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MRC Global

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FY2017 Annual Report · MRC Global
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ANNUAL
REPORT
2017

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017Contents

4 

5 

6 

Corporate directory

Competent person statement 

Chairman’s report

10   

Directors’ report 

33  

Auditor’s independence declaration

35  

Financial statements

94 

Statement of corporate governance 

105 

Shareholder information

The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States Dollars (“$”), unless otherwise 
stated, which is the Company’s presentation currency.

3

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017Corporate directory

Directors

Mark Victor Caruso 

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Joseph Anthony Caruso   

Non-Executive Director

Peter Patrick Torre 

Non-Executive Director and Company Secretary

Guy Redvers Walker   

Non-Executive Director

Colin Ross Hastings   

Independent Non-Executive Director

Principal + Registered office in Australia

39-43 Murray Road North 
Welshpool WA 6106 
Telephone:  +61 (8) 6253 1100 
Facsimile:  +61 (8) 9258 3601 
Email: 

info@mncom.com.au

Auditors

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd 
38 Station Street 
Subiaco WA 6008

Solicitors

Dominion Legal Pty Ltd 
17 Lacey Street 
Perth WA 6000

ENSafrica 
150 West Street 
Sandton 
Johannesburg 2196 
South Africa

Steinepreis Paganin 
Level 4, The Read Buildings 
16 Milligan Street 
Perth WA 6000

Bankers

Westpac Banking Corporation 
Level 3, Brookfield Place Tower 2, 
123 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000

Share registry

Link Market Services Limited 
Level 12, QV1 Building 
250 St Georges Terrace 
Perth WA 6000

Stock exchange listing

The Company’s shares are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under ASX Code MRC

Website address 

www.mineralcommodities.com 

4

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Competent person statement

The information, if any, in this report which relates to exploration results, mineral resources or ore reserves for the 
Tormin Mineral Sands Project and the Munglinup Graphite Project is based on information compiled by Mr Adriaan 
du Toit, who is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (“AusIMM”) and an independent 
consultant to Mineral Commodities Ltd. Mr du Toit is the director and principal geologist of Aemco Pty Ltd and 
has over 26 years’ of exploration and mining experience in a variety of mineral deposits and styles. Mr du Toit has 
sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisations and type of deposits under consideration 
and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 
Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the “JORC Code, 
2012 Edition”). The information from Mr du Toit was prepared under the JORC Code, 2012 Edition. Mr du Toit 
consents to inclusion in the report of the matters based on this information in the form and context in which it 
appears.

The information, if any, in this report that relates to metallurgy for the Munglinup Graphite Project is based on 
information compiled and reviewed by Mr David Pass, who is a Member of AusIMM. Mr Pass is an employee of 
Battery Limits Pty Ltd. Mr Pass has sufficient experience relevant to process plant and infrastructure design thereof 
to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the JORC Code, 2012 Edition. Mr Pass consents to the inclusion in 
the report of the matters based on the reviewed information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information, if any, in this report which relates to exploration results, mineral resources or ore reserves for 
Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project is based on information compiled by Mr Allen Maynard, who is a Member of the 
Australian Institute of Geoscientists (“AIG”), a corporate member of AusIMM and independent consultant to Mineral 
Commodities Ltd. Mr Maynard is the director and principal geologist of Al Maynard & Associates Pty Ltd and has 
over 37 years’ of exploration and mining experience in a variety of mineral deposit styles. Mr Maynard has sufficient 
experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity 
which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2004 Edition of the “Australasian Code 
for reporting of Exploration Results, Exploration Targets, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” (JORC Code, 2004 
Edition). This information was prepared and first disclosed under the JORC Code, 2004 Edition. It has not been 
updated since to comply with the JORC Code, 2012 Edition on the basis that the information has not materially 
changed since it was last reported. Mr Maynard consents to inclusion in the report of the matters based on this 
information in the form and context in which it appears.

5

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017Chairman’s report

Dear Shareholders,

The 2017 year provided for a record operational and financial performance for Mineral Commodities Ltd (“MRC” or “the 
Company”), coupled with the Company strategically taking the opportunity to diversify jurisdictionally and broaden its 
commodity development project pipeline. 

Continued positive cash flow generation and unlocking the value of its garnet and ilmenite stockpiles at the Tormin 
Mineral Sands Operation (“Tormin Operation”) has put the Company in a position whereby its business development 
strategy is fully funded going forward into 2018.  Further, an expanded and experienced executive management 
team has allowed MRC to appropriately assess and undertake the requisite due diligence to significantly expand its 
greenfields and brownfields project portfolio.

The Directors’ report, which follows in the financial statements, contains a full account of the financial and operating 
performance of the Company for the year, in addition to its diversification initiatives and mineral resources.

The Company has reported, for the 2017 year, total revenue of US$62.6 million, EBITDA of US$19.1 million, EBIT of 
US$14.7 million and a NPAT of US$9.9 million.

In addition, the Company generated cash flow from operations of US$22.3 million for the 2017 year.  This operating 
cash generation funded capital expenditure of US$5.4 million for the year, the repayment of approximately US$3.7 
million in debt and US$5.2 million in dividends paid during the year.

Cash on hand at year end increased to US$11.0 million, up from US$2.9 million cash on hand at the commencement of 
the year.

The declaration of a final dividend of 0.7 Australian cents per share, in-conjunction with the interim 0.5 Australian cents 
per share, bought full year dividends declared for the 2017 financial year to 1.2 Australian cents per share, being aligned 
to the prior year’s dividend.    

6

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017Whilst financial performance and shareholder returns are a significant Board consideration, of primary importance to 
MRC and the Board is the safety of its workers and its responsibilities to the environment and the communities in which 
we work.

The Company continued its outstanding safety performance with only one Lost Time Injury (“LTI”), being a sprained 
ankle, for in excess of 3.0 million man hours worked since Tormin Operations commenced in late 2013.

The Company also continued its strong investment in and commitments to the social and economic upliftment of 
Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (“HDSA”) and the ongoing support of its Black Economic Empowerment 
(“BEE”) partners in the Tormin Operation and the Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project.

The Company currently employs approximately 35 members of the Eastern Cape Xolobeni community within the 
Western Cape located Tormin Operations, with training provided in all aspects of mine operations.

During the year, the Company spent approximately Rand 4.3 million on its HDSA Social Labour Plan local community 
initiatives, including bursaries, scholarships, traineeships, apprenticeships, adult basic education programs, community 
based enterprise and infrastructure support development, and the sponsoring of full-time teachers at local schools.  

Further, the Company’s BEE preferential procurement expenditure in 2017 was approximately Rand 336 million, 
exceeding all targets set under the South African Mining Charter.

The Company completed its bi-annual independent Environmental Authorisation Compliance Audit in early 2018. The 
Tormin mine is more than 92% in compliance with the relevant conditions contained in the Environmental Management 
Program for the NEMA Environmental Authorisation, and in relation to its Environmental Mitigation Compliance the 
Company scored in excess of 88%.

The Company recognises for the Tormin Operation that it will need to continue to work with the issues surrounding 
mining a replenishing beach and the uncertainties relating to replenishment quantities and grade.   The Company 
continues to be innovative in looking at new mining methods and equipment, including the mobilisation of the 
amphibious excavator to optimise the Tormin Operation and to access the unique nature of the resources.  

7

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017CH A I R M A N’S R E P O R T

MRC acknowledges its historical challenges in obtaining permitting access to new prospecting and mining tenure for 
its Tormin Operation.  The Company remains committed to working with the Department of Mineral Resources (“DMR”) 
and other South African regulatory authorities on achieving a satisfactory outcome to support the long term success of 
the mine, to the benefit of not only the local community near the mine but the wider South African population. 

Our Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project on the Eastern Cape of South Africa remains a world class mineral sands deposit 
with a JORC compliant resource of 346Mt @ 5% Total Heavy Mineral (“THM”).  The Ministerial imposed moratorium 
on mining rights applications remains in effect.  Future development and divestment options are under consideration, 
noting that the project’s viability has been further enhanced by the commencement of the construction of the N2 Toll 
highway. As stated previously, the Company fully supports the ongoing development of the Xolobeni Project and its 
decision to divest is in no way a reflection of its commitment to its mining interests in South Africa.

During 2017, MRC has progressively executed its jurisdictional and commodity diversification strategy.

In November 2017, the Company finalised an agreement and acquisition of a 51% interest in the Munglinup Graphite 
Project Joint Venture (“Munglinup Project”).  The agreement provides for exploration and development of a natural flake 
graphite mining operation at Munglinup near Esperance in Western Australia, and an option to acquire up to a 90% 
interest in the Munglinup Project.

The results of the Munglinup Project Scoping Study released to the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) in November 
2017 demonstrate a viable low capital and operating cost operation targeting approximately 56,000tpa of graphite 
concentrate production. 

The Munglinup Project demonstrates extremely attractive financial returns, benefiting from an exceptionally high grade 
deposit with mineralisation open along strike and at depth, and a granted mining lease located in close proximity to 
excellent infrastructure in one of the world’s best mining jurisdictions. 

Futher, the Company has embarked on a comprehensive development strategy to investigate vertically integrated 
downstream processing options, including purification and spheroidisation for use in battery anode material for the 
electric vehicle market, and expandable graphite predominately for the fire retardant market. It also has a detailed 
investment strategy for research and development into the production of graphene.

The Company will move towards completion of the Munglinup Project Feasibility Study, targeting a decision to mine in 
the second half of 2018.

During 2017, the Company also established a presence and ‘first-mover advantage’ in Iran, with a fully operational office 
in Tehran staffed with geological and administrative personnel, and the necessary in-country incorporated entities and 
foreign investment licenses and approvals.

Iran is located in one of the major resource-rich regions in the world, with a well-established long history of mining and 
is ranked the world’s 15th most mineral rich country holding 7% of the world’s total minerals and proven reserves of 
metallic and non-metallic deposits, with the world’s largest zinc reserves, the ninth largest copper reserves and twelfth 
largest iron ore reserves. 

Since the scaling back of international sanctions in 2015, there has been a substantial increase in foreign investment 
into Iran, however Iran’s mineral potential remains largely undeveloped.  The Iranian Government has implemented a 
20 year plan to attract US$20b of new investment and is pushing for greater privatisation of some of its mines to attract 
foreign capital and technology, including offering foreign investment protection, and substantive tax and mineral royalty 
concessions.

Iran has well established infrastructure, including an excellent network of highways, rail networks, and port facilities 
along the Persian Gulf, and well distributed energy supply throughout the country including both electricity and gas. 
The high level of education and training in Iran also presents for an excellent skilled workforce opportunity.

To date, the Company has reviewed in excess of thirty Iranian greenfields, brownfields and operating mining projects, 
and has concluded farm-in transactions on the Tuzlar Gold Mine and the Asbkhan Copper-Gold Project.  

The Company has also pursued opportunities in the north-west of Western Australia, applying for six new exploration 
licenses and having entered into a farm-in joint venture on another exploration tenement. The Company is targeting 
lithium (Yandeyarra Prospect), channel iron (Glen Florrie Prospect) and gold-copper deposits (Doolgunna and Cave Hill 
Prospects).

The Yandeyarra Prospect incorporates four exploration applications lodged over an area covering 876km2 of 
prospective ground for hard rock lithium pegmatites, located 20km southwest from the Wodgina lithium mine and 
50km southwest from the Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantalite projects.

8

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017CH A I R M A N’S R E P O R T

The Doolgunna Prospect has a granted exploration license covering 62km2 with a farm-in agreement for the 
Company to acquire up to a 90% interest.  The Cave Hill Prospect incorporates an exploration application over 
150km2.  Doolgunna and Cave Hill are both over highly prospective near surface stockwork gold with historical 
workings and copper anomalies along strike from the De Grussa copper mine.

The Glen Florrie Prospect incorporates an exploration application over a channel iron deposit (“CID”) located 160km 
southeast from Onslow, with historical drilling results including numerous additional CID targets.

The Company will continue its pursuit of other greenfield / brownfield projects and operating mine opportunities, 
whilst remaining selective in its criteria and diligent in their assessment to ensure appropriate assets and resource 
projects are identified and successfully developed. 

In addition, the Company remains hopeful that the recent change in the political leadership and ministerial positions 
in South Africa will initiate a new era in due process through the DMR, which will re-establish mining to its pre-
eminent position as a significant contributor to the South African economy and further support the Company’s 
ongoing development plans of its mineral sands assets.

On behalf of the Board I thank all the dedicated employees and contractors of the Company for their efforts and 
commitment throughout the year. These efforts have delivered another successful result for the year and has 
continued to provide returns to it’s shareholders. 

We anticipate the 2018 will deliver another solid financial performance for the Company and continued successful 
delivery of its diversification strategy. 

Mark V. Caruso 
Chairman

9

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017Directors’ report

Your Directors present their report on the consolidated entity (referred to hereafter as the “Group”) consisting of 
Mineral Commodities Ltd (the “Company”) and the entities it controlled at the end of, or during, the year ended 31 
December 2017. The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States Dollars (“$”), unless otherwise 
stated, which is the Company’s presentation currency.

Directors
The following persons were Directors of the Company during the whole of the financial year and up to the date of 
this report:

Mark Victor Caruso 

Joseph Anthony Caruso

Peter Patrick Torre 

Guy Redvers Walker

Colin Ross Hastings

Principal activities
The principal activities of the Group during the year were: 

•  mineral sands mining and processing at the Group’s Tormin Mineral Sands Project (“Tormin” or the “Tormin 

Project”) in the Western Cape Province of South Africa; 

• 

• 

• 

undertaking exploration and evaluation for the future development of the Munglinup Graphite Project 
(“Munglinup” or the “Munglinup Project”) in the Great Southern of Western Australia;

undertaking initial entry acquisition and exploration activities in Iran; and

investigations into other mineral resources, particularly through MRC Exploration Australia Pty Ltd focused over 
several tenements within Western Australia. 

Dividends
Unfranked dividends paid or declared by the Company to members since the end of the previous financial year were: 

Declared and paid during the year 2017

Final 2016 ordinary

Interim 2017 ordinary

Total amount

Australian Cents 
per share

Total amount 
A$

1.2

0.5

4,859,299

2,024,713

6,884,012

Date of Payment

16 May 2017

10 October 2017

Subsequent to year end, the Directors declared a final unfranked dividend for the year ended 31 December 2017 of 
0.7 Australian cent per ordinary share, a total distribution of A$2,904,594 based on the number of ordinary shares on 
issue as at 31 December 2017.

As the dividend was unfranked, there are income tax consequences for the owners of the Company relating to 
this dividend.

10

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017Review of operations
The operations and financial position of the Group and its business strategies is set out below.

The following key production and sales metrics were achieved by the Tormin Project in 2017.

Production – Full Year

Mining: 2,052,621 tonnes mined at a grade of 26.97% Heavy Mineral Concentrate (“HMC”) consisting of:

• 

19.74% Garnet;

•  5.25% Ilmenite;

•  1.03% Zircon;

•  0.49% Rutile; and

•  0.46% Leucoxene

Production and Processing: 843,567 tonnes, including 224,196 tonnes of high zircon content Garnet concentrate 
refeed and 78,106 tonnes of high zircon content Ilmenite concentrate refeed, processed through the Garnet Stripping 
Plant / Secondary Concentrator Plant (“GSP/SCP”) to produce:

• 

435,590 tonnes Garnet concentrate;

•  217,019 tonnes Ilmenite concentrate; and

•  22,111 tonnes Zircon/Rutile concentrate.

Sales – Full Year: $60.9 million

Zircon/Rutile concentrate: 23,152 wet metric tonnes

Ilmenite concentrate: 282,098 wet metric tonnes

Garnet concentrate: 243,962 wet metric tonnes

Corporate and Cash

Cash: Cash balance of $11.0 million as at 31 December 2017, plus $6.1 million in trade and other receivables.

Debt: $1.1 million of shareholder loans fully repaid at the beginning of the year; 

$4.5 million debt facility obtained from GMA Garnet Group (“GMA”) to finance the Garnet Stripping Plant (“GSP”) fully 
drawn down and repayment of $0.125 million per month commenced in June 2017 (principal owing at 31 December 
2017 is $3.625 million); and

$0.6 million (A$0.7 million) overdraft facility unutilised as at 31 December 2017. 

SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY

The Company continued its exemplary performance in occupational health and safety, with only one Lost Time Injury 
(“LTI”) for in excess of 3.0 million man hours worked since operations commenced in late 2013. Whilst the LTI was 
relatively minor (sprained ankle), it is extremely disappointing. The Company continues its drive to ensure that the 
safety of its workforce is paramount.

The Company’s safety record continues to be industry best standard.

The Company worked closely with its joint shareholder in its South African subsidiary Mineral Sands Resources 
(Pty) Ltd (“MSR”) and Black Economic Empowerment (“BEE”) partner, Blue Bantry Investments 255 (Pty) Ltd (“Blue 
Bantry”), in continuing to assist in bridging the cultural divide that can sometimes exist in managing the expectations 
and interests of affected parties and communities. 

The Company continues its commitment to community investment and BEE ownership and participation. During 
the year the Company spent in excess of Rand 4.3 million on Social Labour Plan (“SLP”) initiatives, including 
approximately Rand 2.8 million on human resources development initiatives; incorporating bursaries, scholarships, 
traineeships, apprenticeships and adult basic education and training (“ABET”) programs. In addition, Local Enterprise 
Development (“LED”) investment in community infrastructure exceeded Rand 0.9 million. 

11

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

The Company identified and completed a new LED Project in the Matzikama Municipality that saw the construction 
and fitout of the Nuwerus High School new computer laboratory including new laptops and furniture. In addition, 
several bursary students graduated during the year with Bachelors in Accounting and Science, with one of the 
students being employed full-time as an intern with MSR. 

Further, the Company, through its Small Medium Micro Enterprises (“SMME”) development program, sponsored the 
establishment of several community based enterprises, including the establishment of a community based enterprise 
and purchase of equipment for the embroidery of all the Company’s employees’ personal protective equipment. In 
addition, the Company also continues to sponsor full-time Mathematics and English teachers at various local primary 
and secondary schools.

The Company’s BEE preferential procurement and economic empowerment of Historically Disadvantaged South 
African’s (“HDSA”) expenditure in 2017 was approximately Rand 336 million, and exceeded all targets set in this 
regard.

The Company operates its Tormin mining operation under the South African Government’s One Environmental 
System, which came into effect on 8 December 2014. This legislation provides that the competent authority for 
all matters relating to environmental authorisations and compliance of the National Environmental Management 
Act, 1998 (‘NEMA”) is the Department of Mineral Resources (”DMR”) insofar as the activities relate to mining or 
prospecting.

On 15 June 2017, the South African Minister of Mineral Resources, Mosebenzi Zwane, and the Department of 
Mineral Resources (“DMR”) gazetted unilateral changes to the Broad-Based Black Socio-Economic Empowerment 
Charter for the South African Mining and Minerals Industry, 2017 (“2017 Mining Charter”). On 26 June 2017, the 
South African Chamber of Mines (“Chamber”) applied for an urgent Interdict to prevent the implementation by the 
Minister and the DMR of the 2017 Mining Charter. On 14 July 2017, the Minister undertook in writing that neither he 
nor the DMR would implement or apply the provisions of the 2017 Mining Charter until judgement has been passed 
on the Chamber’s urgent Interdict. This hearing has been deferred into 2018. Regardless, the Company’s current 
50% BEE ownership structure for its fully owned subsidiary, MSR, which operates the Tormin mine, sits well above 
the minimum BEE ownership threshold of 30% as contemplated under the new proposed legislation for existing and 
future Mining Rights.

TORMIN – OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Production Summary

Mining 

Tonnes

Grade

 - Garnet

 - Ilmenite

 - Zircon

 - Rutile

 - Leucoxene

GSP / SCP Production & Processing

Tonnes processed

Tonnes produced

 - Garnet concentrate

 - Ilmenite concentrate

 - Zircon/Rutile concentrate

  zircon in concentrate

  rutile in concentrate

Sales (wmt)

 - Garnet concentrate

 - Ilmenite concentrate

 - Zircon/Rutile concentrate

12

31-Dec-17 
Actual

2,052,621

26.97%

19.74%

5.25%

1.03%

0.49%

0.46%

843,567

435,590

217,019

22,111

70.66%

17.70%

243,962

282,098

23,152

31-Dec-16 
Actual

1,807,750

45.95%

29.21%

12.97%

2.78%

0.62%

0.38%

658,857

270,802

211,704

35,813

74.10%

13.34%

130,308

4,070

38,408

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

The tonnage performance of the Tormin mining and processing operations exceeded the 2017 budget and 2016 
operational performance. 

Run of Mine (“ROM”) production of 2,052,621 tonnes was achieved, versus budget of 1,751,620 tonnes and the 
previous year’s 1,807,750 tonnes. ROM ore grading 26.97% Valuable Heavy Minerals (“VHM”) was mined for the 
financial year, consisting of a garnet grade 19.74%, ilmenite grade 5.25%, zircon grade 1.03% and rutile grade 0.49%.

Mining cost per tonne of ore mined for the 2017 financial year was $1.92/t, 14.3% below budget of $2.24/t, reflective 
of a 17.2% increase in total mined tonnes against budget. 

Zircon and rutile feed grades were lower than budget and prior year and resulted in reduced non-magnetic zircon/
rutile concentrate production for the current financial year of 22,111 tonnes, versus a budget of 28,665 tonnes and 
a previous year of 35,813 tonnes. Contained zircon in the concentrate of 70.66% was above a budgeted 69.65%, 
whilst rutile was also above budget at 17.70% contained rutile in concentrate.

Gross ilmenite concentrate production for the current financial year was 217,019 tonnes versus a budget of 187,281 
tonnes, and gross garnet production was 435,590 tonnes versus a budget of 168,709 tonnes.

During the current financial year, the Company re-treated 224,196 tonnes of previously stockpiled garnet concentrate 
to extract excess zircon, to produce a medium grade ilmenite concentrate and to upgrade the garnet concentrate 
grade. The Company also re-treated 78,106 tonnes of previously stockpiled ilmenite concentrate to create a high 
grade ilmenite concentrate and to extract excess zircon. 

Continued process improvement initiatives, including capital spend, have been implemented to improve throughput 
and recoveries throughout the current financial year.

The amphibious excavator was commissioned in September 2017 and continued operation during the December 
quarter with modifications added to the suction of the pump cutter head to limit rock ingress. There is initial evidence 
from operations to date to suggest that lower grade material pumped from the surf zone onto the active beach 
ROM area results in concentration of VHM grades. Operations continue currently to optimise the production metrics 
and also the methodology to allow accelerated concentration of the material mined by the amphibious excavator. 
The Company is also investigating other methods of mining near shore surf zone which could include specialised 
underwater equipment.

TORMIN COSTS

The following key summary of unit costs and revenue is presented:

Summary of Unit Costs & Revenue Per Tonne

Unit production cash costs per tonne of final 
concentrates produced ($/dmt)

Unit cost of goods sold per tonne of final concentrates 
sold ($/wmt) (1) 

Unit revenue per tonne of final concentrates sold ($/wmt)

Revenue to cost of goods sold ratio

2017 
Full Year

27.89

77.47

113.33

1.46

2016 
Full Year

27.03

99.29

163.27

1.64

Note 1:- Cost of goods sold includes production cash costs, product handling, transport and selling costs, royalties, stock movements, and depreciation and amortisation. Excludes 
corporate and financing costs.

Production cash costs per tonne of zircon/rutile, ilmenite and garnet concentrate produced for the 2017 financial 
year was $27.89/t, a 3% increase in comparison to the 2016 result of $27.03/t. 

Cost of goods sold (incorporating production cash costs, product handling, transport and selling costs, royalties, 
stock movements, and depreciation and amortisation) per tonne of concentrate sold was $77.47/t for the 2017 year, 
as compared to $99.29/t for the 2016 year and $77.22 budgeted. The unit cost of goods sold was lower in 2017 
in comparison to 2016 due to the first sales of “lower cost” bulk ilmenite in 2017 and additional garnet concentrate 
tonnes sold following execution of the Amended Garnet Offtake Agreement with GMA in April 2017. 

Revenue per tonne of concentrate sold for the full year 2017 was $113.33/t, above the budgeted $91.61/t but below 
the prior year’s result of $163.27/t. The improvement in unit revenue against budget was due to higher ilmenite, 
zircon and rutile pricing, and additional revenue generated on the transport and shipment of previously stockpiled 
garnet concentrate. The lower unit revenue for 2017, when compared against 2016, is a reflection of the relative 
product mix sold with significantly higher volumes of bulk ilmenite and garnet concentrates sold in 2017 when 
compared to the higher value zircon/rutile concentrate; and irrespective of the higher ilmenite, zircon and rutile prices 
achieved in 2017.

13

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

TORMIN – SALES AND MARKETING

The Company experienced strong demand for its ilmenite concentrate in 2017 due to a combination of tightening 
of the global ilmenite supply chain as well as curtailing of domestic sulphate ilmenite production within China due 
to environmental and economic cost of production factors. This was further complimented by demand from India 
arising from Indian regulatory issues restricting in-country feedstock availability. In addition, increased demand for all 
downstream finished titanium products continued to improve throughout 2017.

The Company saw incremental quarter on quarter increases in sales pricing in 2017 for its high grade non-magnetic 
zircon/rutile concentrate. The Company has seen a year-on-year increase of approximately 45% for its non-magnetic 
concentrate pricing with the first quarter sales for 2018 contracted at the highest dry metric tonne (“DMTU”) rates 
since operations commenced.

Sales revenue for 2017 was $60.9 million, above both the budgeted $52.7 million and prior year’s $26.9 million. The 
increase against budget is materially driven by higher ilmenite, zircon and rutile pricing, and partially offset by lower 
non-magnetic concentrate tonnes sold due to lower zircon production / mined grade. The increased revenue in 
comparison to last year is driven by first bulk ilmenite sales in 2017, additional garnet concentrate revenue generated 
following execution of the Amended Garnet Offtake Agreement with GMA in April 2017 and improved pricing for 
ilmenite, zircon and rutile, partially offset by lower non-magnetic zircon/rutile concentrate revenue due to lower zircon 
and rutile mined grades.

Tormin shipments/sales for 2017 were 23,152 wet metric tonnes of zircon/rutile non-magnetic concentrate, 275,000 
wet metric tonnes of bulk ilmenite concentrate, 7,098 of bagged ilmenite sales and 240,000 dry metric tonnes of 
garnet concentrate stockpiled on GMA’s behalf. Additional revenue was generated by the shipment of 51,077 wet 
metric tonnes of garnet concentrate previously stockpiled at the Tormin mine site on GMA’s behalf.

The Revenue to Cost of Goods Sold Ratio for the 2017 financial year was 1.46 as compared to a budgeted 1.19 
and a 2016 financial year result of 1.64. The 2017 decrease against 2016 is a reflection of the product mix change 
towards bulk concentrates, irrespective of high sales prices and lower unit costs achieved in 2017.

TORMIN – WORK-IN-PROGRESS AND FINAL CONCENTRATE INVENTORY

The Company is pleased to be able to report that holdings of work-in-progress (“WIP”) and finished goods on 
hand at 31 December 2017 are the highest since commencement of operations at Tormin, and will further assist 
in underpinning future production performance, sales/shipments and operating cash generation. 

These stock holdings are summarised as follows:

Work-in-Progress and Final Concentrate Products

Run of Mine Ore Stockpile (total tonnes – Tormin processing plant)

Heavy Mineral Concentrate Stockpile (total tonnes – Tormin processing plant)

Zircon / Rutile Concentrate Bagged (total tonnes – Tormin, Cape Town or in-transit)

Ilmenite Concentrate Stockpiles (total tonnes – Tormin, Saldanha Bay or in-transit)

Garnet Concentrate Stockpiles (total tonnes – Tormin, Koekenaap, Saldanha Bay, 
in-transit or held on behalf of GMA)

WIP & Finished Goods 
at 31 December 2017

35,568

93,421

1,362

26,584

684,882

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MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017TORMIN – RESOURCE 

As released to the ASX on 28 February 2018, the annual Tormin Resource Review work was completed during 
February 2018, with results as follows:

DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Category

Indicated Resources – Dec 2013

Tonnes Mined – 2014

Inferred Resources – Dec 2014

Tonnes Mined - 2015

Inferred Resources – Dec 2015

Tonnes Mined - 2016

Inferred Resources – Dec 2016

Tonnes Mined - 2017

Resource 
Million 
Tonnes

Total Heavy 
Mineral (1) 
(% in Resource)

Ilmenite  
(% in Resource)

Zircon  
(% in Resource)

Rutile  
(% in Resource)

Garnet  
(% in Resource)

2.70

1.07

2.70

1.62

2.70

1.81

1.80

2.05

49.40%

53.83%

38.14%

49.57%

28.01%

45.97%

28.08%

27.57%

15.92%

10.60%

17.26%

10.05%

16.15%

6.97%

12.97%

6.15%

5.81%

2.72%

3.40%

4.76%

2.21%

3.88%

1.56%

2.78%

1.65%

1.10%

0.79%

0.70%

0.65%

0.46%

0.60%

0.55%

0.61%

0.53%

0.50%

0.43%

25.30%

31.16%

25.22%

28.94%

18.54%

29.21%

18.99%

19.40%

11.45%

Inferred Resources – Dec 2017

1.80 (2)

Includes other valuable heavy minerals e.g. Leucoxene and Magnetite

(1) 
(2)  5% Heavy Mineral (“HM”) cut-off grade used

Since commencement, the Company has mined in excess of 6.55 million tonnes. The tonnage mined is more than 
the original declared resource tonnage (2.70 million tonnes), which is indicative of the replenishment nature of the 
resource where resource blocks are mined more than once per year. 

The inferred resources tonnage remains at 1.80 million tonnes. Resource replenishment is occurring but at a rate 
that is slower than the mining rate. The Company is unable to report a replenishment grade or quantity under the 
2012 JORC code. The Company continues to conduct grade reconciliation and sample grading on a daily basis as 
part of the mining operation to correlate between stated resource and actual resource in terms of quantity, grade 
and replenishment. 

The resource grade has lowered and total heavy mineral content is now 15.92% at a cut-off grade of 5% HM. 

The nature of the resource replenishment is typical of modern day beach placer deposits found along the West 
Coast of South Africa and the South-Eastern Tamil Nadu coast of India. 

The Company is confident that with the grant of additional identified onshore and northern beach mining and 
prospecting areas currently under application, that the additional mining areas will allow the current beach mining 
areas to replenish.

TORMIN – MINING AND PROSPECTING ACTIVITIES

The Company, via its 50% owned South African subsidiary MSR, submitted a Section 102 Extended Mining Rights 
Amendment Application (“Section 102 Application”) to the Department of Mineral Resources (“DMR”) Western Cape 
Region on 26 April 2017. This Section 102 Application sought to extend the existing Tormin Mining Right to include 
the beaches to the north of its existing beach mining rights and an identified mineral sands inland strandline located 
on the Company owned Geelwal Karoo freehold farm (on which the Tormin processing plant is also located). 

On 23rd November, the Company received advice from the DMR that the Section 102 Environmental Authorisation 
Application (“EAA”) was refused for reasons that were not transparently clear. Subsequently, the Company sought 
legal advice and was advised that the DMR’s position could be challenged. The Company has decided not to 
proceed with court action or appeal the decision and has, after consultation, elected to submit a Section 24G 
Application which deals with non-authorised activities under its National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 
of 1998) (“NEMA”) and approved Environmental Management Program (“EMPr”). In addition, this will allow for the 
resubmission of the NEMA environmental authorisation associated with its Section 102 Application, which the 
Company will now be resubmitting in the first quarter of 2018, and which was formally refused on 13th December 
2017 by the DMR.

The Company holds significant tenure under application including applications which cover prospective inland strand 
occurrences which extend approximately 20km to the north and approximately 10km to the south of its current 
Tormin operations. These prospecting rights have been under application since 2016. The Company has also sought 
clarity with the DMR on the status of its current prospecting right applications and continues to believe that the 
assessment of the prospecting rights will be positively progressed in the first quarter of 2018. 

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The Company has also met with the Minerals and Petroleum Sub-Committee Board (“MPSCB”) regarding the 
ongoing sustainability of the Company’s Tormin mine operations. The MPSCB is a designated sub-committee which 
engages direct with mining companies and reports directly to the Minister of Mines, with the aim to support and 
sustain mining operations within South Africa. This initiative, supported collectively by all stakeholders, is specifically 
designed to identify, assist and remedy hurdles that impede mining operations. 

XOLOBENI MINERAL SANDS PROJECT

The Company advised midway through the 2016 year that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding 
(“MOU”) for the Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project (“Xolobeni Project”) with its BEE Partner, Keysha Investments 178 Pty 
Ltd (“Keysha”), to divest its 56% interest in Transworld Energy and Resources (SA) Pty Ltd (“TEM”), the entity which 
owns the Xolobeni Project, to Keysha on terms to be agreed between the parties. 

In June 2017, the Minister for Mines finally gazetted the moratorium, which he had previously announced in 2016, 
which prevents any mining or prospecting applications being processed on the Xolobeni project mine area for the 
next 18 months, or until the Minister is satisfied that the community conflict between the pro and anti-mining groups 
has been resolved. This has resulted in a delay in completion of the Sale Agreement and divestment. 

The Company continues to engage with Keysha, related stakeholders and relevant authorities to facilitate and finalise 
the sale process. The Company fully supports the ongoing development of the Xolobeni Project and its decision to 
divest is in no way a reflection of its commitment to its mining interests in South Africa. It is expected that this due 
process will take some time to finalise to ensure all stakeholders are fully appraised of the related issues. 

MUNGLINUP GRAPHITE PROJECT

MRC Graphite Pty Ltd (“MRCG”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Gold Terrace Pty Ltd (“GT”) 
formally finalised and executed the Munglinup Graphite Project Farm-in and Joint Venture Agreement (“Munglinup 
JV Agreement”) on 20 November 2017. The Joint Venture provides for exploration and development of a natural flake 
graphite mining operation at Munglinup near Esperance in Western Australia.

The Munglinup JV Agreement formalised the executed Binding Term Sheet as announced on 11 and 13 September 
2017, whereby MRCG and GT agreed to enter into a joint venture, and outlined the terms and conditions in which the 
joint venture will conduct exploration and studies, including possible early works, up until and including a decision to 
mine is made for the development of a graphite operation on the Munglinup tenements.

MRCG’s initial ownership under the Munglinup JV Agreement will be 51%. MRCG will now expediently move towards 
90% ownership during the course of 2018 via fulfilment of the conditions required by the Munglinup JV Agreement, 
predominantly the completion of a feasibility study. 

The completion of a scoping study (“Scoping Study” or “Study”) during December 2017 and the resultant preliminary 
economics underpin a near term project development profile for the Project. As a result, MRCG has already 
commenced a comprehensive metallurgical testwork and drilling program required for a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), 
with delivery of the PFS anticipated in March 2018.

The results of the Munglinup Scoping Study, as released to the ASX on 27 November 2017, demonstrate a viable 
low capital, low operating cost operation. Munglinup’s annual average graphite concentrate production target of 
approximately 56,000tpa greatly benefits from the exceptionally high graphite grades and excellent infrastructure 
commensurate with a project in one of the world’s best mining jurisdictions.

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The key results of the Scoping Study are summarised as follows:-

NPV

Mid Case Average 
Operating Cash Cost

Total Development 
CAPEX

Average Annual 
Conc. Production

Total Mine Life

Project Free Flow 
Cash Generation

A$150M

A$528/t

A$47M

56kt

9 years

A$270M

The results of the Scoping Study demonstrate the potential for the Munglinup Project to support a very low capital 
and operating cost operation with annual graphite concentrate production of approximately 56,000 tonnes per 
annum over an initial mine life of 9 years and payback of under 2 years.

Indicative NPV and IRR (post tax) ranges from the Munglinup Scoping Study

Indicative NPV (AUD$M) / IRR

Conservative

Balanced

Aggressive

Graphite Pricing / Flake Distribution

Low - 10 Year Pricing Low

Mid - Cannacord Long Term Average

High - Peer Company Average

NPV 

$38M

$102M

$193M

IRR

26%

50%

81%

NPV 

$77M

$150M

$257M

IRR

41%

67%

100%

NPV 

$106M

$187M

$313M

IRR

52%

79%

117%

The Scoping Study results further demonstrated that by any peer analysis, the Munglinup Project is a high-grade 
world class asset with all key operating parameters falling within the most favourable quartile. Excellent metallurgical 
results from recent testwork confirms high-quality (averaging above 95% TGC and up to 97.4% TGC) graphite flake 
concentrates, with better than expected recoveries averaging 86% and up to 88.3%.

The current market fundamentals in the renewable energy sector and EV market and the advanced stage of the 
Project are compelling and support an accelerated project development timetable. Importantly, the Project is set 
aside from the majority of its peers by being in a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction and close to all required infrastructure.

In December 2017 MRCG and Doral Fused Materials Pty Ltd (“Doral”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Iwatani 
Corporation, finalised and executed a MOU for the formal assessment of the Doral Fused Alumina Plant in the 
Kwinana Industrial Zone in Western Australia as a possible site for further downstream processing of natural flake 
graphite concentrate produced from the Company’s Munglinup Graphite Project. The MOU with Doral will allow 
MRCG exclusive access to the Doral site for a period of 12 months to undertake a study to determine the suitability 
of the site for the thermal purification, spheroidisation and coating of natural flake graphite to produce 99.95% 
graphitic anode material in Western Australia.

IRAN

The Company has been actively establishing its presence in Iran during 2017 and has appointed Mr Bahman Rashidi 
as the in-country Iranian General Manager. Mr Rashidi is a highly qualified geologist with a Master’s degree in 
Economic Geology. 

The Company has reviewed in excess of 31 greenfields, brownfields and operating mining projects to date and has 
concluded transactions on Tuzlar and Asbkhan. The Company is confident that several more transactions will be 
finalised from its initial reconnaissance to date. The Company has a fully funded exploration budget out of its current 
operational cashflow of $2.4 million for 2018. 

The Company has entered into an agreement, subject to due diligence, to acquire up to 73.5% shareholding in the 
privately owned Tuzlar Gold Mining and Industry Company (“Tuzlar”). An initial investment of 22.8% of the equity 
in Tuzlar will cost $0.68 million, and the Company has an option to acquire an additional 50.7% for a cost of $2.53 
million. The Company may exercise the option to acquire the additional 50.7% after completing a detailed exploration 
program. Tuzlar is an operating gold mine located on a granted Mining Licence over 14km2 which historically has 
produced 2,000ozs to 3,000ozs of gold per annum. 

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The detailed exploration program for Tuzlar will include systematic surface sampling and mapping, geophysics 
including induced polarization (IP), magnetic surveys, reconnaissance and deep drilling of the central part of the 
licence area targeting a high sulphidation magmatic system as well as deep drilling around the gold bearing quartz 
veins that are currently being mined by the existing owners in the western part of the licence area. The estimated 
cost of the exploration program is approximately $0.5 million.

The Company has the right to a 75% stake in the Asbkhan Joint Venture Company which is a special purpose 
vehicle established to own the Asbkhan copper-gold project. The Company’s earn-in will be by the completion of 
phase 1 exploration to test the potential of the area. Asbkhan is a privately owned copper-gold exploration project 
located in East Azerbaijan province in North Western Iran covered by a granted Mining Licence over an area of 
6km2. Exploration will consist of surface sampling from trenches, benches, and outcrops, ground geophysical 
surveys (IP) and follow up reconnaissance core drilling. The estimated budgeted expenditure for 2018 is $0.5 million.

The Company has also entered into a Non-Exclusive MOU with the Iran Minerals Production and Supply Company 
(“IMPASCO”) to review and access all opportunities relating to the exploration, extraction, and processing and 
investment commercialisation of projects under IMPASCO management. IMPASCO is a subsidiary of the Iranian 
Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organisation (“IMIDRO”), and is a leading minerals 
holding company in Iran. The MOU provides for the Company to tender on advanced Gold/Copper and Brine/Potash 
Projects which IMPASCO is intending to commercialise. 

An MOU has also been signed with the Geological Survey of Iran (“GSI”) to explore country wide for base and 
precious metals including gold, lead, zinc, copper, mineral sands, potash and lithium deposits. The GSI holds large 
parcels of land for exploration with an extensive database of geological, geochemical and geophysical information. 
The MOU provides for the Company to access all data and information held by the GSI. The Company and GSI will 
work collaboratively to collect, categorise as well as interpret with modern exploration technology, all existing data 
held by the GSI with an intention of further developing exploration and exploitation of mineral opportunities.

AUSTRALIAN EXPLORATION

By December 2017, the Company via its wholly owned subsidiary MRC Exploration Australia Pty Ltd (“MRCEA”), 
has lodged six new exploration licences and entered into a Joint Venture in Western Australia on another exploration 
tenement. The Company is targeting lithium (Yandeyarra Prospect), channel iron (Glen Florrie Prospect) and gold-
copper deposits (Doolgunna and Cave Hill Prospects).

The Yandeyarra Prospect includes four exploration applications lodged over an area covering 876km2 of prospective 
ground for hard rock lithium pegmatites 20km southwest from the Wodgina lithium mine operated by Mineral 
Resources Limited and 50km southwest from the Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantalite projects under development by 
Pilbara Minerals Limited and Altura Mining Limited.

The Glen Florrie Prospect includes one exploration application over channel iron deposit 160km southeast from 
Onslow, with historical drilling results including numerous additional channel iron deposit (CID) targets.

The Doolgunna Prospect includes one granted exploration licence with an executed Farm-in Agreement for MRCEA 
to acquire up to 90% interest in the tenement covering 62km2. The Cave Hill Prospect includes one exploration 
application lodged over 150km2. Doolgunna & Cave Hill areas are both over highly prospective near surface 
stockwork gold with historical workings and copper anomalies along strike from De Grussa copper mine in the 
Narracoota Volcanics and Goodin Fault.

Exploration works in these areas involves an A$1.5 million fully funded minimum commitment over the next two 
years.

CORPORATE AND FINANCIAL

At 31 December 2017, the Company had $11.0 million in cash, with trade and other receivables of $6.1 million.

The $4.5 million loan facility obtained from GMA to finance the GSP was fully drawn by year end. Repayments 
on and interest charges against the facility commenced in June 2017, with the loan balance $3.625 million as at 
31 December 2017. At the beginning of the year, the Company advised that shareholder loans from two of its 
largest shareholders, Au Mining Ltd and Regional Management Pty Ltd, totalling approximately $1.1 million were 
repaid in full.

The Company’s overdraft facility limit of $0.6 million (A$0.7 million) was undrawn as at 31 December 2017. 

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CONSOLIDATED RESULT AND FINANCIAL POSITION

The profit of the Group after income tax and non-controlling interests was $9.9 million (2016: $3.8 million). 

Revenue for the year was $62.6 million (2016: $27.1 million), with profit before income tax expense of $14.0 million 
(2016: $6.6 million). The sales revenue for 2017 was $60.9 million, above both the budgeted $52.7 million and prior 
year’s $26.9 million.

The net assets of the Group have increased from $36.1 million as at 31 December 2016 to $45.9 million as at 
31 December 2017. 

OUTLOOK 

Concentrate production guidance for the forthcoming full year 2018 is in the order of:

Final Concentrate Production

Zircon / Rutile Concentrate (dry metric tonnes)

Ilmenite Concentrate (dry metric tonnes)

Garnet Concentrate (dry metric tonnes)

Sales / shipment guidance for FY2018 is in the order of:

Final Concentrate sales

Zircon / Rutile Concentrate (wet metric tonnes)

Ilmenite Concentrate (wet metric tonnes)

Garnet Concentrate Stockpiled (dry metric tonnes)

Garnet Concentrate Shipped (dry metric tonnes)

FY2018 Production 
Guidance Range

20,000 – 25,000

100,000 – 130,000

350,000 – 450,000

FY2018 Production 
Guidance Range

20,000 – 25,000

100,000 – 120,000

210,000

160,000

Tormin operations will continue to focus on optimising the mining and processing value chain to deliver results in line 
with 2017 results. In addition, a concerted effort will be made to secure a definable deliverable date with the DMR to 
the Company’s current pending Section 102 application and prospecting right applications.

The Company recognises it will need to continue to work with the issues surrounding mining a replenishing beach 
and the uncertainties relating to replenishment quantities and grade. Mitigation management includes the adjustment 
of mining rates to allow sufficient time for the active beach mining areas to replenish, which may result in the scaling 
back of operations at various periods throughout the year and increasing production from the amphibious excavator 
that will allow access to the previously unmined portions of the resource which sit within the perimeter of the lower 
tidal boundaries and surf zone. 

Management will drive the completion of the Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility Studies for the Munglinup Graphite 
Project and expedite the requisite regulatory approvals to fast track this project to development.

Significant changes in the state of affairs
Details of the year’s operational performance and the resulting financial impact is set out in the review of operations 
above.

No event or transaction has arisen in the interval between the end of the financial year and the date of this report 
of a material and unusual nature likely, other than what has been disclosed elsewhere in this financial report, in 
the opinion of the Directors of the Company, to affect significantly the operations of the Group, the results of those 
operations or the state of affairs of the Company or the Group in future financial years unless otherwise disclosed in 
this Directors’ Report.

Events since the end of the financial year
Other than disclosed in the review of operations above, there have been no other material matters arising subsequent 
to the end of the financial year. 

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Likely developments and expected results of operations
Likely developments in the operations of the Group that were not finalised at the date of this report are included in 
the review of operations above and as detailed in the Outlook section.

The Board will continue to review other projects and opportunities in the interests of increasing shareholder value.

Environmental regulation
The Group is subject to various environmental regulations in respect to its exploration, development and production 
activities.

In the course of its normal mining and exploration activities, the Group adheres to all environmental regulations 
imposed upon it by the relevant regulatory authorities, particularly those regulations relating to ground disturbance 
and the protection of rare and endangered flora and fauna. 

Schedule of mining and prospecting tenements
Mining and prospecting tenements currently held or under application by the Group are:

Country

Location

Right / Tenement Number

Type of Right 
/ Tenement

Status

Beneficial 
Interest

South Africa

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

(WC)30/5/1/1/2/10261 PR

Prospecting

Under Application

(WC) 30/5/1/1/2/10262 PR

Prospecting

Under Application

(WC)30/5/1/2/2/163 MR

Mining

Approved

(WC) 30/5/1/1/2/10259 PR

Prospecting

Under Application

(WC)30/5/1/2/2/162 MR

Mining

(WC)30/5/1/1/2/10036 PR

Prospecting

(WC)30/5/1/1/2/10199 PR

(WC)30/5/1/1/2/10226 PR

(WC)30/5/1/1/2/10229 PR

Prospecting

Prospecting

Prospecting

Approved

Approved

Approved

Closed 

Closed

(WC)30/5/1/1/2/10240 PR

Prospecting

Under Application

South Africa

Xolobeni

EC30/5/1/1/2/6 PR

Prospecting

Xolobeni – 
Kwanyana block

EC30/5/1/1/2/10025 PR

Prospecting

Xolobeni

EC30/5/1/1/2/10025 MR

Mining

Closed – Converting 
to Mining Right

Subject to moratorium – 
Converting to Mining Right

Subject to moratorium – 
Under Application

Australia

Munglinup

M74/245

Mining

Granted, In Transfer

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Munglinup

Yandeyarra

Yandeyarra

Yandeyarra

Yandeyarra

Doolgunna

Cave Hill

Glen Florrie

E74/505

E47/3884

E47/3885

E47/3916

E45/5109

E51/1766

E51/1867

E08/2963

Exploration

Granted, In Transfer

Exploration

Under Application

Exploration

Under Application

Exploration

Under Application

Exploration

Under Application

Exploration

Granted

Exploration

Under Application

Exploration

Under Application

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

51% (Option to 
acquire 90%)

51% (Option to 
acquire 90%)

100%

100%

100%

100%

0% (Option to 
earn-in to 90%)

100%

100%

Greenhouse gas and energy data reporting requirements
The Directors have considered compliance with the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 which 
requires entities to report annual greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in Australia. For the measurement 
period, the Directors have assessed that there are no current reporting requirements, but may be required to do so 
in the future.

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Information on Directors

Mark Victor Caruso

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  Age 56

Experience and expertise

Mr Mark Caruso has extensive experience in mining, earthmoving and civil engineering construction earthworks. He 
has been a Director of the Company since September 2000. He was previously Chairman of Allied Gold Mining PLC 
(“AGMP”), responsible for the delivery of the Gold Ridge Project in the Solomon Islands and the Simberi Gold Project 
in Papua New Guinea. After resigning from AGMP, he transitioned into the position of Executive Chairman of the 
Company in August 2012. 

Other current directorships

Perpetual Resources Limited 
Connexion Media Limited 

Special responsibilities

Chairman of the Board 
Chief Executive Officer

Former directorships in the last 3 years

Interests in shares and options

None

Joseph Anthony Caruso

Non-Executive Director 

Age 72

Experience and expertise

79,164,228 ordinary shares in the Company – indirect 
holding ¹ 
15,784 ordinary shares in the Company – direct holding 
5,000,000 options over ordinary shares in the Company

Mr Joseph Caruso was appointed as Non-Executive Director of the Company in September 2000.  He is a 
director of Zurich Bay Holdings Pty Ltd and Construction Manager of Simto Australia Pty Ltd, both of which are 
involved in mining, earthmoving and civil engineering construction earthworks.  He has considerable experience in 
managing and administration of engineering, mining, raw materials production operations, earthmoving and related 
infrastructure utilities services resource contracts.  

Other current directorships

Special responsibilities

None

Member of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee

Former directorships in the last 3 years

Interests in shares and performance rights

None

77,007,485 ordinary shares in the Company ¹ 
1,000,000 performance rights over ordinary shares in the 
Company

Peter Patrick Torre  CA, AGIA, MAICD

Non-Executive Director and Company Secretary 

Age 46

Experience and expertise

Mr Torre was appointed Company Secretary of the Company in July 2006, and as a Director of the Company on 
1 April 2010. He is a Chartered Accountant, a Chartered Secretary and a member of the Australian Institute of 
Company Directors. He was previously a partner of an internationally affiliated firm of Chartered Accountants. 
Mr Torre is the Company Secretary of several ASX listed companies. 

Other current directorships

Special responsibilities

Connexion Media Limited 
Volt Power Group Limited

Company Secretary and member of the Audit, 
Compliance and Risk Committee

Former directorships in the last 3 years

Interests in shares and performance rights

WestStar Industrial Ltd

625,000 ordinary shares in the Company
1,000,000 performance rights over ordinary shares 
in the Company

1. 

 J A Caruso and M V Caruso are both directors of and have a relevant interest in Zurich Bay Holdings Pty Ltd, which holds 77,007,485 shares in the Company. 
Mr Mark Caruso also holds shares indirectly through Regional Management Pty Ltd and Property and Equity Nominees Pty Ltd.

21

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Guy Redvers Walker  BCA, CA, CFA, CMInstD

Non-Executive Director 

Age 48

Experience and expertise

Mr Walker is a highly accomplished director and senior investment management executive with over 21 years’ 
financial markets experience. He currently and in the past has sat on the boards of listed mining companies including 
exploration, development and production companies. He has extensive experience in capital raising through both 
traditional banks and alternative lenders.

Other current directorships

Metals Exploration plc

Former directorships in the last 3 years

Bacanora Minerals Ltd 
ENK PLC 
Navigator Resources Limited

Special responsibilities

Non-Executive Director, Chairman of the Audit, 
Compliance and Risk Committee and member of the 
Remuneration and Nomination Committee

Interests in shares and performance rights

200,000 ordinary shares in the Company
1,000,000 performance rights over ordinary shares in the 
Company

Colin Ross Hastings  BSc (Geology), MSc (Economic Geology), MAusIMM

Independent Non-Executive Director 

Age 67

Experience and expertise

Mr Ross Hastings was appointed as a non-executive Director in April 2015. He is a geologist with over 31 years’ 
experience in mining and exploration, project generation and project development, covering Australia and overseas. 
He has a strong geotechnical background with 10 years’ experience in this field and has extensive experience in 
mining related disciplines and processes. From 1996 to 2014, Mr Hastings was involved with Allied Gold PLC’s 
Simberi Gold Project where his roles included management of exploration and the feasibility and pre-development 
studies for mine construction. Mr Hastings then progressed to General Manager Resource Development and 
concluded his tenure at St Barbara subsequent to the merger between it and Allied Gold Mining PLC.

Other current directorships

Perpetual Resources Limited

Former directorships in the last 3 years

None

Special responsibilities

Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee and member of the Audit, Compliance and 
Risk Committee

Interests in shares and performance rights

150,000 ordinary shares in the Company
1,000,000 performance rights over ordinary shares in the 
Company

22

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Directors and Key Management Personnel Shareholdings
The relevant interest of each Director and key management personnel in the share capital of the Company, shown 
in the Register of Directors’ and Key Management Personnel Shareholding at the date of the Directors’ Report is as 
follows:

Balance as at 1 
January 2017

Received as 
remuneration

Increase 
as a result 
of options 
exercised

Indirect

Direct

Mark Caruso

Joseph Caruso

Peter Torre

Guy Walker

Ross Hastings

Tony Sheard

Surinder Ghag

Bahman Rashidi

78,554,014

15,784

77,007,485

625,000

125,000

-

150,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Purchased on 
market

Balance as at 
31 December 
2017

610,214

79,164,228

-

-

-

75,000

150,000

100,000

-

-

15,784

77,007,485

625,000

200,000

150,000

250,000

-

-

Meetings of Directors
The number of meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors and each of the Board committees held during the 
year ended 31 December 2017, and the number of meetings attended by each Director were:

Name

Directors’ Meetings

Meetings of committees

Audit, Compliance and Risk

Remuneration and Nomination

Mark Victor Caruso

Joseph Anthony Caruso

Peter Patrick Torre

Guy Redvers Walker

Colin Ross Hastings

A

6

6

6

6

6

B

6

5

6

6

6

A being total of meetings eligible to attend 
B being total of meetings actually attended

A

0

0

4

4

4

B

0

0

4

4

4

A

0

4

0

4

4

B

0

4

0

4

4

Other matters of Board business have been resolved by circular resolutions of Directors, which are a record of 
decisions made at a number of informal meetings of the Directors held to control, implement and monitor the 
Company’s activities throughout the year.

23

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017 
DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Remuneration report (Audited)

This remuneration report sets out the remuneration information for the Company’s non-executive Directors, 
executive Directors, other key management personnel and the key executives of the Group and the Company. The 
remuneration report is set out under the following main headings:

A. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

E. 

F. 

Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration

Details of remuneration

Service agreements

Share-based compensation

Additional information

Other transactions with key management personnel

A.  PRINCIPLES USED TO DETERMINE THE NATURE AND AMOUNT OF REMUNERATION 

In order to retain and attract executives of sufficient calibre to facilitate the efficient and effective management of the 
Company’s operations, the Board reviews the remuneration packages of all key management personnel, if any, on an 
annual basis and makes recommendations. Remuneration packages are reviewed with due regard to performance 
and other relevant factors. 

Remuneration packages may contain the following key elements:

(a)  Directors’ fees;

(b)  Salary and consultancy; and

(c)  Benefits, including the provision of a motor vehicle and superannuation.

Fees payable to non-executive Directors reflect the demands which are made on, and the responsibilities of the 
Directors. The Board reviews non-executive Directors’ fees and payments on an annual basis. The non-executive 
Directors fee pool was set at $500,000 on 30 May 2008 at the Annual General Meeting. Non-Executive Director 
fees are paid with an aggregate limit (currently $500,000) which is approved by the shareholders from time to time. 
Non-Executive Directors serve in accordance with a standard letter of appointment which sets out the remuneration 
arrangements.

Executives are offered a competitive base pay which is reviewed annually to ensure the pay is competitive with the 
market. 

There were short term cash incentives provided to the Executive Chairman, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and 
Technical Services Manager (“TSM”). Long-term incentives are provided to Directors and other key management 
personnel to incentivise them to deliver long-term shareholder returns. 

These are determined based on what the Board views as reasonable based on market conditions. Any grant of 
securities to Directors of the Company must be approved by shareholders in a general meeting.

The Directors are not required to hold any shares in the Company under the constitution of the Company; however, 
to align Directors’ interests with shareholders’ interests, the Directors are encouraged to hold shares in the 
Company.

As at 31 December 2017, the short term cash bonus incentives are up to 25% of base pay calculated on Company 
performance and other key performance indicators. Directors’ fees are fixed. 

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Profit/(loss) for the year 
after tax (USD)

9,932,930

3,777,834 10,576,785

8,376,344

(1,569,980)

(1,233,344)

(2,206,055)

(1,494,207)

Closing share price (AUD)

13.0 cents

13.0 cents

10.0 cents

11.0 cents

18.5 cents

9.9 cents

7.5 cents

8.1 cents

Dividends paid (AUD)

6,884,012

4,049,416

-

-

-

-

-

-

24

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Voting and comments made at the Company’s 2016 Annual General Meeting

The Company received the unanimous support of shareholders present on the remuneration report at the AGM 
for the 2016 financial year and 99.97% of proxy votes were in favour of the resolution to approve the remuneration 
report. The Company did not receive any specific feedback at the AGM or throughout the year on its remuneration 
practices.

B.  DETAILS OF REMUNERATION

The key management personnel of the Group are: 

• 

the Directors of the Company; 

•  Mr Logan Francis, the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), appointed on 17 October 2016, resigned on 24 May 

2017;

•  Mr Tony Sheard, the Chief Financial Officer; 

•  Mr Surinder Ghag, the Technical Services Manager, appointed on 4 September 2017;

•  Mr Bahman Rashidi, the General Manager – Iran, appointed on 1 October 2017;

The amounts disclosed are applicable for the Company. 

Details of the remuneration of Directors and the key management personnel (as defined in AASB 124 Related Party 
Disclosures) of the Company are set out in the following tables. Non-cash benefits in the form of performance rights 
were provided to directors during the 2016 financial year and to the CFO in the 2017 financial year. The following fees 
are applicable to Directors and key management personnel of the Company.

25

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

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5

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Other short and long term benefits forming part of the service agreements are detailed below:

Cash bonus

The Executive Chairman was entitled to an annual bonus of 25% of the Base Remuneration, measured against the 
following criteria, 20% weighting for each:

1.  Mine production against budget;

2.  Positive progress towards the review of the Tormin Mining Rights;

3. 

 Achieving Budget Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”) taking into account 
uncontrollable variables at the discretion of the Board;

4.  Achieving ilmenite sales per Budget; and

5.  Signing an Agreement to enter into a binding term sheet for an alternative project to diversify.

Future bonuses of the Executive Chairman will be at the sole discretion of the Board. 

The measurable objectives were chosen to ensure the Executive Chairman was incentivised to meet budgeted 
production and EBITDA; secure offtake agreements for the Company’s remaining product not currently being sold 
into the market and to progress the Company’s strategy of diversifying from its mineral sands projects in South Africa.

The Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee assessed the performance of the Executive 
Chairman, and reviewed his performance against the above set measurable objectives, taking into account other 
mitigating factors throughout the year. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee has reviewed the assessment 
and awarded 100% of the full bonus of 25% of the Base Remuneration.

As the COO, Logan Francis, only commenced employment on 17 October 2016 and resigned 24 May 2017, there is 
no entitlement to any cash bonus for the 2017 year.

The CFO, Tony Sheard, was entitled to an annual bonus of 25% of the Base Remuneration, measured against the 
following criteria, one third weighting for each:

1. 

 Performance against scope of services set out in the employment contract at the sole discretion of the Executive 
Chairman;

2.  Board Reporting within set timing each month; and

3.  Achieving EBITDA against budget taking into account uncontrollable variables at the discretion of the Board.

Future bonus of the CFO will be at the sole discretion of the Board.

The measurable objectives were chosen to ensure the CFO was incentivised to meet budgeted EBITDA; to ensure 
the CFO performed each of the tasks outlined in his employment contract which are typical of that for a CFO position, 
and timely reporting to the Board to ensure business decisions can be made on a timely and informed basis.

The Executive Chairman assessed the performance of the CFO against the above measurable objectives and 
awarded 100% of the full bonus of 25% of the Base Remuneration.

The Technical Services Manager, Surinder Ghag, was entitled to an annual bonus of 25% of the Base Remuneration, 
measured against the following criteria, 25% weighting against each of:

1.  Tormin processing plant performance recoveries and throughput rates against budget;

2.  Tormin HMC expansion progress against agreed project plan and deliverables;

3.  Diversification projects progress against agreed project plan and deliverables; and

4. 

 Achieving EBITDA against budget taking into account uncontrollable variables at the discretion of the Executive 
Chairman.

Future bonus of the Technical Services Manager will be at the sole discretion of the Board.

The measurable objectives were chosen to ensure the Technical Services Manager was incentivised to meet 
budgeted production and EBITDA, to progress the Company’s strategy of diversifying from its mineral sands 
projects in South Africa and to ensure the Technical Services Manager performed each of the tasks outlined in his 
employment contract which are typical of that for a Technical Services Manager position.

27

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

The Executive Chairman assessed the performance of the Technical Services Manager against the above 
measurable objectives and awarded 100% of the full bonus of 25% of the Base Remuneration on a pro rata basis 
for the year.

Relative proportions of fixed versus variable remuneration expense

The following table shows the relative proportions of remuneration that are linked to performance and those that are 
fixed, based on the amounts disclosed as statutory remuneration expenses in the previous table: 

Fixed Remuneration

At Risk - STI

At Risk - LTI

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

Name

Directors

Executive Chairman

Mark Caruso

Non-Executive Directors

Joseph Caruso

Peter Torre

Guy Walker

Ross Hastings

79%

65%

80%

68%

71%

Other Key Management Personnel

Tony Sheard

Logan Francis

Surinder Ghag

Bahman Rashidi

73%

100%

80%

100%

C.  SERVICE AGREEMENTS 

Mark Caruso

Commencement date

Term

Total Remuneration package

76%

75%

87%

78%

80%

80%

100%

-

-

19%

15%

0%

0%

0%

0%

18%

0%

20%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

16%

0%

-

-

2%

35%

20%

32%

29%

9%

0%

0%

0%

9%

25%

13%

22%

20%

4%

0%

-

-

6 August 2012

No fixed term

A$600,000 per annum (inclusive of statutory superannuation), effective from  
12 September 2014, and cash bonus as set out above 

Termination benefits 

12 months’ base salary plus any payment in lieu of notice

Peter Torre

Commencement date

1 November 2012

Term

No fixed term

Total Remuneration package

A$150,000 per annum

Termination benefits 

12 months’ base salary plus any payment in lieu of notice

Tony Sheard

Commencement date

Term

Total Remuneration package

1 January 2015

No fixed term

A$275,000 per annum (inclusive of statutory superannuation) and cash bonus as 
set out above

Termination benefits 

Nil unless constructive redundancy in which case 12 months’ salary

28

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Logan Francis

Commencement date

17 October 2016, resigned 24 May 2017

Term

No fixed term

Total Remuneration package

A$290,000 per annum (inclusive of statutory superannuation) and cash bonus as 
set out above

Termination benefits 

Nil unless constructive redundancy in which case 12 months’ salary

Surinder Ghag

Commencement date

4 September 2017

Term

No fixed term

Total Remuneration package

A$220,000 per annum (inclusive of statutory superannuation) and cash bonus as 
set out above

Termination benefits 

Nil unless constructive redundancy in which case 12 months’ salary

Bahman Rashidi

Commencement date

1 October 2017

Term

No fixed term

Total Remuneration package

A$180,000 per annum (inclusive of statutory superannuation)

Termination benefits 

Nil unless constructive redundancy in which case 12 months’ salary

There are no other service agreements.

D.  SHARE BASED COMPENSATION

Employee Options

No options were granted as remuneration during the year ended 31 December 2017.

Options vested during the year are:

Mark Caruso 

1,666,668

Tony Sheard 

333,333

The terms and conditions of each grant of options are as follows:

Grant 
Date

Expiry 
date

Exercise 
price

Fair Value 
at 
grant date

Options at 
the start of 
the year

Granted 
during 
the year

Exercised 
during 
the year

Forfeited 
during 
the year

Lapsed 
during 
the year

Balance at 
the end 
of the year

Vested at 
the end 
of the year

27 May 
2015

30 May 
2018

07 Sept 
2015

31 Mar 
2018

Total

20 
cents

20 
cents

4.90 
cents

5.40 
cents

5,000,000

1,000,000

6,000,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,000,000

5,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

6,000,000

6,000,000

Details of options over ordinary shares in the Company provided as remuneration to key management personnel are 
shown below:

Balance as at 
1 January 2017

Received as 
remuneration

Options exercised

Options 
lapsed

Balance as at 31 
December 2017

Mark Caruso

Tony Sheard

Total

5,000,000

1,000,000

6,000,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,000,000

1,000,000

6,000,000

No options are on issue to any other key management employees. 

29

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Grant of Performance Rights

The issue of Performance Rights was approved by shareholders at a general meeting of the Company held on  
25 May 2016. The Incentive Performance Rights Plan is designed to provide long-term incentives for senior 
managers and above (including directors) to deliver long-term shareholder returns. Performance Rights granted 
under the plan carry no dividend or voting rights. 

The following performance rights were issued to the key management personnel during the year:

Tony Sheard

Grant Date

16 Aug 17

Expiry Date

31 May 20

^  Rights will convert to shares if the Company’s share price exceeds the Barrier Price for five consecutive days.

Barrier Price 
(A$) ^

No of Performance 
Rights

20 cents

2,000,000

Each performance right issued to Mr Sheard was valued at A$0.118, with 1,500,000 rights vesting once the share 
price exceeds the Barrier Price for five consecutive days and the remaining 500,000 rights vesting 12 months from 
grant date once the share price exceeds the Barrier Price for five consecutive days.

Details of performance rights over ordinary shares in the Company provided as remuneration to key management 
personnel are shown below:

Joseph Caruso

Peter Torre

Guy Walker

Ross Hastings

Tony Sheard

Total

Balance as at  
1 Jan 2017

Received as 
remuneration

Performance 
rights vested

Performance 
rights expired

Balance as at 31 
December 2017

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

-

4,000,000

-

-

-

-

2,000,000

2,000,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

2,000,000

6,000,000

E.  OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

Mine Site Construction Services (“MSCS”), a company associated with Mr Mark Caruso and Mr Joseph Caruso has 
provided the followings services to the Company during 2017:

•  Provision of executive services.

The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $134,155 (2016: $nil). 
This is considered to be an arm’s length commercial consultancy contract at normal commercial rates. 

•  Provision of office space.

The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $158,510 (2016: $90,199). 
This is considered to be an arm’s length commercial rent. There is a formal sub lease in place.

•  Provision of secretarial staff to the Executive Chairman.

The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $82,372 (2016: $76,329). 
The amounts payable are pursuant to an Executive Service Agreement and have been reimbursed on an arm’s 
length basis at normal commercial rates.

•  Provision of technical staff.

The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $288,627 (2016: $210,413). 
The amounts payable have been in respect to the provision of technical staff at the Groups’ head office and at the 
Tormin project and have been reimbursed on an arms-length basis at normal commercial rates. 

•  Others

The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $202,267 (2016: $127,799). 
The amounts payable have been in respect of telecommunication charges and miscellaneous payments made 
by MSCS on behalf of the Company. The amounts have been reimbursed on an arms-length basis at normal 
commercial rates.

As at 31 December 2017, amount payable to MSCS is $56,721.

30

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Ross Hastings, one of the Directors has provided consulting services to one of the Company’s projects during the 
year ended 31 December 2017. The amount paid by the Company to Ross Hastings for the year ended 31 December 
2017 was $7,934 (2016: $6,306). The amounts payable have been reimbursed on an arm’s length basis at normal 
commercial rates.

Hastings Bell Pty Ltd, a Company associated with Daniel Hastings, the son of Ross Hastings has provided business 
development consultancy services to the Company during 2017. The amount paid by the Company to Hastings Bell 
Pty Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $185,452 (2016: $nil). This is considered to be an arm’s length 
commercial consultancy contract at normal commercial rates. 

End of the audited remuneration report

Insurance of officers
During the financial year, the Group has paid an insurance premium to insure the Directors and secretaries of the 
Company and its controlled entities. The provision of details in respect to the terms and conditions of the policy are 
prohibited from disclosure under the terms of the policy. 

Proceedings on behalf of the Group
No person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf of the Group or intervene in any 
proceedings to which the Group is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Company for all or 
any part of those proceedings.

Non-audit services
The Company may decide to employ the auditor on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where the 
auditor’s expertise and experience with the Company and/or the Group are important.

Details of the amounts paid or payable to the auditor for audit and non-audit services provided during the year are 
set out below.

The Board of Directors has considered the position and, in accordance with advice received from the Audit, 
Compliance and Risk Committee, is satisfied that the provision of the non-audit services is compatible with 
the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001. The Directors are 
satisfied that the provision of non-audit services by the auditor, as set out below, did not compromise the auditor 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:

• 

• 

all non-audit services have been reviewed by the Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee to ensure they do not 
impact the impartiality and objectivity of the auditor; and

none of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 110 
Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.

During the year, the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO 
Tax (WA) Pty Ltd, its related practices and related firms:

Non-audit services

Taxation and company secretarial (South African entities)

BDO Tax (WA) Pty Ltd

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

53,135

53,135

71,552

71,552

31

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Auditor
BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd continues in office in accordance with section 327 of the Corporations Act 2001.

Auditor’s independence declaration
A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set 
out on page 33 and forms part of this report.

This report has been made in accordance with a resolution of the directors.

the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

Tel: +61 8 6382 4600 

Fax: +61 8 6382 4601 

www.bdo.com.au 

38 Station Street  

Subiaco, WA 6008 

PO Box 700 West Perth WA 6872 

Australia 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE BY PHILLIP MURDOCH TO THE DIRECTORS OF MINERAL 

COMMODITIES LTD 

As lead auditor of Mineral Commodities Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2017, I declare that, to 

1. No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 

relation to the audit; and 

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

This declaration is in respect of Mineral Commodities Ltd and the entities it controlled during the 

period. 

Mark Caruso 
Executive Chairman

Perth, Western Australia, 
28 February 2018 

Phillip Murdoch 

Director 

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd

Perth, 28 February 2018

32

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 79 112 284 787 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, 

an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and 

form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation other than for 

the acts or omissions of financial services licensees 

27 

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tel: +61 8 6382 4600 
Fax: +61 8 6382 4601 
www.bdo.com.au 

38 Station Street  
Subiaco, WA 6008 
PO Box 700 West Perth WA 6872 
Australia 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE BY PHILLIP MURDOCH TO THE DIRECTORS OF MINERAL 
COMMODITIES LTD 

As lead auditor of Mineral Commodities Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2017, I declare that, to 
the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

1. No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 

relation to the audit; and 

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

This declaration is in respect of Mineral Commodities Ltd and the entities it controlled during the 
period. 

Phillip Murdoch 

Director 

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd

Perth, 28 February 2018

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 79 112 284 787 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, 
an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and 
form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation other than for 
the acts or omissions of financial services licensees 

27 

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017FI N A N C I A L  ST A T E M E N T S

Financial statements

Contents

36 

36 

37 

38 

39 

40 

86 

87 

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated balance sheet

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Directors’ declaration

Independent auditor’s report to the members

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017FI N A N C I A L  ST A T E M E N T S

Consolidated income statement
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Revenue from continuing operations

Sale of product

Other revenue

Expenses

Mining and processing costs

Other expenses from ordinary activities

Administration expenditure

Impairment charge

Share based payment expenses

Financial income / (expenses)

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit after income tax

Profit is attributable to:

Owners of Mineral Commodities Ltd

Non-controlling interest

Earnings per share for profit from continuing operations  
attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company:

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Notes

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

2.2

2.2

2.3(i)

2.3(ii)

7.2

5.2

2.4(i)

2.5

2.5

60,930,269

1,677,565

62,607,834

26,872,575

245,900

27,118,475

(43,412,215)

(17,322,306)

(5,477,138)

(234,771)

(304,270)

794,178

13,973,618

(4,040,688)

9,932,930

9,932,930

-

9,932,930

Cents

2.45

2.45

(3,074,049)

-

(134,458)

(30,491)

6,557,171

(2,779,337)

3,777,834

3,777,834

-

3,777,834

Cents

0.93

0.93

The above consolidated income statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Notes

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

9,932,930

3,777,834

Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

5.3

5.3

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year is attributable to: 

Owners of Mineral Commodities Ltd

Non-controlling interest

276,901

3,486,282

3,763,183

13,696,113

13,696,113

-

13,696,113

(50,380)

3,496,590

3,446,210

7,224,044

7,224,044

-

7,224,044

The above consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

36

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017FI N A N C I A L  ST A T E M E N T S

Notes

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

Consolidated balance sheet
For the year ended 31 December 2017

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Other investments, including derivatives

Total Current Assets

Non-current assets

Trade and other receivables

Exploration expenditure

Mine development expenditure

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax assets

Total Non-Current Assets

Total Assets

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Unearned revenue

Borrowings

Employee benefits

Current tax liabilities

Total Current Liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Provisions

Long term borrowings

Employee benefits

Deferred tax liabilities

Total Non-current Liabilities

Total Liabilities

NET ASSETS

Equity

Contributed equity

Reserves

Accumulated losses

Parent entity interest

Non-controlling interest

TOTAL EQUITY

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.2

3.1

3.2

3.3

2.4(ii)

4.4

4.5

5.1

7.1

3.5

5.1

7.1

2.4(ii)

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

10,975,817

4,997,379

9,141,797

542,368

25,657,361

1,058,129

11,200,454

7,306,979

17,027,635

-

36,593,197

62,250,558

3,691,145

1,793,475

2,072,320

362,760

1,921,341

9,841,041

169,144

2,133,721

73,273

4,105,003

6,481,141

16,322,182

45,928,376

64,420,299

(13,116,794)

(5,488,768)

45,814,737

113,639

45,928,376

The above consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

2,873,135

2,176,759

7,997,031

12,595

13,059,520

5,807,323

6,460,268

7,656,202

16,103,545

884,646

36,911,984

49,971,504

3,445,086

-

2,452,592

326,347

66,849

6,290,874

152,016

4,937,073

49,198

2,421,766

7,560,053

13,850,927

36,120,577

63,437,092

(17,189,759)

(10,240,395)

36,006,938

113,639

36,120,577

37

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017FI N A N C I A L  ST A T E M E N T S

Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Notes

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers (inclusive of goods and services tax)

Payments to suppliers and employees

Net cash inflow from operating activities

4.1(ii)

66,417,311

(44,076,945)

22,340,366

26,784,168

(22,345,049)

4,439,119

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments for exploration expenditure

Payments for property, plant and equipment 

Payments for development expenditure

Acquisition of exploration assets

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

Advance to third parties

Interest received

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Dividends paid to shareholders

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Interest paid on borrowings

Net cash inflow/ (outflow) from financing activities

2.6

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of financial year

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year

4.1

(276,934)

(2,767,146)

-

(2,499,233)

149,044

(78,735)

46,030

(5,426,974)

(5,181,303)

1,792,979

(5,345,633)

(161,157)

(8,895,114)

8,018,278

2,873,135

84,404

10,975,817

(178,556)

(6,221,297)

(364,851)

-

-

(95,038)

-

(6,859,742)

(2,914,405)

5,835,124

(1,430,110)

(385,191)

1,105,418

(1,315,205)

4,227,444

(39,104)

2,873,135

The above statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

38

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017FI N A N C I A L  ST A T E M E N T S

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Contributed 
equity 
$

Reserves 
$

Accumulated 
losses 
$

Totals 
$

Non-controlling 
interest 
$

Total equity 
$

For the year ended 31 December 2017

At 1 January 2017

63,437,092

(17,189,759)

(10,240,395)

36,006,938

113,639

36,120,577

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income 
for the year

Total comprehensive 
income for the year

Transaction with owners in their  
capacity as owners

-

-

-

-

9,932,930

9,932,930

3,763,183

-

3,763,183

3,763,183

9,932,930

13,696,113

Issue of ordinary shares

983,207

Issue of share based payments

Dividends paid

-

-

-

309,782

-

-

983,207

309,782

-

(5,181,303)

(5,181,303)

-

-

-

-

-

-

9,932,930

3,763,183

13,696,113

983,207

309,782

(5,181,303)

Balance at the end of the year

64,420,299

(13,116,794)

(5,488,768)

45,814,737

113,639

45,928,376

Contributed 
equity 
$

Reserves 
$

Accumulated 
losses 
$

Non-controlling 
interest 
$

Totals 
$

Total 
equity 
$

For the year ended 31 December 2016

At 1 January 2016

63,437,092

(20,508,920)

(11,365,331)

31,562,841

113,639

31,676,480

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive loss for 
the year

Total comprehensive 
income for the year

Transaction with owners in their  
capacity as owners

Issue of share based payments

Transfer to retained earnings 
on expiry of unlisted options

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,777,834

3,777,834

3,446,210

-

3,446,210

3,446,210

3,777,834

7,224,044

134,458

-

134,458

(261,507)

261,507

-

-

(2,914,405)

(2,914,405)

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,777,834

3,446,210

7,224,044

134,458

-

(2,914,405)

Balance at the end of the year

63,437,092

(17,189,759)

(10,240,395)

36,006,938

113,639

36,120,577

The above statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

39

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements
Structure of the Financial Report
For the 2017 financial report, the Group has adopted AASB 2016-2 Disclosure Initiative: amendments to AASB 101 
Presentation of Financial Statements. The amendments are designed to facilitate improved reporting. 

To reduce complexity and increase relevance to users, the layout and wording of the notes to the consolidated 
financial statement in this financial report has been changed. The revised notes include information that is 
considered material and relevant to understanding the results of the Group. The notes are organised into key 
sections to provide an enhanced understanding of the Group’s performance that is aligned to management’s view of 
the business.

Significant and other accounting policies that summarise the measurement bases and that are relevant to the 
understanding of the financial statements are provided throughout the notes to the financial statements.

1.  BASIS OF PREPARATION

This section provides information about the overall basis of preparation that is considered to be useful in 
understanding these financial statements. Accounting policies specific to the various components of the financial 
statements are located within the relevant section of the report.

1.1  Corporate information

Mineral Commodities Ltd (the “Company”) is a company limited by shares, domiciled and incorporated in 
Australia. Its shares are publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”). The nature of the 
operations and principal activities of the Company and its controlled entities are described in the directors’ report 
and in the segment information in Note 2.1.

The financial report of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2017 was authorised for issue in 
accordance with a resolution of directors with effect on 28 February 2018.

1.2  Basis of preparation

These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting 
Standards and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the 
requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. Mineral Commodities Ltd is a for-profit entity for the purpose of 
preparing the financial statements.

(i)  Compliance with IFRS

The consolidated financial statements of the Group also comply with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

(ii)  Historical cost convention

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following:

• 

available-for-sale financial assets and liabilities;

•  derivative instruments.

(iii)  Presentation currency

The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States (“USD”) dollars, which is the 
Company’s presentation currency. 

(iv)  New and amended standards adopted by the Group

The Group applied the following amendments to accounting standards applicable for the first time for the 
financial year beginning 1 January 2017.

•  AASB 2016-2 Disclosure Initiative: Amendments to AASB 107 Statement of Cash Flows 

This Standard made amendments to AASB 107 Statement of Cash Flows to require entities to provide 
disclosures that enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from 
financing activities, including both changes arising from cash flows and non-cash changes.

The accounting policies have been consistently applied by all entities included in the Group and are 
consistent with those applied in the prior year.

40

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 20171.3  Comparative Information

Certain comparatives have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

1.4  Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the parent entity, Mineral Commodities 
Ltd, and its controlled entities (together are referred to hereafter as the “Group”). A list of significant controlled 
entities is presented in Note 6.1.

Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has the rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the 
investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. The Group re-assesses 
whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more 
of the three elements of control. Specifically, the Group controls an investee if, and only if, the Group has all of the 
following:

•  power over the investee (i.e. existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the 

investee);

• 

• 

exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and 

the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns.

Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of the entities that are not controlled by the Group is shown 
separately in the Income Statement, Statement of Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheet and Statement of 
Changes in Equity respectively.

1.5  Foreign currency

(i) 

Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of 
the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). The consolidated 
financial statements are presented in United States dollars, which is the Company’s presentation currency. 

•  Assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented have been translated at the closing rate at the 

date of balance sheet;

•  Results for the cash flow statement were translated at average daily exchange rates from 1 January 

2017 to 31 December 2017; and

• 

exchange differences on translating income, expenses and movements in equity and reserves at annual 
average exchange rates and assets and liabilities at closing exchange rates from functional currency 
to presentation currency are taken to the foreign currency translation reserve in the equity section and 
under other comprehensive income/(expense) in the statement of comprehensive income. 

(ii)  Transaction and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into functional currency using the exchange rates at the dates 
of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions 
and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year end 
exchange rates are generally recognised in profit or loss. They are deferred in equity if they relate to 
qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment hedges or are attributable to part of the net 
investment in a foreign operation.

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings are presented in the income statement, within 
finance costs. All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the income statement on a net 
basis within other income or other expenses.

Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange 
rates at the date when the fair value was determined. Translation differences on assets and liabilities carried 
at fair value are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. For example, translation differences on non-
monetary assets and liabilities such as equities held at fair value through profit or loss are recognised in 
profit or loss as part of the fair value gain or loss and translation differences on non-monetary assets such 
as equities classified as available-for-sale financial assets are recognised in other comprehensive income. 

41

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
NO T E S T O T H E C O N S O L I D A T E D  FI N A N C I A L  ST A T E M E N T S

(iii)  Group companies

The results and financial position of foreign operations (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary 
economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the 
presentation currency as follows:

• 

• 

assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of 
that balance sheet;

income and expenses for each income statement and statement of comprehensive income are 
translated at average exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative 
effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are 
translated at the dates of the transactions); and

• 

all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of any net investment in foreign 
entities, and of borrowings and other financial instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are 
recognised in other comprehensive income. When a foreign operation is sold or any borrowings forming 
part of the net investment are repaid, the associated exchange differences are reclassified to profit or loss, 
as part of the gain or loss on sale.

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

1.6  Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Value Added Tax (VAT)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST and VAT except where the GST 
and VAT incurred on a purchase of goods and services is not recoverable from the taxation authority, in 
which case the GST and VAT is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the 
expense item as applicable; and where receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST and 
VAT included. The net amount of GST and VAT recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is 
included as part of receivables in the consolidated balance sheet. Cash flows are included in the statements 
of cash flows on a gross basis and the GST and VAT component of cash flows arising from investing 
and financing activities, which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority, are classified as 
operating cash flows. Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST and VAT 
recoverable from, or payable to, the relevant taxation authority.

1.7  Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The Group makes significant estimates and judgements concerning the future. The resulting accounting 
estimates may not equal the related actual results. The estimates and judgements that have a significant 
risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial 
year are discussed below.

The directors evaluate estimates and judgements incorporated into the financial report based on historical 
knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future 
events and are based on current trends and economic data, obtained both externally and within the Group.

Significant judgements, estimates and assumptions made by management in the preparation of these 
financial statements are found in the following notes:

Note 2.2: Revenue recognition

Note 2.4: Recognition of deferred taxes

Note 3.1: Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Note 3.2: Development expenditure

Note 3.3: Property, plant and equipment

Note 3.5: Rehabilitation provisions

42

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017NO T E S T O T H E C O N S O L I D A T E D  FI N A N C I A L  ST A T E M E N T S

2.  FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

This section highlights key financial performance of the Group for the reporting period including, where 
applicable, the accounting policies applied and the key estimates and judgements made.

2.1  Segment information

(i)  Description of segments

Operating segments are reported in a manner that is consistent with the internal reporting provided to the 
chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the board of 
directors that makes strategic decisions.

There is no goodwill attaching to any of the segments. There has been no impact on the measurement of 
the assets and liabilities reported for each segment. 

The chief operating decision maker has identified five reportable segments to its business, being:

1.  Mineral Sands mining and production (Tormin Mineral Sands project) – South Africa;

2.  Mineral Sands exploration (Xolobeni Mineral Sands project) – South Africa;

3. 

4. 

5. 

Exploration activities - Australia;

Exploration activities - Iran; and

 Corporate (management and administration of the Company’s projects and marketing and sales of 
finished products) – Australia, South Africa and Iran.

43

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017NO T E S T O T H E C O N S O L I D A T E D  FI N A N C I A L  ST A T E M E N T S

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44

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NO T E S T O T H E C O N S O L I D A T E D  FI N A N C I A L  ST A T E M E N T S

(iii)  Reconciliation of EBIT (segment result) to profit before tax

Adjusted EBITDA reconciles to operating profit before income tax as follows:

Adjusted EBITDA

Interest expense

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment

Operating profit before income tax

2.2  Revenue

Accounting Policies

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

19,147,151

(478,360)

(4,460,402)

(234,771)

13,973,618

10,920,972

(396,041)

(3,967,760)

-

6,557,171

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Amounts disclosed as 
revenue are net of returns, trade allowances, rebates and amounts collected on behalf of third parties.

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the entity and 
the revenue can be reliably measured. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before 
revenue is recognised:

Sale of goods

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when there is persuasive evidence indicating that there has 
been a transfer of risks and rewards to the customer, generally for the Group, this is based on free-on-
board sales where transfer of risks and rewards passes at port of origin. Sales revenue comprises gross 
revenue earned from the provision of product to customers. Sales are initially recognised at estimated sales 
value when the product is delivered. Adjustments are made for variations in metals price, assay, weight and 
moisture content between the time of delivery and the time of final settlement of sales proceeds.

Revenue from the stockpiling of goods is recognised when there is evidence that there has been a transfer 
of risks and rewards to the customer. This is based on a contractual obligation of the customer to take final 
delivery and make full and final payment for all amounts delivered to the stockpile, which is clearly identified 
and available to the buyer.

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

From continuing operations

Sales revenue

Sale of product

Other revenue

Stockpile area stockpiling cost

Other income

60,930,269

26,872,575

1,600,011

77,554

1,677,565

-

245,900

245,900

45

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017NO T E S T O T H E C O N S O L I D A T E D  FI N A N C I A L  ST A T E M E N T S

2.3  Expenses

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

This note provides an analysis of expenses by nature. 

(i)  Mining and processing costs

Mining and processing costs include the following material expenditure items:

Transport of product

Fuel

Wages and salaries

Repairs and maintenance

Depreciation and amortisation – 
mining and processing assets

(ii)  Administration expenses

Administration expenses include the 
following material expenditure items:

Directors and key management 
personnel remuneration

Operating lease rentals

Depreciation – corporate assets

2.4  Taxation

(i) 

Income tax expense
Accounting Policies

18,249,474

4,906,181

5,054,237

3,452,234

4,369,223

1,567,086

1,982,418

91,179

2,462,420

3,734,952

4,974,410

2,244,966

3,913,249

1,263,206

1,012,643

64,706

The income tax expense for the period is the tax payable on the current period’s taxable income based on 
the applicable income tax rate for each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities 
attributable to temporary differences and to unused tax losses.

The current income tax charge is calculated based on the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the 
end of the reporting period in the countries where the Company’s subsidiaries and associates operate and 
generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect 
to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where 
appropriate based on amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

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

The Company and all its wholly-owned Australian resident entities are part of a tax-consolidated group 
under Australian taxation law. Mineral Commodities Ltd is the head entity in the tax-consolidated group. 
The head entity and the controlled entities in the tax-consolidated group continue to account for their own 
current and deferred tax amounts. Current tax liabilities and assets and deferred tax assets arising from 
unused tax losses and tax credits of the members of the tax-consolidated group are recognised by the 
Company (as head entity in the tax-consolidated group).

The Company and the other entities in the tax-consolidated group have entered into a tax funding 
agreement and a tax sharing agreement.

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The following provides an analysis of the group’s income tax expense, shows what amounts are recognised 
directly in equity and how the tax expense is affected by non-assessable and non-deductible items. It also 
explains significant estimates made in relation to the Group’s tax position.

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

The components of income tax expense comprise:

Current tax

Deferred tax

Adjustments for current tax of prior periods

Income tax expense is attributable to:

Profit from continuing operations

Aggregate income tax benefit

Deferred income tax benefit included in income tax 
expense comprises:

Decrease in deferred tax assets

Increase in deferred tax liabilities

1,768,748

2,524,411

(252,471)

4,040,688

4,040,688

4,040,688

(808,499)

1,759,384

950,885

Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facia tax expense

Profit from continuing operations before income tax expense

Prima facie tax payable on profit from ordinary activities 
before at a rate of 30% (2016: 30%)

Foreign tax rate differential

Tax at consolidated amount

Tax effect of:

Entertainment

Legal fees

Donations

Amortisation of exploration and evaluation asset

Gain on disposal of assets

Share based payment

Other non-assessable items

Utilisation of income tax losses

Adjustment for current tax of prior period

Income tax expense

31 December 2017 
$

13,973,618

4,192,085

(180,417)

4,011,668

3,546

-

9,122

91,311

(7,000)

91,281

93,231

-

(252,471)

4,040,688

301,814

2,793,034

(315,511)

2,779,337

2,779,337

2,779,337

(2,670,196)

719,422

(1,950,774)

31 December 2016 
$

6,557,171

1,967,151

(175,337)

1,791,814

3,559

40,877

3,595

74,475

-

40,337

1,086,755

53,436

(315,511)

2,779,337

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Amounts recognised directly in equity

Aggregate current and deferred tax arising in the reporting period 
and not recognised in net profit or loss or other comprehensive 
income but directly debited or credited to equity:

  Current tax – credited directly to equity

  Net deferred tax – debited (credited) to equity

(ii)  Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Accounting Policies

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

-

-

-

-

-

-

Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it 
is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences and losses. 
Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for temporary differences between the carrying 
amount and tax bases of investments in foreign operations where the Company is able to control the timing 
of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax 
assets and liabilities and when the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority. Current tax 
assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either 
to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Significant Judgement – Deferred taxes recognised

Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences only if the Group considers it is 
probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences and losses. As 
a result of this review, at balance date, it was determined that losses of $Nil (2016: $1,183,970) at 30% have 
been bought to account as it is now probable that they will be recovered. 

(a)  Deferred tax assets

Recognised deferred tax assets

Tax losses

Trade and other receivables

Provisions/accrued expenditure

Business related expenditure and borrowing costs

Set-off against deferred tax liabilities

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

7,274

6,450

175,029

39,690

228,443

(228,443)

-

756,059

97,607

151,479

31,797

1,036,942

(152,296)

884,646

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-

-

-

Total 
$

1,036,942

(808,499)

-

228,443

Total 
$

Movements

At 1 January 2017

(charged) / credited

At 31 December 2017

Movements

At 1 January 2016

(charged) / credited

NO T E S T O T H E C O N S O L I D A T E D  FI N A N C I A L  ST A T E M E N T S

Tax 
losses 
$

Trade 
and other 
receivables 
$

Provisions/ 
accrued 
expenditure 
$

Business 
related 
expenditure 
and borrowing 
costs 
$

Unrealised 
foreign 
exchange 
losses 
$

756,059

97,607

151,479

31,797

to profit or loss

(748,785)

(91,157)

23,550

- 

- 

to other comprehensive income

-

7,274

-

6,450

175,029

7,893

-

39,690

Tax 
losses 
$

Trade 
and other 
receivables 
$

Provisions/ 
accrued 
expenditure 
$

Business 
related 
expenditure 
and borrowing 
costs 
$

Unrealised 
foreign 
exchange 
losses 
$

1,842,733

-

142,773

75,412

1,646,220

3,707,138

- 

- 

to profit or loss

(1,086,674)

97,607

to other comprehensive income

-

8,706

-

At 31 December 2017

756,059

97,607

151,479

(43,615)

(1,646,220)

(2,670,196)

-

31,797

-

-

-

1,036,942

(b)   Deferred tax liabilities

Unrealised foreign exchange gain

Property, plant and equipment

Prepayments

Set-off against deferred tax assets

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

692,237

3,610,792

30,417

4,333,446

(228,443)

4,105,003

190,408

2,362,399

21,255

2,574,062

(152,296)

2,421,766

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Movements

At 1 January 2017

(charged) / credited

Unrealised foreign 
exchange gain 
$

Property, plant 
and equipment 
$

Prepayments 
$

Interest 
receivable 
$

Total 
$

190,408

2,362,399

21,255

- 2,574,062

- 

- 

to profit or loss

501,829

1,248,393

to other comprehensive income

-

-

At 31 December 2017

692,237

3,610,792

9,162

-

30,417

- 1,759,384

-

-

- 4,333,446

Movements

At 1 January 2016

(charged) / credited

Unrealised foreign 
exchange gain 
$

Property, plant 
and equipment 
$

Prepayments 
$

Interest 
receivable 
$

Total 
$

1,761,557

443,295

2,462

187,306

2,394,620

to profit or loss

(1,571,149)

1,919,104

18,793

(187,306)

179,442

- 

- 

to other comprehensive income

-

-

-

At 31 December 2016

190,408

2,362,399

21,255

2.5  Earnings per share

(i)  Basic earnings per share

Accounting Policies

-

-

-

2,574,062

Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing the profit after income tax attributable to members of the 
Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year.

From continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company

Total basic earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company

2017 
US Cents

2.45

2.45

2016 
US Cents

0.93

0.93

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(ii)  Diluted earnings per share

Accounting Policies

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share by 
taking into account amounts unpaid on ordinary shares and any reduction in earnings per share would arise 
from the exercise of options outstanding at the end of the financial year. 

From continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company

Total diluted earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company

(a)  Reconciliation of earnings used in the calculation of earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company used in 
calculating basic earnings per share:

2017 
$

2.45

2.45

2016 
$

0.93

0.93

From continuing operations

9,932,930

3,777,834

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

Profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company used in 
calculating diluted earnings per share:

From continuing operations

9,932,930

3,777,834

(b)  Weighted average number of shares used as the denominator

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in 
calculating basic earnings per share

Adjustment for calculation of diluted earnings per share:

-  Options

-  Performance rights

Weighted average number of ordinary shares and potential ordinary 
shares used as the denominator in calculating diluted earnings per share

406,037,470

404,941,581

-

-

-

-

406,037,470

404,941,581

The table below details the number of options and performance rights that have been granted and are on 
issue as at 31 December 2017. As the options are out of the money and the performance rights’ vesting 
conditions have not been met as at 31 December 2017, these potential ordinary shares have not been 
included in the determination of dilutive earnings per share.

Number

5,000,000

1,000,000

4,000,000

2,500,000

450,000

Type of Security

Exercise price

Options

Options

Performance Rights

Performance Rights

Performance Rights

AUD $0.20

AUD $0.20

AUD $0.20

AUD $0.20

AUD $0.20

Expiry date

30-May-18

31-Mar-18

30-May-19

31-May-20

31-May-21

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2.6  Dividends

Accounting policies

Dividends are recognised as a liability at the time the Directors resolve to pay or declare the dividend. 

Dividends recognised during the year

2017

Final 2016 ordinary

Interim 2017 ordinary

2016 

Final 2015 ordinary

Dividend  
per share 
cents

0.89

0.37

0.72

2017 
$

3,605,697

1,575,606

5,181,303

2,914,405

3.  CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, OPERATING ASSETS AND REHABILITATION OBLIGATIONS

This section includes information about the assets used by the Group to generate profits and revenue, 
specifically information relating to its exploration and evaluation assets, mine development expenditures, 
property, plant and equipment, associated rehabilitation obligations, and commitments for capital expenditure 
not yet recognised as a liability.

3.1  Exploration and evaluation assets

Accounting Policies

Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred by or on behalf of the Group is accumulated separately for 
each area of interest. Such expenditure comprises direct costs and does not include general overheads or 
administrative expenditure not having a specific nexus with a particular area of interest.

Exploration expenditure for each area of interest is carried forward as an asset provided the rights to tenure 
of the area of interest are current and one of the following conditions is met:

• 

The exploration and evaluation expenditures are expected to be recouped through successful 
development and exploitation of the area of interest, or alternatively, by its sale; or

•  Exploration and evaluation activities in the area of interest have not, at the reporting date, reached 
a stage which permits a reasonable assessment of the existence or otherwise of economically 
recoverable reserves, and active and significant operations in, or in relation to, the area of interests is 
continuing.

Exploration expenditure is written off when it fails to meet at least one of the conditions outlined above or an 
area of interest is abandoned.

When a decision is made to develop an area of interest, all carried forward exploration expenditure in 
relation to the area of interest is transferred to development expenditure.

No amortisation is charged during the exploration and evaluation phase.

Please refer to note 3.4 for the Group’s accounting policy on impairment of exploration and evaluation 
assets.

Significant judgement 

The carrying value of exploration assets is reviewed on an area of interest basis. Exploration in Australia 
and Iran is in its infancy stages and are being carried forward on the basis that these areas have not, at 
the reporting date, reached a stage which permits a reasonable assessment of the existence or otherwise 
of economically recoverable reserves, and active and significant operations in, or in relation to, the area of 
interests is continuing.

Recoupment of the capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure of the Xolobeni Mineral Sands area of 
interest in South Africa is dependent on either the successful development and commercial exploitation or the 
settlement of the proposed transaction, as announced to the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) in July 
2016, to divest of the Company’s interest in Transworld Energy and Resources (SA) Pty Ltd (“TEM”), which owns 
the Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project. The Xolobeni exploration asset is being carried forward on that basis.

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The proposed transaction has not resulted in Xolobeni being classified as held for sale in accordance with 
AASB 5 as at 31 December 2017, as it is not highly probable that the transaction will complete due to 
required regulatory approvals, stage of negotiation of the consideration and involvement of a third party who 
holds shares in TEM.

As at 1 January 

Acquisition of exploration asset

Expenditure during the year

Re-classification: transfer from / (to) property, plant and equipment

3.3

Exchange differences

As at 31 December

Note

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

6,460,268

5,323,062

3,495,811

249,939

204,501

789,935

11,200,454

-

229,333

303,752

604,121

6,460,268

On 11 September 2017 MRC executed a binding term sheet with Gold Terrace Pty Ltd to earn up to 100% 
of the high grade Munglinup Graphite Project, with an initial majority position of 51% for a total upfront 
consideration of A$3.2 million (circa US$2.5 million in cash and 10 million ordinary shares in MRC as at 
share price of AUD 13 cents per share, which was the fair value of the equity instruments granted as 
consideration). The Munglinup Graphite Project Farm-in and Joint Venture Agreement were formally finalised 
and executed on 20 November 2017.

3.2  Development expenditure

Accounting Policies 

Development expenditure

Development expenditure represents the accumulated exploration, evaluation, land and development 
expenditure incurred by or on behalf of the Group in relation to areas of interest in which mining of a mineral 
resource has commenced.

When further development expenditure is incurred in respect of a mine property after commencement 
of production, such expenditure is carried forward as part of the development expenditure only when 
substantial future economic benefits are thereby established, otherwise such expenditure is classified as 
part of the cost of production.

The estimated recoverable reserves and life of the mine and the remaining useful life of each class of asset 
are reassessed at least annually. Where there is a change in the reserves/resources amortisation rates are 
correspondingly adjusted. Please refer to the table in note 3.3 for basis of amortisation rates used.

Please refer to note 3.4 for the Group’s accounting policy on impairment of development expenditure.

Significant judgement 

Reserves and Resources

In order to calculate ore reserves and mineral resources, estimates and assumptions are required about a 
range of geological, technical and economic factors, including quantities, grades, production techniques, 
recovery rates, production costs, transport costs, commodity demand, commodity prices and exchange 
rates. The Group estimates its ore reserves and mineral resources based on information compiled by 
Competent Persons (as defined in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration 
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves as revised in 2012 (the JORC code).

As economic assumptions used to estimate reserves change and as additional geological data is generated 
during the course of operations, estimates of reserves and mineral resources may vary from period to 
period. Changes in reported reserves and mineral resources may affect the Group’s financial results and 
financial position in a number of ways, including the following:

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•  Asset carrying values may be affected due to changes in estimated future cash flows;

•  Depreciation and amortisation charges in profit or loss may change where such charges are determined 

by the units of production basis, or where the useful economic lives of assets change; and

•  Restoration and rehabilitation provision may be affected due to changes in the magnitude of future 

restoration and rehabilitation expenditure.

As at 1 January 

Expenditure during the year

Amortisation expense

Exchange differences

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

7,656,202

-

(1,127,091)

777,868

7,306,979

7,589,359

364,263

(1,213,899)

916,479

7,656,202

Carrying value assessment

In light of recent commentary around the Group’s issues obtaining the extended mining rights application 
(further details are provided below) for its Tormin assets the carrying value of the Group’s Tormin capital 
assets (note 3.2 and note 3.3) has been assessed against recoverable amount for the financial year ended  
31 December 2017. The Tormin assets net value in use was assessed higher than current carrying value, 
therefore no adjustments were proposed.

The Group, via its 50% owned South African subsidiary Mineral Sands Resources (Pty) Ltd (“MSR”) 
had previously submitted a Section 102 Extended Mining Rights Amendment Application (“Section 102 
Application”) to the Department of Mineral Resources (“DMR”) Western Cape Region on 26 April 2017. This 
Section 102 Application sought to extend the existing Tormin Mining Right to include the beaches to the 
north of its existing beach mining rights and an identified mineral sands inland strandline located on the 
Company owned Geelwal Karoo freehold farm (on which the Tormin processing plant is also located). 

On 13 December 2017, the Group was advised that MSR has received notification from the DMR that the 
National Environmental Management Act (“NEMA”) Authorisation which forms part of the Section 102 
Application for the Tormin Minerals Sands Mine has been refused. Notwithstanding, the reasons for the 
refusal by the DMR were not transparently clear. 

The Group has decided not to appeal the decision and has after consultation with the DMR decided to 
submit a Section 24G Application which deals with non-authorised activities under its NEMA and approved 
Environmental Management Program (“EMPr”). In addition this will allow for the resubmission of the NEMA 
Environmental Authorisation associated with its Section 102 Application, which the Group will now be 
submitting in the first quarter of 2018.

The current Tormin mining rights extend to 26 November 2018. If the Section 102 Application resubmission 
is not positively processed by August 2018, the Company must also submit an application for renewal of the 
existing mining rights over the current area (i.e. without extending the mining area). The renewal application 
must be filed with the DMR no less than 60 working days before 26 November 2018. Note: mining rights, 
in respect of which an application for renewal has been lodged, will remain in force until such time as the 
application has been granted or refused by the DMR.

The Group is confident that the assessment of the mining rights will be positively progressed in the 2018 
financial year. 

The Group has also sought clarity on the status of its current prospecting right applications and is also confident 
that the assessment of the prospecting rights will be positively progressed in the first quarter of 2018. 

3.3  Property, plant and equipment

Accounting Policies

Property, plant and equipment

Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair value less, where applicable, any 
accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Items of plant and equipment are initially recorded at cost and include any expenditure that is directly 
attributable to acquisition of the items. Subsequent costs are included in the assets carrying amount or 
recognised as a separate asset as appropriate. 

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All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the profit for the year in which they are incurred.

De-commissioning assets relates to capitalised restoration costs expected to be incurred.

The assets residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date. 
An assets carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the assets carrying 
amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Depreciation and amortisation is provided to expense the cost of property, plant and equipment, and de-
commissioning assets and development, over its estimated useful life on a straight line or units of usage 
(activity) basis.

The basis of depreciation and amortisation of each asset is reviewed annually and changes to the basis 
of depreciation and amortisation are made if the straight line or units of production basis is no longer 
considered to represent the expected pattern of consumption of economic benefits. 

The reserves and life of each mine and the remaining useful life of each class of asset are reassessed at 
regular intervals and the depreciation and amortisation rates adjusted accordingly on a prospective basis. 
The estimated useful lives for the main categories of assets are as follows:

Fixed Asset Category

Mine properties and development

Land

Mine buildings

Estimated Useful Life

The shorter of applicable mine life or generally 10 years

Not depreciated

The shorter of applicable mine life or generally 10 years

Excavators and loaders working in significant salt exposed conditions

Generally 12,000 hours operation

All other heavy earth moving vehicles

Light and other mobile vehicles

Generally 18,000 hours operation

Generally 5 years

Mine specific machinery, plant and equipment

The shorter of applicable mine life or generally 10 years

Other machinery, plant and equipment

Computer hardware

Software acquisitions and development

Office leasehold fit-outs

Other office furniture and fittings

Generally 10 years

Generally 4 years

Generally 3 years

Generally lease term, including extensions

Generally 10 years

Note: For assets under a finance lease, if there is no reasonable certainty that the lessee will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term, the asset shall be fully depreciated over the 
shorter of the lease term or its useful life.
Note: “Generally” implies that if a specific asset or class of assets useful life is reasonably able to be determined as less than that stipulated above, then the applicable lower estimated 
useful life is to be used.

Disposal of assets

The gain or loss on disposal of assets is calculated as the difference between the carrying amount of the 
asset at the time of disposal and the proceeds on disposal and is included in profit for the year of disposal. 

Significant judgement 

Estimation of useful lives of assets

The Group determines the estimated useful lives and related depreciation and amortisation charges for its 
property, plant and equipment and finite life mine development assets which requires significant estimation 
and judgement. The depreciation and amortisation charge will increase where the useful lives are less than 
previously estimated lives, or technically obsolete or non-strategic assets that have been abandoned or sold 
will be written off or written down.

The estimated recoverable reserves and life of the mine and the remaining useful life of each class of 
asset is reassessed at least annually based upon latest resource information and replenishment rates. In 
circumstances where conversion of resources into reserves is expected, applicable resources are included 
in life of mine assessments and reassessments. In circumstances where there is reasonable evidence of 
natural replenishment of resources, the applicable natural replenishment resource estimates is included in 
the life of mine assessments and reassessments.  

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Where the lives of the assets are shorter than the mine life, their costs are amortised based on the useful life 
of the assets. Where there is a change in the estimated life of mine, amortisation rates are correspondingly 
adjusted which may change the depreciation and amortisation charges in the statement of profit or loss and 
other comprehensive income.

The Group has sought clarity on the status of its current mining right applications (refer note 3.2 – Carrying 
value assessment for further details) and is confident that the assessment of the mining rights will be 
positively progressed in the 2018 financial year. On that basis there has been no change to the estimation of 
useful lives of assets since 31 December 2016.

Freehold 
land and 
buildings 
$

Furniture, 
fittings and 
equipment 
$

Plant and 
machinery 
$

Mine 
vehicles 
$

Decommissioning 
asset 
$

Capex work 
in progress 
$

Total 
$

Year ended 31 December 2017

Cost at fair value

As at 1 January 2017

532,707

572,318

21,886,412

125,523

152,016

631,242

23,900,218

Additions

Disposals

Re-classifications

-

-

-

68,773

2,193,080

5,622

-

(513,020)

11,712

2,193,080

Exchange differences

60,024

44,592

399,443

As at 31 December 2017

592,731

697,395

26,158,995

Accumulated depreciation and amortisation

As at 1 January 2017

(9,174)

(360,149)

(7,339,628)

Depreciation and 
amortisation

Disposals

(15,403)

(128,160)

(3,150,659)

-

-

381,615

Exchange differences

(2,194)

(39,455)

(1,035,375)

As at 31 December 2017

(26,771)

(527,764)

(11,144,047)

-

-

14,568

145,713

(42,117)

(23,358)

-

(6,504)

(71,979)

-

-

-

2,868,457

5,135,932

-

(513,020)

(2,409,293)

(204,501)

17,129

11,469

547,225

169,145

1,101,875

28,865,854

(45,605)

(15,731)

-

(6,322)

(67,658)

-

-

-

-

-

(7,796,673)

(3,333,311)

381,615

(1,089,850)

(11,838,219)

Net book amount

Cost at fair value

592,731

697,395

26,158,995

145,713

169,145

1,101,875

28,865,854

Accumulated depreciation 
and amortisation

(26,771)

(527,764)

(11,144,047)

Net book amount

565,960

169,631

15,014,948

(71,979)

73,734

(67,658)

101,487

-

(11,838,219)

1,101,875

17,027,635

Year ended 31 December 2016

Cost at fair value

As at 1 January 2016

16,513

428,137

13,499,398

66,466

52,784

1,564,585

15,627,883

Additions

-

-

-

Re-classifications

482,784

127,659

6,253,505

Exchange differences

33,410

16,522

2,133,509

-

47,471

11,586

As at 31 December 2016

532,707

572,318

21,886,412

125,523

86,845

6,170,301

6,257,146

-

(7,214,991)

(303,572)

12,387

152,016

111,347

2,318,761

631,242

23,900,218

Accumulated depreciation and amortisation

As at 1 January 2016

(555)

(239,530)

(4,053,546)

(21,287)

(10,557)

Depreciation and 
amortisation

(8,028)

(108,673)

(2,598,707)

Exchange differences

(591)

(11,946)

(687,375)

As at 31 December 2016

(9,174)

(360,149)

(7,339,628)

(17,003)

(3,827)

(42,117)

(31,645)

(3,403)

(45,605)

-

-

-

-

(4,325,475)

(2,764,056)

(707,142)

(7,796,673)

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Freehold 
land and 
buildings 
$

Furniture, 
fittings and 
equipment 
$

Plant and 
machinery 
$

Mine 
vehicles 
$

Decommissioning 
asset 
$

Capex work 
in progress 
$

Total 
$

Net book amount

Cost at fair value

532,707

572,318

21,886,412

125,523

152,016

631,242

23,900,218

Accumulated depreciation 
and amortisation

(9,174)

(360,149)

(7,339,628)

Net book amount

523,533

212,169

14,546,784

(42,117)

83,406

(45,605)

106,411

(7,796,673)

631,242

16,103,545

3.4 

Impairment of non-current assets 

Accounting Policies 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s exploration and evaluation assets, development expenditure and 
property, plant and equipment are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any 
indication of impairment. Where an indicator of impairment exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable 
amount is made.

Indicators of impairment – exploration and evaluation assets 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s exploration and evaluation assets are reviewed at each reporting date, 
to determine whether any of the following indicators of impairment exists:

(i) 

Tenure over the licence area has expired during the period or will expire in the near future, and is not 
expected to be renewed; or

(ii)  Substantive expenditure on further exploration for, and evaluation of, mineral resources in the specific 

area is not budgeted or planned; or

(iii)  Exploration for, and evaluation of, resources in the specific area have not led to the discovery of 

commercially viable quantities of resources, and the Group has decided to discontinue activities in the 
specific area; or 

(iv)  Sufficient data exists to indicate that although a development is likely to proceed, the carrying amount 
of the exploration and evaluation asset is unlikely to be recovered in full from successful development 
or from sale.

Impairment testing – other assets

Other assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the 
asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an 
asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets 
are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows which are largely 
independent of the cash inflows from other assets or Groups of assets (cash-generating units). 

Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of 
the impairment at the end of each reporting period.

Refer note 3.2 – Carrying value assessment for further details of the assessment of Tormin assets.

3.5  Rehabilitation provisions

Accounting Policies

Provisions for environmental rehabilitation are recognised when the Group has a present legal or 
constructive obligation as a result of exploration, development and/or production activities undertaken and 
it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount can be 
reliably estimated. 

The estimated future obligations include the costs of removing facilities and restoring the affected areas 
and is the best estimate of the present value of the future expenditure required to settle the environmental 
rehabilitation at reporting date, based on current legal requirements. Any changes in the estimate are 
reflected in the present value of the environmental rehabilitation provision at the reporting date, with a 
corresponding change in the cost of the associated asset.

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Significant judgement

A provision has been made for the present value of anticipated costs for future rehabilitation of land 
explored or mined. The Group’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations 
governing the protection of the environment. The Group recognises management’s best estimate for assets 
retirement obligations and site rehabilitations in the period in which they are incurred. Actual costs incurred 
in the future periods could differ materially from the estimates. Additionally, future changes to environmental 
laws and regulations, life of mine estimates and discount rates could affect the carrying amount of this 
provision.

Non-current

Environmental rehabilitation provision

3.6  Commitments for expenditure

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

169,144

152,016

The Group has the following commitments for expenditure for which no liabilities have been recorded in the 
financial statements as the goods or services have not been received, including non-cancellable operating 
lease rentals:

a)  Capital commitments 

Committed at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, payable:

Property, plant and equipment

365,108

21,904

b)  Operating lease commitments 

Accounting Policies

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to the Group 
as lessee are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives 
received from the lessor) are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Lease income from operating leases where the Group is a lessor is recognised in income on a straight-line 
basis over the lease term. The respective leased assets are included in the balance sheet based on their nature.

Non-cancellable operating leases contracted for but not capitalised in the accounts:

Within one year

Later than one year but no later than five 
years

Greater than 5 years

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

1,548,449

513,523

-

2,061,972

947,782

1,815,084

-

2,762,866

Operating lease commitments includes contracted amounts for offices and plant and equipment under non-
cancellable operating leases expiring within one to five years with, in some cases, options to extend. The 
leases have various escalation clauses. On renewal, the terms of the leases are renegotiated.

4.  WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

This section provides information about the Group’s working capital balances and management, including cash flow 
information.

4.1  Cash and cash equivalents

Accounting Policies 

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other 
short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily 
convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, and 
bank overdrafts. 

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The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents represent fair value. Bank balances and deposits held 
at call earn interest at floating rates based upon market rates.

Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities in the balance sheet.

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

Cash assets

Cash at bank and in hand

10,975,817

2,873,135

(i) 

Interest rate risk exposure
The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk is discussed in note 5.4(a)(ii).

(ii)  Reconciliation of profit after income tax to cash flow from operating activities

Profit for the year

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation

Assets written off

Loss on disposal of asset

Impairment loss/ (gain)

Net finance costs

Share based payments

Net exchange differences

Tax expense

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

Decrease in trade debtors

Increase in inventories

Increase/ (decrease) in trade payables and unearned revenue

Increase in provisions

(iii)  Non-cash investing and financing activities

Acquisition of plant and equipment by means of finance leases

Acquisition of exploration assets by means of ordinary shares Issued

31 December 2017 
$

9,932,930

31 December 2016 
$

3,777,834

4,460,402

-

1,415

234,771

(188,730)

304,270

(774,824)

4,040,688

2,535,152

(227,346)

1,613,449

408,189

22,340,366

3,967,760

(216,267)

-

(150,898)

370,513

134,458

(2,022,430)

2,779,337

1,376,509

(5,075,478)

(355,982)

(146,237)

4,439,119

Note

5.1

5.3

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

93,627

983,207

1,076,834

1,024,690

-

1,024,690

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(iv)  Net debt reconciliation

This section sets out an analysis of net debt and the movements in net debt for each of the periods 
presented.

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

Cash and cash equivalents

Borrowings – repayable within one year 
(including overdraft)

Borrowings – repayable after one year

Net debt

Cash and cash equivalents

Gross debt – variable interest rates

Net debt

10,975,817

(2,072,320)

(2,133,721)

6,769,776

10,975,817

(4,206,041)

6,769,776

Other assets

Liabilities from financing activities

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
$

Borrowings due 
within 1 year 
$

Borrowings due 
after 1 year 
$

2,873,135

(2,452,592)

(4,937,073)

(4,516,530)

2,873,135

(7,389,665)

(4,516,530)

Total 
$

Net debt as at 1 January 2017

2,873,135

(2,452,595)

(4,937,070)

(4,516,530)

Cash flows

Acquisitions – finance leases

Foreign exchange adjustments

Other non-cash movements

8,018,278

-

84,404

-

2,214,997

93,627

-

875,000

11,108,275

-

-

93,627

84,404

-

(1,928,349)

1,928,349

Net debt as at 31 December 2017

10,975,817

(2,072,320)

(2,133,721)

6,769,776

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4.2  Trade and other receivables 

Accounting Policies 

Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using 
the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. 

Loans and receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost using the 
effective interest rate method. They are included within current assets, except for those with maturities 
greater than 12 months after the reporting date which are classified as non-current assets.

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

Current

Trade receivables 

Less: Provision for impairment of receivables

Other receivables (i)

Prepayments

Non-current

Trade receivables (ii)

Security deposits (iii)

Advance to Blue Bantry (iv)

Other receivables

3,509,234

(21,500)

3,487,734

1,407,103

102,542

4,997,379

-

235,003

666,245

156,881

1,058,129

1,079,530

(21,500)

1,058,030

1,031,062

87,667

2,176,759

4,896,142

211,205

598,777

101,199

5,807,323

(i) 

Includes $844,089 (2016: $497,664) of VAT refundable from the South African Revenue Service.

(ii)  The amount related to bill and hold sales arising from an offtake agreement with a customer which 

was recorded at amortised cost. During the year, $2,550,560 was received from the customer and the 
remainder balance of $2,649,440 is expected to be settled in 12 months, thus, reclassify to current 
trade receivables.

(iii) 

Includes a secured deposit of $235,003 (2016: $211,205) with First Rand bank held as security for a 
performance guarantee issued by the Bank in favour of the South African Department of Minerals and 
Energy in respect of Mineral Sands Resources (Pty) Ltd obligations under the Tormin Mining right.

(iv)  An amount of ZAR 8.25 million (2016: ZAR 8.25 million) has been advanced to the BEE partner, Blue 

Bantry. Refer to note 8.2 for details.

Impairment of receivables
No impairment of receivables has been recognised by the Group for the year ended 31 December 2017. 

Fair values and credit risk
Except for the non-current trade receivables, due to the short term nature of these receivables the carrying 
values represent their respective fair values as at 31 December 2017 and 2016. The maximum exposure to 
credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying amount of each class of receivables mentioned above. The 
non-current trade receivables have a fair value of $NIL as at 31 December 2017, compared to a carrying 
amount of $NIL (2016: fair value of $4,896,142 and carrying amount of $5,200,000).

The fair values were calculated based on cash flows discounted using a current lending rate. Refer to note 
5.4 for more information on the risk management policy of the Group and the credit quality of the entity’s 
receivables.

Foreign exchange and interest rate risk
Information about the Group’s exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risk in relation to trade and 
other receivables is provided in note 5.4.

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4.3 

Inventories 

Accounting Policies 

Raw materials and stores, ore stockpiles and work in progress and finished stocks are physically measured 
or estimated and valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value less costs to sell 
is assessed annually based on the amount estimated to be obtained from sale of the item of inventory in the 
normal course of business, less any anticipated costs to be incurred prior to its sale.

Weighted average cost comprises direct materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of variable 
and fixed overhead expenditure and depreciation and amortisation relating to mining activities, the latter 
being allocated on the basis of normal operating capacity. As a result of mineral sands being co-products 
from the same mineral separation process, costs are allocated to the various finished products on the 
basis of the relative sales value of the finished goods produced. Net realisable value is the estimated selling 
price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs 
necessary to make the sale. 

Inventories of consumable supplies and spare parts expected to be used in production are valued at the 
lower of weighted average cost, which includes the cost of purchase as well as transportation and statutory 
charges, or net realisable value. Any provision for obsolescence is determined by reference to specific stock 
items identified.

Raw materials at cost

Finished product at cost

Spare parts and consumables at cost

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

2,622,965

3,635,040

2,883,792

9,141,797

69,464

5,888,188

2,039,379

7,997,031

The costs of individual items of inventory are determined using weighted average cost.

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4.4  Trade and other payables

Accounting Policies 

Trade and other payables are recognised originally at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised 
cost using the effective interest rate method. Trade and other payables represent liabilities for goods and 
services provided to the Group prior to the end of each reporting period that are unpaid and arise when the 
Group becomes obliged to make future payments in respect of the purchase of goods and services. Trade 
and other payables are presented as current liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months from the 
reporting date.

Trade payables

Other payables and accruals

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

2,793,981

897,164

3,691,145

2,596,770

848,316

3,445,086

(i) 

Fair values and credit risk
Due to the short term nature of these payables the carrying values represent their respective fair values as 
at 31 December 2017 and 2016.

(ii)  Foreign exchange and interest rate risk

Information about the Group’s exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risk in relation to trade and 
other payables is provided in note 5.4.

4.5  Unearned revenue

Accounting Policies 

Unearned revenue is recognised originally at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest rate method. Unearned revenue represents revenue that has been received by 
the Group for requested goods where the risks and rewards have not yet been transferred as the goods 
have not been substantially provided. Unearned revenue is recognised as revenue subsequent to this in 
accordance with the Group’s revenue recognition policy (Refer note 2.2). Unearned revenue is presented as 
current liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months from the reporting date.

Unearned revenue

31 December 2017 
$

1,793,475

31 December 2016 
$

-

(i) 

Fair values and credit risk
Due to the short term nature of unearned revenue, the carrying values represent their respective fair values 
as at 31 December 2017 and 2016.

(ii)  Foreign exchange and interest rate risk

Information about the Group’s exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risk in relation to unearned 
revenue is provided in note 5.4.

5.  FUNDING AND RISK MANAGEMENT

This section provides information relating to the management of capital, credit, liquidity and market risks and the 
policies for measuring and managing these risks.

5.1 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Accounting Policies 

All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at cost, being fair value of the consideration received net of 
issue costs associated with the borrowing.

After initial recognition, interest bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest rate method. Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any issue costs, 
and any discount or premium on settlement.

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Gains and losses are recognised in the income statement when the liabilities are derecognised and as well 
as through the amortisation process.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer 
settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting periods.

Details of the contractual maturities can be found in Note 5.4.

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

Current

Short term borrowings – unsecured (1)

Amounts due under equipment acquisition agreements (2),(3)

Long term borrowings – secured (4)

Non-current

Long term borrowings – secured (4)

Amounts due under equipment acquisition agreements (2),(3)

5,770

566,550

1,500,000

2,072,320

2,125,000

8,721

2,133,721

1,135,523

1,317,069

-

2,452,592

4,500,000

437,073

4,937,073

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

 The short term borrowings at 31 December 2016 was in relation to shareholder loans (note 7.3). 
The amount was fully repaid immediately after the 2016 year end.

 The Group entered into Master Rental Agreements to acquire mobile mining equipment and 
generators. Under the terms of these agreements, there was an option to purchase which the 
Group exercised for the mobile mining equipment.

 The Group entered into Instalment Sale Agreements to acquire mobile mining equipment and other 
equipment. Under the terms of these agreements, the Group will become the owner of the mobile 
mining equipment on final payment under the agreements.

 The Group entered into a $4.5 million financing arrangement with GMA for its Garnet Stripping Plant 
(“GSP”) expansion. Under the terms of the agreement, the borrowing is charged at Libor + 2% and 
repaid over three years from the repayment commencement date. The borrowing is secured by a 
special notarial bond over the GSP. Repayment commenced in June 2017. Repayments of US$0.125 
million per month commenced in June 2017, with the principal owing at 31 December 2017 at 
US$3.625 million.

a)  Bank Overdraft

The Group has available and unutilised, as at 31 December 2017, a United States denominated 
Foreign Currency Overdraft Facility of $0.6 million (A$0.7 million) (2016:$1.1 million (A$1.5 million)). 

b) 

Finance lease commitments

Accounting Policies 

Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group, as lessee, has substantially all the risks and 
rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised at the lease’s inception 
at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments. The 
corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, are included in other short-term and long-term 
payables. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance cost. The finance cost is charged 
to the profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the 
remaining balance of the liability for each period. The property, plant and equipment acquired under finance 
leases is depreciated over the asset’s useful life or over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease 
term if there is no reasonable certainty that the Group will obtain ownership at the end of the lease term.

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Commitments in relation to minimum lease repayments under equipment acquisition agreements:

Within one year

Later than one year but no later than five years

Greater than 5 years

Minimum lease payments

Less: Future Finance Charges

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

543,468

10,820

-

554,288

(40,707)

513,581

1,346,555

442,496

-

1,789,051

(139,473)

1,649,578

Finance lease commitments includes contracted amounts for various plant and equipment with a written 
down value of $1,683,771 (2016: $1,949,556) secured under finance leases expiring within one to five years. 
Under the terms of the leases, the Group will become the owner of the leased assets on the final payment 
under instalment sale agreements.

5.2  Net finance costs

Accounting Policies 

Interest income is recognised as it accrues on a time proportion basis using the effective interest method.

Borrowing costs incurred for the construction of any qualifying asset are capitalised during the period of 
time that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. Other borrowing costs 
are expensed.

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

Finance income

Interest Income

Unwind the effect of discounting on long term receivables

Net change in fair value of financial assets

Total finance income

Finance costs

Interest paid to third parties

Total finance costs

Net finance income / (costs)

5.3  Equity 

(a)  Contributed equity 

Accounting Policies 

46,030

303,858

515,051

864,939

70,761

70,761

794,178

42,704

116,334

-

159,038

189,529

189,529

(30,491)

Ordinary share capital is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received by the Company. Any 
transaction costs arising on the issue of ordinary shares are recognised directly in equity as a reduction of 
the share proceeds received.

(i)  Share capital

Ordinary shares

Fully paid

2017 
Number of shares

2016 
Number of shares

2017 
$

2017 
$

414,941,571

404,941,571

64,420,299

63,437,092

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(ii)  Movements in ordinary share capital

Details

At 1 January 2017

Placement of ordinary shares

At 31 December 2017

Transaction costs arising on share issue

At 31 December 2017

(iii)  Ordinary shares

Number of shares

404,941,571

10,000,000

414,941,571

-

414,941,571

$

63,437,092

983,207

64,420,299

-

64,420,299

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the 
Company in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. On a show of hands 
every holder of ordinary shares present at a meeting in person or by proxy, is entitled to one vote, and 
upon a poll each share is entitled to one vote.

(iv)  Capital risk management

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard their ability to continue as a 
going concern, so that they can continue to provide returns to shareholders and benefits for other 
stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may issue new shares or sell assets in 
order to maintain sufficient funds necessary to continue its operations. 

(b)  Reserves

The following table shows a breakdown of the balance sheet line item ‘other reserves’ and the movements 
in these reserves during the year. A description of the nature and purpose of each reserve is provided in the 
table below.

General reserve 
$

Financial asset 
revaluation 
reserve 
$

Foreign currency 
translation 
reserve 
$

Share based 
payment reserve 
$

Total 
$

At 1 January 2016

1,363,393

(226,521)

(22,091,136)

445,344

(20,508,920)

Issue of unlisted options

Transfer to retained earnings on 
expiry of unlisted options

Exchange differences on translation 
of foreign operations

Change in fair value of available-for-
sale financial assets

-

-

-

-

-

-

134,458

134,458

(261,507)

(261,507)

3,496,590

(50,380)

-

-

-

3,496,590

(50,380)

At 1 January 2017

1,363,393

(276,901)

(18,594,546)

318,295

(17,189,759)

Issue of share based payments

Exchange differences on translation 
of foreign operations

Impairment of available-for-sale 
financial assets

-

-

-

-

309,782

309,782

3,486,282

276,901

-

-

-

3,486,282

276,901

-

-

-

-

-

At 31 December 2017

1,363,393

-

(15,108,264)

628,077

(13,116,794)

66

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Nature and purpose of reserves

General reserve 
The General reserve arose from the issue of shares in MRC Resources Proprietary Limited to an entity 
outside the economic entity. 

Financial asset revaluation reserve
The financial asset revaluation reserve arises from the revaluation at reporting date of available-for-sale 
financial assets.

Foreign currency translation reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve records the unrealised foreign currency differences arising from the 
translation of operations into the presentation currency of the Group.

Share based payment reserve
Records the amounts received in a prior year together with the amounts amortised for employee options in 
the current year from the issue of listed options.

(c)  Accumulated losses

At 1 January 

Profit for the year

Dividend Distribution

Transfer from reserves on expiry of unlisted options

At 31 December

(d)  Non-controlling interest

At 1 January 

Movement for the year

At 31 December

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

(10,240,395)

9,932,930

(5,181,303)

-

(5,488,768)

(11,365,331)

3,777,834

(2,914,405)

261,507

(10,240,395)

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

113,639

-

113,639

113,639

-

113,639

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5.4  Financial risk management

Accounting Policies 

The Group classifies its financial instruments on initial recognition. The classification depends on the 
purpose for which the financial instrument was acquired.

(i)  Recognition and de-recognition

Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on trade date; the date on which the Group 
commits to purchase or sell the asset. Investments are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction 
costs. Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets 
have expired or been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of 
ownership.

(ii)  Fair value

Fair value is determined based on current bid prices for all quoted investments. Valuation techniques are 
applied to determine the fair value of all unlisted securities, including recent arm’s length transactions, 
reference to similar instruments and other pricing models. 

The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as forward foreign currency contracts to hedge its 
risk associated with foreign currency fluctuations. Such derivatives are stated at fair value. The fair value 
of forward exchange contracts is calculated by reference to current forward exchange rates for contracts 
with similar maturity profiles. Changes in the fair value of forward foreign currency contracts are recorded in 
profit or loss, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable 
to the hedged risk. 

(iii)  Financial Liabilities

Financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost, comprising 
original debt less principal payments and amortisation of transaction costs.

(iv) 

Impairment
At each reporting date, the Group assess whether there is objective evidence that a financial instrument has 
been impaired. Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised on equity 
instruments classified as available for sale are not reversed through the income statement.

This note explains the Group’s exposure to financial risks and how these risks could affect the Group’s 
future financial performance. Current year profit or loss information has been included where relevant to add 
further context.

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The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks, as detailed in the below table:

Risk

Exposure arising from

Measurement

Management

Market risk 
– foreign exchange risk

Future commercial transactions

Cash flow forecasting

Recognised financial assets and 
liabilities not denominated in USD

Sensitivity analysis

Monitoring the prevailing exchange 
rates and entering into forward 
foreign exchange contracts and/
or currency options, if deemed 
necessary by the Board of Directors

Market risk 
– interest rate risk

Market risk 
– price risk

The Company’s borrowings are at 
fixed interest rates, therefore, it is 
not exposed to changes in variable 
interest rates

N/A

Investments in equity securities

Sensitivity analysis

N/A

N/A

Market risk 
– commodity price risk

Sale of products

Cash flow forecasting

Sensitivity analysis

Credit risk

Cash and cash equivalents and 
trade and other receivables

Aging analysis

Credit ratings

Liquidity risk

Borrowings and other liabilities

Rolling cash flow forecasts

Monitoring the prevailing commodity 
prices and entering into longer term 
fixed price sales contracts, if deemed 
necessary by the Board of Directors

Credit limits, retention of title over 
product sold and letters of credit

Availability of committed credit lines 
and borrowing facilities

The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to 
minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group. Risk management is carried out by the 
Board of Directors with assistance from the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.

The Group manages foreign exchange risk through hedging the South African Rand and Australian Dollar in line with 
its Treasury Policy. The mark-to-market position of the Group’s hedged position as at 31 December 2017 was:

At 31 December 2017

South African Rand (ZAR)

Australian Dollars (AUD)

Total position

(a)  Market risk

Value of Hedges contracted 
USD$

Mark-to-market value of hedges 
USD$

Mark-to-market hedge position 
USD$

3,244,000

300,000

3,544,000

3,759,000

300,000

4,059,000

515,000

-

515,000

(i) 

Foreign exchange risk
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures.

As detailed in note 1.2(iii), items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are 
measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (‘the 
functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars, which is 
the Company’s presentation currency. 

Subsequent to 31 December 2016, the Group has fully repaid its foreign currency borrowings and thus, 
the exposure to foreign currency risk at the end of the reporting period arising from the foreign currency 
borrowings is not considered material.

Based on the financial instruments held at the reporting date, the sensitivity of the Group’s profits after tax for the 
year and equity at the reporting date to movements in the United States Dollar to South African Rand (ZAR) was:

Sensitivity

USD/ZAR exchange rate – increase 10%

USD/ZAR exchange rate – decrease 10%

Impact on 
post tax profits

Impact on other 
components of equity

2017 
$

822,697

(822,697)

2016 
$

287,281

(287,281)

2017 
$

-

-

2016 
$

-

-

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(ii) 

Interest rate risk
The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the Group’s floating interest rate cash balance 
which is subject to movements in interest rates. The Board monitors its cash balance on an ongoing basis 
and liaises with its financiers regularly to mitigate cash flow interest rate risk. Interest is charged on the loans 
from the parent company to the South African subsidiaries at rates permitted by the South African Reserve 
Bank. This interest is eliminated on consolidation.

(iii)  Price risk

The Group has an exposure to equity securities price risk. This arises from investments held by the 
Group and classified on the balance sheet as available-for-sale financial assets. However, the Company’s 
investment in equity securities (available-for-sale financial assets) is $12,595 (2016: $12,595), which is 
monitored by the Board of Directors. Any investment in equity securities, which formed part of any portfolio 
diversification strategy, would require approval by the Board of Directors.

The Group is also exposed to commodity price risk as a result of fluctuations in the market price of 
commodities, however, the commodities that the Company produces and sells are not quoted on any 
recognised exchange. 

(iv)  Credit risk

Credit risk is managed on a Group basis. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits 
with banks, as well as credit exposures including outstanding receivables and investments in unlisted 
entities.

All cash balances held at banks are held at internationally recognised institutions. The Group has a strict 
code of credit and requires the majority of its customers to have letters of credit in place. The maximum 
exposure to credit risk at the reporting date to trade receivables is the carrying amount, net of any 
provisions for impairment of those assets, as disclosed in the balance sheet and notes to the financial 
statements. The Group does not hold any collateral. As at 31 December 2017, the Group does not have any 
impaired receivables or receivables past due but not impaired.

(v)  Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash to meet obligations when due. At 
the end of the reporting period, the Group held cash and cash equivalents totalling $10,975,817 (2016: 
$2,873,135). Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity reserve (comprising of cash and 
cash equivalents, note 4.1) on the basis of expected cash flows. This is carried out at the corporate level for 
all active companies of the Group in accordance with practice and limits set by the Group.

Financing arrangements
On 30 May 2014, the Company obtained an unsecured short term working capital facility of up to $4m from 
two major shareholders. Pursuant to the Loan Agreements entered into between the Company and the two 
major shareholders, the lenders provided a finance facility capped at $2.0m each on the following arm’s-
length and commercial terms:

• 

• 

• 

Loan is unsecured;

Interest of 13% per annum;

Line fee of 1% and establishment fee of 1%;

•  Repayment to take in three equal tranches on 31 January 2016, 28 February 2016 and 31 March 2016; 

and

•  Default interest of 10% if not repaid on the repayment date.

The above repayment dates were subsequently extended and the loans have been fully repaid early in the 
2017 financial year.

On 2 February 2016, the Company announced debt funding arrangements for its expansion initiatives 
relating to a GSP at its Tormin mine. Under the terms of the agreement, the borrowing is charged at Libor 
+ 2% and repaid over three years from the repayment commencement date. The borrowings are secured 
by a special notarial bond over the GSP. Principal repayments of US$0.125 million per month plus interest 
charges against the facility commenced in June 2017.

Maturity of financial assets
The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining sufficient cash reserves and through the continuous 
monitoring of budgeted and actual cash flows. At the reporting date there is no significant liquidity risk. 

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The table below analyses the Group’s maturity of financial assets:

< 6 months 
$

6 – 12 months 
$

1 – 5 years 
$

5+ years 
$

Total 
contractual 
cashflows 
$

Carrying 
amount 
$

31 December 2017

Trade and other receivables

4,252,893

1,000,000

Total financial assets

4,252,893

1,000,000

-

-

-

-

5,252,893

5,252,893

5,252,893

5,252,893

< 6 months 
$

6 – 12 months 
$

1 – 5 years 
$

5+ years 
$

Total 
contractual 
cashflows 
$

Carrying 
amount 
$

31 December 2016

Trade and other receivables

1,079,530

Total financial assets

1,079,530

-

-

5,200,000

5,2000,000

-

-

6,279,530

5,975,672

6,440,647

5,975,672

Maturity of financial liabilities
The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining sufficient cash reserves and through the continuous 
monitoring of budgeted and actual cash flows. At the reporting date there is no significant liquidity risk. The 
table below analyses the Group’s maturity of financial liabilities:

< 6 months 
$

6 – 12 months 
$

1 – 5 years 
$

5+ years 
$

Total 
contractual 
cashflows 
$

Carrying 
amount 
$

31 December 2017

Trade and other payables

Unearned revenue

Borrowings:

3,691,145

1,793,475

-  Short term borrowings

5,770

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

 Equipment acquisition 
agreements

-  Long term borrowings

271,734

818,061

271,734

31,803

801,393

2,180,560

Total financial liabilities

6,580,185

1,073,127

2,212,363

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,691,145

1,793,475

3,691,145

1,793,475

5,770

5,770

575,271

575,271

3,800,014

3,625,000

9,865,675

9,690,661

< 6 months 
$

6 – 12 months 
$

1 – 5 years 
$

5+ years 
$

Total 
contractual 
cashflows 
$

Carrying 
amount 
$

31 December 2016

Trade and other payables

3,445,086

Borrowings:

-  Short term borrowings

1,135,522

-

-

-

-

- 

 Equipment acquisition 
agreements

-  Long term borrowings

673,277

673,277

442,496

-

-

4,712,981

Total financial liabilities

5,253,885

673,277

5,155,477

-

-

-

-

-

3,445,086

3,445,086

1,135,522

1,135,522

1,789,050

4,712,981

1,754,143

4,500,000

11,082,639

10,834,751

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(vi)  Fair value hierarchy

AASB 13 requires disclosure of fair value measurements by level of the following fair value measurement 
hierarchy:

•  quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1);

• 

inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
directly or indirectly (level 2); and

• 

inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs) (level 3).

The Group’s only assets and liabilities held at fair value are its available-for-sale financial assets with a 
current carrying value of $12,595 (2016: $12,595). These are measured using quoted active market prices 
and are therefore Level 1 instruments.

The Group did not measure any financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis 
as at 31 December 2017 and did not transfer any fair value amounts between the fair value hierarchy during 
the year ended 31 December 2017.

Valuation techniques used to derive level 2 and level 3 fair values
The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over–the–counter 
derivatives) is determined using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximise the use of 
observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. If all 
significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2. 

If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in 
level 3. 

Specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments include:

• 

The use of quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments;

•  The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows 

based on observable yield curves;

•  The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined using forward exchange rates at the 

reporting date; and

•  Other techniques, such as discounted cash flow analysis, are used to determine fair value for the 

remaining financial instruments.

The Group has only level 2 and 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value are its mark-to-market hedges with a 
current carrying value of $515,000 (2016: $nil). These are measured by comparing forward foreign exchange 
contract rates with the spot rate at balance date.

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6.  GROUP STRUCTURE

6.1  Consolidated entities

Accounting Policies 

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) 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 to direct the activities of the entity. 
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are 
deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are 
eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment 
of the transferred asset. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure 
consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Associates

Associates are entities over which the group has significant influence but not control or joint control. This 
is generally the case where the group holds between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in 
associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, after initially being recognised at cost.

Equity method

Under the equity method of accounting, the investments are initially recognised at cost and adjusted 
thereafter to recognise the Group’s share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of the investee in profit 
or loss, and the group’s share of movements in other comprehensive income of the investee in other 
comprehensive income. Dividends received or receivable from associates and joint ventures are recognised 
as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment.

When the Group’s share of losses in an equity-accounted investment equals or exceeds its interest in 
the entity, including any other unsecured long-term receivables, the Group does not recognise further 
losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the other entity.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its associates and joint ventures are 
eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in these entities. Unrealised losses are also eliminated 
unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies 
of equity accounted investees have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies 
adopted by the Group.

The Group treats transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in a loss of control as 
transactions with equity owners of the Group. A change in ownership interest results in an adjustment 
between the carrying amounts of the controlling and non-controlling interests to reflect their relative interests 
in the subsidiary. Any difference between the amount of the adjustment to non-controlling interests and any 
consideration paid or received is recognised in a separate reserve within equity attributable to owners of the 
Company.

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Non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated 
income statement, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and balance sheet 
respectively.

The Company, via its wholly owned subsidiary MRC Resources Proprietary Limited (“MRCR”), has a 50% 
interest in the issued capital in Mineral Sands Resources Proprietary Limited (“MSR”). Whilst the Group 
controls 50% of the share voting power, it has been determined that the Group effectively has 100% control 
due to its control over the relevant activities for accounting purposes, controls the management of MSR, 
and also controls the Board of MSR due to provisions set out in the Shareholders Agreement entered into 
between the shareholders of MSR. 

Therefore these financial statements include 100% of the results of MSR. In addition to the holding of the 
issued capital, the Group also holds Class A and B preference shares in MSR which effectively provides for 
the repayment of the capital investment and deemed investment by the Company’s Black Empowerment 
partner. Due to the terms attached to these A and B Preference Shares, they are categorised as an equity 
instrument. As the A preference shares and B preference shares would be redeemed out of distributable 
profits and net assets of MSR before all other ordinary shareholders, until such time as the net assets 
exceed the value of the unredeemed A and B preference shares, no value has been attributed to the non-
controlling interest. Until that time, the non-controlling interest has no rights to the assets or results of the 
Company, and therefore has not been allocated any value in these financial statements.

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(i)  Material subsidiaries

The Group’s principal subsidiaries at 31 December 2017 are set out below. Unless otherwise stated, 
they have share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares that are held directly by the Group, and 
the proportion of ownership interests held equals the voting rights held by the group. The country of 
incorporation or registration is also their principal place of business.

Ownership interest 
held by the Group

Ownership interest held by 
non-controlling interests

Place of business 
/ country of 
incorporation

2017 
%

2016 
%

2017 
%

2016 
%

Name of entity

Rexelle Pty Ltd

MRC Trading (Aust) Pty Ltd

MRC Cable Sands Pty Ltd

Blackhawk Oil and Gas Pty Ltd

Queensland Minex Pty Ltd

Q Smelt Pty Ltd

Mincom Waste Pty Ltd

MRC Graphite Pty Ltd (1)

MRC Exploration Australia Pty Ltd (2)

Skeleton Coast Resources (Pty) Ltd

MRC Resources Proprietary Limited

Mineral Sands Resources Proprietary Limited

Tormin Mineral Sands Proprietary Limited (3)

Nyati Titanium Eastern Cape Proprietary Limited

MRC Metals Proprietary Limited

Transworld Energy and Minerals Resources 
(SA) Proprietary Limited

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Namibia

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

100

100

100

100

100

90

100

100

100

100

100

50

50

100

100

56

100

90

100

100

100

100

100

90

100

100

100

100

100

50

50

100

100

56

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

10

-

-

-

-

-

50

50

-

-

44

-

10

-

-

-

-

-

10

-

-

-

-

-

50

50

-

-

44

-

-

Madan Rahjo Kanyab Company (Private Joint Stock) (4)

Zamin Afzar Ofogh Company (Private Joint Stock) (5)

Iran

Iran

(1)  MRC Graphite Pty Ltd previously known as MRC Africa Pty Ltd. The company name was changed on 18 September 2017
(2)  MRC Exploration Australia Pty Ltd was incorporated on 11 October 2017
(3) 
(4)  Madan Rahjo Kanyab Company (Private Joint Stock) was incorporated on 13 August 2017
(5) 

Tormin Mineral Sands Proprietary Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mineral Sands Resources Proprietary Limited

Zamin Afzar Ofogh (Private Joint Stock) was incorporated on 4 October 2017

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(ii)  Non-controlling interest (“NCI”)

Transworld Energy and 
Minerals Resources (SA) 
Proprietary Limited

Mineral Sands Resources 
Proprietary Limited

Tormin Mineral Sands 
Proprietary Limited

Q Smelt Pty Ltd

2017 
$

2016 
$

2017 
$

2016 
$

2017 
$

2016 
$

2017 
$

2016 
$

Summarised balance sheet

Current assets

Current liabilities

6,451

-

59,596,046

33,436,612

-

(16,737)

(33,952,503)

(23,807,550)

Current net assets

6,451

(16,737)

25,643,543

9,629,062

-

-

-

-

-

-

Non-current assets

6,046,442

5,170,073

25,629,056

25,033,375

5,218,099

5,218,099

Non-current liabilities

(5,888,174)

(5,004,491)

(31,527,892)

(24,797,349)

-

-

Non-current net 
assets

Net assets

Accumulated NCI

158,268

165,582

(5,898,836)

236,026

5,218,099

5,218,099

164,719

148,845

19,744,707

9,865,088

5,218,099

5,218,099

-

-

-

-

Summarised statement of comprehensive income

Revenue

Profit/ (loss) for the 
period

Other comprehensive 
income

Total comprehensive 
income

Profit attributable to NCI

Summarised cash flows

Cash flows from 
operating activities

Cash flows from 
investing activities

Cash flows from 
financing activities

Net increase in cash 
and cash equivalents

-

-

63,013,908

27,036,542

364

5,429

1,647,503

204,294

-

364

-

-

-

-

5,429

1,647,503

204,294

-

-

-

(24,146)

43,890

(39,210,272)

(19,141,614)

24,267

(43,851)

41,601,383

13,443,438

-

121

-

(2,344,390)

4,220,005

39

46,721

(1,478,171)

Zamin Afzar Ofogh Company was incorporated on 4th October 2017 and remained dormant as at 31 December 2017.

76

-

-

1

-

-

-

1

1

-

1

-

-

-

1

39,933

39,933

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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6.2  Parent entity financial information

The financial information for the parent entity, Mineral Commodities Ltd, has been prepared on the same 
basis as the consolidated financial statements, unless stated otherwise.

Accounting Policies 

Interests in subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries are carried in the Company’s financial report at cost less any impairment losses. 
Dividends and distributions are brought to account in profit when they are declared by the subsidiaries.

Investments in associates
Investments in associates are accounted for in the parent entity financial statements using the cost method.

The individual financial statements for the parent entity show the following aggregate numbers:

Balance sheet

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Shareholders’ equity

Issued capital

Reserves

Accumulated losses

Total equity

Profit/ (loss) for the year

7.  PEOPLE

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

3,247,013

51,292,218

54,539,231

728,525

31,729,757

32,458,282

1,744,251

39,063,074

40,807,325

1,717,286

15,859,771

17,577,057

22,080,949

23,230,268

64,420,299

(27,875,500)

(14,463,850)

63,437,092

(28,200,926)

(12,005,898)

22,080,949

23,230,268

672,539

(177,233)

This section provides information in relation to the Group employee benefits, share-based payment schemes 
and related party transactions.

7.1  Employee Benefits

Accounting policies 

Provision is made for the Group’s liability for employee entitlements arising from services rendered by 
employees to reporting date. These benefits include annual and long service leave. Sick leave is non-vesting 
and has not been provided for. 

Employee entitlements expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts 
expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled and are recognised in other payables.

The contributions made to defined contribution superannuation funds by entities within the consolidated 
entity are charged against profits when due.

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Current

Annual leave provision

Non-current

Long service leave provision

7.2  Share based payments

Accounting policies 

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

362,760

326,347

73,273

49,198

Equity-settled share-based compensation benefits are provided to certain senior employees.

Equity-settled transactions are awards of options over shares that are provided to employees in exchange 
for the rendering of services.

The cost of equity-settled transactions is measured at fair value at grant date. Fair value is independently 
determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the 
term of the option, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the 
underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option. No 
account is taken of any other vesting conditions.

The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised as an expense with a corresponding increase in equity 
over the vesting period. The cumulative change to profit or loss is calculated based on the grant date fair 
value of the award, the best estimate of the number of awards that are likely to vest and the expired portion 
of the vesting period. The amount recognised in profit or loss for the period is the cumulative amount 
calculated at each reporting date less amounts already recognised in previous periods.

a) 

Employee Options

The issue of employee options was approved by shareholders at a general meeting of the Company 
held on 21 December 2012. The employee option plan (“the Plan”) is designed to provide long-term 
incentives for senior managers and above (including directors) to deliver long-term shareholder returns. 
Options granted under the plan carry no dividend or voting rights. When exercisable each option is 
convertible into one ordinary share at the predetermined exercise price.

Set out below are summaries of options granted under the Plan and unexpired at 31 December 2017: 

Grant 
date 

27 May 
2015

7 Sept 
2015

Expiry 
date

30 May 
2018

31 March 
2018

Average 
Exercise 
price

Fair Value 
at 
grant date

Options at 
the start 
of the year

Granted 
during 
the year

Exercised 
during 
the year

Forfeited 
during 
the year

Lapsed 
during  
the year

Balance at 
the end of 
the year

Vested at 
the end of 
the year

20 cents

4.90 cents

5,000,000

20 cents

5.40 cents

1,000,000

6,000,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,000,000

5,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

-

6,000,000

6,000,000

Set out below are summaries of options granted under the Plan and unexpired at 31 December 2016:

Grant 
date 

27 May 
2015

7 Sept 
2015

Expiry 
date

30 May 
2018

31 March 
2018

Average 
Exercise 
price

Fair Value 
at 
grant date

Options at 
the start 
of the year

Granted 
during 
the year

Exercised 
during 
the year

Forfeited 
during 
the year

Lapsed 
during  
the year

Balance at 
the end of 
the year

Vested at 
the end of 
the year

20 cents

4.90 cents

5,000,000

20 cents

5.40 cents

1,000,000

6,000,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,000,000

3,333,334

1,000,000

666,667

-

6,000,000

4,000,001

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at end of period is 0.42 years (2016: 0.83 years)

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Fair value of options granted

The assessed fair value at grant date of options issued in the prior period was independently determined 
using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the 
option, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying 
share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option. The total share 
based payment expense for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $15,242 (2016: $66,693). 

b) 

Performance Rights

The issue of Performance Rights was approved by shareholders at a general meeting of the Company 
held on 25 May 2016. The Incentive Performance Rights Plan are designed to provide long-term 
incentives for senior managers and above (including directors) to deliver long-term shareholder returns. 
Performance Rights granted under the plan carry no dividend or voting rights. 

On 25th May 2016, at the AGM of the Company, shareholders approved the issue of 4,000,000 
Performance Rights to the four non-executive directors. These performance rights are exercisable on 
or before 30 May 2019 and will vest upon the closing Share price reaching $0.20 and remaining at or 
above $0.20 for a period of 5 consecutive trading days. 

On 16th August 2017, the Board approved the issue of 2,000,000 Performance Rights to the CFO, 
Tony Sheard. These performance rights are exercisable on or before 31 May 2020 with 1,500,000 
vesting upon the closing share price reaching $0.20 and remaining at or above $0.20 for a period of 
5 consecutive trading days. The remaining 500,000 will vest 12 months from date of issue and upon 
the closing share price reaching $0.20 and remaining at or above $0.20 for a period of 5 consecutive 
trading days.

On 16th August 2017, the Board approved the issue of 500,000 Performance Rights to senior 
managers. These performance rights are exercisable on or before 31 May 2020, vesting on 31 May 
2018 and upon the closing share price reaching $0.20 and remaining at or above $0.20 for a period of 
5 consecutive trading days. 

On 16th August 2017, the Board approved the issue of 450,000 Performance Rights to senior 
managers. These performance rights are exercisable on or before 31 May 2021, vesting at a rate of 
150,000 per annum on 31 May 2018 to 2020 inclusive and upon the closing share price reaching 
$0.20 and remaining at or above $0.20 for a period of 5 consecutive trading days.

Set out below are summaries of all Performance Rights granted under the Plan and unexpired at 31 
December 2017:

Grant 
date 

25 May 
2016

16 Aug 
2017

16 Aug 
2017

16 Aug 
2017

Expiry 
date

30 May 
2018

31 May 
2020

31 May 
2020

31 May 
2021

Average 
Exercise 
price

Fair Value 
at 
grant date

Options at 
the start 
of the year

Granted 
during 
the year

Exercised 
during 
the year

Forfeited 
during 
the year

Lapsed 
during  
the year

Balance at 
the end of 
the year

Vested at 
the end of 
the year

20 cents

11.3 cents

4,000,000

-

20 cents

11.8 cents

20 cents

11.8 cents

20 cents

11.8 cents

-

-

-

2,000,000

500,000

450,000

4,000,000

2,950,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,000,000

2,000,000

500,000

450,000

6,950,000

-

-

-

-

-

Set out below are summaries of options granted under the Plan and unexpired at 31 December 2016:

Grant 
date 

25 May 
2016

Expiry 
date

30 May 
2018

Average 
Exercise 
price

Fair Value 
at 
grant date

Options at 
the start 
of the year

Granted 
during 
the year

Exercised 
during 
the year

Forfeited 
during 
the year

Lapsed 
during  
the year

Balance at 
the end of 
the year

Vested at 
the end of 
the year

20 cents

11.3 cents

-

-

4,000,000

4,000,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,000,000

4,000,000

-

-

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Fair value of Performance Rights granted

The assessed fair value at grant date of the Performance Rights issued during the period ended 31 
December 2017 was determined using a trinomial option pricing model that takes into account the exercise 
price, the term of the Performance Right, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected 
price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term 
of the Performance Right. The total share based payment expense for the period ended 31 December 2017 
was $289,028 (2016: $67,765). 

The model inputs for Performance Rights granted during the period, as well as prior periods, included:

(a) 

 Performance Rights granted for no consideration with the expectation that the majority of the Performance Rights would be 
exercised on the Share price reaching $0.20 and remaining at or above $0.20 for a period of 5 consecutive trading days.

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

(k)

Number of Rights issued

Exercise price (AUD)

Share price barrier (AUD)

5 day VWAP of underlying security

Grant date

Risk-free interest rate

Exercise date

Share price at grant date (AUD)

Expected price volatility of the shares

Expected dividend yield

4,000,000

2,000,000

0 cents

20 cents

13.5 cents

25 May 16

1.62%

30 May 19

13.5 cents

60%

Nil

0 cents

20 cents

13.5 cents

16 Aug 17

1.98%

31 May 20

13.5 cents

90%

8%

500,000

0 cents

20 cents

13.5 cents

16 Aug 17

1.98%

31 May 20

13.5 cents

90%

8%

450,000

0 cents

20 cents

13.5 cents

16 Aug 17

1.98%

31 May 21

13.5 cents

90%

8%

The expected price volatility is based on the historic volatility and the general trend in share prices of the 
companies in similar businesses and trading on the ASX over the past 12 months.

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7.3  Related party transactions

(i)  Parent entity

Transactions between the Company and other entities in the Group during the years ended 31 December 
2017 and 31 December 2016 consisted of loans advanced and payments received and made on inter-
company accounts. These transactions were made on normal commercial terms and conditions and at 
market rates.

(ii)  Key management personnel disclosures

Compensation
The aggregate compensation made to directors and other members of key management personnel of the 
Group is set out below:

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Long-term benefits

Share-based payments

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

1,308,505

55,212

47,910

155,459

1,567,086

1,064,125

43,787

20,836

134,458

1,263,206

Detailed remuneration disclosures are provided in the remuneration report in the director’s report on page 24.

(iii)  Transactions with other related parties

Mine Site Construction Services (“MSCS”), a company associated with Mr Mark Caruso and Mr Joseph 
Caruso has provided the followings services to the Company during 2017:

•  Provision of executive services

The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $134,155 (2016: 
$nil). This is considered to be an arm’s length commercial consultancy contract at normal commercial 
rates. 

•  Provision of office space

The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $158,510 (2016: 
$90,199). This is considered to be an arm’s length commercial rent. There is a formal lease in place.

•  Provision of secretarial staff to the Executive Chairman.

The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $82,372 (2016: 
$76,329). The amounts payable are pursuant to an Executive Service Agreement and have been 
reimbursed on an arm’s length basis at normal commercial rates.

•  Provision of technical staff

The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $288,627 (2016: 
$210,413). The amounts payable have been in respect to the provision of technical staff at the Groups’ 
head office and at the Tormin project and have been reimbursed on an arms-length basis at normal 
commercial rates. 

•  Others

The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $202,267 (2016: 
$127,799). The amounts payable have been in respect of telecommunication charges and miscellaneous 
payments made by MSCS on behalf of the Company. The amounts have been reimbursed on an arms-
length basis at normal commercial rates.

Ross Hastings, one of the Directors has provided consulting services to one of the Company’s projects 
during the year ended 31 December 2017. The amount paid by the Company to Ross Hastings for the 
year ended 31 December 2017 was $7,934 (2016: $6,306). The amounts payable have been reimbursed 
on an arm’s length basis at normal commercial rates.

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Hastings Bell Pty Ltd, a Company associated with Daniel Hastings, the son of Ross Hastings has 
provided business development consultancy services to the Company during 2017. The amount paid by 
the Company to Hastings Bell Pty Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $185,452 (2016: $nil). 
This is considered to be an arm’s length commercial consultancy contract at normal commercial rates. 

(iv)  Receivable from and payable to related parties

The following balances are outstanding at the reporting date in relation to transactions with related parties:

MSCS

(v)  Loans to / from related parties

31 December 2017 
$

56,721

31 December 2016 
$

106,049

On 30 May 2014, the Company obtained an unsecured short term working capital facility of up to $4m from 
major shareholders. This included a A$2 million facility provided by Regional Management Pty Ltd (“RMS”), 
a related party of Mark Caruso, the Executive Chairman of the Company. 

Pursuant to the Loan Agreement entered into between the Company and RMS, the lender provided a 
finance facility capped at A$2 million on the following arm’s-length and commercial terms:

• 

• 

• 

Loan is unsecured;

Interest of 13% per annum;

Line fee of 1% and establishment fee of 1%;

•  Repayment to take in three equal tranches on 31 January 2016, 28 February 2016 and 31 March 2016; 

and

•  Default interest of 10% if not repaid on the repayment date.

The loan repayments dates were subsequently extended. As at 31 December 2016, the amount owing was 
$583,044. The loan has been fully repaid in the 2017 financial year.

8.  OTHER

This section provides information that is not directly related to the specific line items in the financial statements, 
including information about contingent assets and liabilities, other commitments, events after the end of the 
financial year, remuneration of auditors and changes to accounting policies and procedures.

8.1  Contingent assets and contingent liabilities

a)  Contingent liabilities

Bank guarantees

FirstRand Bank Limited has issued a Bank Guarantee, in favour of the South African Department of Mineral 
Resources, in respect of MSR’s obligations under the Tormin Mining Right for an amount of ZAR2,730,000 
(US$220,467) (2016: ZAR2,730,000 (US$198,141)).

Subordination of Shareholders Loan

With effect from 26th March 2015, MRC Resources Proprietary Limited (“MRCR”) has subordinated 
ZAR90,000,000 (US$7,268,130) (2016: ZAR90,000,000 (US$5,790,798)) of its inter-company loan account 
to FirstRand Bank Limited for the due payment by MSR of all monies owed to FirstRand Bank Limited.

Suretyship

With effect from 26th March 2015, MRCR has provided a surety to FirstRand Bank Limited of 
ZAR45,000,000 (US$3,634,065) (2016: ZAR45,000,000 (US$3,266,055)) for the due payment by MSR of all 
monies owed to FirstRand Bank.

With effect from 15th September 2016, MSR has provided a surety to FirstRand Bank Limited of 
ZAR4,614,788 (US$372,676) (2016: ZAR4,614,788 (US$334,937)) for the due payment by Z Square M.P. 
Empowerment Company (Pty) Ltd of all monies owed to FirstRand Bank.

Other than those mentioned above, there have been no other changes to contingent assets or liabilities 
since 31 December 2017. 

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8.2  Other Commitments 

Blue Bantry funding support
The Company, via MRCR, and Blue Bantry are both 50% shareholders in MSR, the entity which owns the 
Tormin Project. 

The Company agreed to provide Blue Bantry access to an amount of funding to support the original Tormin 
Project objectives by advancing through a loan, certain benefits Blue Bantry would expect to receive from 
the Tormin Project. Blue Bantry will repay the ZAR8,250,000 loan from dividend distributions that it will 
receive in the future from MSR. 

8.3  Events since the end of the financial year

Subsequent to year end, the Directors declared a final unfranked dividend for the year ended 31 December 
2017 of 0.7 Australian cent per ordinary share, a total distribution of A$2,904,594 based on the number of 
ordinary shares on issue as at 31 December 2017. As the dividend was unfranked, there are income tax 
consequences for the owners of the Company relating to this dividend.

Except for the above, there have been no other material matters arising subsequent to the end of the 
financial year. 

8.4  Remuneration of auditors

During the year, the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd 
and BDO Tax (WA) Pty Ltd, its related practices and related firms:

31 December 2017 
$

31 December 2016 
$

Audit services

Audit and review of financial reports

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd

BDO Johannesburg South Africa

Non-audit services

Taxation and company secretarial (South African entities)

BDO Tax (WA) Pty Ltd

BDO Johannesburg South Africa

42,000

22,357

64,357

53,135

-

53,135

44,020

23,597

67,617

71,552

-

71,552

8.5  Accounting Policies

a)  New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

The Group has not elected to apply any pronouncements before their effective date for the annual 
reporting period ended 31 December 2017.

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for 
annual period beginning on or after 1 January 2018, and have not been applied in preparing these 
consolidated financial statements. The most significant of these are:

• 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (both 
mandatorily effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018); and

• 

IFRS 16 (mandatorily effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019).

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The Group’s assessment of the impact of these new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations is set 
out below:

Reference

Title

Nature of Change

Financial 
Instruments

AASB 9 
(issued 
December 
2014)

Amends the requirements for 
classification and measurement of 
financial assets. The available-for-
sale and held-to-maturity categories 
of financial assets in AASB 139 have 
been eliminated.

Under AASB 9, there are three 
categories of financial assets: 

•  Amortised cost

•  Fair value through profit or loss

•  Fair value through other 
comprehensive income. 

AASB 9 requires that gains or losses 
on financial liabilities measured at fair 
value are recognised in profit or loss, 
except that the effects of changes in 
the liability’s credit risk are recognised 
in other comprehensive income.

Impairment 

The new impairment model in AASB 
9 is now based on an ‘expected loss’ 
model rather than an ‘incurred loss’ 
model.  

A complex three stage model applies 
to debt instruments at amortised 
cost or at fair value through other 
comprehensive income for recognising 
impairment losses. 

A simplified impairment model 
applies to trade receivables and lease 
receivables with maturities that are 
less than 12 months. 

For trade receivables and lease 
receivables with maturity longer than 
12 months, entities have a choice 
of applying the complex three stage 
model or the simplified model. 

Application 
date for  
entity

1 January 
2018

Application 
date of 
standard

Annual 
reporting 
periods 
beginning 
on or after 
1 January 
2018

Impact on entity financial 
statements

Adoption of AASB 9 is only mandatory 
for the year ending 31 December 
2018. The entity has not yet made 
an assessment of the impact of these 
amendments.

The entity has financial assets 
classified as available-for-sale. When 
AASB 9 is first adopted, the entity 
will reclassify these into the fair value 
through profit or loss category. On 
1 January 2018, the cumulative fair 
value changes in the available-for-
sale reserve will be reclassified into 
retained earnings and subsequent fair 
value changes will be recognised in 
profit or loss. The change is applied 
retrospectively, however comparatives 
need not be retrospectively restated. 
Instead, the cumulative effect of 
applying the change for the first time 
will be recognised as an adjustment 
to the opening balance of retained 
earnings on 1 January 2018.  

The entity has both long term and 
short term trade receivables. When 
this standard is adopted, the entity’s 
loss allowance on trade receivable will 
increase.  

The change is applied retrospectively, 
however comparatives need not be 
retrospectively restated. Instead, 
the cumulative effect of applying the 
change for the first time is recognised 
as an adjustment to the opening 
balance of retained earnings on  
1 January 2018.

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Reference

Title

Nature of Change

AASB15

IFRS 15 
(issued 
December 
2014)

Revenue 
from 
contracts 
with 
customers

An entity will recognise revenue to 
depict the transfer of promised good 
or services to customers in an amount 
that reflects the consideration to which 
the entity expects to be entitled in 
exchange for those goods or services. 
This means that revenue will be 
recognised when control of goods or 
services is transferred, rather than 
on transfer of risks and rewards as 
is currently the case under IAS 18 
Revenue.

Application 
date of 
standard

Annual 
reporting 
periods 
beginning 
on or after 
1 January 
2018.

Leases

AASB 16 
(issued 
February 
2016)

Annual 
reporting 
periods 
beginning 
on or after 
1 January 
2019.

AASB 16 eliminates the operating 
and finance lease classifications for 
lessees currently accounted for under 
AASB 117 Leases. It instead requires 
an entity to bring most leases into 
its statement of financial position in 
a similar way to how existing finance 
leases are treated under AASB 117.  
An entity will be required to recognise 
a lease liability and a right of use asset 
in its statement of financial position for 
most leases.  

There are some optional exemptions for 
leases with a period of 12 months or 
less and for low value leases.

Lessor accounting remains largely 
unchanged from AASB 117.

Application 
date for  
entity

1 January 
2018

1 January 
2019

Impact on entity financial 
statements

The entity operates in the mining 
industry and recognises revenue for 
sale of mineral sands per note 2.2. 
When this standard is first adopted, 
revenue for sale of mineral sands will 
instead be recognised when control 
of goods is transferred. Preliminary 
assessment indicates no material 
impact on revenue recognition from the 
implementation of this standard.

Comparatives will need to be 
retrospectively restated, either back to 
1 January 2017 if the full retrospective 
transitional requirements are applied, 
or to 1 January 2018 if the modified 
retrospective transitional requirements 
are applied. Modified retrospective 
restatement requires that the 
cumulative effect of applying AASB 15 
for the first time be recognised as an 
adjustment to the opening balance of 
retained earnings on 1 January 2018.

To the extent that the entity, as lessee, 
has significant operating leases 
outstanding at the date of initial 
application, 1 January 2019, right-of-
use assets will be recognised for the 
amount of the unamortised portion of 
the useful life, and lease liabilities will 
be recognised at the present value of 
the outstanding lease payments.

Thereafter, earnings before interest, 
depreciation, amortisation and tax 
(EBITDA) will increase because 
operating lease expenses currently 
included in EBITDA will be recognised 
instead as amortisation of the right-of-
use asset, and interest expense on the 
lease liability. However, there will be an 
overall reduction in net profit before tax 
in the early years of a lease because 
the amortisation and interest charges 
will exceed the current straight-line 
expense incurred under AASB 117 
Leases. This trend will reverse in the 
later years. 

There will be no change to the 
accounting treatment for short-term 
leases less than 12 months and leases 
of low value items, which will continue 
to be expensed on a straight-line basis.

No other standards, interpretations or amendments which have been issued are expected to have an impact on the 
Group.

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Directors’ declaration

THE DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY DECLARE THAT:

1. 

 The financial statements, comprising the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of cash flows, consolidated 
statement of changes in equity and accompanying notes, are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 
including;

(a) 

 complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other 
mandatory professional reporting requirements; and  

(b)   give a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2017 and of its 

performance for the year ended on that date.

 The Company has included in the notes to the financial statements an explicit and unreserved statement of 
compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

 In the Directors’ opinion, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts 
as and when they become due and payable.

2. 

3. 

The Directors have been given the declarations by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by 
section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001.

declaration. 

Act 2001, including:  

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors:

Mark Caruso 
Executive Chairman

Dated at Perth, Western Australia 
this 28th day of February 2018

86

Tel: +61 8 6382 4600 

Fax: +61 8 6382 4601 

www.bdo.com.au 

Tel: +61 8 6382 4600 

Fax: +61 8 6382 4601 

www.bdo.com.au 

PO Box 700 West Perth WA 6872 

38 Station Street  

Subiaco, WA 6008 

Australia 

38 Station Street  

Subiaco, WA 6008 

PO Box 700 West Perth WA 6872 

Australia 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT 

To the members of Mineral Commodities Ltd 

To the members of Mineral Commodities Ltd 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

Opinion  

Opinion  

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

We have audited the financial report of Mineral Commodities Ltd (the Company) and its subsidiaries 

(the Group), which comprises the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2017, the consolidated 

income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement 

We have audited the financial report of Mineral Commodities Ltd (the Company) and its subsidiaries 

of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes 

(the Group), which comprises the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2017, the consolidated 

to the financial report, including a summary of significant accounting policies and the directors’ 

income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement 

declaration. 

of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes 

to the financial report, including a summary of significant accounting policies and the directors’ 

In our opinion the accompanying financial report of the Group, is in accordance with the Corporations 

(i) 

(ii) 

(ii) 

Basis for opinion  

Basis for opinion  

In our opinion the accompanying financial report of the Group, is in accordance with the Corporations 

Giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2017 and of its 

(i) 

Act 2001, including:  

financial performance for the year ended on that date; and  

Giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2017 and of its 

Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.  

financial performance for the year ended on that date; and  

Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.  

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.  Our responsibilities under 

those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial 

Report section of our report.  We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.  Our responsibilities under 

Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s 

those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial 

APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 

Report section of our report.  We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations 

financial report in Australia.  We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 

Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s 

with the Code. 

APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 

financial report in Australia.  We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 

We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been 

with the Code. 

given to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the 

time of this auditor’s report. 

We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been 

given to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the 

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

time of this auditor’s report. 

for our opinion.  

Key audit matters 

for our opinion.  

Key audit matters 

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

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 

our audit of the financial report of the current period.  These matters were addressed in the context of 

our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 

a separate opinion on these matters.  

our audit of the financial report of the current period.  These matters were addressed in the context of 

our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 

a separate opinion on these matters.  

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 79 112 284 787 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, 

an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and 

form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation other than for 

the acts or omissions of financial services licensees 

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 79 112 284 787 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, 

an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and 

form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation other than for 

the acts or omissions of financial services licensees 

84 

84 

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tel: +61 8 6382 4600 
Fax: +61 8 6382 4601 
www.bdo.com.au 
Tel: +61 8 6382 4600 
Fax: +61 8 6382 4601 
www.bdo.com.au 

38 Station Street  
Subiaco, WA 6008 
PO Box 700 West Perth WA 6872 
Australia 
38 Station Street  
A U D I T O R S   R E P O R T
Subiaco, WA 6008 
PO Box 700 West Perth WA 6872 
Australia 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT 
To the members of Mineral Commodities Ltd 

To the members of Mineral Commodities Ltd 
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

Opinion  
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 
We have audited the financial report of Mineral Commodities Ltd (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
Opinion  
(the Group), which comprises the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2017, the consolidated 
income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement 
We have audited the financial report of Mineral Commodities Ltd (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes 
(the Group), which comprises the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2017, the consolidated 
to the financial report, including a summary of significant accounting policies and the directors’ 
income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement 
declaration. 
of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes 
to the financial report, including a summary of significant accounting policies and the directors’ 
In our opinion the accompanying financial report of the Group, is in accordance with the Corporations 
declaration. 
Act 2001, including:  
In our opinion the accompanying financial report of the Group, is in accordance with the Corporations 
(i) 
Act 2001, including:  

Giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2017 and of its 
financial performance for the year ended on that date; and  
Giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2017 and of its 
Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.  
financial performance for the year ended on that date; and  

(i) 
(ii) 

Basis for opinion  
Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.  
(ii) 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.  Our responsibilities under 
Basis for opinion  
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial 
Report section of our report.  We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.  Our responsibilities under 
Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial 
APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
Report section of our report.  We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations 
financial report in Australia.  We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s 
with the Code. 
APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
financial report in Australia.  We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been 
with the Code. 
given to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the 
time of this auditor’s report. 
We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been 
given to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
time of this auditor’s report. 
for our opinion.  
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
Key audit matters 
for our opinion.  
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
Key audit matters 
our audit of the financial report of the current period.  These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
a separate opinion on these matters.  
our audit of the financial report of the current period.  These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 
a separate opinion on these matters.  

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 79 112 284 787 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, 
an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and 
form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation other than for 
the acts or omissions of financial services licensees 
BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 79 112 284 787 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, 
an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and 
84 
form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation other than for 
the acts or omissions of financial services licensees 

84 

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A U D I T O R S   R E P O R T

Carrying value of mine assets 

Key audit matter  

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

For the year ended 31 December 2017 the Group had 

Our work included, but was not limited to the 

property, plant and equipment of US$17.028 million 

following procedures:  

(2016: US$16.103 million) and mine development of 

US$7.307 million (2016: US$7.656 million) as disclosed 

in Notes 3.3 and 3.2 respectively. Estimation and 

judgment is used in determining the useful life and 

amortisation rates for mining assets. The company is 

also required to assess for indicators of impairment at 

each reporting period. 

As the carrying value of mine assets represents a 

significant asset of the Group, we considered it 

necessary to assess whether any facts or circumstances 

exist to suggest that the carrying amount of this asset 

may exceed its recoverable amount.  

During the year the Group identified indicators of 

possible impairment which included the issues 

obtaining extended mining rights. As a result the Group 

undertook an impairment assessment on the mine 

assets and concluded no impairment was required. This 

impairment assessment required key estimates and 

judgements to be used in determining whether 

impairment was required. 

• 

Assessing key inputs used in the impairment 

assessment including finished product pricing, 

directly attributable costs, recovered grades, 

discount rate and production and processing 

volumes against board approved forecast and 

historical actual results. 

• 

Assessing the appropriateness of the period for 

which future cash flows were included in the 

impairment assessment. This included the 

consideration of the Group’s current mining 

licence tenure, open applications with the DMR 

and legal opinion on these matters. 

•  We also considered the impact of the updated 

mineral resource statement against 

management’s assessment of the life of mine 

and the depreciation and amortisation of mining 

assets. 

•  We assessed the adequacy of related disclosures 

in Note 3 of the financial statements. 

Revenue recognition 

Key audit matter  

For the year ended 31 December 2017 the Group 

Our procedures included, amongst others: 

recognised US$60.930 million (2016: US$26.876 million) 

as revenue from sale of product as disclosed in Note 

2.2 of the financial report. 

•  We discussed with management and critically 

assessed the Group’s revenue recognition 

policy including enquiring with management 

Revenue recognition was identified as a key audit 

as to any changes to revenue recognition 

matter due to the significance of revenue to the 

policies or practice during the year. 

financial report and the nature of a significant offtake 

arrangement, which includes deferred delivery 

arrangements. 

•  We obtained and reviewed offtake 

arrangements, including any variations and 

critically assessed the key terms against the 

revenue recognition policies adopted by the 

Group. 

•  We analytically reviewed revenue recorded 

during the year by setting expectations 

based upon internal production and survey 

volumes against average contract pricing 

received during the year. 

•  We assessed the basis for deferring unearned 

revenue at the reporting date, assessing 

against the Group’s Accounting Policies and 

offtake terms. 

•  We assessed a sample of revenue 

transactions through comparison to sales 

contracts signed by the customer and bills of 

lading or final analysis certificates. 

•  We evaluated whether revenue had been 

recorded in the correct period based on 

contractual terms for a sample of sales 

around the reporting date. 

We evaluated the disclosures for revenue and revenue 

recognition accounting policies. 

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A U D I T O R S   R E P O R T

Revenue recognition 

Key audit matter  

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

For the year ended 31 December 2017 the Group 

Our procedures included, amongst others: 

recognised US$60.930 million (2016: US$26.876 million) 

as revenue from sale of product as disclosed in Note 

2.2 of the financial report. 

•  We discussed with management and critically 
assessed the Group’s revenue recognition 

policy including enquiring with management 

Revenue recognition was identified as a key audit 

as to any changes to revenue recognition 

matter due to the significance of revenue to the 

policies or practice during the year. 

financial report and the nature of a significant offtake 

arrangement, which includes deferred delivery 

arrangements. 

•  We obtained and reviewed offtake 

arrangements, including any variations and 

critically assessed the key terms against the 

revenue recognition policies adopted by the 

Group. 

•  We analytically reviewed revenue recorded 
during the year by setting expectations 

based upon internal production and survey 

volumes against average contract pricing 

received during the year. 

•  We assessed the basis for deferring unearned 
revenue at the reporting date, assessing 

against the Group’s Accounting Policies and 

offtake terms. 

•  We assessed a sample of revenue 

transactions through comparison to sales 

contracts signed by the customer and bills of 

lading or final analysis certificates. 

•  We evaluated whether revenue had been 

recorded in the correct period based on 

contractual terms for a sample of sales 

around the reporting date. 

We evaluated the disclosures for revenue and revenue 

recognition accounting policies. 

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A U D I T O R S   R E P O R T

Existence and valuation of Inventory 

Key audit matter  

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

As at 31 December 2017, the carrying value of the 

Our procedures included, amongst others: 

Group’s inventory was US$9.142 million (2016: 

US$7.997 million) as disclosed in Note 4.3 of the 

financial report. 

• 

BDO network component auditors attended 

inventory counts at the Tormin mine site and 

counted a sample of inventory items and 

Inventory was identified as a key audit matter due to 

compared the quantities/volumes counted to 

When we read the Annual report, if we conclude that there is a material misstatement therein, we are 

the judgements by management in allocating costs to 

the quantities/volumes recorded. 

various products of the mining process and the 

significant balance of spares and consumables at the 

mine site. 

• 

BDO network component auditors observed 

for potential obsolete or damaged items. 

•  We obtained and reviewed an independent 
survey report of stockpiled finished goods 

and compared to volumes recorded. This 

included assessing the competence and 

objectivity of the expert used and the 

adequacy of their work. 

•  We reviewed management’s inventory model 
which allocates mining costs to finished 

product and assessed the methodology and 

compared to the accounting policy adopted 

by the Group.   

•  We re-performed the calculation and 

reconciled inputs used in the inventory 

model to survey results, production reports, 

mining costs and sales contracts. 

•  We tested a sample of finished product to 
assess whether they were recorded at a 

value higher than what they could be sold. 

Other information  

The directors are responsible for the other information.  The other information comprises the 
unaudited information contained in Directors’ report for the year ended 31 December 2017, but does 
not include the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon, which we obtained prior to the date 
of this auditor’s report, and the Annual report, which is expected to be made available to us after that 
date. 

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

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87 

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In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 

identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent 

with the financial report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially 

misstated.  

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information that we obtained prior to the date 

of this auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, 

we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.  

required to communicate the matter to the directors and will request that it is corrected.  If it is not 

corrected, we will seek to have the matter appropriately brought to the attention of users for whom 

our report is prepared. 

Responsibilities of the directors for the Financial Report  

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a 

true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 

and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 

financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to 

fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the group to 

continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the 

going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease 

operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.  

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report  

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free 

from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 

includes our opinion.  Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an 

audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material 

misstatement when it exists.  Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material 

if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 

decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report.  

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the 

Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website (http://www.auasb.gov.au/Home.aspx) at:  

http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar1.pdf 

This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

Report on the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report  

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 18 to 25 of the directors’ report for the 

year ended 31 December 2017. 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Mineral Commodities Ltd, for the year ended 31 December 

2017, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.  

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017 
 
 
A U D I T O R S   R E P O R T

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

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

When we read the Annual report, if we conclude that there is a material misstatement therein, we are 
required to communicate the matter to the directors and will request that it is corrected.  If it is not 
corrected, we will seek to have the matter appropriately brought to the attention of users for whom 
our report is prepared. 

Responsibilities of the directors for the Financial Report  

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

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

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report  

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

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the 
Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website (http://www.auasb.gov.au/Home.aspx) at:  

http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar1.pdf 

This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

Report on the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report  

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 18 to 25 of the directors’ report for the 
year ended 31 December 2017. 

24 to 31

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Mineral Commodities Ltd, for the year ended 31 December 
2017, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.  

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A U D I T O R S   R E P O R T

Responsibilities 

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

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd 

Phillip Murdoch 

Director 

Perth, 28 February 2018

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A U D I T O R S   R E P O R T

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MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017Statement of corporate governance

The Board of Directors (referred to hereafter as the “Board”) of Mineral Commodities Ltd (referred to hereafter as the 
“Company” or “MRC”) is responsible for the corporate governance of the Company. The Board guides and monitors 
the business and affairs of the Company on behalf of the shareholders by whom they are elected and to whom they 
are accountable. The Corporate Governance Statement was approved by the Board on 23 April 2018.

In accordance with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Corporate Governance Council’s (“CGC”) “Principles 
of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice Recommendations” the Corporate Governance Statement must 
contain certain specific information and must disclose the extent to which the Company has followed the guidelines 
during the period. Where a recommendation has not been followed that fact must be disclosed together with the 
reasons for the departure.

The Company’s corporate governance practices were in place throughout the year and are compliant, unless 
otherwise stated, with the Corporate Governance Council’s principles and recommendations, which are noted 
below.

Principle 1.  Lay solid foundations for management and oversight

Principle 2.  Structure the Board to add value

Principle 3.  Act ethically and responsibly

Principle 4.  Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting

Principle 5.  Make timely and balanced disclosure

Principle 6.  Respect the rights of security holders

Principle 7.  Recognise and manage risk

Principle 8.  Remunerate fairly and responsibly

A summary of the corporate governance policies and practices adopted by MRC is set out below.  

Role of the Board of Directors
The Board of MRC is responsible for setting the Company’s strategic direction and providing effective governance 
over MRC’s affairs in conjunction with the overall supervision of the Company’s business with the view of maximising 
shareholder value. The Board’s key responsibilities are to:

a)  chart the direction, strategies and financial objectives for MRC and monitor the implementation of those 

policies, strategies and financial objectives; 

b)  monitor compliance with regulatory requirements, ethical standards and external commitments; 

c)  appoint, evaluate the performance of, determine the remuneration of, plan for the succession of and, where 
appropriate, remove the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) if in place or similar person acting in the executive 
capacity; and

d)  ensure that the Board continues to have the mix of skills and experience necessary to conduct MRC’s 

activities, and that appropriate directors are selected and appointed as required. 

In accordance with MRC’s Constitution, the Board delegates responsibility for the day–to–day management of 
MRC to the Executive Chairman and CEO (subject to any limits of such delegated authority as determined by the 
Board from time to time). Management as a whole is charged with reporting to the Board on the performance of the 
Company.

All directors have unrestricted access to the Company Secretary, all employees of the group, and, subject to the law, 
access to all Company records and information held by group employees and external advisers. The Board receives 
regular detailed financial and operational reports from senior management to enable it to carry out its duties. 

Each director may, with the prior written approval of the Chairman, obtain independent professional advice to assist 
the director in the proper exercise of powers and discharge of duties as a director or as a member of a Board 
Committee. The Company will reimburse the director for the reasonable expense of obtaining that advice. 

94

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017The Company Secretary is accountable directly to the Board, through the Chairman, on all matters to do with the 
proper functioning of the Board. The role of the Company Secretary includes:

•  Advising the Board and its Committees on governance matters;

•  Monitoring that Board and Committee policy and procedures are followed;

•  Coordinating, in unison with the Company, the timely completion and despatch of Board and Committee papers;

•  Ensuring that the business at Board and Committee meetings is accurately captured in the minutes; and

•  Helping to organise and facilitate the induction and professional development of directors.

Board structure and composition
The Board currently is comprised of five directors, one of which is an independent non–executive director. Details 
of each director’s skill, expertise and background are contained within the directors’ report included with the 
Company’s annual financial statements.

Independence, in this context, is defined to mean a non–executive director who is free from any interest and any 
business or other relationship that could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with the director’s 
ability to act in the best interests of MRC. The definition of independence in ASX Recommendation 2.3 is taken into 
account for this purpose. 

During the period, an assessment occurred on the independence or Mr Guy Walker, previously the Senior 
Independent Non-Executive Director. Mr Walker was originally nominated to the Board by the Company’s largest 
shareholder who currently owns approximately 26% of the Company’s total shares on issue. The Board is cognizant 
that this could therefore reasonable be perceived as a matter which could affect his independent status, and as 
such, the Board resolved to no longer classify Mr Walker as an independent director.

The Board will continue to assess its makeup and will ensure that it continues to have the mix of skills and experience 
necessary to conduct MRC’s activities, and that appropriate directors are selected and appointed as required. 

The following table sets out the mix of skills and diversity that the Board currently has:

Expertise

Senior Executive Experience

Governance

Financially Knowledgeable

Mining 

Contracting

Technical (Geological / Engineering)

Mergers and Acquisitions

In-Country Experience

Resource Development

Competencies

Strategic Leadership

Vision and Mission

Governance

 No of Directors

2

2

4

3

2

2

3

2

2

5

5

5

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MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017ST A T E M E N T O F  CO R P O R A T E  GO V E R N A N C E

Details of directors’ shareholdings are disclosed in the directors’ report and financial report. There are no retirement 
schemes other than the payment of statutory superannuation contributions.

Any equity-based compensation of directors is required to be approved in advance by shareholders.

Presently, the roles of Chairman and CEO have not been separated. The roles were separated up to 12 September 
2014 at which time the CEO resigned and Mr Mark Caruso, the Chairman of the Company, was appointed to the 
role of CEO. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee and Board consider that Mr Caruso’s experience in the 
industry and in managing mining operations position him well to manage the affairs of the Company. The Board 
assessed its governance structure to mitigate any potential issues with the one person fulfilling the dual roles of 
Chairman and CEO. This led to the appointment of a Senior Non-Executive Director, Mr Guy Walker, an existing non-
executive director of the Company.  The present Chairman of the Company is not considered to be an independent 
director. Notwithstanding this, all directors of the Company are, and were during the reporting period, independent in 
character and judgment.

The CEO is responsible for supervising the management of the business as designated by the Board.

MRC’s non-executive directors may not hold office for a continuous period in excess of three years or past the third 
annual general meeting following their appointment, whichever is longer, without submitting for re-election. Directors 
are elected or re-elected, as the case may be, by shareholders in a general meeting. Directors may offer themselves 
for re-election. A director appointed by the directors (e.g. to fill a casual vacancy) will hold office only until the 
conclusion of the next annual general meeting of MRC but is eligible for re-election at that meeting.

The process for retirement by rotation and re-election of a director is set down in the Company’s constitution. If a 
retiring director nominates for re-election, the Board, through the Remuneration and Nomination Committee will 
assess the performance of that director in their absence, and determine whether the Board will recommend a 
shareholder vote in favour of the re-election, or otherwise.

Details of each director standing for re-election, including their biographical details, relevant qualifications, 
experience and the skills, and other material directorships they bring to the Board are provided to shareholders to 
assess prior to voting on their re-election. 

For new appointments, the Board, through the Remuneration and Nomination Committee identifies candidates with 
the appropriate expertise and experience, having regard to the weighted list of required directors’ competencies as 
maintained by the Company. The Board will appoint the most suitable candidate, but the shareholders at the next 
annual general meeting of the Company must ratify the appointment. Shareholders are provided with all material 
information in the Notice of Annual General Meeting relevant to a decision on whether or not to elect of re-elect a 
director.

The Board will ensure appropriate checks are undertaken prior to making any new Board appointments. These will 
include checks as to the person’s character, experience, education, criminal record and bankruptcy history.

The key terms, conditions and requirements are set out in a standard letter of appointment. New directors will be 
provided with an induction program specifically tailored to the needs of individual appointees. The program includes 
meetings with major shareholders, one-on-one meetings with the members of the management team and visits to 
key sites. 

Directors are also encouraged to participate in continual improvement programs and are expected to highlight areas 
of activity that could potentially be improved. 

Under MRCs’ Constitution, voting requires a simple majority of the Board. The Chairman holds a casting vote. 

The Company has procedures enabling any director or committee of the Board to seek external professional advice 
as considered necessary, at the Company’s expense subject to prior consultation with the Chairman. A copy of any 
advice sought by a director would be made available to all directors.

Board and management effectiveness
Responsibility for the overall direction and management of MRC, its corporate governance and the internal workings 
of MRC rests with the Board notwithstanding the delegation of certain functions to the Executive Chairman and CEO 
and management generally (such delegation effected at all times in accordance with MRC’s Constitution and its 
corporate governance policies).

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An evaluation procedure in relation to the Board, individual directors, Board Committees and Company executives 
has been adopted by the Board.  An evaluation procedure took place during the year. The evaluation of the Board 
as a whole is facilitated through the use of a questionnaire required to be completed by each Board Member, the 
results of which were summarized and discussed with the Chairman of the Board and tabled for discussion at a 
Board Meeting. Similarly, each individual director was required to self-assess his performance and to discuss the 
results with the Chairman. The same procedure is undertaken for the Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee and 
the Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

To ensure management, as well as Board effectiveness, the Board, through the Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee has direct responsibility for evaluating the performance of the CEO. A formal evaluation of the CEO was 
undertaken in respect to the 2017 financial year. The review was undertaken by the Chairman of the Remuneration 
and Nomination Committee and involved the review of the CEO’s performance against set criteria and discussed 
with the CEO. The results of the review were then tabled at a meeting of the Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee and a summary provided to the Board of the Company.

Financial Reporting, Internal Control and Risk Management
The Board has overall responsibility for MRC’s systems of internal control. These systems are designed to ensure 
effective and efficient operations, including financial reporting and compliance with laws and regulation, with a 
view to managing risk of failure to achieve business objectives. It must be recognized however that internal control 
systems provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance against the risk of material loss.

The Board reviews the financial position of MRC on a monthly basis. For annual and half yearly financial statements, 
the CEO and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) are required to state in writing that:

• 

• 

the Company’s financial reports present a true and fair view, in all material respects, of the Company’s financial 
condition and operational results in accordance with the relevant accounting standards; and 

are founded on a system of risk management and internal compliance and control and the Company’s risk 
management and internal compliance and control system is operating efficiently and effectively in all material 
respects.

Management reports to the Board on the effectiveness of the Company’s management of material business risk 
through the provision of regular risk reports to the Board via the Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee. Each 
reportable risk is discussed ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented by the Group.  Management 
and the Board interact on a day to day basis and risk is continually considered across the financial, operational and 
organisation aspects of the Company’s business. The Company considers the overall risk framework at each Audit 
Compliance and Risk Committee Meeting and will continue to monitor, assess and report its business risks.

The following are key risk areas that could have a material impact on the Company and its ability to achieve its 
objectives. These are not the only risks associated with the Company and there may be others from time to time that 
may also adversely affect future performance.

•  Country Risk: The Company’s primary assets are located in South Africa and it is now commencing exploration 

work in Iran. Potential changes in fiscal or regulatory regimes in South Africa and Iran may adversely affect the 
Company. The Company must also comply with local laws and administrative process which are subject to 
potential amendments from time to time. The Company adopts processes to mitigate these risks and continues 
to explore other opportunities in other jurisdictions to diversify its asset holdings.

•  Business Continuance Risk: Various circumstances may arise which may lead to shut downs in operations, 
including plant failure, industrial action, in-country unrest, natural disasters, and continuance of licenses. 
Management and the Board continually assess these risks and ensure all appropriate mitigating actions are 
put in place. This is underpinned by various policies currently in place, and in respect to licenses, continued 
stakeholder engagement.

• 

Financial Risks: Like all mining entities, the Company faces risks relating to movement in interest rates, foreign 
exchange rates, and access to funds. The Company maintains tight treasury controls and budget processes. 
Other financial risks are reported in the financial statements.

•  Product Risk: The pricing of the Company products are subject to many global factors. The Company 

actively markets its products itself in order to achieve the maximum possible value based on the prevailing 
market conditions. The Company is also assessing investment in downstream processing to add value to its 
concentrate products.

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•  Development Risk: The Company continues to assess other projects. A failure to develop a project or seek 
alternate projects could impact the long term profitability and financial position of the Company. The Board 
continues to assess the progress of the Xolobeni project and will continue to review other opportunities in order 
to extend the Company’s operations beyond the existing assets.

The Company does not presently have an internal audit function. This is mitigated by the Board, through the Audit, 
Compliance and Risk Committee implementing the matters set out above in respect to risk and management, and 
having a primary responsibility to ensure that: 

•  The Company presents and publishes accounts, which present a true and fair view of its results and financial 

position;

•  The accounting methods adopted are appropriate to the Company and consistently applied in accordance with 

relevant accounting standards and the applicable laws; and

•  The appointment and performance of the external auditor is appropriately monitored to ensure independence 

and the serving of the interests of shareholders. 

This requirement is assisted by the formal sign off from the CEO and CFO as noted above.

Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board established two permanent Board committees in February 2013 to assist the Board in the performance of 
its functions:

a)  the Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee; and

b)  the Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

Each committee has a charter, which sets out the Committee’s purpose and responsibilities. The Committees are 
described further below. 

AUDIT, COMPLIANCE AND RISK COMMITTEE

The purpose of the Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee is to provide assistance to the Board in its review of:

a)  MRC’s financial reporting, internal control structure and risk management systems; 

b)  the internal and external audit functions; and

c)  MRC’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in relation to the above. 

The Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee has specific responsibilities in relation to MRC’s financial reporting 
process; the assessment of accounting, financial and internal controls; the appointment of external auditor; the 
assessment of the external audit; the independence of the external auditor; and setting the scope of the external 
audit.

The Company’s external auditor is required to attend to the Company’s annual general meeting and make 
themselves available to answer questions from security holders relevant to the audit.

The Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee Charter provides that the Committee must comprise at least three non–
executive directors that have diverse, complementary backgrounds, with two independent non–executive directors. 
The Charter also provides that the Chairman of the Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee must be an independent 
non–executive director. 

The members of the Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee are: Mr Walker (Chairman), Mr Hastings, and Mr 
Torre. Given the independent status of Mr Walker changed throughout the period, the Committee did not have two 
independent directors or an independent Chairman, however this has not affected the operations or performance of 
the Committee from that of any other period.

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REMUNERATION AND NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The purpose of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee is to discharge the Board’s responsibilities relating to 
the nomination and selection of directors and the compensation of the Company’s executives and directors.

The key responsibilities of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee are to:

a)  ensure the establishment and maintenance of a formal and transparent procedure for the selection and 

appointment of new directors to the Board; and

b)  establish transparent and coherent remuneration policies and practices, which will enable MRC to attract, 

retain and motivate executives and directors who will create value for shareholders and to fairly and 
responsibly reward executives. 

The Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter provides that the Committee must comprise at least 
three non–executive directors, two of which must be independent non–executive Directors. The Chairman of the 
Remuneration and Nomination Committee must be an independent non–executive director.  

The members of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee are: Mr Hastings (Chairman), Mr Walker, and Mr 
Joseph Caruso. With the change in Mr Walker’s status during the year the Committee did not have two independent 
directors, however this has not affected the operations or performance of the Committee from that of any other 
period.

The remuneration policy which sets out the terms and conditions for the CEO and other senior executives is set out 
in the Remuneration Report included in the Directors’ Report.

Timely and balanced disclosure
MRC is committed to promoting investor confidence and ensuring that shareholders and the market have equal 
access to information and are provided with timely and balanced disclosure of all material matters concerning the 
Company. Additionally, MRC recognises its continuous disclosure obligations under the ASX Listing Rules and the 
Corporations Act. 

The Company’s shareholders are responsible for voting on the appointment of directors.  The Board informs 
shareholders of all major developments affecting the Company by:

•  Preparing half yearly and annual financial reports and making these available to all shareholders;

•  Preparing quarterly activity reports;

•  Advising the market of matters requiring disclosure under Australian Securities Exchange Continuous Disclosure 

Rules;

•  Maintaining a record of significant ASX announcements on the Company’s website;

•  Submitting proposed major changes in the Company’s affairs to a vote of shareholders, as required by the 

Corporation Law; 

•  Reporting to shareholders at annual general meetings on the Company’s activities during the year.  All 

shareholders that are unable to attend these meetings are encouraged to communicate issues or ask questions 
by writing to the Company; 

•  Security holders are given the option to receive communications from and send communications to the 

Company’s and its share registry electronically; and

•  Undertaking various presentations to discuss the Company’s activities.

The Company has adopted a formal disclosure policy. The Board and management are aware of their responsibilities 
in respect of identifying material information and coordinating disclosure of that information where required by the 
ASX Listing Rules.

Ethical and responsible decision–making

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Board has created a framework for managing the Company including internal controls, business risk 
management processes and appropriate ethical standards. 

The Board has adopted practices for maintaining confidence in the Company’s integrity including promoting integrity, 
trust, fairness and honesty in the way employees and directors conduct themselves and MRCs’ business, avoiding 
conflicts of interest and not misusing company resources. A formal Code of Conduct was adopted in February 2013. 

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DIVERSITY

The Company employs a broad mix of individuals reflecting its philosophy of hiring the best candidate for all positions 
at all levels irrespective of race, religion or gender. In terms of the composition of the Board and Board nominations, 
the Board considers the Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Principles as part of the overall 
Board appointment process of determining the composition of the Board that is the most appropriate for the Group.

The Company has implemented a diversity policy. The objective of the policy is for the Company to embrace the 
diversity of skills, ideas and experiences of an individual and recognise that a workforce is made up of people with 
differences in age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or national origin or social origin contributes to 
MRC’s success and organizational strength. It ensures all employees are treated with fairness and respect.

MRC is committed to embedding a corporate culture that embraces diversity through:

•  Recruitment on the basis of competence and performance and selection of candidates from a diverse pool of 

qualified candidates;

•  Maintaining selection criteria that does not indirectly disadvantage people from certain groups;

•  Providing equal employment opportunities through performance and flexible working practices; 

•  Maintaining a safe working environment and supportive culture by taking action against inappropriate workplace 

and business behaviour that is deemed as unlawful (discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification and 
victimization);

•  Promoting diversity across all levels of the business;

•  Undertaking diversity initiatives and measuring their success;

•  Regularly surveying our work climate; and

•  The Board establishing measurable objectives in achieving gender diversity.

The Company currently employs 251 staff, with 67 females, representing 27%. There are no female directors.  The 
Company has not yet set any measurable objectives however it has an extensive social and labour plan in South 
Africa which addresses these diversity objectives. 

The development of people is the fundamental principle; enshrined in the business strategy. The Company provides 
opportunities and resources for employees to be fully developed in job disciplines that form part of the occupational 
structures of the operating subsidiaries. These opportunities pervade throughout and are not limited to a specific 
department or level.

The Company ensures that the highest calibre of management is of great importance to sustain the business.  

The Company will assist employees in achieving their potential by supporting and mentoring them in their 
development. At the same time, meticulous attention is given to the requirements of the Legislation applicable 
thereto.

REGIONAL AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Mineral Sands Resources (Pty) Ltd (“MSR”) is committed towards 
contributing to the socio-economic activities of the immediate community and the region.  Although the primary 
objective is to mine Heavy Minerals for the international and local markets, the business is managed in a manner that 
embodies value added compliance with all relevant legislative requirements and socio-economic responsibilities.

MSR’s management will always endeavour to offer job opportunities to the local community and the labour sending 
area from which labour is sourced, Xolobeni, by the creation of direct and indirect jobs wherever the required skills 
and experience are present or developed. MSR will continue to afford job opportunities to the members of the local 
community and the labour sending area where such individuals meet the necessary recruitment criteria.

The promotion of local and Xolobeni sustainable development is a core objective of MSR’s Social and Labour Plan 
(SLP) and, as such, may be used as a general indicator to measure the success of this SLP.  This performance 
indicator should focus particularly on the prevalence of livelihood opportunities for local people and Xolobeni people 
after mine closure, compared with the situation before the commencement of the operation.

SECURITIES TRADING POLICY

A Securities Trading Policy has been adopted by the Board to set a standard of conduct, which demonstrates MRC’s 
commitment to ensuring awareness of the insider trading laws, and that employees and directors comply with those 
laws.

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The Securities Trading Policy imposes additional share trading restrictions on directors, the Company Secretary, 
executives and employees involved in monthly financial accounting processes (“specified persons”). 

Under the Securities Trading Policy, specified persons are only permitted to buy and sell securities if they do not 
possess non–public price sensitive information and trading occurs outside of specified restricted periods. These 
periods are the periods commencing on the first day of the month before the end of the half–year or full year period 
and ending on the next business day after the announcement of the results for that period. In addition, before a 
specified person can deal in MRC’s securities they must obtain clearance from the appropriate officer, confirming 
that there is no reason why they cannot trade.

OTHER INFORMATION

The ASX guidelines also prescribe that the Company should maintain a dedicated corporate governance information 
section on its website. Such a dedicated information section is available on the Company’s website.

MINERAL RESOURCE STATEMENT

Mining and Prospecting Rights
The Company holds the following mining and prospecting rights: 

Country

Location

Right / Tenement Number

Type of Right 
/ Tenement

Status

South Africa

Tormin

(WC)30/5/1/1/2/10261 PR

Prospecting

Under Application

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

(WC) 30/5/1/1/2/10262 PR

Prospecting

Under Application

(WC)30/5/1/2/2/163 MR

Mining

Approved

(WC) 30/5/1/1/2/10259 PR

Prospecting

Under Application

(WC)30/5/1/2/2/162 MR

Mining

Approved

(WC)30/5/1/1/2/10036 PR

Prospecting

Approved

(WC)30/5/1/1/2/10199 PR

Prospecting

Approved

(WC)30/5/1/1/2/10226 PR

Prospecting

Closed 

(WC)30/5/1/1/2/10229 PR

Prospecting

Closed

(WC)30/5/1/1/2/10240 PR

Prospecting

Under Application

South Africa

Xolobeni

EC30/5/1/1/2/6 PR

Prospecting

Xolobeni – 
Kwanyana block

EC30/5/1/1/2/10025 PR

Prospecting

Xolobeni

EC30/5/1/1/2/10025 MR

Mining

Closed – Converting 
to Mining Right

Subject to moratorium – 
Converting to Mining Right

Subject to moratorium – 
Under Application

Australia

Munglinup

M74/245

Mining

Granted, In Transfer

Munglinup

Australia

Yandeyarra

Yandeyarra

Yandeyarra

Yandeyarra

E74/505

E47/3884

E47/3885

E47/3916

E45/5109

Exploration

Granted, In Transfer

Exploration

Under Application

Exploration

Under Application

Exploration

Under Application

Exploration

Under Application

Australia

Australia

Australia

Doolgunna

Cave Hill

E51/1766

E51/1867

Exploration

Granted

Exploration

Under Application

Glen Florrie

E08/2963

Exploration

Under Application

Change 
since 
last Quarter

Beneficial 
Interest

NA

NA

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

100%

100%

100%

N/A

N/A

100%

51%

51%

100%

100%

100%

100%

0%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

51% (Option to 
acquire 90%)

51% (Option to 
acquire 90%)

100%

100%

100%

100%

0% (Option 
to earn-in to 
90%)

100%

100%

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MINERAL SANDS RESOURCES

The Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project is located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa approximately 
300km north of East London and 200km south of Durban.

The Company Reviews its Resources as at 31 December each year.

The Company considers any additional exploration or depletion of its Resources which would have a bearing on the 
total resource reported.

No exploration or production activity has been carried out at the Xolobeni Minerals Sands Project during the year. 
The Company is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information presented herein 
and confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in relation to 
the Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project continue to apply and have not materially changed. There were no additional 
Resources added to Xolobeni during the year. As such, the mineral resources for Xolobeni as at 31 December 2017 
remain consistent with 31 December 2016.

The Tormin Mineral Sands Operation is located on the west coast of South Africa, approximately 400km north of 
Cape Town.

The Company is mining a HMS deposit located in a dynamic and actively changing coastal beach environment. Due 
to the constant wave action and high tide flooding of the mining areas, replenishment of HMS material is taking place 
in mined and disturbed areas.  

Mining has now been ongoing for four years and a total of 6.55 million tonnes of material has been processed. The 
tonnage processed is more than the declared resource tonnage which is indicative of the replenishment nature 
of the resource where resource blocks are mined more than once per year.  As the mining rate is faster than the 
replenishment rate, the resource grade has been steadily diminishing over the past four years.

The updated Tormin Mineral Sands resource is presented as follows: 

Resource 
Million Tonnes

Total Heavy 
Mineral(1) 
(% in Resource)

Ilmenite 
(% in Resource)

Zircon 
(% in Resource)

Rutile 
(% in Resource)

Garnet 
(% in Resource)

Category

Indicated Resources – Dec 2013

Tonnes Mined – 2014

Inferred  Resources – Dec 2014

Tonnes Mined – 2015

Inferred Resources – Dec 2015

Tonnes Mined – 2016

Inferred Resources – Dec 2016

Tonnes Mined - 2017

2.7

1.07

2.7

1.62

2.7

1.81

1.8

2.05

Inferred Resources – Dec 2017

1.80(2)

(1) Includes other valuable heavy minerals eg. Laucoxene and Magnetite
(2) 5% Heavy Mineral (“HM”) cut-off grade used

49.40%

53.83%

38.14%

49.57%

28.01%

45.97%

28.08%

27.57%

15.92%

10.60%

17.26%

10.05%

16.15%

6.97%

12.97%

6.15%

5.81%

2.72%

3.40%

4.76%

2.21%

3.88%

1.56%

2.78%

1.65%

1.10%

0.79%

0.70%

0.65%

0.46%

0.60%

0.55%

0.61%

0.53%

0.50%

0.43%

25.30%

31.16%

25.22%

28.94%

18.54%

29.21%

18.99%

19.40%

11.45%

A table which provides a summary of important assessment and reporting criteria used for the Tormin Mine in 
accordance with the Table 1 checklist in The Australian Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral 
Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2012 Edition) was included in the Company’s release on 28 
February 2018 entitled “Annual Tormin Mineral Resource Update”.

The December 2017 inferred resource is based on the reasonable prospect for the economic extraction of the 
material, as has occurred over the past 4 years.  Note that individual minerals are reported as a percentage of the 
total resource.

Mining has now been ongoing for four years. The tonnage processed is more than the initial declared resource 
tonnage which is indicative of the replenishment nature of the resource where resource blocks are mined more than 
once per year.  

The inferred resource remains the same at 1.8 million tonnes. Resource replenishment is occurring but at a rate that 
is slower than the mining rate.  The Company is unable to report a replenishment grade or quantity under the 2012 
JORC code.  The Company continues to conduct grade reconciliation and sample grading on a daily basis as part 
of the mining operation to correlate between stated resource and actual resource in terms of quantity, grade and 
replenishment.

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The resource grade has diminished since the December 2016 reported resource.

The nature of the resource replenishment is typical of modern day beach placer deposits found along the West 
Coast of South Africa and the Southeastern Tamil Nadu coast of India.  

The Tormin and Xolobeni Mineral Resources based on mined material reconciliation as at 31 December 2017 for 
the Tormin Resource is as follows – note individual minerals reported as a percentage of the total heavy mineral 
concentration. 

The total Company Mineral Sands resource is presented as follows:

Category

Inferred

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

PROJECT

Tormin

Xolobeni

Total Xolobeni

Total MRC

Resource 
Million Tonnes

Total Heavy 
Mineral %

Ilmenite  
(% in HM)

1.8

224

104

18

346

347.8

15.92%

5.70%

4.10%

2.30%

5.00%

5.30%

2.72%

54.50%

53.70%

69.60%

54.00%

53.80%

Zircon 
(% in HM)

0.79%

Rutile 
(% in HM)

0.43%

Garnet  
(% in HM)

11.45%

GRAPHITE RESOURCES

On 11 September 2017, the Company announced that it was to acquire a 51% interest in the advanced high grade 
Munglinup Graphite Project.

In 2016 the Munglinup Graphite Project Mineral Resource (JORC 2012 compliant) was updated by AEMCO.  The 
resource is classified into Indicated and Measured for a Total Resource of 3.625 million tonnes @ 15.3% Total 
Graphite Contained (“TGC”) using a lower cut-off grade of 10% or 1.6 million tonnes @ 18.7% TGC using a cut-off 
grade of 15%. 

The total Company’s graphite resource is presented as follows:

Halberts Main Zone

Measured

Indicated

Other Areas

Indicated

Total

Resource 
(Million Tonnes)

Grade  
(Total Graphitic Content %)

Contained Graphite 
(Million Tonnes)

1.71

1.367

0.548

3.625

14.10%

15.30%

19.10%

15.30%

0.241

0.209

0.104

0.554

No further exploration was undertaken subsequent to the date of acquisition and as such, the above Resource 
did not change up to 3 December 2017. Work was completed on the scoping study from the period between 
the acquisition of the initial interest in Munglinup up to the date of the release of the scoping study results on 27 
November 2017.

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MINERAL RESOURCE AND ORE RESERVE GOVERNANCE
Mineral Resources and where applicable, Ore Reserves, are estimated by suitable qualified MRC personnel in 
accordance with the JORC Code, using industry standard techniques. 

All Mineral Resource estimates and supporting documentation are reviewed by external Competent Persons. 
Any amendments to the Mineral Resource Statement to be included in the Annual Report is reviewed by a suitably 
qualified Competent Person.

The mineral resource estimations previously reported under JORC 2004 for the Tormin Resource, are re-presented 
with updated disclosure of Table 1 from JORC 2012.

COMPETENT PERSON
The information in this statement which relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves for 
Xolobeni is based on information compiled by Mr Allen Maynard, who is a Member of the Australian Institute 
of Geosciences (“AIG”), a Corporate Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (“AusIMM”) and 
independent consultant to the Company. Mr Maynard is the Director and Principal Geologist of Al Maynard & 
Associates Pty Ltd and has over 37 years’ of exploration and mining experience in a variety of mineral deposit styles. 
Mr Maynard has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under 
consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2004 
Edition of the “Australasian Code for reporting of Exploration Results, Exploration Targets, Mineral Resources and 
Ore Reserves” (JORC Code). This information was prepared and first disclosed under the JORC Code 2004. It has 
not been updated since to comply with the JORC Code 2012 on the basis that the information has not materially 
changed since it was last reported. Mr Maynard consents to inclusion in the report of the matters based on this 
information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information in this statement which relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves for 
Tormin is based on information compiled by Mr Adriaan du Toit, who is a Member of the AusIMM and an 
independent consultant to the Company. Mr du Toit is the Director and Principal Geologist of AEMCO Pty Ltd and 
has over 26 years’ of exploration and mining experience in a variety of mineral deposits and styles. Mr du Toit has 
sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to 
the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition JORC Edition. 
The information from Mr du Toit was prepared under the JORC Code 2012 Edition. Mr du Toit consents to inclusion 
in the report of the matters based on this information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information in this statement which relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves for the 
Munglinup Graphite Deposit is based on information compiled by Mr Adriaan du Toit who is a member of the 
Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and who is an independent consultant to the Company. 
Mr du Toit is the Director and Principal Geologist of AEMCO Pty Ltd. He has over 26 years of exploration and mining 
experience in a variety of mineral deposits and styles. Mr du Toit has sufficient experience which is relevant to the 
style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity he is undertaking to qualify as a 
Competent Person as defined by the 2012 JORC Edition. The information from Mr du Toit was prepared under the 
JORC Code 2012 Edition. Mr du Toit consents to inclusion in the report of the matters based on this information in 
the form and context in which it appears.

104

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017Shareholder information

Additional information required by the Australian Securities Exchange Ltd Listing Rules and not disclosed elsewhere 
in this report. This information is current as at 19th March 2018.

Twenty Largest Shareholders

Rank

Name

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

15

16

17

17

18

19

20

AU MINING LIMITED 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

ZURICH BAY HOLDINGS PTY LTD

ZURICH BAY HOLDINGS PTY LTD

GOLD TERRACE PTY LTD 

MRS KATHRYN ELIZABETH STRICKLAND

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA LIMITED

INTERNATIONAL MINING SERVICES LIMITED 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

MR JONATHAN COLVILE

REGIONAL MANAGEMENT PTY LTD

INTERNATIONAL MINING SERVICES LTD

MR ROBERT CAMERON GALBRAITH

MR ASHLLEY WALLISS

ZURICH BAY HOLDINGS PTY LTD

MR GRANT MENHENNETT

MR WILLIAM DAVIDSON MEEK

KINGARTH PTY LTD

MR KEVIN ANTHONY LEO & MRS LETICIA LEO

PROPERTY & EQUITY NOMINEES PTY LTD

MR ASHLLEY WALLISS

19 Mar 2018

111,128,820

76,937,791

62,238,437

50,000,000

25,757,485

10,000,000

6,342,000

5,716,833

5,706,875

5,700,000

4,131,500

1,546,540

1,500,000

1,459,221

1,250,000

1,250,000

1,172,728

1,000,000

1,000,000

950,000

860,214

836,295

Total

Balance of register

Grand total

376,484,739

38,456,832

414,941,571

Distribution of equity security holders

Range

100,001 and Over

10,001 to 100,000

5,001 to 10,000

1,001 to 5,000

1 to 1,000

Total

Securities

401,091,362

11,518,394

1,283,397

1,012,589

35,829

414,941,571

Marketable Parcels
Number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares is 245.

%IC

26.78

18.54

15.00

12.05

6.21

2.41

1.53

1.38

1.38

1.37

1.00

0.37

0.36

0.35

0.30

0.30

0.28

0.24

0.24

0.23

0.21

0.20

90.73

9.27

100.00

%

96.66

2.78

0.31

0.24

0.01

100.00

105

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017SH A R E H O L D E R I N F O R M A T I O N

Voting Rights
Every ordinary shareholder present in person or by proxy at meetings of shareholders shall have one vote for every 
share held. 

Option holders have the right to attend meetings but have no voting rights until the options are exercised. 

Substantial shareholders
The following shareholders are considered substantial shareholders:

• 

• 

• 

Au Mining Limited 

Zurich Bay Holdings Pty Ltd

Tormin Holdings Limited

•  M&G Investment Management Limited 

•  Mr & Mrs Anthony C Lowrie

Restricted securities
There are no restricted securities.

Share buy backs
There is no current on market share buyback.

110,903,820

77,007,485

60,018,408

35,808,750

26,904,733

26.7%

18.6%

14.8%

8.8%

6.6%

106

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 201739-43 Murray Road North 
Welshpool WA 6106 
Telephone:  +61 (8) 6253 1100 
Facsimile:  +61 (8) 9258 3601 
Email: 

info@mncom.com.au

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2017 
39-43 Murray Road North 
Welshpool WA 6106 
Telephone:  +61 (8) 6253 1100 
Facsimile:  +61 (8) 9258 3601 
Email: 

info@mncom.com.au