraud. We determined this to be management override of control.
Our procedures in response to the above included:
Holding discussions with management and the audit committee to consider any known or suspected
instances of fraud;
Testing appropriateness of journal entries made throughout the period which met specific risk based
criteria by agreeing to supporting documentation;
Assessing the judgements made by management when making key accounting estimates and
judgements, and challenging management on the appropriateness of these judgements, including
judgements applied within the key audit matters; and
Performing a detailed review of the Group’s year-end adjusting entries and corroborating any that
appeared unusual as to nature or amount to supporting documentation.
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement
team members, including component engagement teams, who were all deemed to have appropriate
competence and capabilities and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and
regulations throughout the audit. For component engagement teams, we also reviewed the result of their work
performed in this regard.
Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement in the financial statements,
recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not
detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery,
misrepresentations or through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and
the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected
in the financial statements, the less likely we are to become aware of it.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at:
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
68
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Kropz plc (continued)
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Parent Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part
16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Parent
Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other
than the Parent Company and the Parent Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report,
or for the opinions we have formed.
Jack Draycott (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, Statutory Auditor
London, UK
28 July 2023
BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).
69
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2022
Non-current assets
Property, plant, equipment and mine development
Exploration assets
Right-of-use asset
Other financial assets
Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents
TOTAL ASSETS
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities
Other financial liabilities
Current taxation
Non-current liabilities
Shareholder loans and derivative
Other financial liabilities
Provisions
TOTAL LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
31 December
2022
US$’000
31 December
2021
US$’000
Notes
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
18
15
16
26
14
16
17
68,965
42,415
-
860
112,240
3,273
1,857
-
2,120
7,250
135,099
44,631
7
1,357
181,094
1,025
1,511
4,858
2,461
9,855
119,490
190,949
7,284
-
26,808
597
34,689
55,102
-
2,697
57,799
3,543
7
4,295
-
7,845
25,043
26,291
4,033
55,367
92,488
63,212
27,002
127,737
70
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2022 (continued)
Shareholders’ equity
Share capital
Share premium
Merger reserve
Foreign exchange translation reserve
Share-based payment reserve
Accumulated losses
Total equity attributable to the owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Notes
12
12 / 13
12 / 13
13
13
33
31 December
2022
US$’000
31 December
2021
US$’000
1,212
194,063
(20,523)
(11,195)
271
(116,972)
46,856
(19,854)
1,194
193,524
(20,523)
(7,807)
1,197
(45,626)
121,959
5,778
27,002
127,737
The notes on pages 75 to 126 form an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements. The Financial
Statements on pages 61 to 126 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors and signed
on its behalf by:
Louis Loubser
Chief Executive Officer
28 July 2023
71
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2022
Year ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
Year ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
Notes
22
21
24
30
25
26
Revenue
Other income
Operating expenses
Operating loss
Finance income
Finance expense
Fair value gain / (loss) from derivative liability
Impairment losses
Loss on disposal of subsidiary
Loss before taxation
Taxation
Loss after taxation
Loss profit attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit
or loss
- Exchange differences on translating foreign operations
Total comprehensive loss
Attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
-
116
-
172
(5,808)
(6,503)
(5,692)
(6,331)
136
(9,812)
10,807
(92,661)
-
480
(7,391)
(4,792)
-
(224)
(97,222)
(18,258)
(602)
-
(97,824)
(18,258)
(66,639)
(31,185)
(97,824)
(13,787)
(4,471)
(18,258)
(97,824)
(18,258)
(3,246)
(101,070)
(11,184)
(29,442)
(70,027)
(31,043)
(101,070)
(23,928)
(5,514)
(29,442)
Loss per share attributable to owners of the Company:
Basic and diluted (US cents)
27
(7.23)
(1.80)
72
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2022
Share
capital
Share
premium
US$’000 US$’000
Merger
reserve
US$’000
Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
US$’000
Share-
based
payment
reserve
US$’000
Retained
earnings
US$’000
Total
US$’000
Non-
controlling
interest
US$’000
Total
equity
US$’000
Balance at 1 January 2021
Total comprehensive loss
for the year
Issue of shares
Disposal of subsidiary
Extinguishment of derivative asset upon
equity draw down
Investment in non-redeemable preference
shares of Kropz Elandsfontein
Share based payment charges
Transactions with owners
Balance at 31 December 2021
Total comprehensive loss
for the year
Issue of shares
Share options exercised
Share based payment credit
Lapsed warrants
Investment in non-redeemable preference
shares of Kropz Elandsfontein
Transactions with owners
706
168,212
(20,523)
2,334
385
(22,010)
129,104
5,729
134,833
-
488
-
-
-
-
488
-
25,312
-
-
-
-
25,312
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(10,141)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(13,787)
(23,928)
(5,514)
(29,442)
-
-
25,800
-
-
181
25,800
181
(4,447)
(4,447)
-
(4,447)
-
812
812
(5,382)
-
(9,829)
(5,382)
812
16,783
5,382
-
5,563
-
812
22,346
1,194
193,524
(20,523)
(7,807)
1,197
(45,626)
121,959
5,778
127,737
-
18
-
-
-
18
-
539
-
-
-
539
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3,388)
-
(66,639)
(70,027)
(31,043)
(101,070)
-
-
-
-
-
(694)
(222)
(10)
-
(926)
-
694
-
10
557
-
(222)
-
-
-
-
-
(5,411)
(4,707)
(5,411)
(5,076)
5,411
5,411
557
-
(222)
-
-
335
Balance at 31 December 2022
1,212
194,063
(20,523)
(11,195)
271
(116,972)
46,856
(19,854)
27,002
73
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2022
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss before taxation
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of right-of-use assets
Impairment losses
Share-based payment (credit) / charge
Finance income
Finance costs
Fair value (gain) / loss on derivative liability
Debt modification present value adjustment
Foreign currency exchange differences
Fair value loss / (gain) on game animals
Operating cash flows before working capital changes
(Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables
(Increase) / decrease in inventories
(Decrease) / increase in trade and other payables
Net cash flows used in operating activities
Cash flows used in investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Exploration and evaluation expenditure
Disposal of subsidiary
Other financial asset
Finance income received
Transfer from restricted cash
Net cash flows used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Finance costs paid
Shareholder loan received
Repayment of lease liabilities
Other financial liabilities
Issue of ordinary share capital
Net cash flows from financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Foreign currency exchange gains / (losses) on cash
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year
Notes
Year ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
Year ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
(97,222)
(18,258)
4
6
25
12
21
24
30
24
4
28
28
28
4
5
28
21
10
24
14
15
28
12
821
5
92,661
(222)
(136)
6,496
(10,807)
(233)
3,550
21
(5,066)
(471)
(3,453)
(172)
(9,162)
(29,215)
(346)
-
427
136
4,727
(24,271)
(2,586)
38,727
(6)
(3,712)
557
32,980
(453)
2,461
112
2,120
904
39
-
812
(480)
3,267
4,792
(258)
4,382
(51)
(4,851)
256
(291)
3,178
(1,708)
(38,553)
(3,931)
5
-
480
2,497
(39,502)
(2,028)
8,037
(39)
54
25,800
31,824
(9,386)
11,572
275
2,461
74
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(1) General information
Kropz is an emerging plant nutrient producer and developer with an advanced stage phosphate mining
project in South Africa and an exploration phosphate project in the Republic of Congo (“RoC”). The
principal activity of the Company is that of a holding company for the Group, as well as performing all
administrative, corporate finance, strategic and governance functions of the Group.
The Company was incorporated on 10 January 2018 and is a public limited company, with its ordinary
shares admitted to the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange on 30 November 2018 trading under
the symbol, “KRPZ”. The Company is domiciled in England and incorporated and registered in England
and Wales. The address of its registered office is 35 Verulam Road, Hitchin, SG5 1QE. The registered
number of the Company is 11143400.
(2) Summary of significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements
are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated.
(a) Basis of preparation
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in prepared in
accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards and the Companies Act 2006
applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The Consolidated Financial Statements have
been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified for any financial assets, financial
liabilities and game animals which are stated at fair value through profit or loss. The Consolidated
Financial Statements are presented in United States Dollars, the presentation currency of the
Company and figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.
Going concern
During the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group incurred a loss of US$ 97.8 million (2021:
US$ 18.3 million) after impairment losses and experienced net cash outflows from operating
activities. Cash and cash equivalents totalled US$ 2.1 million as at 31 December 2022 (2021:
US$ 2.5 million).
Elandsfontein is currently the Group’s only source of operating revenue. As Elandsfontein is still
busy ramping up its operations an operating loss is therefore also expected in the year following
the date of these accounts. The Group is consequently dependent on future fundraisings to meet
any production costs, overheads, future development and exploration requirements and quarterly
repayments on the BNP loan that cannot be met from existing cash resources and sales revenue.
The Company did not reach project completion as stipulated in the BNP facility agreement by
31 December 2022. Considering the delay in achieving sales, the Company also failed to fund
the debt service reserve account as required. BNP have, to date, waived these requirements,
preventing the Company from falling in default of its loan terms, by means of several waivers
since December 2022 to 30 September 2023.
At the end of the waiver period, the bank has the contractual right to request the immediate
repayment of the outstanding loan amount of US$ 18,750,000. Management is in the process of
refinancing the loan and expects that a replacement loan will be in place in the third quarter of
2023.
75
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Operational cash flows and impairment loss
An impairment loss of US$ 92.7 million has been recognised as at 31 December 2022 in relation
to the Elandsfontein mine based on the 5-year forecast and the latest life of mine (LOM) plans
following the downgrade of the resource per an updated MRE as announced on 10 January 2023
and set out in the Strategic report. Please refer to Note 25 for some key assumptions and
sensitivity analysis. The recoverable amount of the Elandsfontein mine was estimated based on
discounted cashflows expected to be generated from the continued use of the cash generating
unit (CGU) using market-based commodity prices and exchange rate assumptions, estimated
quantities of recoverable minerals, production levels, operating costs and capital requirements
and its eventual disposal based on the CGU’s 5 year and latest LOM plans. These calculations
include a number of estimates which if the actual outcome were different could have a significant
impact on the financial outcome of the Elandsfontein mine operations and the Group’s funding
needs.
The going concern assessment was performed using the Group’s 18-month forecast. The
Group’s going concern and forecast cash flows are largely driven by Elandsfontein, as the
Group’s only operating asset. Elandsfontein’s forecast cashflows are based on its updated mine
plan, considering the downgrade of the resource per an updated MRE as announced on
10 January 2023 and set out in the Strategic report and utilises the model which was used for
impairment purposes. Please refer to Note 25 for some key assumptions and sensitivity analysis.
Elandsfontein's forecast cashflows were estimated using market-based commodity prices,
exchange rate assumptions, estimated quantities of recoverable minerals, production levels,
operating costs and capital requirements over an 18-month period. As with the impairment
assessment, the going concern assessment only considered Elandsfontein’s resources defined
as “measured” and “indicated” per the updated MRE. The resource classified as “inferred” was
not considered part of the mine plan for purposes of the going concern and impairment
assessments.
The forecast cashflows include a number of estimates which if the actual outcome were different
could have a significant impact on the financial outcome of the Elandsfontein mine operations
and the Group’s funding needs.
The 18-month forecast assumes the refinancing of the BNP loan facility in September 2023.
The critical estimates in the LOM plan and forecast cashflows expected to be generated are as
follows:
Phosphate rock prices and grade;
Phosphate recoveries;
Operating costs;
Foreign exchange rates; and
Discount rates.
The going concern assessment and forecast cashflows are highly sensitive to these estimates.
Phosphate rock prices and grade: Forecast phosphate rock prices are based on management’s
estimates of quality of production and selling price and are derived from forward price curves and
long-term views of global supply and demand in a changing environment, particularly with respect
to climate risk, building on past experience of the industry and consistent with external sources.
76
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
The first bulk shipment and sale of 33,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate from Kropz
Elandsfontein occurred in January 2023. A second shipment and sale of 20,000 tonnes of
phosphate concentrate from Kropz Elandsfontein was recorded 14 March 2023. During April
2023 two bulk sales were achieved of 33,000 tonnes and 11,000 tonnes respectively. A further
sale of 33,000 tonnes was recorded in June 2023.
Kropz is a new entrant to the phosphate market and has to date sold its shipments at a discount
to market prices as it firstly establishes itself in the market and secondly works to improve its
product grade.
In relation to pricing the most significant judgement in the LOM plan and cashflow forecast is that
Kropz will be able to obtain the market price for its 31% P2O5 phosphate concentrate for all
shipments from beginning of 2024. The cashflow model assumes a discount to the prevailing
market price for 31% P2O5 phosphate concentrate for the period up to April 2023 largely due to
variability in the grade of Elandsfontein’s product being produced during its ramp-up phase and
considering that Elandsfontein is a new market entrant. The ability to achieve market rates on
sales is largely dependent on Elandsfontein’s ability to consistently produce 31% P2O5
concentrate. Failing this, the Group may continue to suffer a discount to market rates. Estimated
phosphate rock prices that have been used to estimate future revenues in the LOM are as follows:
Assumptions
Phosphate rock per tonne
2023
$140
2024
$159
Long term
(2025+)
$164
Phosphate recoveries: The production volumes incorporated into the LOM model were 2.8 million
tonnes of phosphate rock. Estimated production volumes are based on detailed LOM plans of
the measured and indicated resource as defined in the MRE, and take into account development
plans for the mine agreed by management as part of the long-term planning process. Production
volumes are dependent on a number of variables, such as: the recoverable quantities; the
production profile; the cost of the development of the infrastructure necessary to extract the
reserves; the production costs; the contractual duration of mining rights; and the selling price of
the commodities extracted.
Estimated production volumes have been used to estimate future revenues. Such estimates
made within the impairment assessment are subject to significant uncertainty given the ongoing
ramp up, and production volumes achieved subsequent to the year end have been lower than
expected.
There was a delay in ramp-up largely driven by the need to re-engineer parts of the fine flotation
circuit proposed by the vendor, but it has also been affected by early unpredicted ore variability
and lack of operator experience. Mining rates and associated delivery of ore to the plant were
also compromised due to the presence of competent banks of hard material within the orebody,
that were previously unknown. This hardbank material could, at the time, not be mined with the
available equipment on site, resulting in mining delays while the required equipment for
mechanical breaking could be brought to site.
Subsequently the vendor has provided design changes which were implemented at the plant,
additional operator training was conducted and a mobile crusher implemented in the interim to
facilitate the crushing of the affected ore to an appropriate size fraction until further test work has
been conducted for a permanent solution. Several alternatives to deal with the indurated material
in the pit were investigated, and new equipment has arrived on site to improve the mining
efficiency and facilitate adequate feed to the plant.
77
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Post year-end, Elandsfontein has produced 100,000 tonnes from January 2023 to June 2023.
Given the slower actual ramp-up compared to the LOM plan, the forecast cashflow assumes that
production will ramp up to an average of 34,000 tonnes per month in 2H 2023. With the ramp-
up of the Elandsfontein mine still underway and the challenges experienced to date, it is uncertain
whether these production volumes will be achieved.
Reserves and resources: The LOM plan includes only the measured and indicated resources as
defined in the MRE which represents only around 4 years of forecast production. There was a
significant reduction in the measured and indicated resource in the MRE issued in December
2022 as set out in the Strategic report. The Directors believe that the inferred resources in the
MRE are capable of being accessed giving a mine life of around 15 years, but this has not been
taken into account in the discounted cashflows.
Exchange rates: Foreign exchange rates are estimated with reference to external market
forecasts. The assumed long-term US dollar/ZAR exchange rate over LOM is estimated to be
ZAR19/USD and for the forecast cashflows to be ZAR18.50/USD.
Operating cost: Operating costs are estimated with reference to contractual and actual current
costs adjusted for inflation. Key operating cost estimates are mine and plant operating costs and
transportation and port costs.
Mine and plant operating costs: The forecast mine and plant costs were based on the contracted
rates with the current mine and plant operators.
Port costs: The Group has a draft port access agreement with Transnet for Saldanha port but this
has not yet been signed. The Group has paid guest port charges for Saldanha for the shipments
in 2023 to date, which are higher than the assumed port cost in the LOM model but in line with
the draft agreement with Transnet.
Transportation costs: Transnet has informed the Group that it may have to export some
shipments through Cape Town in 2023 and 2024 which would lead of higher transportation cost
to Cape Town. The transportation costs in the discounted cashflows assume that 10% of 2023
and 2024 shipments are through Cape Town at the higher logistic cost.
As production is still ramping up and the port access agreement with Transnet has not yet been
signed, the actual operating costs may be higher than the estimates in the discounted cash flows.
Discount rates: A discount rate of 12.59% was applied to the discounted cash flows used in the
LOM plan. This discount rate is derived from the Group’s post-tax weighted average cost of
capital (WACC), with appropriate adjustments made to reflect the risks specific to the CGU and
to determine the pre-tax rate. The WACC takes into account both debt and equity. The cost of
equity is derived from the expected return on investment by the Group’s investors. The cost of
debt is based on its interest-bearing borrowings the Group is obliged to service. Specific risk is
incorporated by applying beta factors. The beta factors are evaluated annually based on publicly
available market data.
There is a risk that revenue is lower and operating costs are higher than the estimates included
in the discounted cashflows with the result that the recoverable amount from the Elandsfontein
mine is lower than the discounted cashflows. Please also see Note 25 Impairment losses for
sensitivity analysis.
78
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Funding
The Group is consequently dependent on future fundraisings to meet any production costs,
overheads, future development and exploration requirements and quarterly repayments on the
BNP loan that cannot be met from existing cash resources and sales revenue.
ARC Fund, on various occasions in the past provided funding to support the Group’s operations.
In May 2022, Kropz secured a further ZAR equity facility of up to ZAR 177 million from ARC Fund
to be used exclusively for the purposes of bringing the Elandsfontein project to first revenues,
given a slower ramp-up in operations than originally envisaged. More recently, as announced on
14 March 2023, Kropz, Kropz Elandsfontein and the ARC Fund agreed to further ZAR 285 million
(approximately US$ 15.5 million) bridge loan facilities to meet immediate cash requirements at
Kropz Elandsfontein. A first draw down of ZAR 25 million (approximately US$ 1.4 million) on this
was made on 14 March 2023. The loan is unsecured, repayable on demand, with no fixed
repayment terms and is repayable by Kropz Elandsfontein on no less than two business days’
notice. Interest is payable at the South African prime overdraft interest rate plus 6%, nominal per
annum and compounded monthly. A second draw down for an amount of ZAR 90 million was
made on 28 March 2023 and a third drawdown of ZAR 30 million was made on 25 April 2023. A
fourth drawdown of ZAR 80 million was made on 23 June 2023 for Kropz Elandsfontein to be
able to service its quarterly payment of interest and capital to BNP Paribas. ZAR 60 million
remains undrawn at the date of this report. Given that BNP Paribas is exiting South Africa, the
Group was unable to refinance the existing loan with them. Considering their position, BNP has
been supportive of the refinancing strategy and has waived the requirement on the Company to
reach project completion at Elandsfontein as well as to fund the debt service reserve account
consecutively since December 2022 to 30 September 2023. Kropz Elandsfontein has made all
the capital and interest payments to BNP as required to the date of this report.
A further funding shortfall is expected in the year subsequent to the date of these accounts and
as a result the Group will need to raise funding to provide additional working capital to finance its
ongoing activities.
Management has successfully raised money in the past from its supportive major shareholder,
but there is no guarantee that adequate funds will be available if needed in the future.
Management has confirmed with ARC and have sufficient comfort that they have no intention to
call any outstanding loans over the next 12-months for cash repayment. Management engages
frequently with BNP regarding the capital repayment and refinancing of the BNP debt facility.
Significant progress has been made with the refinancing of the BNP loan facility and
Management, at the date of this report, are in advance discussions with several investors to
provide the required funding to repay the BNP debt facility.
Going concern basis
Based on the Group’s current available reserves, recent operational performance, forecast
production and sales coupled with Management’s track record to successfully raise additional
funds as and when required, to meet its working capital and capital expenditure requirements,
the Board have concluded that they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will continue
in operational existence for the foreseeable future and at least to December 2024.
For these reasons, the financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis,
which contemplates the continuity of normal business activities and the realisation of assets and
discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business.
As there can be no guarantee that the required future funding can be raised in the necessary
timeframe, a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to
79
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
continue as a going concern and therefore it may be unable to realise its assets and discharge
its liabilities in the normal course of business.
The financial report does not include adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification
of recorded asset amounts or to the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be
necessary should the Group not continue as a going concern.
Functional and presentational currencies
The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in US Dollars.
The functional currency of Kropz plc is Pounds Sterling and its presentation currency is US
Dollars, due to the fact that US Dollars is the recognised reporting currency for most listed mining
resource companies on AIM.
The functional currency of Kropz SA and its subsidiaries (as shown below) is South African Rand,
being the currency in which the majority of the companies’ transactions are denominated.
The functional currencies of Cominco Resources and its subsidiaries are Euros, Pounds Sterling
and Central African Francs being the currency in which the majority of the companies’
transactions are denominated. Its presentation currency is US Dollars.
The functional and presentation currency of First Gear was US Dollars.
In preparing the financial statements of the individual entities, transactions in currencies other
than the entity’s functional currency are recorded at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date
of the transaction.
At the end of each financial year, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are
retranslated at the rates prevailing as of the end of the financial year. Non-monetary items carried
at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on
the date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of
historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.
Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on retranslation of
monetary items are included in profit or loss for the period. Exchange differences arising on the
retranslation of non-monetary items carried at fair value are included in profit or loss for the period
except for differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items in respect of which gains
and losses are recognised directly in equity. For such non-monetary items, any exchange
component of that gain or loss is also recognised directly in equity.
In order to satisfy the requirements of IAS 21 with respect to presentation currency, the
consolidated financial statements have been translated into US Dollars using the procedures
outlined below:
Assets and liabilities where the functional currency is other than US Dollars were
translated into US Dollars at the relevant closing rates of exchange;
Non-US Dollar trading results were translated into US Dollars at the relevant average
rates of exchange;
Differences arising from the retranslation of the opening net assets and the results for
the period have been taken to the foreign currency translation reserve; and
80
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Share capital has been translated at the historical rates prevailing at the dates of
transactions; and
Exchange differences arising on the net investment in subsidiaries are recognised in
other comprehensive income.
Changes in accounting policies
(i)
New standards, interpretations and amendments adopted from 1 January 2022
The following amendments are effective for the period beginning 1 January 2022:
- Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS 37);
- Property, Plant and Equipment; Proceeds before Intended use (Amendments to IAS 16);
- Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020 (Amendments to IFRS 1, IFRS 9,
IFRS 16 and IAS 41); and
- References to Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS 3).
The Group has considered the above new standards and amendments and has concluded that,
with the exception of IAS 16 which is relevant to the Group as it generated sales, they are either
not relevant to the Group or they do not have a significant impact on the Group’s consolidated
financial statements.
Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16)
The amendment to IAS 16 prohibits an entity from deducting from the cost of an item of PP&E
any proceeds received from selling items produced while the entity is preparing the asset for its
intended use (for example, the proceeds from selling samples produced during the testing phase
of a plant after it is being constructed but before start of commercial production). The proceeds
from selling such samples, together with the costs of producing them, were recognised in profit
or loss as other income in accordance with the amended standard.
(ii)
New standards, interpretations and amendments not yet effective
At the date of authorisation of these consolidated Group financial statements, the following
standards and interpretations, which have not been applied in these financial statements, were
in issue but not yet effective. Management are currently assessing the impact of these new
standards on the Group. With the exception of IAS 1 presentation of financial statements
(amendment – classification of liabilities as current or non-current), the Group does not believe
that the amendments will have a significant impact.
The following amendments are effective for the period beginning 1 January 2023:
- Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement
2);
- Definition of Accounting Estimates (Amendments to IAS 8); and
- Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction
(Amendments to IAS 12).
The following amendments are effective for the period beginning 1 January 2024:
IFRS 16 Leases (Amendment – Liability in a Sale and Leaseback);
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements (Amendment – Classification of Liabilities as
Current or Non-current); and
-
-
81
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
-
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements (Amendment – Non-current Liabilities with
Covenants).
On implementation of IAS 1 presentation of financial statements (amendment – classification of
liabilities as current or non-current), the Group will present its convertible loan liabilities as current
liabilities as opposed to non-current liabilities which is the presentation in these financial
statements.
(b) Basis of consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements comprise the financial statements of the subsidiaries
listed in Note 3.
A subsidiary is defined as an entity over which the Group has control. The Group controls an
entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with
the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Specifically,
the Group controls an investee if, and only if, the Group has all of the following:
a) Power over the investee (i.e. existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the
relevant activities of the investee);
b) Exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and
c) The ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns.
Generally, there is a presumption that a majority of voting rights results in control. When the
Group has less than a majority of the voting, or similar, rights of an investee, it considers all
relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether it has power over an investee, including:
- The contractual arrangements with the other vote holders of the investee;
- Rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and
- The Group’s voting rights and potential voting rights.
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group.
They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.
Intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions are eliminated;
unrealised losses are also eliminated unless cost cannot be recovered. Where necessary,
adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to ensure consistency of
accounting policies with those of the Group.
The total comprehensive income of non-wholly owned subsidiaries is attributed to owners of the
parent and to the non-controlling interests in proportion to their relative ownership interests.
Accounting for asset acquisition within a corporate structure
Acquisitions of mineral assets through acquisition of non-operational corporate structures that do
not represent a business, and therefore do not meet the definition of a business combination, are
accounted for as the acquisition of an asset and recognised at the fair value of the consideration.
Non-controlling interests
The Group initially recognised any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the non-controlling
interest's proportionate share of the acquiree's net assets. The total comprehensive income of
non-wholly owned subsidiaries is attributed to owners of the parent and to the non-controlling
interests in proportion to their relative ownership interests. The benefit accruing to the non-
82
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
controlling interests arising from their proportionate share of the portion of the non-redeemable
and non-participating preference share investment by Kropz plc into Kropz Elandsfontein is
attributed to the non-controlling interests in proportion to their relative ownership interests.
Merger relief
The issue of shares by the Company is accounted for at the fair value of the consideration
received. Any excess over the nominal value of the shares issued is credited to the share
premium account other than in a business combination where the consideration for shares in
another company includes the issue of shares, and on completion of the transaction, the
Company has secured at least a 90% equity holding in the other company. In such circumstances
the credit is applied to the merger relief reserve. In the case of the Company’s acquisition of
Cominco Resources, where shares were acquired on a share for share basis, then merger relief
has been applied to those shares issued in exchange for shares in Cominco Resources.
(c)
Property, plant, equipment and mine development
Property, plant, equipment and mine development includes buildings and infrastructure,
machinery, plant and equipment, site preparation and development and essential spare parts that
are held to minimise delays arising from plant breakdowns, that are expected to be used during
more than one period.
Assets that are in the process of being constructed are measured at cost less accumulated
impairment and are not depreciated. All other classes of property, plant and equipment are stated
at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment. Land is
depreciated over the life of the mine.
Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items,
including:
The estimated costs of decommissioning the assets and site rehabilitation costs to the
extent that they related to the asset;
Capitalised borrowing costs;
Capitalised pre-production expenditure; and
Topsoil and overburden stripping costs.
The cost of items of property, plant and equipment are capitalised into its various components
where the useful life of the components differs from the main item of property, plant and
equipment to which the component can be logically assigned. Expenditure incurred to replace a
significant component of property, plant and equipment is capitalised and any remaining carrying
value of the component replaced is written off as an expense in the income statement.
Direct costs incurred on major projects during the period of development or construction are
capitalised. Subsequent expenditure on property, plant and equipment is capitalised only when
the expenditure enhances the value or output of the asset beyond original expectations, it is
probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the entity and the cost
of the item can be measured reliably. Costs incurred on repairing and maintaining assets are
recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are incurred.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount.
These are included in profit or loss.
83
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Depreciation
All items of property, plant and equipment are depreciated on either a straight-line method or unit
of production method at cost less estimated residual values over their useful lives as follows:
Item
Buildings and infrastructure
Buildings
Roads
Electrical sub-station
Machinery, Plant and
Equipment
Fixed plant and equipment
Water treatment plant
Critical spare parts
Furniture and fittings
Motor vehicles
Computer equipment
Mineral exploration
site preparation
Depreciation method
Average useful life
Units of production
Straight-line
Straight-line
Life of mine*
15 years
15 years
Units of production
Units of production
Straight-line
Straight-line
Straight-line
Straight-line
Life of mine*
Life of mine*
2-15 years
6 years
5 years
3 years
Units of production
Life of mine*
Stripping activity
Units of production
Life of mine*
* Depreciation of mining assets is computed principally by the units-of-production method over
life-of-identified ore based on estimated quantities of economically recoverable proved and
probable reserves, which can be recovered in future from known mineral deposits.
Useful lives and residual values
The asset’s useful lives and residual values are reviewed and adjusted if appropriate, at each
reporting date.
Stripping activity asset
The costs of stripping activity which provides a benefit in the form of improved access to ore is
capitalised as a non-current asset until ore is exposed where the following criteria are met:
it is probable that future economic benefit in the form of improved access to the ore body will
flow to the entity;
the component of the ore body for which access has been improved can be identified; and
the cost of the stripping activity can be reliably measured.
The stripping activity is initially measured at cost and subsequently carried at cost less
depreciation and impairment losses.
(d) Mineral exploration and evaluation costs
All costs incurred prior to obtaining the legal right to undertake exploration and evaluation
activities on a project are written off as incurred. Following the granting of a prospecting right,
general administration and overhead costs directly attributable to exploration and evaluation
84
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
activities are expensed and all other costs are capitalised and recorded at cost on initial
recognition.
The following expenditures are included in the initial and subsequent measurement of the
exploration and evaluation assets:
Acquisition of rights to explore;
Topographical, geological, geochemical or geographical studies;
Exploratory drilling;
Trenching;
Sampling;
Activities in relation to the evaluation of both the technical feasibility and the commercial
viability of extracting minerals;
Exploration staff related costs; and
Equipment and infrastructure.
Exploration and evaluation costs that have been capitalised are classified as either tangible or
intangible according to the nature of the assets acquired and this classification is consistently
applied.
If commercial reserves are developed, the related deferred exploration and evaluation costs are
then reclassified as development and production assets within property, plant and equipment.
All capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure is monitored for indications of impairment
in accordance with IFRS 6.
(e)
Leases
All leases are accounted for by recognising a right-of-use asset and a lease liability except for:
Leases of low value assets; and
Leases with a duration of 12 months or less.
Identifying Leases
The Group accounts for a contract, or a portion of a contract, as a lease when it conveys the right
to use an asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Leases are those contracts
that satisfy the following criteria:
(a) There is an identified asset;
(b) The Group obtains substantially all the economic benefits from use of the asset; and
(c) The Group has the right to direct use of the asset.
The Group considers whether the supplier has substantive substitution rights. If the supplier does
have those rights, the contract is not identified as giving rise to a lease.
In determining whether the Group obtains substantially all the economic benefits from use of the
asset, the Group considers only the economic benefits that arise from use of the asset, not those
incidental to legal ownership or other potential benefits.
In determining whether the Group has the right to direct use of the asset, the Group considers
whether it directs how and for what purpose the asset is used throughout the period of use. If
85
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
there are no significant decisions to be made because they are pre-determined due to the nature
of the asset, the Group considers whether it was involved in the design of the asset in a way that
predetermines how and for what purpose the asset will be used throughout the period of use. If
the contract or portion of a contract does not satisfy these criteria, the Group applies other
applicable IFRSs rather than IFRS 16.
Lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the contractual payments due to the lessor
over the lease term, with the discount rate determined by reference to the rate inherent in the
lease unless (as is typically the case) this is not readily determinable, in which case the Group’s
incremental borrowing rate on commencement of the lease is used.
The discount rate is the rate implicit in the lease, if readily determinable. If not, the Company’s
incremental borrowing rate is used which the Company has assessed to be 7.22%, being an
average SOFR plus 3%, being an appropriate level of risk to the risk-free rate of borrowing.
Variable lease payments are only included in the measurement of the lease liability if they depend
on an index or rate. In such cases, the initial measurement of the lease liability assumes the
variable element will remain unchanged throughout the lease term. Other variable lease
payments are expensed in the period to which they relate.
On initial recognition, the carrying value of the lease liability also includes:
amounts expected to be payable under any residual value guarantee;
the exercise price of any purchase option granted in favour of the Group if it is reasonably
certain to assess that option; and
any penalties payable for terminating the lease, if the term of the lease has been
estimated on the basis of termination option being exercised.
Right of use assets are initially measured at the amount of the lease liability, reduced for any
lease incentives received, and increased for:
lease payments made at or before commencement of the lease;
initial direct costs incurred; and
the amount of any provision recognised where the Group is contractually required to
dismantle, remove or restore the leased asset (typically leasehold dilapidations).
Subsequent to initial measurement lease liabilities increase as a result of interest charged at a
constant rate on the balance outstanding and are reduced for lease payments made. Right-of-
use assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the lease or over the
remaining economic life of the asset if, rarely, this is judged to be shorter than the lease term.
When the Group revises its estimate of the term of any lease (because, for example, it re-
assesses the probability of a lessee extension or termination option being exercised), it adjusts
the carrying amount of the lease liability to reflect the payments to make over the revised term,
which are discounted at the same discount rate that applied on lease commencement. The
carrying value of lease liabilities is similarly revised when the variable element of future lease
payments dependent on a rate or index is revised. In both cases an equivalent adjustment is
made to the carrying value of the right-of-use asset, with the revised carrying amount being
amortised over the remaining (revised) lease term.
86
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
(f) Game animals
Game animals are wild animals that occur on the farm properties owned by the Group. The
animals are owned by Elandsfontein Land Holdings and held within the approximately 5,000
hectares of farmland owned by Elandsfontein Land Holdings. The property is appropriately
fenced with game specific fencing. These animals are managed in terms of a game management
plan and excess animals are either sold as live animals or harvested as and when required based
on estimated stocking levels and vegetation conditions. Law in South Africa specifies that wild
animals are the property of the owner of the land that they occupy.
Game animals are measured at their fair value less estimated point-of-sale costs, fair value being
determined upon the age and size of the animals and relevant market prices. Market price is
determined on the basis that the animal is either to be sold to be slaughtered or realised through
sale to customers at fair market value.
Fair market value of game animals is determined by using average live game animal selling prices
achieved at live game animal auctions during the relevant year and published from time to time
on game animal auctioneering websites.
(g)
Financial instruments
Classification and measurement
The Group classifies its financial instruments into the following categories:
Financial assets measured at amortised cost;
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss;
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost; and
Derivative financial instruments accounted for at fair value through profit and loss.
Classification of financial assets depends on the business model for managing the financial
assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows. Management determines the classification of
financial assets at initial recognition. Generally, the Group does not acquire financial assets for
the purpose of selling in the short term. The Group’s business model is primarily that of “hold to
collect” (where assets are held in order to collect contractual cash flows).
Financial assets held at amortised cost
This classification applies to debt instruments which are held under a hold to collect business
model and which have cash flows that meet the “solely payments of principal and interest”
(“SPPI”) criteria.
At initial recognition, trade and other receivables that do not have a significant financing
component are recognised at their transaction price. Other financial assets are initially recognised
at fair value plus related transaction costs. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost
using the effective interest method. Any gain or loss on de-recognition or modification of a
financial asset held at amortised cost is recognised in the income statement.
Financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the statement of
financial position at fair value with net changes in fair value recognised in the statement of profit
87
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
or loss. Assets and liabilities in this category are classified as current if they are expected to be
settled within twelve months, otherwise they are classified as non-current.
Call options in the Company’s own equity are recorded at fair value and change in fair value
recorded through income statement.
Undrawn facilities with a conversion option, for which the terms give rise to a derivative, are revalued
for changes in the share price prior to draw down with a resulting loss for revaluation booked to Profit
and Loss and the remaining receivable extinguished through equity based on the relative draw down
percentage of undrawn facilities at each reporting period.
Impairment of financial assets
A forward-looking expected credit loss (“ECL”) review is required for debt instruments measured
at amortised cost or held at fair value through other comprehensive income, financial guarantees
not measured at fair value through profit or loss and other receivables that give rise to an
unconditional right to consideration.
As permitted by IFRS 9, the Group applies the “simplified approach” to trade receivables, contract
assets and lease receivables and the “general approach” to all other financial assets. The general
approach incorporates a review for any significant increase in counterparty credit risk since
inception. The ECL reviews include assumptions about the risk of default and expected loss rates.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, and other short-term
highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject
to an insignificant risk of changes in value. These are classified as financial assets at amortised
cost.
Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are classified as financial liabilities at amortised cost.
Interest bearing borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are
subsequently carried at amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction
costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the period of the
borrowings using the effective interest method.
Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan
to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the
fee is deferred until the draw down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable
that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a pre-payment for
liquidity services and amortised over the period of the facility to which it relates.
Modification of debt instruments
When the contractual terms of a financial liability are substantially modified, it is accounted for as
an extinguishment of the original debt instrument and the recognition of a new financial liability.
The new debt instrument is recorded at fair value and any difference from the carrying amount of
88
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
the extinguished liability, including any non-cash consideration transferred, is recorded in profit
or loss. Any costs or fees incurred are generally included in profit or loss, too.
If a modification to the terms of a financial liability is not substantial, then the amortised cost of
the liability is recalculated as the present value of the estimated future contractual cash flows,
discounted at the original effective interest rate. The resulting gains or losses are recognised in
profit or loss. Any costs or fees incurred adjust the carrying amount of the modified financial
liability and are amortised over its term. The periodic re-estimation of cash flows to reflect
movements in market rates of interest will change the effective interest rate of a floating-rate
financial liability.
To determine whether a modification of terms is substantial, the Company performs a quantitative
assessment. If the difference in the present values of the cash flows is less than 10 percent, then
the Company performs a qualitative assessment to identify substantial differences in terms that
by their nature are not captured by the quantitative assessment. Performing a qualitative
assessment may require a high degree of judgement based on the facts and circumstances.
(h)
Taxation
Current tax assets and liabilities
Current tax for current and prior periods is, to the extent unpaid, recognised as a liability. If the
amount already paid in respect of current and prior periods exceeds the amount due for those
periods, the excess is recognised as an asset.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities
Deferred tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences between the tax
bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the
reporting date.
A deferred tax liability is recognised for all taxable temporary differences, except to the extent
that the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction
which at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit and
differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent they are controlled and probably
will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
A deferred tax asset is recognised for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is
probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary difference
can be utilised. A deferred tax asset is not recognised when it arises from the initial recognition
of an asset or liability in a transaction at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting
profit nor taxable profit.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the
period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that
have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set
off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the
same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
89
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Tax expense
Tax expense is recognised in the same component of total comprehensive income (i.e. continuing
operations, discontinued operations, or other comprehensive income) or equity as the transaction
or other event that resulted in the tax expense.
(s)
Impairment of non-financial assets
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is any indication that an asset may be
impaired. If any such indication exists, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the asset.
If there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, the recoverable amount is estimated for
the individual asset. If it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of the individual asset,
the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs is determined.
The recoverable amount of an asset or a cash-generating unit (‘CGU’) is the higher of its fair
value less costs to of disposal (‘FVLCD’) and its value in use (‘VIU’).
If the recoverable amount of an asset is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the
asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. That reduction is an impairment loss.
An impairment loss, of assets carried at cost less any accumulated depreciation or amortisation,
is recognised immediately in profit or loss.
The increased carrying amount of an asset other than goodwill attributable to a reversal of an
impairment loss does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no
impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior periods.
A reversal of an impairment loss of assets carried at cost less accumulated depreciation or
amortisation other than goodwill is recognised immediately in profit or loss. Any reversal of an
impairment loss of a revalued asset is treated as a revaluation increase.
(j)
Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Plant spares and consumables stores are capitalised to the balance sheet and expensed to the
income statement as they are utilised.
Spares and consumables are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is
determined using the weighted average method.
Obsolete, redundant and slow-moving items of spares and consumables are identified on a
regular basis and written down to their net realisable value.
Inventories are included in current assets, unless the inventory will not be used within 12 months
after the end of the reporting period.
90
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
(k)
Provisions and contingencies
Environmental rehabilitation
The provision for environmental rehabilitation is recognised as and when an obligation to incur
rehabilitation and mine closure costs arises from environmental disturbance caused by the
development or ongoing production of a mining property. Estimated long-term environmental
rehabilitation provisions are measured based on the Group’s environmental policy taking into
account current technological, environmental and regulatory requirements. Any subsequent
changes to the carrying amount of the provision resulting from changes to the assumptions as to
the timing of the rehabilitation applied in estimating the obligation are recognised in property,
plant and equipment.
The provisions are based on the net present value of the estimated cost of restoring the
environmental disturbance that has occurred up to the reporting date, using the risk-free rate and
the risk adjusted cash flows that reflect current market assessments and the risks specific to the
provisions. Increases due to the additional environmental disturbances are capitalised and
amortised over the remaining life of the mine.
Decommissioning provision
The estimated present value of costs relating to the future decommissioning of plant or other site
preparation work, taking into account current environmental and regulatory requirements, is
capitalised as part of property, plant and equipment, to the extent that it relates to the construction
of an asset, and the related provisions are raised in the statement of financial position, as soon
as the obligation to incur such costs arises.
These estimates are reviewed at least annually and changes in the measurement of the provision
that result from the subsequent changes in the timing of costs and the risk-free rate, are added
to, or deducted from, the cost of the related asset in the current period. Other changes are
charged to profit or loss. If a decrease in the liability exceeds the carrying amount of the asset,
the excess is recognised immediately in the income statement. If the asset value is increased
and there is an indication that the revised carrying value is not recoverable, an impairment test is
performed in accordance with the accounting policy on impairment of non-financial assets above.
(l)
Share capital and equity
Ordinary shares are classified as equity and are recorded at the proceeds received net of issue
costs.
(m) Convertible debt
The proceeds received on issue of the Group’s convertible debt which fail the fixed-for-fixed
criterion under IFRS are allocated into their liability and derivative liability components. The
derivative liability is measured at fair value with subsequent changes recognised in profit or loss
The debt component is accounted for as a financial liability measured at amortised cost until
extinguished on conversion or maturity of the debt.
(n) Borrowing costs
Interest on borrowings directly related to the financing of qualifying capital projects under
development is added to the capitalised cost of those projects during the development phase,
91
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale which, in the
case of mining properties, is when they are capable of commercial production. Where funds have
been borrowed specifically to finance the project, the amount capitalised represents the actual
borrowing costs incurred. Where the funds used to finance a project forming part of general
borrowings, the amount capitalised is calculated using a weighted average of rates applicable to
relevant general borrowings of the Group during the period.
Qualifying assets are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time (more than 12
months) to get ready for their intended use or sale. Borrowing costs are added to the cost of
these assets, until the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.
Capitalisation is suspended during extended periods in which active development is interrupted.
Capitalisation ceases when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the qualifying
asset for its intended use or sale are complete.
All other borrowing costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are
incurred.
(o) Employee benefits
The cost of short-term employee benefits, such as leave pay and sick leave, bonuses, and non-
monetary benefits such as medical care, are recognised in the period in which the service is
rendered and are not discounted.
(p)
Intangible assets
All intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated
impairment losses.
(q)
Finance income
Interest income is recognised as other income on an accruals basis based on the effective yield on
the investment.
(r)
Share-based payment arrangements
Equity-settled share-based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the equity
instruments at the grant date. Equity-settled share based payments to non-employees are measured
at the fair value of services received, or if this cannot be measured, at the fair value of the equity
instruments granted at the date that the Group obtains the goods or counterparty renders the service.
The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed
on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of equity instruments
that will eventually vest, with a corresponding increase in equity.
Where there are no vesting conditions, the expense and equity reserve arising from share-based
payment transactions is recognised in full immediately on grant.
At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimate of the number of equity
instruments expected to vest. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognised
92
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
in profit or loss such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding
adjustment to other reserves.
Details regarding the determination of the fair value of equity-settled share-based transactions are
set out in the Directors’ Report and Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(s) Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management, from time to
time, to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates and associated
assumptions are based on experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable
under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and
underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are
recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.
The critical judgements made by management in applying accounting policies, apart from those
involving estimations, that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial
statements, are outlined as follows:
(i)
Exploration and evaluation assets (Note 5)
The application of the Group’s accounting policy for exploration and evaluation assets requires
judgement in determining whether it is likely that costs incurred will be recovered through successful
development or sale of the asset under review when assessing impairment. Estimates and
assumptions made may change if new information becomes available. If, after expenditures are
capitalised, information becomes available suggesting that the recovery of expenditures is unlikely,
the amount capitalised is written off in the net profit or loss in the period when the new information
becomes available. In situations where indicators of impairment are present for the Group’s
exploration and evaluation assets, estimates of recoverable amount must be determined as the
higher of the estimated VIU or the estimated FVLCD.
(ii)
Functional currency
The Group transacts in multiple currencies. The assessment of the functional currency of each entity
within the consolidated Group involves the use of judgement in determining the primary economic
environment each entity operates in. The Group first considers the currency that mainly influences
sales prices for goods and services, and the currency that mainly influences labour, material and
other costs of providing goods or services. In determining functional currency, the Group also
considers the currency from which funds from financing activities are generated, and the currency in
which receipts from operating activities are usually retained. See Note 31 for sensitivity analysis of
foreign exchange risk.
(iii)
Decommissioning and rehabilitation provisions (Note 17)
Quantifying the future costs of these obligations is complex and requires various estimates and
judgements to be made, as well as interpretations of and decisions regarding regulatory
requirements, particularly with respect to the degree of rehabilitation required, with reference to the
sensitivity of the environmental area surrounding the sites. Consequently, the guidelines issued for
quantifying the future rehabilitation cost of a site, as issued by the South African Department of
Mineral Resources, have been used to estimate future rehabilitation costs. The Group appointed
93
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Braaf Environmental Practitioners
decommissioning and rehabilitation provision.
to conduct an
independent specialist update of
the
(iv)
Other financial assets
The Group has given guarantees to a number of third parties as described in Note 7 and lodged
funds as security.
The amounts are recoverable subject to satisfactory performance of certain conditions which
requires judgement as to the likelihood of the return of such guarantees. At the balance sheet date
the Directors make judgements on the amounts expected to be returned and consider that all
amounts are recoverable.
(v)
Taxation
Judgement is required in determining the provision for income taxes due to the complexity of
legislation. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is
uncertain during the ordinary course of business.
The Group recognises the net future tax benefit related to deferred income tax assets to the extent
that it is probable that the deductible temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future.
Assessing the recoverability of deferred income tax assets requires the Group to make significant
estimates related to expectations of future taxable income. Estimates of future taxable income are
based on forecast cash flows from operations and the application of existing tax laws in each
jurisdiction. To the extent that future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from estimates,
the ability of the Group to realise the net deferred tax assets recorded at the end of the reporting
period could be impacted.
Management’s judgement is that due to the mine not being at steady state production it is premature
to recognise a deferred tax asset for the accumulated tax losses.
(vi)
Fair value of financial instruments
The judgements and estimates made by the Group in determining the fair values of the financial
instruments are described in Note 14 and 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(vii)
Impairment indicator assessment
The Group reviews and tests the carrying value of assets when events or changes in
circumstances ("impairment indicators”) suggest that the carrying amount may not be
recoverable. At 31 December 2022 an impairment indicator assessment was performed and
impairment charge of US$ 93 million recorded (refer to Note 25). As part of the impairment
indicator assessment, management evaluate the life of mine plan discounted cash flow model.
These calculations require the use of estimates and assumptions. The key estimates made
include discount rates, being the Group’s weighted average cost of capital, future prices of
phosphate rock, mine production levels and foreign currency exchange rates.
94
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
(t)
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Property, plant and equipment
The depreciable amount of property, plant and equipment is allocated on a systematic basis over
its useful life. In determining the depreciable amount management makes certain assumptions
with regard to the residual value of assets based on the expected estimated amount that the
Group would currently obtain from disposal of the asset, after deducting the estimated cost of
disposal, if the asset were already of the age and in the condition expected at the end of its useful
life. If an asset is expected to be abandoned the residual value is estimated at zero.
In determining the useful lives of property, plant and equipment that is depreciated, management
considers the expected usage of assets, expected physical wear and tear, legal or similar limits
of assets such as mineral rights as well as obsolescence.
This estimate is further impacted by management’s best estimation of proved and probable
phosphate ore reserves and the expected future life of each of the mines within the Group. The
forecast production could be different from the actual phosphate mined. This would generally
result from significant changes in the factors or assumptions used in estimating phosphate
reserves. These factors include:
changes in proved and probable ore reserves;
differences between achieved ore prices and assumptions;
adverse movements in foreign exchange;
unforeseen operational issues at mine sites; and
changes in capital, operating, mining, processing, reclamation and logistics costs,
discount rates and foreign exchange rates.
Any change in management’s estimate of the useful lives and residual values of assets would
impact the depreciation charge. Any change in management’s estimate of the total expected
future life of each of the mines would impact the depreciation charge as well as the estimated
rehabilitation and decommissioning provisions.
In determining the FVLCD for purposes of the impairment consideration, the value is most
sensitive to the following assumptions:
Phosphate rock prices;
Phosphate recoveries;
Foreign exchange rates;
Operating costs.
Refer to Note 25 for further details.
Life of mine
Life of mine is defined as the remaining years of production, based on proposed production rates
and ore reserves and will be assessed as soon as additional exploration drilling has been
performed and further reserves proven based on additional test results.
95
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Fair value of derivative instruments
Information about the specific techniques, assumptions and inputs is disclosed in Note 14 and
30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The key estimates associated with the fair value of
the derivative liability include volatility and the assumptions regarding conversion timing.
(3) Subsidiaries of the Group
The subsidiaries of the Group, all of which are private companies limited by shares, as at 31 December
2022, are as follows:
Company
Kropz SA (Pty)
Limited
Country of
Registration or
Incorporation
South Africa
Elandsfontein
Land Holdings
(Pty) Ltd
Kropz
Elandsfontein (Pty)
Ltd
West Coast
Fertilisers (Pty) Ltd
Xsando (Pty) Ltd
Cominco
Resources Limited
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
BVI
Cominco S.A.
Cominco
Resources (UK)
Ltd
RoC
England and
Wales
* 46.67% held indirectly
** 38.18% held indirectly
*** held indirectly
Percentage of
ordinary shares
held by
Company
100%
Registered Office
Principal
Activity
Unit 213, The Hills
Buchanan Square
160 Sir Lowry Road
Woodstock
Cape Town 8001
South Africa
Woodbourne Hall,
PO Box 3162, Road
Town,
Tortola, British Virgin
Islands
Intermediate
holding
company
Property owner
70% *
Phosphate
exploration and
mining
Phosphoric
acid production
Sand sales
Intermediate
holding
company
74% **
70%
70%
100%
Development
Service
company
100% ***
100% ***
The accounting reference date of each of the subsidiaries is coterminous with that of the Company.
96
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
(4)
Tangible assets – Property, plant, equipment and mine development
31 Dec
2022
Cost
US$’000
31 Dec
2022
Accumulated
Depreciation
and
Impairment
US$’000
31 Dec
2022
31 Dec
2021
31 Dec
2021
31 Dec
2021
Carrying
value
Cost
US$’000 US$’000
Accumulated
Depreciation
US$’000
Carrying
value
US$’000
Buildings and
infrastructure
Land
Buildings
Capitalised road costs
Capitalised electrical sub-
station costs
Machinery, plant and
equipment
Critical spare parts
Plant and machinery
Water treatment plant
Furniture and fittings
Geological equipment
Office equipment
Other fixed assets
Motor vehicles
Computer equipment
1,418
9,840
7,600
3,297
1,786
95,061
2,333
56
79
30
1
93
79
(795)
(5,597)
(5,709)
(2,445)
(1,002)
(53,486)
(1,308)
(41)
(48)
(28)
(1)
(93)
(45)
623
4,243
1,891
1,515
10,514
8,121
-
(56)
(2,978)
1,515
10,458
5,143
852
3,523
(1,213)
2,310
784
41,575
1,025
15
31
2
-
-
34
1,713
86,243
2,435
49
65
32
1
100
65
-
(63)
-
(40)
(45)
(21)
(1)
(100)
(41)
-
-
-
1,713
86,180
2,435
9
20
11
-
-
24
18,938
6,126
217
Mine development
17,724
(9,788)
7,936
18,938
Stripping activity costs
22,257
(12,485)
9,772
6,126
Game animals
182
-
182
217
Total
161,836
(92,871)
68,965 139,657
(4,558)
135,099
97
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Reconciliation of property, plant, equipment and mine development – Year ended 31 December 2022
Opening
Balance
US$’000
Additions
US$’000
Fair
value
loss
US$’000
Impair-
ment*
US$’000
Depreciation
charge
US$’000
Foreign
exchange
loss
US$’000
Closing
balance
US$’000
Buildings and
infrastructure
Land
Buildings
Capitalised road
costs
Capitalised electrical
sub-station costs
Machinery, plant
and equipment
Critical spare parts
Plant and machinery
Water treatment
plant
Furniture and fittings
Geological
equipment
Office equipment
Other fixed assets
Motor vehicles
Computer equipment
1,515
10,458
5,143
2,310
1,713
86,180
2,435
9
20
11
-
-
24
Mine development
18,938
-
-
-
-
190
14,911
56
10
18
-
-
-
24
-
Stripping activity
costs
6,126
17,178
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(795)
(5,747)
(2,522)
(1,137)
(1,046)
(55,775)
(1,366)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(10,227)
(13,035)
Game animals
217
-
(21)
-
-
(33)
(527)
(229)
-
(1)
-
(4)
(6)
(9)
-
-
(12)
-
-
-
(97)
(435)
623
4,243
(203)
1,891
(92)
852
(73)
(3,740)
784
41,575
(100)
-
1,025
15
(1)
-
-
-
(2)
31
2
-
-
34
(775)
7,936
(497)
9,772
(14)
182
Total
135,099
32,387
(21)
(91,650)
(821)
(6,029)
68,965
* Refer to Note 25.
98
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Reconciliation of property, plant, equipment and mine development – Year ended 31 December 2021
Opening
Balance
US$’000
Additions
US$’000
Fair value
gain
US$’000
Depreciation
charge
US$’000
Foreign
exchange
loss
US$’000
Closing
balance
US$’000
Buildings and
infrastructure
Land
Buildings
Capitalised road
costs
Capitalised electrical
sub-station costs
Machinery, plant
and equipment
Critical spare parts
Plant and machinery
Water treatment
plant
Furniture and fittings
Geological
equipment
Office equipment
Other fixed assets
Motor vehicles
Computer equipment
2,067
10,991
6,177
2,765
1,285
66,609
1,129
3
-
18
-
-
5
-
-
-
-
571
29,578
1,503
10
24
-
-
-
24
Mine development
20,046
528
Stripping activity
costs
3,193
3,433
Game animals
185
-
Total
114,473
35,671
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
51
51
-
(49)
(583)
(253)
-
(4)
-
(2)
(2)
(6)
-
-
(5)
-
-
-
(552)
(484)
(451)
(202)
(143)
(10,003)
(197)
(2)
(2)
(1)
-
-
-
1,515
10,458
5,143
2,310
1,713
86,180
2,435
9
20
11
-
-
24
(1,636)
18,938
(500)
6,126
(19)
217
(904)
(14,192)
135,099
Game animals
Game animal assets are carried at fair value. The different levels are defined as follows:
Level 1: Quoted unadjusted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Group
can access as measurement date.
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability
either directly or indirectly.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
Levels of fair value measurements – Level 3.
Kropz Elandsfontein has a fully drawn down project financing facility with BNP Paribas for US$ 30 million (see
Note 16). BNP has an extensive security package over all the assets of Kropz Elandsfontein and Elandsfontein
Land Holdings (Pty) Ltd (“Elandsfontein Land Holdings”) as well as the share investments in those respective
companies owned by Kropz SA (Pty) Ltd (“Kropz SA”).
99
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
(5)
Intangible assets - Exploration and evaluation costs
31 Dec
2022
Cost
US$’000
31 Dec
2022
Amort-
isation
31 Dec
2022
Carrying
value
US$’000 US$’000
31 Dec
2021
Cost
US$’000
31 Dec
2021
Amort-
isation
US$’000
31 Dec
2021
Carrying
value
US$’000
Capitalised costs
42,415
-
42,415
44,631
-
44,631
The costs of mineral resources acquired and associated exploration and evaluation costs are not subject to
amortisation until they are included in the life-of-the-mine plan and production has commenced.
Where assets are dedicated to a mine, the useful lives are subject to the lesser of the asset category’s useful
life and the life of the mine, unless those assets are readily transferable to another productive mine. In
accordance with the requirements of IFRS 6, the Directors assessed whether there were any indicators of
impairment. No indicators were identified.
Reconciliation of exploration assets
Year ended 31 December 2022
Capitalised exploration costs
Year ended 31 December 2021
Capitalised exploration costs
(6) Right-of-use assets
Cost
Brought forward
Foreign exchange differences
As at 31 December
Amortisation
Brought forward
Charge for the year
Foreign exchange differences
As at 31 December
Opening
Balance
US$’000
Additions
US$’000
Disposals
US$’000
Foreign
exchange
loss
US$’000
Closing
balance
US$’000
44,631
346
-
(2,562)
42,415
Opening
Balance
US$’000
Additions
US$’000
Disposals
US$’000
Foreign
exchange
loss
US$’000
Closing
balance
US$’000
44,348
3,931
(62)
(3,586)
44,631
Year ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
Year ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
110
(7)
103
103
5
(5)
103
117
(7)
110
72
39
(8)
103
100
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Net book value
(7) Other financial assets
DMR guarantee (1)
Eskom guarantee (2)
Eskom guarantee (3)
Heritage Western Cape Trust (4)
Centriq insurance DMR guarantee (5)
Total
-
7
31 December
2022
US$’000
-
309
313
-
238
860
31 December
2021
US$’000
630
330
334
63
-
1,357
(1) DMR guarantee
Guarantee in favour of the Department of Mineral Resources for ZAR 10 million in respect of a “financial
guarantee for the rehabilitation of land disturbed by prospecting/mining”. The guarantee was replaced
by Centriq insurance during the year.
(2) Eskom guarantee
Guarantee issued to Eskom Holdings SOC Limited in the amount of ZAR 5,235,712 in respect of “supply
agreement (early termination) guarantee”.
(3) Eskom guarantee
Guarantee issued to Eskom Holdings SOC Limited in the amount of ZAR 5,305,333 in respect of an
“electricity accounts guarantee”.
(4) Heritage Western Cape Trust
ZAR 1 million settlement agreement trust fund held in trust by attorneys on behalf of the Heritage
Western Cape Trust until Kropz Elandsfontein lodged a heritage impact assessment. The heritage
impact assessment was lodged in 2018 and the guarantee funds returned to the Group during the year.
(5) Centriq insurance DMR guarantee
Guarantee in favour of Department of Mineral Resources of ZAR 50 million in respect of a "financial
guarantee for the rehabilitation of land disturbed by prospecting/mining" under an insurance policy. Two
additional annual premiums of ZAR 4.5 million are due on 1 November 2023 and 1 November 2024
respectively.
Fair value of other financial assets
The carrying value of other financial assets approximate their fair value.
(8)
Inventories
Concentrate*
Consumables
Total
* Phosphate rock produced by Kropz Elandsfontein.
31 December
2022
US$’000
790
2,483
3,273
31 December
2021
US$’000
-
1,025
1,025
101
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
(9)
Trade and other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income
Deposits
VAT
Other receivables
Total
31 December
2022
US$’000
209
41
1,294
313
1,857
31 December
2021
US$’000
238
46
1,112
115
1,511
Credit quality of trade and other receivables
The credit quality of trade and other receivables are considered recoverable due to management’s
assessment of debtors’ ability to repay the outstanding amount.
Credit risk
The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the fair value of each class of receivable
mentioned above.
Trade and other receivables past due but not impaired
None of the trade and other receivables were past due at the end of the reporting dates.
Trade and other receivables impaired
None of the trade and other receivables were considered impaired. Trade and other receivables have
not been discounted as the impact of discounting is considered to be insignificant.
Fair value of trade and other receivables
The carrying value of trade and other receivables approximate their fair value.
Expected credit losses
There are no current receivable balances lifetime expected credit losses in the current year.
(10) Restricted cash
Short-term deposits
31 December
2022
US$’000
-
31 December
2021
US$’000
4,858
In May 2020, Kropz Elandsfontein and BNP agreed to amend and restate the term loan facility
agreement entered into on or about 13 September 2016 (as amended from time to time). The BNP
facility amendment agreement extends inter alia the final capital repayment date to Q3 2024, with eight
equal capital repayments commencing in Q4 2022 and an interest rate of 6.5% plus US LIBOR, up to
project completion and 4.5% plus US LIBOR thereafter. In addition, the amended BNP facility
agreement locked up ZAR 200 million of cash held in the bank account of Kropz Elandsfontein at that
time, to be released by BNP to Kropz Elandsfontein pro rata with drawdowns from ARC in terms of the
Original Equity Facility. The locked-up funds would be released by BNP in the ratio of 1:3, representing
a release of locked-up cash of ZAR1 for every ZAR3 drawn down from ARC in terms of the Original
Equity Facility. At 31 December 2021, ZAR 77 million remained locked up and invested with BNP as
short-term deposits. BNP released the remaining ZAR 77 million restricted cash in the bank account of
Kropz Elandsfontein on 10 January 2022.
102
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Fair value of short-term deposits
Due to the short-term nature of restricted cash the carrying amount is deemed to approximate the fair
value.
(11) Cash and cash equivalents
Bank balances
Cash on hand
Total
31 December
2022
US$’000
2,120
-
2,120
31 December
2021
US$’000
2,460
1
2,461
Credit quality of cash at bank and short-term deposits, excluding cash on hand
The Group only deposits cash and cash equivalents with reputable banks with good credit ratings.
Fair value of cash at bank
Due to the short-term nature of cash and cash equivalents the carrying amount is deemed to
approximate the fair value.
(12) Share capital
Each shareholder has the right to one vote per ordinary share in general meeting. Any distributable
profit remaining after payment of distributions is available for distribution to the shareholders of the
Company in equal amounts per share. Shares were issued as set out below:
At 1 January 2020
Number of
Share
capital
shares US$’000
706
558,627,558
Merger
Share
premium
Total
reserve
US$’000 US$’000 US$’000
148,395
(20,523)
168,212
Convertible loan – issue of shares
As at 31 December 2021
350,944,417
909,571,975
488
1,194
25,312
193,524
-
(20,523)
25,800
174,195
issued
Share options exercised
Shares
guarantee fees
Convertible loan – issue of shares
At 31 December 2022
in
settlement of
6,700,000
9
-
-
9
3,971,712
3,474,536
923,718,223
4
5
1,212
307
232
194,063
-
-
(20,523)
311
237
174,752
Issue of shares in the year ended 31 December 2022:
The changes to the issued share capital of the Company which occurred between 1 January 2022 and
31 December 2022 were as follows:
Convertible loan facility
Kropz secured a convertible loan facility of up to US$ 5 million (not exceeding a maximum of ZAR 85 million)
from ARC Fund (“Further Equity Facility”) in February 2021, to be used exclusively for the Hinda Updated
FS and general corporate purposes for Kropz. Quarterly drawdowns under the Further Equity Facility are
at the sole discretion of Kropz. Repayment of the Further Equity Facility and any interest thereon will be in
the form of immediate conversion into ordinary shares in Kropz and issued to ARC Fund, at a conversion
103
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
price of 4.202 pence per ordinary share each quarter, and any US$ amount will be converted to GBP at an
agreed rate of US$ 1 = 0.73 GBP. Ordinary shares to be issued to ARC Fund in terms of the Further Equity
Facility will be a maximum of 86,863,398 ordinary shares.
The fifth and final drawdown on the Further Equity Facility occurred on 10 March 2022 for US$ 200,000
which was settled by way of the issue of 3,474,536 new ordinary shares at the issue price of 4.202 pence
per ordinary share to the ARC Fund.
As announced on 13 May 2020, and pursuant to the terms of the original US$ 40 million equity facility, any
fees associated with the bank guarantee provided by ARC Fund, would be settled by the issue of new
ordinary shares to ARC Fund. The final guarantee fee due to ARC Fund, amounting to US$ 311,733 was
settled by the issue of 3,971,712 new ordinary shares on 10 March 2022.
Share based payment arrangements
Employee Share Option Plan and Long-Term Incentive Plan
As more fully described in the Directors’ Report, the Company operates an ownership-based scheme
for executives and senior employees of the Group. In accordance with the provisions of the plans,
executives and senior employees may be granted options to purchase parcels of ordinary shares at an
exercise price determined by the Board based on a recommendation by the Remuneration Committee.
The following plans have been adopted by the Company:
an executive share option plan used to grant awards on Admission of the Company to AIM
and following Admission (the “ESOP Awards”) – a performance and service-related plan
pursuant to which nominal-cost options can be granted; and
an executive long-term incentive plan (the “LTIP Awards”) – a performance and service-
related plan pursuant to which conditional share awards, nominal-cost options and market
value options can be granted, (together, the ‘‘Incentive Plans’’).
An option-holder has no voting or dividend rights in the Company before the exercise of a share option.
ESOP Awards
ESOP Awards were issued at the time of the Admission of the Company’s shares to the AIM market of
the London Stock Exchange in November 2018.
The ESOP Awards will vest as to performance as follows:
20% of the award shall vest for growth in share price of 100% from the Admission placing
price (40 pence);
a further 20% of the award shall vest for growth in share price of 250% from the Admission
placing price;
a further 30% of the award shall vest for growth in share price of 350% from the Admission
placing price; and
a further 30% of the award shall vest for growth in share price of 500% from the Admission
placing price.
The value of the options was calculated by way of a Monte Carlo Simulation using the following
assumptions.
104
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
ESOP Award assumptions at issue date
Share price
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Expected dividends
Risk-free interest rate
Option life
GBP 0.40
GBP 0.40
40%
0%
2.1%
10 years
The expected volatility is based on the historic volatility. Options are stated in UK Pound Sterling as the
Company is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
As announced on 20 July 2022, Mark Summers expressed his intention to leave the Company and he
resigned as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Executive Director of the Company in January 2023
and the 3,362,609 ESOP options awarded to him lapsed and expired. Michelle Lawrence resigned on
31 December 2022 and the 1,465,137 ESOP options awarded to her lapsed and expired on that date.
There are therefore nil ESOP options remaining at 31 December 2022.
LTIP Awards
During 2020, the Company granted conditional share awards over ordinary shares in the Company to
key members of the executive management team under its LTIP Awards plan. These LTIP Awards have
performance conditions aligned to the implementing the Company's strategic plans, including
appropriate weightings on the successful commissioning of the Elandsfontein mine and completion of
an updated feasibility study on the Hinda project.
As announced on 4 August 2020, the Company granted LTIP Awards to key members of the executive
management team, including certain Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities (“PDMRs”),
including Mark Summers and Michelle Lawrence, under its LTIP Awards.
The LTIP Awards are £0.001 priced options over a total of 6,700,000 ordinary shares. Of this total,
2,350,000 LTIP Awards were granted to each of Mark Summers and Michelle Lawrence and 1,000,000
to Patrick Stevenaert. The LTIP Awards vested on 31 December 2021 and were exercised in January
2022, pursuant to the terms of the LTIP Plan Rules (as set out in the Company’s Admission Document),
including financial and non-financial performance conditions and, in respect of Mark Summers and
Michelle Lawrence, continued employment by the Company. Consequently, 6,700,000 ordinary shares
were issued on 24 January 2022, at an exercise price of £0.001 an ordinary share, in the Company.
The value of the options was calculated by using the Black-Scholes model, using the following
assumptions.
LTIP Award assumptions at issue date
Share price
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Expected dividends
Risk-free interest rate
Option life
GBP 0.085
GBP 0.001
26%
0%
1.1%
3 years
As announced on 2 July 2021, the Company granted LTIP Awards to key members of the executive
management team, including certain Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities (“PDMRs”),
including Mark Summers and Michelle Lawrence, under its LTIP Awards.
105
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
The LTIP Awards are £0.001 priced options over a total of 7,800,000 ordinary shares. Of this total,
2,400,000 LTIP Awards were granted to each of Mark Summers and Michelle Lawrence and 900,000
to Patrick Stevenaert. The LTIP Awards will vest on various dates from 30 June 2022 to 31 December
2024, subject to the terms of the LTIP Plan Rules (as set out in the Company’s Admission Document),
including financial and non-financial performance conditions and, in respect of Mark Summers and
Michelle Lawrence, continued employment by the Company.
The value of the options was calculated by using the Black-Scholes model, using the following
assumptions.
LTIP Award assumptions at issue date
Share price
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Expected dividends
Risk-free interest rate
Option life
GBP 0.055
GBP 0.001
30%
0%
1.3%
7 years
As announced on 20 July 2022, Mark Summers expressed his intention to leave the Company and he
resigned in January 2023 and the 2,400,000 LTIP options awarded to him lapsed and expired. Michelle
Lawrence resigned on 31 December 2022 and the 2,400,000 LTIP options awarded to her lapsed and
expired on that date. The lapsed and expired options were reversed through profit and loss.
A net credit to expense of US$ 222,000 was recognised in profit and loss related to the employee share
options (31 December 2021: charge of US$ 812,000).
The LTIP Awards remaining at 31 December 2022 are £0.001 priced options over a total of 3,000,000
ordinary shares representing 0.3% of the Company's issued share capital.
Equity warrants
As part of the equity facility and fundraising, on 4 August 2020 the Company granted 121,837 warrants
over the ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each in the Company, exercisable at 6.75 pence per Ordinary
Share for a period of two years from issue. As they had not been exercised, these options lapsed during
the 2022 financial year and nil equity warrants remained in place at 31 December 2022 (2021: 121,837
equity warrants).
(13) Reserves
Nature and purpose of reserves
Foreign exchange translation reserve
The foreign exchange translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the
translation of the assets, liabilities and equity of the entities included in these consolidated financial
statements from their functional currencies to the presentational currency. A decrease in the reserve of
US$ 3,388,000 (2021: US$ 10,141,000) was recorded due to changes in the foreign currencies used to
translate assets, liabilities and equity at consolidation.
Share premium
The share premium account represents the amount received on the issue of ordinary shares by the
Company, other than those recognised in the merger reserve described below, in excess of their
nominal value and is non-distributable.
106
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Merger reserve
The merger reserve represents the amount received on the issue of ordinary shares by the Company
in excess of their nominal value on acquisition of subsidiaries where merger relief under section 612 of
the Companies Act 2006 applies. The merger reserve consists of the merger relief on the issue of
shares to acquire Kropz SA on 27 November 2018 and Cominco Resources on 30 November 2018.
The merger reserve also includes differences between the book value of assets and liabilities acquired
and the consideration for the business acquired under common control.
Share-based payment reserve
The share-based payment reserve arises from the requirement to value share options and warrants in
existence at fair value (see Note 12).
(14) Shareholder loans and derivative
Shareholder loans - ARC
Convertible debt - ARC
Derivative liability (refer to Note 30)
31 December
2022
US$’000
17,010
15,055
23,037
55,102
31 December
2021
US$’000
16,196
6,191
2,656
25,043
Shareholders loan - ARC
The loans are: (i) US$ denominated, but any repayments will be made in ZAR at the then prevailing
ZAR/US$ exchange rate; (ii) carry interest at monthly US LIBOR plus 3%; and (iii) are repayable by no
later than 1 January 2035 (or such earlier date as agreed between the parties to the shareholder
agreements).
Convertible debt - ARC
On 20 October 2021, the Company entered into a new convertible equity facility of up to ZAR 200 million
(“ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility”) with ARC, the Company's major shareholder. Interest is payable at
14% nominal, compounded monthly. At any time during the term of the ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility,
repayment of the ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility capital amount will, at the election of ARC, either be in
the form of the conversion into ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each (“Ordinary Shares”) in the Company
and issued to ARC, at a conversion price of 4.5058 pence per Ordinary Share each, representing the
30-day Volume Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) on 21 September 2021, and at fixed exchange rate
of GBP 1 = ZAR 20.24 ("Conversion"), or payable in cash by the Company at the end of the term of the
ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility which is 27 October 2026. The Company made a drawdown of ZAR 90
million of the ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility on 26 October 2021 and a further ZAR 37 million on
9 December 2021. Two further draw downs were made in 2022, one on 25 March 2022 for ZAR 40
million and ZAR 33 million on 26 April 2022. The ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility is fully drawn at the
date of this report.
As announced on 11 May 2022, the Company entered into a new conditional convertible equity facility
of up to ZAR 177 million (“ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility”) with ARC. Interest is payable at 14%
nominal, compounded monthly. At any time during the term of the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility,
repayment of the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility capital amount will, at the election of ARC, either be in
the form of the conversion into Ordinary Shares in the Company and issued to ARC, at a conversion
price of 9.256 pence per Ordinary Share each, representing the 30-day Volume Weighted Average
Price (“VWAP”) on 4 May 2022, and at fixed exchange rate of ZAR 1 = GBP 0.0504 ("Conversion"), or
payable in cash by the Company at the end of the term of the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility which is
107
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
2 June 2027. The first drawdown on the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility occurred on 2 June 2022 for
ZAR 103.5 million. The second drawdown on the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility was made on 7 July
2022 for ZAR 60 million. On 9 August 2022, a final drawdown on the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility
was made for ZAR 13.5 million. The ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility is fully drawn at the date of this
report.
As announced on 14 November 2022, the Company entered into a new conditional convertible equity
facility of up to ZAR 550 million (“ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility”) with ARC. Interest is payable at the
South African prime overdraft interest rate plus 6%, nominal per annum and compounded monthly. At
any time during the term of the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility, repayment of the ZAR 550 Million Equity
Facility capital amount will, at the election of ARC, either be in the form of the conversion into Ordinary
Shares in the Company and issued to ARC, at a conversion price of 4.579 pence per Ordinary Share
each, representing the 30-day Volume Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) on 21 October 2022 and at
fixed exchange rate of ZAR 1 = GBP 0.48824 ("Conversion"), or payable in cash by the Company at
the end of the term of the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility which is 30 November 2027. The first
drawdown on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility occurred on 1 December 2022 for ZAR 307.5 million.
The second drawdown on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility of ZAR 135 million occurred on 22
December 2022. The third drawdown on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility of ZAR 60 million occurred
on 25 January 2023 and the fourth drawdown of ZAR 40 million occurred on 27 February 2023. ZAR
7.5 million remains undrawn on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility.
Convertible liability
It was determined that the conversion option embedded in the convertible debt equity facility be
accounted for separately as a derivative liability. Although the amount to be settled is fixed in ZAR,
when converted back to Kropz’s functional currency will result in a variable amount of cash based on
the exchange rate at the date of conversion. The value of the liability component and the derivative
conversion component were determined at the date of draw down using a Monte Carlo simulation. The
debt host liability was bifurcated based on the determined value of the option. Subsequently, the
embedded derivative liability is adjusted to reflect fair value at each period end with changes in fair
value recorded in profit and loss (refer to Note 30).
Fair value of shareholder loans
The carrying value of the loans approximates their fair value.
(15) Finance lease liabilities
In respect of right-of-use assets
Balance brought forward
Repayments during the year
Foreign exchange differences
Lease liabilities at end of year
Maturity
Current
Non-current
Total lease liabilities
Year ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
Year ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
7
(6)
(1)
-
-
-
-
48
(39)
(2)
7
7
-
7
108
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
(16) Other financial liabilities
BNP
Greenheart Foundation
Total
Maturity
Non-current
Current
Total
31 December
2022
US$’000
26,298
510
26,808
31 December
2021
US$’000
30,041
545
30,586
-
26,808
26,808
26,291
4,295
30,586
BNP
A US$ 30,000,000 facility was made available by BNP Paribas to Kropz Elandsfontein in September
2016.
In May 2020, Kropz Elandsfontein and BNP Paribas agreed to amend and restate the term loan facility
agreement entered into on or about 13 September 2016 (as amended from time to time). The BNP
Paribas facility amendment agreement extends inter alia the final capital repayment date to Q3 2024,
with eight equal capital repayments to commence in Q4 2022 and an interest rate of 6.5% plus US
LIBOR, up to project completion and 4.5% plus US LIBOR thereafter.
BNP Paribas has an extensive security package over all the assets of Kropz Elandsfontein and
Elandsfontein Land Holdings as well as the share investments in those respective companies owned
by Kropz SA.
The BNP loan is subject to covenant clauses. Kropz Elandsfontein did not reach project completion as
stipulated in the agreement to be 31 December 2022 and failed to fund the Debt Service Reserve
Account, however BNP Paribas has provided, post balance sheet date, a waiver to 30 September 2023.
The outstanding balance is therefore presented as a current liability as at 31 December 2022.
Greenheart Foundation
A loan has been made to the Group by Greenheart Foundation which is interest-free and repayable on
demand. Louis Loubser, a Director of the Kropz plc, is a Director of Greenheart Foundation.
Fair value of other financial liabilities
The carrying value of the loans approximate their fair value.
(17) Provisions
Reconciliation of provisions – Year ended 31 December 2022
Provision for dismantling costs
Provisions for rehabilitation
Total
Opening
Balance
US$’000
2,241
1,792
4,033
Additions/
Adjustments
US$’000
(1,367)
(185)
(1,552)
Foreign
exchange
gains
US$’000
99
117
216
Closing
balance
US$’000
973
1,724
2,697
109
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Reconciliation of provisions – Year ended 31 December 2021
Provision for dismantling costs
Provisions for rehabilitation
Total
Opening
Balance
US$’000
2,477
1,834
4,311
Additions/
Adjustments
US$’000
(42)
112
70
Foreign
exchange
gain
US$’000
(194)
(154)
(348)
Closing
balance
US$’000
2,241
1,792
4,033
Dismantling and rehabilitation provisions
Prior to 2015, financial provisioning and rehabilitation were governed by the Mineral and Petroleum
Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002) (“MPRDA”) and the National Environmental
Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (“NEMA”). As such the previous financial provisioning
was based on the quantum of the financial provision under regulations 53 and 54 of the MPRDA and
the guideline document published by the Department of Mineral Resources (now "Department of
Mineral Resources and Energy”) (DMR 2005 Guideline Document for the Evaluation of the Quantum of
Closure-Related Financial Provision Provided by a Mine) and assessed according to the guideline.
The Kropz Elandsfontein Mine was placed on Care and Maintenance Phase from August 2017 to
September 2020 due to flaws in the design of the production process. This was followed by an
Optimisation Phase from September 2020 to September 2021 which related to plant modifications to
meet optimal operational requirements to allow the mine to go into production. At this time, Kropz
Elandsfontein updated their EMPr to include the optimisation phase. As such the DMRE issued updated
conditions, which stated that the holder of the EMPr must annually assess the environmental liabilities
of the operation by using the master rates in line with the applicable Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) at
the time and address the shortfall on the financial provision submitted in terms of section 24P of NEMA.
To comply with the requirements, Kropz Elandsfontein commissioned Braaf Environmental Practitioners
SA (Pty) Ltd to update the provision in 2021, which was done under the 2015 Regulations (GNR 1147)
and approved by the DMRE.
Prior to the 2022 financial provision update, the DMRE was consulted to determine which regulations
must be adhered to, Regulation 54 of the MPRDA Regulations (i.e., the DMR 2005 Guideline Document
for the Evaluation of the Quantum of Closure-Related Financial Provision Provided by a Mine) or the
2015 regulations (GNR 1147), as amended. The DMRE confirmed that since the publication of GNR
No. 45058 by the Minister of her intention to repeal the 2015 Financial Provisioning Regulations and to
make new Regulations for Financial Provisioning on 27 August 2021, the updated 2022 Kropz
Elandsfontein financial provisions should be determined under regulations 53 and 54 of the MPRDA
and the DMR 2005 Guideline Document for the Evaluation of the Quantum of Closure-Related Financial
Provision Provided by a Mine and DMRE’s 2005 escalated master rates. In terms of the current
transitional provisions (GNR No. 46378 of 19 May 2022) of the proposed Regulations mining companies
have until, 19 September 2023 to comply with the 2015 Regulations, as amended. However, on 19 May
2023, the Minister published a further extension to the due date for mining companies to comply with
the proposed Regulations, being 19 February 2024.
As such the 2022 provision was based on the DMRE master rates for rehabilitation and instruction from
the DMRE which is the prescribed requirements in terms of the approvals and regulations. This has
resulted in reduction in the quantum of the provision.
The expected timing of any outflows of these provisions will be on the closure of the respective mines.
Estimates are based on costs that are reviewed regularly and adjusted as appropriate for new
110
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
circumstances. Future cash flows are appropriately discounted. A discount rate of 5.52% (2021: 7.46%)
was used.
(18) Trade and other payables
Trade payables
Other payables
Accruals
Total
31 December
2022
US$’000
6,605
10
669
7,284
31 December
2021
US$’000
2,527
-
1,016
3,543
Fair value of trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are carried at amortised cost, with their carrying value approximating their
fair value.
(19) Commitments
Authorised capital commitments
31 December
2022
US$’000
-
31
December
2021
US$’000
1,871
The committed expenditure at 31 December 2021 relates to plant construction.
(20) Directors’ remuneration, interests and transactions
The Directors of the Company and the two executives of Kropz Elandsfontein and Cominco Resources
are considered to be the Key Management Personnel of the Group. Details of the Directors’
remuneration, Key Management Personnel remuneration which totalled US$ 747,329 (2021:
US$ 1,882,116) (including notional option cost and social security contributions) and Directors’ interests
in the share capital of the Company are disclosed in the Directors’ Report. Amounts reflected relate to
short-term employee benefits and were converted to US$ at the 31 December 2022 GBP exchange
rate of 0.812 and ZAR exchange rate of ZAR 16.373.
The highest paid Director in the year received remuneration, excluding notional gains on share options,
of US$ 330,340 (2021: US$ 542,739). Refer to page 33 to 34 for further details.
(21) Finance income
Interest income
Total
Year ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
136
136
Year ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
480
480
111
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
(22) Operating expenses
Fair value loss / (gain) on game animals
Amortisation of right of use asset
Depreciation of property, plant and machinery
Employee costs (excluding share option cost)
Share option (credit) / cost
Electricity and water – mine operations
Inventory expense
Mining costs
Plant operating costs and recoveries
Professional and other services
Auditor’s remuneration in respect of audit of the Group and parent
Auditor’s remuneration in respect of audit of the Cominco Group
Component auditor’s remuneration in respect of audit of South
African controlled entities
Other expenses
Total
(23) Staff costs
The average monthly number of employees was:
Operations
Finance and administration
Management
Aggregate remuneration (including Directors):
Wages and salaries (including bonuses)
Social security costs
Share-based payments (credit) / cost
Pension costs
Year ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
22
5
821
1,133
(222)
928
-
54
216
667
136
52
Year ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
(51)
39
904
1,392
812
1,067
183
9
217
821
86
42
71
1,925
5,808
68
914
6,503
Year ended
31 December
2022
No.
Year ended
31 December
2021
No.
10
6
3
19
11
6
3
20
Year ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
Year ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
1,003
127
(222)
3
911
1,274
115
812
3
2,204
112
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
(24) Finance expense
Shareholder loans
Foreign exchange losses
Bank debt
BNP – debt modification present value adjustment amortisation
BNP amendment fee amortisation
Finance leases
Other
Total
(25)
Impairment losses
Year ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
3,407
3,550
2,576
(233)
205
-
307
9,812
Year ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
670
4,382
2,024
(258)
227
1
345
7,391
As a result of the recoverable amount analysis performed during the year, the following impairment loss
was recognised:
Mine property
Inventory
31 December
2022
US$’000
91,650
1,011
92,661
31 December
2021
US$’000
-
-
-
The impairment loss was recognised in relation to the Elandsfontein mine. The triggers for the
impairment test were primarily due to the hard bank encountered in the pit which necessitated further
drilling and the effect of changes to the mine plan resulting from the updated MRE and downgrading of
the measured and indicated resource. The recoverable amount of the Elandsfontein mine was based
on management’s estimate of FVLCD and is estimated based on discounted future cash flows expected
to be generated from the continued use of the CGU using market-based commodity prices and
exchange assumptions, estimated quantities of recoverable minerals, production levels, operating costs
and capital requirements, and its eventual disposal, based on the CGU’s 5 year plans and latest life of
mine (LOM) plans following the downgrade of the resource per an updated MRE as announced on
10 January 2023. The impairment test only considered the section of the mineral resource classified
as measured and indicated. The inferred resource classification was disregarded for impairment testing
purposes.
Key assumptions
The determination of FVLCD is most sensitive to the following assumptions:
Phosphate rock prices;
Phosphate recoveries;
Foreign exchange rates;
Operating costs.
Phosphate rock prices: Forecast phosphate rock prices are based on management’s estimates and are
derived from forward price curves and long-term views of global supply and demand in a changing
environment, particularly with respect to climate risk, building on past experience of the industry and
consistent with external sources. These prices are reviewed semi-annually. Estimated long–term
113
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
phosphate rock prices for the current period that have been used to estimate future revenues, are as
follows:
Assumptions
Phosphate rock per tonne
2023
$140
2024
$159
Long
term
(2025+)
$164
Phosphate recoveries: The production volumes incorporated into the cash flow model were 2.8 million
tonnes of phosphate rock. Estimated production volumes are based on detailed life-of-mine plans, of
the measured and indicated resourced as defined in the MRE, and take into account development plans
for the mine agreed by management as part of the long-term planning process. Production volumes are
dependent on a number of variables, such as: the recoverable quantities; the production profile; the
cost of the development of the infrastructure necessary to extract the reserves; the production costs;
the contractual duration of mining rights; and the selling price of the commodities extracted.
Exchange rates: Foreign exchange rates are estimated with reference to external market forecasts and
updated semi-annually. The assumed long-term US dollar/ZAR exchange rate is estimated to be
ZAR19/USD.
Operating cost: Operating costs are estimated with reference to contractual and actual current cost and
adjusted for inflation.
Discount rates: A discount rate of 12.59% was applied to the cash flows. This discount rate is derived
from the Group’s post-tax weighted average cost of capital (WACC), with appropriate adjustments made
to reflect the risks specific to the CGU and to determine the pre-tax rate. The WACC takes into account
both debt and equity. The cost of equity is derived from the expected return on investment by the
Group’s investors. The cost of debt is based on its interest-bearing borrowings the Group is obliged to
service. Specific risk is incorporated by applying beta factors. The beta factors are evaluated annually
based on publicly available market data.
Sensitivity analysis
The following table summarises the potential impact of changes in the key estimates and assumptions
on the quantum of impairment (assessed independently of each other):
Impact if discount rate
Impact if selling prices
Impact if production tonnes
Impact if foreign exchange rates
Increased by 2%
reduced by 2%
increased by 10%
reduced by 10%
increased by 10%
reduced by 10%
increased by 10%
reduced by 10%
Reversal of /
(increase in)
impairment
US$ million
(3.0)
3.2
26.2
(27.6)
12.5
(13.0)
27.1
(28.5)
114
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Impact if operating costs:
increased by 10%
reduced by 10%
(21.5)
20.7
(26) Taxation
Major components of tax charge
Deferred
Originating and reversing temporary differences
Current tax
Local income tax
Total
Year ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
Period ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
-
(602)
(602)
-
-
-
The tax charge arose predominantly due to the devaluation of GBP against US$ and the recorded
unrealised foreign exchange gains being taxable in the UK.
Reconciliation of tax charge
Loss before tax
Applicable UK tax rate
Tax at applicable tax rate
Adjustments for different tax rates in the Group
Disallowable expenditure
Losses carried forward not recognised
Tax (credit) / charge
The movement in tax liabilities is summarised below:
Balance brought forward
Current year charge
Interest
Tax paid
Foreign exchange differences
Balance carried forward
Year ended 31
December
2022
US$’000
(97,222)
Year ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
(18,258)
19%
(18,472)
(12,031)
23,744
7,361
602
19%
(3,469)
(2,177)
1,545
4,101
-
Year ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
Year ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
-
602
6
-
(11)
597
-
-
-
-
-
-
The Group had losses for tax purposes of approximately US$ 57.5 million as at 31 December 2022
(2021: US$ 52.1 million) which, subject to agreement with taxation authorities, are available to carry
forward against future profits. They can be carried forward indefinitely.
115
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
A net deferred tax asset of approximately US$ 16.1 million (2021: US$ 14.6 million), after set off of
accelerated depreciation allowances in respect of fixed assets of US$ 41.1 million (2021: US$ 34.7
million), arises in respect of these losses. It has not been recognised as steady state production has
not been reached. The deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability relate to income tax in the same
jurisdiction and the law permits set off.
(27) Earnings per share
The calculations of basic and diluted loss per share have been based on the following loss attributable
to ordinary shareholders and weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding:
Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders
Year ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
(66,639)
Year ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
(13,787)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in basic loss
per share
Share options and warrants
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in diluted
loss per share
921,908,785
-
765,871,834
-
921,908,785
765,871,834
Basic and diluted loss per share (US$ cents)
(7.23)
(1.80)
Because the Group was in a net loss position attributable to ordinary shareholders, diluted loss per
share excludes the effects of ordinary share equivalents consisting of share options and warrants, which
are anti-dilutive.
(28) Notes to the statement of cash flows
Issue of shares
Year ended 31 December 2022
Share options exercised
Shares issued in settlement of guarantee fees
Equity facility – issue of shares
As at 31 December 2022
Year ended 31 December 2021
Equity facility – issue of shares
As at 31 December 2021
Non-cash
consideration
US$’000
-
-
-
-
Cash
consideration
US$’000
9
311
237
557
Non-cash
consideration
US$’000
-
-
Cash
consideration
US$’000
25,800
25,800
Total
US$’000
9
311
237
557
Total
US$’000
25,800
25,800
116
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Net debt reconciliation
Year ended 31 December 2022
Opening
Balance
US$’000
1,357
Accrued
interest
US$’000
-
Fair value
movements
US$’000
-
Cash
movements
US$’000
(427)
Foreign
exchange
gain/(loss)
US$’000
(70)
(25,043)
(30,586)
(7)
(54,279)
(3,791)
28
-
(3,763)
8,671
-
-
8,671
(38,727)
3,712
6
(35,436)
1,135
(38)
1
1,028
Other financial assets
Shareholder loan
payable and derivative
Other financial liabilities
Finance leases
Total
Year ended 31 December 2021
Opening
Balance
US$’000
1,477
Accrued
interest
US$’000
-
Fair value
movements
US$’000
-
Cash
movements
US$’000
-
Foreign
exchange
gain/(loss)
US$’000
(120)
(15,703)
(30,613)
(48)
(44,887)
(670)
31
-
(639)
(653)
-
-
(653)
(8,037)
(54)
39
(8,052)
20
50
2
(48)
Other financial assets
Shareholder loan
payable and derivative
Other financial liabilities
Finance leases
Total
Closing
balance
US$’000
860
(57,755)
(26,808)
-
(83,703)
Closing
balance
US$’000
1,357
(25,043)
(30,586)
(7)
(54,279)
Reconciliation of working capital items:
Year ended 31 December 2022
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Trade and other payables
Total
Opening
Balance
US$’000
1,511
1,025
(3,543)
(1,007)
Cash
movements
US$’000
471
3,453
172
4,096
Capital
allocated
US$’000
-
-
(4,588)
(4,588)
Foreign
exchange
gain/(loss)
US$’000
(125)
(197)
675
353
Closing
balance
US$’000
1,857
4,281
(7,284)
(1,146)
117
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Year ended 31 December 2021
Opening
Balance
US$’000
1,611
821
(4,780)
(2,348)
Cash
movements
US$’000
(256)
291
(3,178)
(3,143)
Capital
allocated
US$’000
-
-
2,599
2,599
Foreign
exchange
gain/(loss)
US$’000
156
(87)
1,816
1,885
Closing
balance
US$’000
1,511
1,025
(3,543)
(1,007)
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Trade and other payables
Total
(29) Related parties
Kropz plc and its subsidiaries
The following parties are related to Kropz plc:
Name
Mark Summers
Louis Loubser
Mike Nunn
Linda Beal
Mike Daigle
Lord Robin William Renwick
Gerrit Jacobus Duminy
Machiel Johannes Reyneke
Kropz SA
Elandsfontein Land Holdings (Pty) Ltd (“ELH”)
Kropz Elandsfontein
West Coast Fertilisers (Pty) Ltd
Xsando (Pty) Ltd
Cominco Resources Limited
Cominco S.A.
Cominco Resources (UK) Ltd
Kropz International
The ARC Fund (“ARC”)
Relationship
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Subsidiary
Subsidiary
Subsidiary
Subsidiary
Subsidiary
Subsidiary
Subsidiary
Subsidiary
Shareholder
Shareholder
Details of remuneration to KMP are contained in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In addition to share issues to related parties set out in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements,
the following transactions were carried out with related parties:
Related party balances
Loan accounts – owed to related parties
Shareholder loans - ARC
Convertible debt - ARC
Derivative liability (refer Note 14)
31 December
2022
US$’000
17,010
15,055
23,037
31 December
2021
US$’000
16,196
6,191
2,656
118
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Greenheart Foundation (refer Note 16)
Total
Related party balances
Interest accrued to related parties
ARC
Total
Convertible loan facilities
510
55,612
545
25,588
Year ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
3,407
3,407
Year ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
670
670
As described in Note 12 and 14, the Company made drawdowns totalling US$ 39.2 million (2021:
US$ 25.8 million) under its convertible loan facilities from ARC.
(30) Categories of financial instrument
Financial assets and liabilities by category
The accounting policies for financial instruments have been applied to the line items below:
Financial assets at amortised cost
Trade and other receivables
Other financial assets
Restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents
Total
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
Trade and other payables
Finance leases
Shareholder loans
Other financial liabilities
Total
Financial liabilities at fair value
Derivative liability
31 December
2022
US$’000
31 December
2021
US$’000
563
860
-
2,120
3,543
7,284
-
32,065
26,808
66,157
399
1,357
4,858
2,461
9,075
3,543
7
22,387
30,586
56,523
23,037
2,656
Recognised fair value measurements
The net fair value and carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities are disclosed in the
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and in the notes to the Consolidated Statement of
Financial Position.
This note provides an update on the judgements and estimates made by the Group in determining the
fair values of the financial instruments.
119
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
(i)
(ii)
Financial instruments Measured at Fair Value
The financial instruments recognised at fair value in the Statement of Financial Position have
been analysed and classified using a fair value hierarchy reflecting the significance of the inputs
used in making the measurements. At the reporting date, the Group had a convertible facility
with ARC. The US$ amount of the facility is convertible into ordinary shares of the parent entity
(Note 14).
Fair value hierarchy
The fair value hierarchy consists of the following levels
• Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1);
•
Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or
liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices) (Level 2); and
Inputs for the asset and liability that are not based on observable market date
(unobservable inputs) (Level 3).
•
2022
Derivative liability
2021
Derivative liability
Level 1
US$’000
Level 2
US$’000
Level 3
US$’000
Total
US$’000
-
-
-
-
23,037
23,037
2,656
2,656
There were no transfers between levels for recurring fair value measurements during the year.
The Group’s policy is to recognise transfers into and transfers out of fair value hierarchy levels
as at the end of the reporting period.
(iii)
Reconciliation: Level 3 fair value measurement
Derivative asset
Opening balance
Fair value (loss) / gain recognised in profit and loss
Extinguished on issuance of equity
Closing balance
Derivative liability
Opening balance
Fair value at initial recognition
Fair value gain/(loss) recognised in profit and loss
Foreign exchange
Closing balance
Year
ended
31 December
2022
US$’000
Year
ended
31 December
2021
US$’000
-
-
-
-
(2,656)
(31,852)
10,807
664
(23,037)
8,586
(4,139)
(4,447)
-
-
(2,015)
(653)
12
(2,656)
(iv)
Valuation technique used to determine fair value
Derivative liability:
The fair value is calculated with reference to market rates using industry valuation techniques
and appropriate models from a third-party provider. The Monte-Carlo model utilised includes a
120
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
high level of complexity and the main inputs are share price volatility, risk margin, foreign
exchange volatility and UK risk-free rate. A number of factors are considered in determining
these inputs, including assessing historical experience but also considering future expectations.
The determined fair value of the option is multiplied by the number of shares available for issue
pursuant to the ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility, ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility and the ZAR
550 Million Equity Facility (refer to Note 14).
Valuation results (as at 31 December 2022)
Facility
ZAR200m facility
ZAR177m facility
ZAR550m facility
Total
Total loan amount
(ZAR)
200,000,000
177,000,000
442,500,000
Value per
share (p)
2.30
1.21
2.72
Number of
Shares
219,272,939
96,378,567
471,819,613
787,471,119
Total Value
(GBP)
5,043,278
1,166,181
12,833,493
19,042,952
Sensitivity Valuation results (as at 31 December 2022) - Volatility
Facility
ZAR200m facility
ZAR177m facility
ZAR550m facility
Total
Base volatility
assumption
57%
57%
57%
Total Value
(GBP) - 100%
historical
volatility
Total Value
(GBP) - 50%
historical
(75%) volatility (38%)
2,668,731
312,645
6,682,147
9,663,523
7,979,681
2,453,442
20,327,348
30,760,471
Sensitivity Valuation results (as at 31 December 2022) - Risk Margin
Total Value
(GBP) - 3%
risk margin
5,013,961
1,158,446
12,698,104
18,870,511
Total Value
(GBP) - 7%
risk margin
5,082,230
1,175,389
12,915,580
19,173,199
Base risk margin
assumption
5%
5%
5%
Facility
ZAR200m facility
ZAR177m facility
ZAR550m facility
Total
Sensitivity Valuation results (as at 31 December 2022) - FX volatility
Total Value
(GBP) - 10%
FX volatility
5,322,515
1,285,233
13,508,493
20,116,241
Total Value
(GBP) - 20%
Base FX volatility FX volatility
4,680,397
14%
1,017,667
14%
11,855,707
14%
17,553,771
Facility
ZAR200m facility
ZAR177m facility
ZAR550m facility
Total
121
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Sensitivity Valuation results (as at 31 December 2022) - UK risk-free rate
Facility
ZAR200m facility
ZAR177m facility
zAR550m facility
Total
Base UK risk-free
rate
3.6%
3.6%
3.6%
Total Value
(GBP) - UK rf
Total Value
(GBP) - UK rf
+ 2%
4,716,201
1,074,410
11,779,774
17,570,385
-2%
5,405,789
1,267,672
13,933,510
20,606,971
(31) Financial risk management objectives
Capital risk management:
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a
going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to
maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.
The capital structure of the Group consists of shareholder and external debt, which includes loans and
borrowings (excluding derivative financial liabilities) disclosed in Notes 14 and 16 and equity as
disclosed in the Statement of Financial Position.
Shareholder and external third-party loans from foreign entities to South African companies are subject
to the foreign exchange controls as imposed by the South African Reserve Bank (“SARB”). All inward
loans into South Africa require approval by the SARB and all loans in the current capital structure have
been approved by the SARB and all entities in the Group are compliant with the SARB approvals
relevant to the entity concerned and the approvals granted by the SARB.
Liquidity risk:
Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities, the
availability of funding through an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and the ability to close
out market positions. Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying businesses, Group treasury maintains
flexibility in funding by maintaining availability under committed credit lines.
The Group’s risk to liquidity is a result of obligations associated with financial liabilities of the Group and
the availability of funds to meet those obligations. The Group manages liquidity risk through an ongoing
review of future commitments and credit facilities.
The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the
remaining period at the statement of financial position to the contractual maturity date. The amounts
disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due within 12 months
equal their carrying balances as the impact of discounting is not significant.
At 31 December 2022
Shareholder loans payable
Trade and other payables
Finance leases
Less
than
one year
US$’000
Between
one
and
two years
US$’000
Between
two and
five years
US$’000
Over five
years
US$’000
-
7,283
-
-
-
-
152,099
-
-
-
-
-
122
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Other financial liabilities
Total
17,233
24,516
11,747
11,747
-
152,099
-
-
At 31 December 2021
Shareholder loans payable
Trade and other payables
Finance leases
Other financial liabilities
Total
Less
than one
year
US$’000
Between
one and
two years
US$’000
Between
two and
five years
US$’000
Over five
years
US$’000
-
3,543
7
5,676
9,226
-
-
-
15,950
15,950
13,711
-
-
11,509
25,220
24,246
-
-
-
24,246
Credit risk:
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in
financial loss to the Group. The Group’s financial assets include trade and other receivables, loans
receivable, other financial assets and cash and cash equivalents.
Ongoing credit evaluation is performed on the financial conditions of the counterparties to the trade and
other receivables, loans receivable and other financial assets. The Group only deposits cash with major
banks with high quality credit standing and limits exposure to any one counter-party. No credit limits
were exceeded during the reporting period, and management does not expect any losses from non-
performance by these counterparties.
Interest rate risk:
As the Group has significant interest-bearing assets, the Group’s income and operating cash flows are
substantially dependent on changes in market interest rates. At 31 December 2022, if interest rates on
the shareholder and BNP loans (denominated in US$) had been 1% higher/lower with all other variables
held constant, post-tax losses and equity for the year would have been approximately US$ 769,000
(2021: US$ 541,000) higher/lower respectively.
Foreign currency risk:
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of an exposure will fluctuate
because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in foreign
exchange rates relates primarily to the Group’s financing activities (when financial liabilities and cash
are denominated other than in a company’s functional currency).
Most of the Group’s transactions are carried out in South African Rand. Foreign currency risk is
monitored closely on an ongoing basis to ensure that the net exposure is at an acceptable level.
The Group maintains a natural hedge whenever possible, by matching the cash inflows (revenue
stream) and cash outflows used for purposes such as capital and operational expenditure in the
respective currencies.
123
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
The Group’s net exposure to foreign exchange risk was as follows:
As at 31 December 2022
Functional currency
South
African
Rand
US$’000
British
Pound
US$’000
Total
US$’000
Financial assets denominated in US$
-
28
28
Financial liabilities denominated in US$
(43,260)
-
(43,260)
Net foreign currency exposure
(43,260)
28
(43,232)
As at 31 December 2021
Functional currency
South
African
Rand
US$’000
British
Pound
US$’000
Total
US$’000
Financial assets denominated in US$
-
313
313
Financial liabilities denominated in US$
(46,196)
-
(46,196)
Net foreign currency exposure
(46,196)
313
(45,883)
Foreign currency sensitivity analysis:
The following tables demonstrate the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in South African Rand
and GBP exchange rates, with all other variables held constant.
The impact on the Group’s profit before tax is due to changes in the fair value of monetary assets and
liabilities. The Group’s exposure to foreign currency changes for all other currencies is not material.
A 10% movement in the Rand and Pound against the US Dollar would increase/(decrease) net assets
by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates,
remain constant.
Effects on net assets
Rand:
- strengthened by 10%
- weakened by 10%
Effects on net assets
GBP:
- strengthened by 10%
- weakened by 10%
As at
31 December
2022
Increase/
(Decrease)
US$’000
As at
31 December
2021
Increase/
(Decrease)
US$’000
(5,832)
5,832
(1,296)
1,296
(4,620)
4,620
31
(31)
124
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
(32) Segment information
Operating segments
The Board of Directors consider that the Group has one operating segment, being that of phosphate
mining and exploration. Accordingly, all revenues, operating results, assets and liabilities are allocated
to this activity.
Geographical segments
The Group operates in two principal geographical areas – South Africa and the RoC.
The Group’s non-current assets by location of assets are detailed below.
As at 31 December 2022
Total non-current assets
As at 31 December 2021
Total non-current assets
(33) Non-controlling interests
South
Africa
US$’000
Congo
US$’000
Group
US$’000
69,795
42,445
112,240
South
Africa
US$’000
Congo
US$’000
Group
US$’000
136,431
44,663
181,094
As at beginning of year
Share of losses for the year
Share of other comprehensive income
Disposal of subsidiary
Kropz plc’s investment in non-redeemable preference shares of
Kropz Elandsfontein attributable to non-controlling interest
As at end of the year
(34) Material subsequent events
31 December
2022
US$’000
5,778
(31,185)
142
-
31 December
2021
US$’000
5,729
(4,471)
(1,043)
181
5,411
(19,854)
5,382
5,778
The third drawdown on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility of ZAR 60 million (approximately US$ 3.5 million)
occurred on 25 January 2023.
The fourth drawdown on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility of ZAR 40 million (approximately US$ 2.2
million) occurred on 27 February 2023.
First bulk shipment and sale of 33,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate from Kropz Elandsfontein was
announced on 23 January 2023.
A second shipment and sale of 20,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate from Kropz Elandsfontein was
announced on 14 March 2023.
125
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
During April 2023 two further shipments of 33,000 tonnes and 11,000 tonnes were sold. A further 33,000
tonnes were sold in June 2023.
As announced on 14 March 2023, Kropz, Kropz Elandsfontein and ARC Fund agreed to further ZAR 285
million (approximately US$ 15.5 million) bridge loan facilities (“Loan 4”) to meet immediate cash
requirements at Kropz Elandsfontein. A first draw down of ZAR 25 million (approximately US$ 1.4 million)
on Loan 4 was made on 14 March 2023. Loan 4 is unsecured, repayable on demand, with no fixed
repayment terms and is repayable by Kropz Elandsfontein on no less than two business days’ notice.
Interest is payable on Loan 4 at the South African prime overdraft interest rate plus 6%, nominal per annum
and compounded monthly.
A second draw down on Loan 4 for an amount of ZAR 90 million was made on 28 March 2023 and a third
drawdown of ZAR 30 million was made on 25 April 2023 and a fourth drawdown of ZAR 80 million was
made on 23 June 2023.
(35) Ultimate controlling party
The Directors consider Ubuntu-Botho Commercial Enterprises Proprietary Limited to be the ultimate
controlling party of the Company.
126
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Company Statement of Financial Position
(Registered number: 11143400)
As at 31 December 2022
Fixed assets
Investment in subsidiaries
Amounts due from subsidiaries
Current assets
Debtors
Cash and bank balances
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
Current taxation
Net current assets
Non-current liabilities
Shareholder loans and derivative
Net Assets
Capital and Reserves
Share capital
Share premium account
Merger reserve
Foreign currency translation reserve
Share-based payment reserve
Retained losses
31 December
2022
US$’000
31 December
2021
US$’000
Notes
3
4
7
8
5
40,183
7,211
47,394
108,650
49,904
158,554
115
420
535
(320)
(597)
(917)
(382)
138
335
473
(389)
-
(389)
84
(38,092)
(8,847)
8,920
149,791
1,212
194,757
14,878
58
281
(202,266)
1,194
193,524
14,878
3,548
1,197
(64,550)
8,920
149,791
The Company has elected to take the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, to not present
the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Capital and reserves include losses for the year of the parent company
of US$ 137,716,000 (2021: US$ 24,255,000).
The notes on pages 129 to 138 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.
The Financial Statements on pages 127 to 138 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors
and were signed on its behalf by:
Louis Loubser, Chief Executive Officer
28 July 2023
127
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2022
Share
capital
Share
premium
Merger
reserve
Total
US$’000 US$’000 US$’000 US$’000 US$’000 US$’000 US$’000
Retained
losses
Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
Share-
based
payment
reserve
At 1 January 2021
706
168,212
14,878
4,191
385
(35,848)
152,524
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
for the period
-
-
-
-
-
-
Issue of shares
Extinguishment of derivative asset
upon equity draw down
Share-based payment charges
Transactions with owners
488
25,312
-
-
488
-
-
25,312
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(643)
(643)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(24,255)
-
(24,255)
(643)
(24,255)
(24,898)
-
25,800
-
812
812
(4,447)
-
(4,447)
(4,447)
812
22,165
At 31 December 2021
1,194
193,524
14,878
3,548
1,197
(64,550)
149,791
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
for the year
Issue of shares
Share options exercised
Share-based payment credit
Transactions with owners
-
-
-
18
-
-
18
-
-
-
539
694
-
1,233
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3,490)
-
-
(137,716)
-
(137,716)
(3,490)
(3,490)
-
(137,716)
(141,206)
-
-
-
-
(694)
(222)
(916)
-
-
-
-
557
-
(222)
335
At 31 December 2022
1,212
194,757
14,878
58
281
(202,266)
8,920
128
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Company Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
1.
General information
The Company was incorporated on 10 January 2018 and is a public limited company limited by shares,
with its ordinary shares admitted to the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange on 30 November
2018 trading under the symbol, “KRPZ”. The Company is domiciled in England and incorporated and
registered in England and Wales. The address of its registered office is 35 Verulam Road, Hitchin, SG5
1QE. The registered number of the Company is 11143400.
2.
Summary of significant accounting policies
(a) Basis of preparation
The Company’s Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable law and
accounting standards in the United Kingdom and under the historical cost accounting rules (Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice in the United Kingdom).
The Directors have assessed the Company's ability to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future in accordance with the FRC guidance on the going concern basis of accounting and
reporting on solvency and liquidity risks (April 2016). It is considered appropriate to continue to prepare
the Financial Statements on a going concern basis. Disclosures in relation to going concern are shown
in Note 2 (a) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom
accounting standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 – “The Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”), and with the Companies Act
2006. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis.
The Company has taken advantage of Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not included a
Profit and Loss account in these separate Financial Statements. The loss attributable to members of
the Company for the year ended 31 December 2022 is US$ 137,716,000 (2021: US$ 24,255,000).
The Company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial
statements, as permitted by FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland”:
the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows
the requirements of Section 11 Financial Instruments
Going concern
Cash and cash equivalents totalled US$ 0.4 million as at 31 December 2022 (2021: US$ 0.3 million).
Apart from revenue generated at Kropz Elandsfontein, the Company has no other current source of
operating revenue and the ramp up of Elandsfontein is still in progress. Therefore, the Company will
be dependent on future fund raisings to meet any production costs, overheads and future development
and exploration requirements and quarterly repayments on the BNP loan that cannot be met from
existing cash resources and sales revenue.
129
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Company Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Kropz Elandsfontein did not reach project completion as stipulated in the BNP facility agreement by
31 December 2022. Considering the delay in achieving sales, Kropz Elandsfontein also failed to fund
the debt service reserve account as required. BNP have, to date, waived these requirements, preventing
the Company from falling in default of its loan terms, by means of several waivers since December 2022
to 30 September 2023.
At the end of the waiver period, the bank has the contractual right to request the immediate repayment
of the outstanding loan amount of US$ 18,750,000. Management is in the process of refinancing the
loan and expects that a replacement loan will be in place in the third quarter of 2023.
Operational cash flows and impairment loss
An impairment loss of US$ 92.7 million has been recognised as at 31 December 2022 in relation to the
Elandsfontein mine based on the 5-year forecast and the latest life of mine (LOM) plans following the
downgrade of the resource per an updated MRE as announced on 10 January 2023 and set out in the
Strategic report. Please refer to Note 25 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for some key
assumptions and sensitivity analysis. The recoverable amount of the Elandsfontein mine was estimated
based on discounted cashflows expected to be generated from the continued use of the cash generating
unit (CGU) using market-based commodity prices and exchange rate assumptions, estimated quantities
of recoverable minerals, production levels, operating costs and capital requirements and its eventual
disposal based on the CGU’s 5 year and latest LOM plans. These calculations include a number of
estimates which if the actual outcome were different could have a significant impact on the financial
outcome of the Elandsfontein mine operations and the Group’s funding needs.
The going concern assessment was performed using the Group’s 18-month forecast. The Group’s going
concern and forecast cash flows are largely driven by Elandsfontein, as the Group’s only operating
asset. Elandsfontein’s forecast cashflows are based on its updated mine plan, considering the
downgrade of the resource per an updated MRE as announced on 10 January 2023 and set out in the
Strategic report and utilises the model which was used for impairment purposes. Please refer to Note 25
of the Consolidated Financial Statements for some key assumptions and sensitivity analysis.
Elandsfontein's forecast cashflows were estimated using market-based commodity prices, exchange
rate assumptions, estimated quantities of recoverable minerals, production levels, operating costs and
capital requirements over an 18-month period. As with the impairment assessment, the going concern
assessment only considered Elandsfontein’s resources defined as “measured” and “indicated” per the
updated MRE. The resource classified as “inferred” was not considered part of the mine plan for
purposes of the going concern and impairment assessments.
The forecast cashflows include a number of estimates which if the actual outcome were different could
have a significant impact on the financial outcome of the Elandsfontein mine operations and the Group’s
funding needs.
The 18-month forecast assumes the refinancing of the BNP loan facility in September 2023.
The critical estimates in the LOM plan and forecast cashflows expected to be generated are as follows:
Phosphate rock prices and grade;
Phosphate recoveries;
Operating costs;
Foreign exchange rates; and
Discount rates.
The going concern assessment and forecast cashflows are highly sensitive to these estimates.
130
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Company Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Phosphate rock prices and grade: Forecast phosphate rock prices are based on management’s
estimates of quality of production and selling price and are derived from forward price curves and long-
term views of global supply and demand in a changing environment, particularly with respect to climate
risk, building on past experience of the industry and consistent with external sources.
The first bulk shipment and sale of 33,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate from Kropz Elandsfontein
occurred in January 2023. A second shipment and sale of 20,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate from
Kropz Elandsfontein was recorded 14 March 2023. During April 2023 two bulk sales were achieved of
33,000 tonnes and 11,000 tonnes respectively. A further sale of 33,000 tonnes was recorded in June
2023.
Kropz is a new entrant to the phosphate market and has to date sold its shipments at a discount to
market prices as it firstly establishes itself in the market and secondly works to improve its product
grade.
In relation to pricing the most significant judgement in the LOM plan and cashflow forecast is that Kropz
will be able to obtain the market price for its 31% P2O5 phosphate concentrate for all shipments from
beginning of 2024. The cashflow model assumes a discount to the prevailing market price for 31%
P2O5 phosphate concentrate for the period up to April 2023 largely due to variability in the grade of
Elandsfontein’s product being produced during its ramp-up phase and considering that Elandsfontein is
a new market entrant. The ability to achieve market rates on sales is largely dependent on
Elandsfontein’s ability to consistently produce 31% P2O5 concentrate. Failing this, the Group may
continue to suffer a discount to market rates. Estimated phosphate rock prices that have been used to
estimate future revenues in the LOM are as follows:
Assumptions
Phosphate rock per tonne
2023
$140
2024
$159
Long term
(2025+)
$164
Phosphate recoveries: The production volumes incorporated into the LOM model were 2.8 million
tonnes of phosphate rock. Estimated production volumes are based on detailed LOM plans of the
measured and indicated resource as defined in the MRE, and take into account development plans for
the mine agreed by management as part of the long-term planning process. Production volumes are
dependent on a number of variables, such as: the recoverable quantities; the production profile; the
cost of the development of the infrastructure necessary to extract the reserves; the production costs;
the contractual duration of mining rights; and the selling price of the commodities extracted.
Estimated production volumes have been used to estimate future revenues. Such estimates made
within the impairment assessment are subject to significant uncertainty given the ongoing ramp up, and
production volumes achieved subsequent to the year end have been lower than expected.
There was a delay in ramp-up largely driven by the need to re-engineer parts of the fine flotation circuit
proposed by the vendor, but it has also been affected by early unpredicted ore variability and lack of
operator experience. Mining rates and associated delivery of ore to the plant were also compromised
due to the presence of competent banks of hard material within the orebody, that were previously
unknown. This hardbank material could, at the time, not be mined with the available equipment on site,
resulting in mining delays while the required equipment for mechanical breaking could be brought to
site.
Subsequently the vendor has provided design changes which were implemented at the plant, additional
operator training was conducted and a mobile crusher implemented in the interim to facilitate the
crushing of the affected ore to an appropriate size fraction until further test work has been conducted
for a permanent solution. Several alternatives to deal with the indurated material in the pit were
131
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Company Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
investigated, and new equipment has arrived on site to improve the mining efficiency and facilitate
adequate feed to the plant.
Post year-end, Elandsfontein has produced 100,000 tonnes from January 2023 to June 2023. Given
the slower actual ramp-up compared to the LOM plan, the forecast cashflow assumes that production
will ramp up to an average of 34,000 tonnes per month in 2H 2023. With the ramp-up of the
Elandsfontein mine still underway and the challenges experienced to date, it is uncertain whether these
production volumes will be achieved.
Reserves and resources: The LOM plan includes only the measured and indicated resources as defined
in the MRE which represents only around 4 years of forecast production. There was a significant
reduction in the measured and indicated resource in the MRE issued in December 2022 as set out in
the Strategic report. The Directors believe that the inferred resources in the MRE are capable of being
accessed giving a mine life of around 15 years, but this has not been taken into account in the
discounted cashflows.
Exchange rates: Foreign exchange rates are estimated with reference to external market forecasts. The
assumed long-term US dollar/ZAR exchange rate over LOM is estimated to be ZAR19/USD and for the
forecast cashflows to be ZAR18.50/USD.
Operating cost: Operating costs are estimated with reference to contractual and actual current costs
adjusted for inflation. Key operating cost estimates are mine and plant operating costs and
transportation and port costs.
Mine and plant operating costs: The forecast mine and plant costs were based on the contracted rates
with the current mine and plant operators.
Port costs: The Group has a draft port access agreement with Transnet for Saldanha port but this has
not yet been signed. The Group has paid guest port charges for Saldanha for the shipments in 2023 to
date, which are higher than the assumed port cost in the LOM model but in line with the draft agreement
with Transnet.
Transportation costs: Transnet has informed the Group that it may have to export some shipments
through Cape Town in 2023 and 2024 which would lead of higher transportation cost to Cape Town.
The transportation costs in the discounted cashflows assume that 10% of 2023 and 2024 shipments
are through Cape Town at the higher logistic cost.
As production is still ramping up and the port access agreement with Transnet has not yet been signed,
the actual operating costs may be higher than the estimates in the discounted cash flows.
Discount rates: A discount rate of 12.59% was applied to the discounted cash flows used in the LOM
plan. This discount rate is derived from the Group’s post-tax weighted average cost of capital (WACC),
with appropriate adjustments made to reflect the risks specific to the CGU and to determine the pre-tax
rate. The WACC takes into account both debt and equity. The cost of equity is derived from the expected
return on investment by the Group’s investors. The cost of debt is based on its interest-bearing
borrowings the Group is obliged to service. Specific risk is incorporated by applying beta factors. The
beta factors are evaluated annually based on publicly available market data.
There is a risk that revenue is lower and operating costs are higher than the estimates included in the
discounted cashflows with the result that the recoverable amount from the Elandsfontein mine is lower
than the discounted cashflows. Please also see Note 25 Impairment losses for sensitivity analysis.
132
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Company Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Funding
The Group is consequently dependent on future fundraisings to meet any production costs, overheads,
future development and exploration requirements and quarterly repayments on the BNP loan that
cannot be met from existing cash resources and sales revenue.
ARC Fund, on various occasions in the past provided funding to support the Group’s operations. In May
2022, Kropz secured a further ZAR equity facility of up to ZAR 177 million from ARC Fund to be used
exclusively for the purposes of bringing the Elandsfontein project to first revenues, given a slower ramp-
up in operations than originally envisaged. More recently, as announced on 14 March 2023, Kropz,
Kropz Elandsfontein and the ARC Fund agreed to further ZAR 285 million (approximately US$ 15.5
million) bridge loan facilities to meet immediate cash requirements at Kropz Elandsfontein. A first draw
down of ZAR 25 million (approximately US$ 1.4 million) on this was made on 14 March 2023. The loan
is unsecured, repayable on demand, with no fixed repayment terms and is repayable by Kropz
Elandsfontein on no less than two business days’ notice. Interest is payable at the South African prime
overdraft interest rate plus 6%, nominal per annum and compounded monthly. A second draw down for
an amount of ZAR 90 million was made on 28 March 2023 and a third drawdown of ZAR 30 million was
made on 25 April 2023. A fourth drawdown of ZAR 80 million was made on 23 June 2023 for Kropz
Elandsfontein to be able to service its quarterly payment of interest and capital to BNP Paribas. ZAR 60
million remains undrawn at the date of this report. Given that BNP Paribas is exiting South Africa, the
Group was unable to refinance the existing loan with them. Considering their position, BNP has been
supportive of the refinancing strategy and has waived the requirement on the Company to reach project
completion at Elandsfontein as well as to fund the debt service reserve account consecutively since
December 2022 to 30 September 2023. Kropz Elandsfontein has made all the capital and interest
payments to BNP as required to the date of this report.
A further funding shortfall is expected in the year subsequent to the date of these accounts and as a
result the Group will need to raise funding to provide additional working capital to finance its ongoing
activities.
Management has successfully raised money in the past from its supportive major shareholder, but there
is no guarantee that adequate funds will be available if needed in the future. Management has confirmed
with ARC and have sufficient comfort that they have no intention to call any outstanding loans over the
next 18-months for cash repayment. Management engages frequently with BNP regarding the capital
repayment and refinancing of the BNP debt facility. Significant progress has been made with the
refinancing of the BNP loan facility and Management, at the date of this report, are in advance
discussions with several investors to provide the required funding to repay the BNP debt facility.
Going concern basis
Based on the Company’s current available reserves, recent operational performance, forecast
production and sales at Kropz Elandsfontein coupled with Managements’ track record to successfully
raised additional funds as and when required, to meet its working capital and capital expenditure
requirements, the Board have concluded that they have a reasonable expectation that the Company
will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and at least to December 2024.
For these reasons the financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which
contemplates continuity of normal business activities and the realisation of assets and discharge of
liabilities in the normal course of business.
As there can be no guarantee that the required future funding can be raised in the necessary timeframe,
a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a
going concern and therefore it may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the
normal course of business.
133
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Company Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
The financial report does not include adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of
recorded asset amounts or to the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should
the Company not continue as a going concern.
(b) Interest revenue
Interest revenue is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and the effective
interest rate.
(c) Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments in Group undertakings are carried at cost less any provision for impairment.
(d) Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded using the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the
transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the
contracted rate or the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date and the gains or losses on
translation are included in the profit and loss account.
Exchange differences arising on the translation of the Company’s results and net assets from its
functional currency of GBP to the presentational currency of US$ are taken to the foreign currency
translation reserve.
(e) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, bank balances, deposits with financial institutions and
short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are
subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
(f) Share-based payment arrangements
The policy for the Company’s share-based payment arrangements can be found in Note 2(r) of the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
(g) Derivative assets / liabilities
Derivatives that are embedded in a host contract are accounted for separately as derivatives if they are
not closely related to the host contract, unless the hybrid (combined) instrument is measured at fair
value with changes in fair value recognised directly in the income statement.
Embedded derivatives are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss.
A derivative is a financial instrument that changes in value in response to an underlying price and
creates the rights and obligations that usually have the effect of transferring between parties to the
instrument one or more of the financial risks inherent in an underlying instrument. A key characteristic
of derivatives is that they require little or no initial net investment and will be settled at a future date.
Separable embedded derivatives are measured at fair value with all changes in fair value recognised in
the income statement.
134
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Company Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
3.
Investment in subsidiaries
Cost / recoverable amount
At beginning of the year
Purchase of non-redeemable preference shares in
Kropz Elandsfontein
Impairment of non-redeemable preference shares in
Kropz Elandsfontein
Preference shares paid in excess
Preference dividends due from subsidiary – Kropz
Elandsfontein
Impairment of preference dividends due
subsidiary – Kropz Elandsfontein
Share-based payment transaction with subsidiaries
Impairment of investment in subsidiaries
At 31 December
from
31
December
2022
US$’000
31
December
2021
US$’000
108,650
98,991
41,000
29,000
(56,104)
(2,316)
(22,239)
547
5,046
2,156
(10,304)
57
(45,846)
40,183
-
195
-
108,650
Details of the Company’s subsidiaries as at 31 December 2022 are set out in Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
The Company granted a total of 6,700,000 share options to employees in the Group during the year
ended 31 December 2020 and a further 7,800,000 during the year ended 2021. The Company has an
obligation to settle the transactions with the subsidiary’s employees by providing its own equity
instruments and has measured its obligation in accordance with the requirements applicable to equity-
settled share-based payment transactions through the recognition of an increase to the cost of
investment in each subsidiary.
The Company has invested, in aggregate, US$ 122 million (2021: US$ 81 million) in non-redeemable
preference shares of Kropz Elandsfontein. The non-redeemable preference shares principal is not
repayable but bears interest at the 1 month SOFR plus 3%, compounded monthly in arears, and is
payable the earlier of 14 December 2022, or the first date that Kropz Elandsfontein is permitted to pay
a distribution pursuant to the provisions of the BNP facility agreement. Pursuant to the amended
preference share subscription agreement (“PSSA”), Kropz plc shall apply all amounts borrowed under
the Original Equity Facility, ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility, ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility and a
proportion of the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility for purposes of Kropz Elandsfontein to subscribe for
further non-redeemable preference shares in Kropz Elandsfontein.
4.
Debtors
VAT recoverable
Other debtors
31
December
2022
US$’000
22
93
115
31
December
2021
US$’000
20
118
138
135
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Company Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
5.
Share capital
Details of the Company’s authorised, called-up and fully paid share capital are set out in Note 12 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
The ordinary shares of the Company carry one vote per share and an equal right to any dividends
declared.
6.
Reserves
Foreign exchange translation reserve
The foreign exchange translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the
translation of the assets, liabilities and equity of the entities included in these financial statements from
their functional currencies to the presentational currency.
Share premium
The share premium account represents the amount received on the issue of ordinary shares by the
Company, other than those recognised in the merger reserve described below, in excess of their
nominal value and is non-distributable.
Merger reserve
The merger reserve represents the amount received on the issue of ordinary shares by the Company
in excess of their nominal value on acquisition of subsidiaries where merger relief under section 612 of
the Companies Act 2006 applies. The merger reserve consists of the merger relief on the issue of
shares to acquire Kropz SA on 27 November 2018 and Cominco Resources on 30 November 2018.
Share-based payment reserve
The share-based payment reserve arises from the requirement to value share options and warrants in
existence at the year end at fair value (see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
7.
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Taxes and social security
Provision for bonus
Other creditors and accruals
8.
Shareholder loans and derivative
Convertible debt - ARC
Derivative liability
31
December
2022
US$’000
176
-
-
144
320
31
December
2021
US$’000
137
11
130
111
389
31
December
2022
US$’000
15,055
23,037
38,092
31
December
2021
US$’000
6,191
2,656
8,847
136
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Company Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
Convertible debt - ARC
On 20 October 2021, the Company entered into a new convertible equity facility of up to ZAR 200 million
(“ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility”) with ARC, the Company's major shareholder. Interest is payable at
14% nominal, compounded monthly. At any time during the term of the ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility,
repayment of the ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility capital amount will, at the election of ARC, either be in
the form of the conversion into ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each (“Ordinary Shares”) in the Company
and issued to ARC, at a conversion price of 4.5058 pence per Ordinary Share each, representing the
30-day Volume Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) on 21 September 2021, and at fixed exchange rate
of GBP 1 = ZAR 20.24 ("Conversion"), or payable in cash by the Company at the end of the term of the
ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility which is 27 October 2026. The Company made a drawdown of ZAR 90
million of the ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility on 26 October 2021 and a further ZAR 37 million on 9
December 2021. Two further draw downs were made in 2022, one on 25 March 2022 for ZAR 40 million
and ZAR 33 million on 26 April 2022. The ZAR 200 Million Equity Facility is fully drawn at the date of
this report.
As announced on 11 May 2022, the Company entered into a new conditional convertible equity facility
of up to ZAR 177 million (“ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility”) with ARC. Interest is payable at 14%
nominal, compounded monthly. At any time during the term of the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility,
repayment of the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility capital amount will, at the election of ARC, either be in
the form of the conversion into Ordinary Shares in the Company and issued to ARC, at a conversion
price of 9.256 pence per Ordinary Share each, representing the 30-day Volume Weighted Average
Price (“VWAP”) on 4 May 2022, and at fixed exchange rate of ZAR 1 = GBP 0.0504 ("Conversion"), or
payable in cash by the Company at the end of the term of the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility which is
2 June 2027. The first drawdown on the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility occurred on 2 June 2022 for
ZAR 103.5 million. The second drawdown on the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility was made on 7 July
2022 for ZAR 60 million. On 9 August 2022, a final drawdown on the ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility
was made for ZAR 13.5 million. The ZAR 177 Million Equity Facility is fully drawn at the date of this
report.
As announced on 14 November 2022, the Company entered into a new conditional convertible equity
facility of up to ZAR 550 million (“ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility”) with ARC. Interest is payable at the
South African prime overdraft interest rate plus 6%, nominal per annum and compounded monthly. At
any time during the term of the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility, repayment of the ZAR 550 Million Equity
Facility capital amount will, at the election of ARC, either be in the form of the conversion into Ordinary
Shares in the Company and issued to ARC, at a conversion price of 4.579 pence per Ordinary Share
each, representing the 30-day Volume Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) on 21 October 2022 and at
fixed exchange rate of ZAR 1 = GBP 0.48824 ("Conversion"), or payable in cash by the Company at
the end of the term of the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility which is 30 November 2027. The first
drawdown on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility occurred on 1 December 2022 for ZAR 307.5 million.
The second drawdown on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility of ZAR 135 million occurred on 22
December 2022. The third drawdown on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility of ZAR 60 million occurred
on 25 January 2023 and the fourth drawdown of ZAR 40 million occurred on 27 February 2023. ZAR 7.5
million remains undrawn on the ZAR 550 Million Equity Facility.
Convertible liability
It was determined that the conversion option embedded in the convertible debt equity facility be
accounted for separately as a derivative liability. Although the amount to be settled is fixed in ZAR,
when converted back to Kropz’s functional currency, will result in a variable amount of cash based on
the exchange rate at the date of conversion. The value of the liability component and the derivative
conversion component were determined at the date of draw down using a Monte Carlo simulation. The
debt host liability was bifurcated based on the determined value of the option. Subsequently, the
embedded derivative liability is adjusted to reflect fair value at each period end with changes in fair
value recorded in profit and loss (refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
137
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Notes to the Company Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022
(continued)
9.
Related party transactions
The only key management personnel of the Company are the Directors. Details of their remuneration
are contained in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following transactions and balances with subsidiaries occurred in the year:
Opening balance
Loans advanced
Loans repaid
Impairment of loans to subsidiaries
10. Subsequent events
31
December
2022
US$’000
49,904
612
(877)
(42,428)
7,211
31
December
2021
US$’000
43,926
5,978
-
-
49,904
Disclosures in relation to events after 31 December 2022 are shown in Note 34 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
In addition to the above, Kropz plc subscribed for a further 5 non-redeemable preference shares of
US$ 1 million each in Kropz Elandsfontein post the reporting period and up to the date of signing of
these accounts.
138
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Company information
Directors
Lord Robin William Renwick of Clifton, Non-executive Chairman
Louis Ronald Loubser, Chief Executive Officer
Michael (Mike) John Nunn, Non-executive Director
Gerrit Jacobus Duminy, Non-executive Director
Linda Janice Beal, Independent Non-executive Director
Company secretary
Fusion Corporate Secretarial Service (Pty) Ltd
Company number
11143400
Registered address
35 Verulam Road
Hitchin
SG5 1QE
Independent auditors
BDO LLP
55 Baker Street
London W1U 7EU
Nominated adviser
Grant Thornton UK LLP
30 Finsbury Square
London EC2A 1AG
Broker
H&P Advisory Limited
2 Park Street
Mayfair
London W1K 2HX
Legal advisers as to English Law
Memery Crystal Limited
165 Fleet Street
London EC4A 2DY
Legal advisers as to South African Law
Werksmans Attorneys
The Central, 96 Rivonia Road
Sandton 2196
Johannesburg
South Africa
Bowmans
22 Bree Street
Cape Town 8000
South Africa
139
Kropz plc Annual Report for 2022
Company information (continued)
Legal advisers as to the laws of Republic of Congo
PricewaterhouseCoopers Tax & Legal
88 Avenue du General de Gaulle
B.P. 1306
Pointe-Noire
Congo
Legal advisers as to the laws of the British Virgin Islands
Harney Westwood & Riegels LP
Craigmuir Chambers
PO Box 71,
Road Town
Tortola VG1110
British Virgin Islands
Registrars
Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol
BS13 8AE
Principal bankers
Barclays
One Churchill Place
London E14 5HP
BNP Paribas
11 Crescent Place
Melrose Arch
Johannesburg 2196
South Africa
Financial PR
Tavistock Communications Limited
1 Cornhill
London EC3V 3ND
Market consultant
CRU Consulting
Chancery House
53-64 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1QS
Company’s website: www.kropz.com
140