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MRC Global

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Employees 51-200
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FY2018 Annual Report · MRC Global
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ANNUA L
RE POR T

2018

For personal use only2

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only 
Contents

2 

3 

4 

8 

Corporate directory

Competent person statement

Chairman’s report

Directors’ report

33  Auditor’s independence declaration

35 

Financial statements

40  Notes to the consolidated financial statements

88  Directors’ declaration

96  Statement of corporate governance

107  Shareholder information

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

1

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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

ENSafrica 
150 West Street 
Sandton 
Johannesburg 2196 
South Africa

Auditors

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

Solicitors

Dominion Legal Pty Ltd 
17 Lacey 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 

2

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Competent person statement

The information, if any, in this report which relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves for 
Tormin is based on information compiled by Dr Joseph A.P. Drake-Brockman, who is a Member of the AusIMM and 
is an independent consultant to the Company. Dr Drake-Brockman is an employee of Drake-Brockman Geoinfo 
Pty Limited and has over 36 years’ of exploration and mining experience in a variety of mineral deposits and styles. 
Dr Drake-Brockman 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 
JORC Code (2012). The information from Dr Drake-Brockmanwas prepared under the JORC Code (2012). Dr Drake-
Brockmanconsents 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 which relates to Mineral Resources for Munglinup is based on information 
compiled by Mr Adriaan du Toit who is a member of the AusIMM and an independent consultant to Gold Terrace Pty 
Ltd. Mr du Toit is the Director and Principal Geologist of AEMCO Pty Ltd and has over 27 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 JORC Code (2012). The information from Mr du Toit was prepared under the 
JORC Code (2012). 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 which relates to the Ore Reserve for Munglinup is based on information 
compiled by Mr Daniel Hastings, who is a Member of the AusIMM. Mr Hastings is an employee of Hastings Bell Pty 
Ltd and a consultant to the Company. Mr Hastings has sufficient experience relevant to the type of deposit under 
consideration to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the JORC Code (2012). Mr Hastings 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 that relates to metallurgy, the process plant and infrastructure design for 
Munglinup is based on information compiled and reviewed by Mr David Pass, who is a Member of the 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). 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 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 38 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)”). This information was prepared and first disclosed under the JORC Code (2004).  
It has not been updated since to comply with the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration 
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (“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.

3

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyChairman’s report

Dear Shareholders,

The 2018 year provided Mineral Commodities Ltd (“MRC” or “the Company”) with record operations and processing 
performance while maintaining its culture-driven safety standard. 

The Company progressively and successfully advanced its stated diversification into strategic battery minerals during 
the year through the progress made on the Munglinup Graphite Project and the recently announced Skaland Graphite 
AS acquisition.

The Tormin Mineral Sands Operation (“Tormin Operation”) continued to generate positive cash flows which were 
achieved through record processing plant throughput and recoveries in 2018. This placed the Company in an enviable 
position of having fully funded 2019 business development activities, including exploration programs, project feasibility 
studies and the proposed acquisition of Norwegian graphite producer Skaland Graphite AS.

During 2019, the Company is expecting positive outcomes from a number of project feasibility studies and which, 
subject to the necessary regulatory approvals, off-take agreements and financing, will lead to formal project 
declarations and full design/construction commitments.

The Directors’ Report, which follows in the financial statements, contains a full account of the financial and operating 
performance of the Company for the 2018 year, in addition to its diversification initiatives and mineral resources.

The Company has reported, for the 2018 year, total revenue of US$55.4 million, EBITDA of US$14.7 million, EBIT of 
US$10.5 million and a NPAT of US$8.8 million.

In addition, the Company generated cash flow from operations of US$14.5 million for the 2018 year. This operating cash 
generation funded capital expenditure of US$9.6 million for the year, the repayment of approximately US$2.1 million in 
debt and US$3.8 million in dividends paid during 2018.

Cash on hand at year end increased to US$12.4 million, up from US$11.0 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 0.6 Australian cents 
per share, increased full-year dividends declared for the 2018 financial year to 1.3 Australian cents per share, above the 
prior year’s 1.2 Australian cents per share dividend. 

While 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 entrained commitment to developing a safe working environment and culture is evident.

Encouragingly, 2018 saw a reduction in the overall 12 month rolling Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate average 
from 19 down to 6 by year end. Significantly, since commencement of operations in late 2013, the Company has 
incurred one Lost Time Injury in April 2017, for in excess of 2.8 million man hours worked.

The Company 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.

During the year, the Company spent over Rand 7.2 million on its HDSA Social Labour Plan, including through 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 to this, the Company’s BEE preferential procurement expenditure in 2018 was Rand 398 million, exceeding all 
targets set under the South African Mining Charter.

The Company completed its biannual independent Environmental Authorisation Compliance Audit. The Tormin 
Operation is over 92% compliant with the relevant conditions contained in the Environmental Management Program for 
the NEMA Environmental Authorisation, and over 88% compliant in relation to its Environmental Mitigation Compliance. 
The Company also rectified, via a 24G Application, a minor breach of a previously approved expansion of its existing 
stockpile footprint.

4

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyResource replenishment at the Tormin Operation is continuing. The Company is currently assessing its options with 
regards to the most appropriate mining rate in consideration of resource replenishment rates, and pending the outcome 
of the Company’s mining right renewal and expansion applications processes.

The Tormin Operation’s Mining Right Renewal applications were submitted to the South African Department of Mineral 
Resources (“DMR”) in August 2018. A decision was anticipated by March 2019, however, the Company is permitted to 
continue to operate whilst the renewal application process takes its due course.

The Tormin Operation’s Section 102 Mining Right Expansion application’s Environmental Impact Assessment and 
Environmental Management Programme reports containing all public comments were submitted to the DMR in 
November 2018. 

The Section 102 Application and associated mining programs include a minimum 10-year mine life on expanded areas 
covered under the application, including the adjoining northern beaches and the inland strand deposits located on 
the Company owned freehold farm land. On granting of the expansion right, the Company intends to adopt a phased 
development program with an initial increase in primary beach concentration capacity followed by construction of a 
Mineral Separation Plant that will produce final products from the Company’s concentrates.

The Company also has a number of prospecting right applications in various stages of assessment and appeal. These 
prospecting right applications are not core to, and will not affect, the current Tormin Operation and planned expansion 
covered under the Section 102 Application.

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 its BEE Partners, the DMR and other South 
African regulatory authorities on achieving a satisfactory outcome to support the long term success of the Tormin 
Operation. 

The new Mining Charter was regulated under the Minerals Resources and Petroleum Development Act after much 
public consultation with industry and all interested and affected parties. The new legislation will require the Company 
to adjust the ownership structure of Mineral Sands Resources (Pty) Ltd from the current 50% BEE ownership structure 
to allow for the inclusion of Tormin Operation’s HDSA employees’ equity participation and local community equity 
equivalent participation. 

The Company’s 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”). 

Since his appointment in February 2018, the Minister of Mines for South Africa, the Honourable Gwede Mantashe, has 
visited the Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project area a number of times to understand the community issues between the 
pro- and anti-mining groups. The intention of the Minister’s intervention, as publicly stated, is to resolve the impasse.

The Company continues to consider that the Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project has compelling socio-economic benefits 
for the area and can be developed in conjunction with the eco-tourism and agricultural initiatives that are being put 
forward by various stakeholders.

During 2018, MRC has continued to execute its jurisdictional and commodity diversification strategy.

On 30 May 2018, the Company released highly positive results on its Pre-Feasibility Study (“PFS”) for the Munglinup 
Graphite Project, located near Esperance in Western Australia. The project continues to demonstrate extremely 
attractive financial returns, benefiting from an exceptionally high grade with mineralisation open along strike and at 
depth, with a granted mining lease located in close proximity to excellent infrastructure in one of the world’s best mining 
jurisdictions.

Munglinup’s graphite concentrate product is well suited for purification and spheroidisation for use as a battery anode 
material for the electric vehicle market, and as an expandable graphite predominately for the fire retardant market.

The Munglinup Graphite Project PFS demonstrated the project’s potential as a robust, low capital and low operating 
cost operation, with a post-tax project NPV of A$139 million, IRR of 48% and average annual EBIT of A$42.4 million 
generated over an expected minimum mine life of nine years, producing an average annual production of 54,800 
tonnes of graphite concentrate.

An Ore Reserve of 3.4 million tonnes at an average grade of 15.9% Total Graphitic Carbon (“TGC”) was declared in the 
Munglinup Project PFS, comprising a Proven Reserve of 1.4 million tonnes at 15.8% TGC and a Probable Reserve of 
2.0 million tonnes at 16.0% TGC.

5

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyCH A I R M A N’S R E P O R T

A Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) for the Munglinup Graphite Project was subsequently commissioned, with 
considerable progress achieved in advancing metallurgical test work, resource evaluation, drilling, core sampling, 
environmental studies, hydrological/geotechnical drilling and regulatory submissions.

Optimisation test work released on 22 October 2018 depicted a significant mass split to the coarse fraction and high 
grades achieved for finer flakes, with the coarse flake fraction (+150µm) at around 50% of the concentrate at high 
average TGC grades (up to 97.7%) and high-grade fines (-150µm) concentrate produced with up to an average of 98.3% 
TGC across the finer size fractions.

The Munglinup Graphite Project was referred to the Department of Environment and Energy (Federal) and the 
Environmental Protection Authority (State) in November 2018 for assessment. The Company is awaiting the outcomes 
of these assessments, which are expected to be finalised in the second half of 2019. 

The Company has recently appointed Mondium, a joint venture between Monadelphous and Lycopodium, to undertake 
early engagement works and value engineering within the DFS phase, and subsequently to undertake Front-End 
Engineering Design to fast-track the full design and construct phase of the Munglinup Graphite Project. 

Following release of positive DFS results and granting of the necessary approvals, the Company expects to acquire 
a further 39% joint venture interest in the Munglinup Graphite Project to bring its overall interest to 90%, and to then 
proceed to full project declaration shortly thereafter.

As recently announced on 4 April 2019, the Company has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Leonhard 
Nilsen & Sønner – Eiendom AS to purchase Skaland Graphite AS (“Skaland”), for the total consideration of US$9.2 
million, comprising an initial cash consideration at settlement of US$4.8 million, and a further US$4.4 million to be paid 
over five years. 

Skaland operates the Trælen Graphite Mine and Skaland Processing Facility in Norway, which is the largest flake 
graphite producer in Europe and the highest-grade flake graphite mine in the world with mill feed grade averaging 
around 28% Carbon. Skaland currently averages around 10,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate production per annum 
and accounts for around 2% of global annual natural flake graphite production. The project is considered to have 
significant potential to expand the current production profile.

The Skaland acquisition is subject to customary conditions precedent, including all required regulatory approvals to 
increase production to a minimum of 14,000 tonnes per annum and the assignment or transfer of material permits and 
contracts. Completion of conditions precedent and full settlement is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2019, 
with an outside date of end September 2019. 

Although Skaland has been in continuous operation since 2007, no JORC compliant Mineral Resource or Ore Reserve 
currently exists for the Trælen Deposit. Significant drilling exists across the deposit and this has been reviewed 
by external consultants at various times since the deposit was originally defined in 1998 and updated in 2002 as 
containing just over 500kt of graphite. Following completion of the transaction, it is the Company’s intention to conduct 
a work program to define the high value optimum plan for conversion of the Mineral Resource to JORC compliant Ore 
Reserves.

Both Skaland’s acquisition and its exploration work program will be funded using existing cash reserves of the 
Company and operating cash flows generated from Skaland.

The Skaland acquisition is considered an excellent opportunity for the Company to gain near term graphite production 
capacity. When combined with the upcoming development of the Munglinup Graphite Project, the Company will, in 
a very short time, become a major global strategic graphite producer with two high-grade graphite assets in Tier 1 
jurisdictions.

The Company has also continued to progress its downstream graphite processing opportunities and studies, including 
purification and spheroidisation of its graphite concentrate for use in battery anode material for the electric vehicle 
market, and expandable graphite for the fire retardant and insulation markets.

In May 2018, the results of expandable graphite testwork conducted by Dorfner ANZAPLAN were released which 
indicated excellent expandable characteristics for Munglinup graphite, suitable for a broad range of expandable 
graphite markets.

The Company also engaged the University of Adelaide to undertake research and development on the Munglinup 
graphite concentrate for the production of graphene and graphene related products, using the University’s proprietary 
methods. Focused on developing graphene production routes that are low cost, environmentally friendly and scalable, 
the initial phase of the research and development, if successful, will be followed by a pilot scale program.

6

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyCH A I R M A N’S R E P O R T

Further work continued on the potential of utilising Doral’s, a wholly owned subsidiary of Iwatani Corporation, fused 
alumina facility in Kwinana as a possible site for downstream graphite processing, with its existing infrastructure, 
permitting, access to power and connectivity.

The Company has also continued pursuing exploration opportunities in Western Australia, aligned with the Company’s 
long-term strategy of commodity diversification through exploration upside and targeting commodities crucial to battery 
technology.

The Company has acquired eight new exploration licences and has entered into joint venture agreements on two other 
exploration tenements in Western Australia. The Company is targeting lithium (Yandeyarra and Geraldton Prospects), 
channel iron (Glen Florrie Prospect), gold-copper (Doolgunna and Cave Hill Prospects) and vanadium (Triple Eight 
Prospect).

Major exploration work in the year concentrated on a first phase exploration and bulk sampling campaign within the 
Doolgunna Gold and Copper Prospect to confirm historical intersections and gold recoveries along a quartz reef known 
as the Revere Reef. There are other targets and gold occurrences on the Doolgunna tenements, however the Revere 
Reef was assigned priority status due to its potential to host high-grade gold associated with strong metasomatic 
alteration and outcrops of quartz reef and stockwork structures.

The Company announced in September 2018 outstanding assay results from its bulk sampling and RC drilling program 
on the Revere Reef, with 17 g/t Au to 326 g/t Au calculated gold grades from bulk sample testing over a 900m section 
of exposed quartz reef. These initial bulk sample results and first-pass drilling campaign confirm that the Revere Reef 
system is a priority target for the discovery of a significant high-grade gold deposit. 

On behalf of the Board, I thank all the dedicated employees, our BEE Partners and contractors of the Company for their 
efforts and commitment throughout the year. These efforts have delivered another successful result for the year and 
have continued to provide returns to its shareholders. 

We thank shareholders for their support and anticipate the 2019 year will deliver another solid financial performance 
for the Company. The Company is well positioned in 2019 to become a significant player in the world graphite market 
through its Tier 1 graphite assets and the life of mine extensions at Tormin will see a continued successful delivery of 
our diversification and expansion strategies. 

Mark V. Caruso 
Chairman

7

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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 2018. 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 Operation (“Tormin” or the “Tormin 

Operation”) 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 Region 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 on 
several tenements within Western Australia. 

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

Declared and paid during the year 2018

Final 2017 ordinary

Interim 2018 ordinary

Total amount

Australian Cents 
per share

Total amount 
A$

0.7

0.6

2,904,591

2,526,549

 5,431,140

Date of Payment

14 May 2018

12 October 2018

As the final 2017 ordinary dividend was unfranked and the interim 2018 ordinary dividend was partially franked, there 
are income tax consequences for the owners of the Company relating to these dividends.

Subsequent to year end, the Directors declared a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2018 of 0.7 
Australian cent per ordinary share, partially franked to 15% of the ordinary dividend (or partially franked to 0.105 
Australian cent per ordinary share). This equates to a total distribution of A$2,947,641 based on the number of 
ordinary shares on issue at the date of this report. As the dividend was partially franked, there are income tax 
consequences for the owners of the Company relating to this dividend.

8

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyReview of operations

SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY

The Company’s impeccable safety record continued during the 2018 year, highlighted by December 2018 being the 
fifteenth month in succession to see a positive decline in the twelve month Total Reportable Injury Frequency Rate 
(“TRIFR”). Since Tormin Mineral Sands Operations commenced in late 2013, there has been only one Lost Time 
Injury (LTI”) incurred in 2017, with in excess of 2.8 million man-hours worked to year end December 2018.

The Company continued its strong commitment to social and economic development in the communities in which it 
works. During the year the Company spent in excess of ZAR7.2 million on its Social Labour Plan (“SLP”) initiatives, 
including approximately ZAR5.6 million on human resources development initiatives, incorporating bursaries, 
scholarships, traineeships, apprenticeships and adult basic education and training (“ABET”) programs The Company 
continued to sponsor full-time Mathematics and English teachers at various local primary and secondary schools in 
Tormin’s local South African Matzikama Municipality.

In addition, Local Enterprise Development (“LED”) investment in community infrastructure exceeded ZAR1.6 million. 
The Company identified and has procured long lead materials for a new fit-out of the Nuwerus High School boarding 
house, located in the Matzikama Municipality. The Tormin Operation supported small business development and 
purchased an 8-tonne FAW truck and transferred ownership to a local small business operator, with the operator 
becoming a courier for the mine. The Company will also be supporting another local small business operator in 2019 
to establish a local fisheries distribution company.

The Company’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (“BBBEE”) preferential procurement with Historically 
Disadvantaged South Africans (“HDSA”) in 2018 was approximately ZAR398 million (2017: ZAR336 million), 
exceeding all targets set in this regard.

TORMIN – OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

The Company continued its strong operating performance during 2018. The following key production and sales 
metrics were achieved:

Production and Sales Summary

Mining Production

Tonnes (dmt)

Grade:

 - Garnet

 - Ilmenite

 - Zircon

 - Rutile

 - Leucoxene

Garnet Stripping Plant / Secondary Concentrator Plant

Tonnes processed (dmt)

Tonnes produced

 - Garnet concentrate (dmt, net of refeed)

 - Ilmenite concentrate (dmt, net of refeed)

 - Zircon/Rutile concentrate (dmt)

% zircon in concentrate

% rutile in concentrate

Sales

Tonnes sold

 - Garnet concentrate (wmt)

 - Ilmenite concentrate (wmt)

 - Zircon/Rutile concentrate (wmt)

Full Year ended 
31 December 2018

Full Year ended 
31 December 2017

2,650,099

2,052,621

17.35%

12.55%

3.14%

0.55%

0.38%

0.73%

858,631

278,205

108,630

16,996

68.31%

17.43%

213,281

106,750

17,968

26.97%

19.74%

5.25%

1.03%

0.49%

0.46%

843,567

211,393

138,913

22,111

70.66%

17.70%

243,962

282,098

23,152

9

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Run of Mine (“ROM”) production for the 2018 year of 2,650,099 tonnes (2017: 2,052,621 tonnes) was achieved, being 
29% above the previous year. The increase in ore mined for the year reflects continued strong mining performance 
aimed at providing adequate ROM buffer stocks and ensuring sufficient feed for the improved primary beach 
concentrator throughput rates that was achieved in 2018.

ROM ore grading 17.35% Valuable Heavy Minerals (“VHM”) was mined for the year, consisting of a garnet grade 
12.55%, ilmenite grade 3.14%, zircon grade 0.55% and rutile grade 0.38%. The VHM grade diminished from the 
previous year in line with expectations, and was above the Annual Tormin Mineral Resource VHM grade of 15.92% 
released in February 2018. 

Primary Beach Concentrator (“PBC”) plant feed rates, availability and mineral recoveries for the 2018 year were a 
record, with PBC feed of 2,433,801 tonnes, being 26% above the previous year (2017: 1,924,795 tonnes).

The PBC operated at an average combined 296tph (tonnes per hour) at a 93.7% utilisation (of total time) to achieve 
the record annual plant feed, with the performance significantly above the prior year’s 242tph at 90.7% utilisation. 
Combined with the Tailings Scavenger Plants (“TSP”), the PBC/TSP recoveries increased in comparison to the 
previous year for all valuable minerals, with zircon recoveries exceeding 93%, and recoveries of other valuable 
minerals exceeding 87%.

The Garnet Stripping Plant / Secondary Concentrator Plant (“GSP/SCP”) availability and mineral recoveries for the 
2018 year were also a record. Total GSP feed of 858,631 tonnes (2017: 843,567 tonnes) included 151,031 tonnes 
of previously stockpiled garnet concentrate that was re-processed to extract excess zircon, to produce a medium 
grade ilmenite concentrate and to increase the garnet concentrate grade and revenues. The GSP operated at an 
average 105tphr at a 93.8% utilisation (of total time) to achieve the record annual plant feed, compared to the prior 
year’s 109tphr at 88.6% utilisation.

Zircon/rutile concentrate production for the year of 16,996 tonnes produced (2017: 22,111 tonnes) was below prior 
year production due to the lower mined grades, being offset in part by improved processing plant throughput, 
availability and recoveries. Contained zircon of 68.31% in concentrate was slightly below the prior year’s contained 
zircon of 70.66%, whilst contained rutile of 17.43% in concentrate was aligned to the previous year’s contained rutile 
of 17.70%.

Ilmenite concentrate production for the year was 108,630 tonnes (2017: 138,913 tonnes net of refeed) was also 
below prior year production due to the lower mined grades, partially offset by improved processing plant throughput, 
availability and recoveries in addition to ilmenite extracted from garnet concentrate re-feed campaigns.

Garnet concentrate production for the year of 278,205 tonnes net of refeed (2017: 211,393 tonnes net of refeed) was 
achieved at a significantly improved +77% grade of contained garnet in concentrate. Net production increases for 
the year were due to substantially higher processing plant recoveries and throughput achieved, more than offsetting 
lower mined grades and the impact on net garnet concentrate volumes produced as ilmenite, zircon and rutile were 
extracted to their payable concentrates during garnet concentrate refeed campaigns.

TORMIN COSTS

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

Summary of Unit Costs & Revenues

Mining cash costs per tonne of ore mined ($/t ore)

Processing cash costs per tonne of ore processed ($/t ore)

Production cash costs per tonne of net final concentrates produced ($/dmt)

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

Revenue per tonne of final concentrates sold ($/wmt)

Revenue to cost of goods sold ratio

2018 
Full Year

2.72

4.84

57.68

110.08

156.95

1.43

2017 
Full Year

1.92

5.79

50.31

77.47

113.33

1.46

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.

10

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Mining cash cost per tonne of ore mined for the year was $2.72/t (2017: $1.92/t), with cost increases over the prior 
year due to higher diesel prices and additional maintenance on an aging fleet.

Processing cash cost per tonne of ore processed for the year was $4.84/t (2017: $5.79/t), with the unit cost decrease 
over the prior year due to the substantially higher PBC throughput rate, partially offset by increased diesel prices 
impacting diesel powered generation costs.

Production cash costs per net tonne of zircon/rutile, ilmenite and garnet concentrate produced for the year was 
$57.68/t (2017: $50.31/t), with the cost increase over prior year due to additional mining activity, processing plant 
utilisation and PBC throughput required to compensate for decreasing mine grades, coupled with higher diesel 
prices and additional maintenance.

Cost of goods sold per tonne sold for the year was $110.08/t (2017: $77.47/t), with the increase in unit costs over 
the prior year due to higher production cash costs and a change in the mix of products sold with a greater relative 
proportion of high value zircon/rutile concentrate sold in the 2018 year.

TORMIN – SALES AND MARKETING

Sales revenue for the year was $53.5 million (2017: $60.9 million), with the decrease in revenue over the prior year 
due to lower concentrate shipments, partially offset by higher zircon, rutile and ilmenite concentrate prices achieved.

Zircon/rutile concentrate shipments for the year were 17,968 tonnes (2017: 23,152 tonnes), with available sales 
volumes impacted by lower mined grades. Irrespective of the tonnes sold, revenue generated in 2018 from zircon/
rutile concentrate sales was materially higher than prior year, with the Company able to achieve a year-on-year 
average price increase of circa 45% for its contained zircon in concentrate and circa 65% for its contained rutile in 
concentrate.

The Company’s zircon/rutile concentrate is the highest grade zircon concentrate being delivered into China, and 
the Company continues to experience strong demand and pricing support for this product. Whilst zircon and rutile 
prices are expected to moderate during the course of 2019 from the peaks achieved during 2018, it is currently 
expected that on a year-on-year basis the average price for both zircon and rutile in 2019 should be aligned with or 
marginally higher than that achieved in 2018. 

Ilmenite concentrate shipments for the year were 106,750 tonnes (2017: 282,098 tonnes), with the lower shipments in 
2018 a result of a planned 50,000 tonne shipment delayed to the first quarter of 2019 and a substantive drawdown 
during the course of 2017 on previously stockpiled inventories. The impact of lower ilmenite revenues arising from 
less shipment volumes was partially offset by the Company achieving in 2018 a year-on-year average price increase 
of circa 25% for its ilmenite concentrate.

The Company also continues to experience strong demand and pricing support for its ilmenite concentrate. Whilst 
demand and pricing of titanium feedstocks are expected to moderate over the course of 2019, the Company is 
currently expecting that on a year-on-year basis the average prices for the Company’s ilmenite concentrate in 2019 
should be aligned with or marginally higher than that achieved in 2018.

Garnet concentrate sales for the year were 213,281 wet metric tonnes (2017: 243,962 wet metric tonnes) shipped or 
stockpiled under a life of mine Offtake Agreement with GMA Garnet Group (“GMA”). The GMA Offtake Agreement 
was amended in 2017, with the parties agreeing for GMA to take by shipment or to stockpile 240,000 dry metric 
tonnes for 2017, reverting back to the original 210,000 dry metric tonnes contracted for the balance of the life of 
mine.

Unit revenue per tonne of total zircon/rutile, ilmenite and garnet concentrates sold for the year was $156.95/t (2017 
$113.33/t). The increase in the average concentrate price over the prior year was due to improved pricing for the 
Company’s zircon/rutile and ilmenite concentrates, and a change in the relative mix of products sold with a greater 
relative proportion of high value zircon/rutile concentrate sold in the 2018 year.

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TORMIN – WORK-IN-PROGRESS AND FINAL CONCENTRATE INVENTORY

The Company is pleased to be able to report that inventories of work-in-progress (“WIP”) and final concentrates 
at 31 December 2018 remain strong and will further assist in underpinning future production performance, sales/
shipments and operating cash generation.

These stock holdings are summarised as follows:

WIP & Finished Goods 
at 31 Dec 2018

WIP & Finished Goods 
at 31 Dec 2017

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, Saldanha Bay, in-transit or 
held on behalf of GMA)

73,036

8,297

1,116

82,844

35,568

93,421

1,362

26,584

705,655

684,882

Heavy mineral concentrate (‘HMC’) stockpiles were substantially lower at 31 December 2018. During the year, HMC 
production was supplemented by garnet concentrate re-feed campaigns. Following the completion of this garnet 
re-feed campaign, there will be available capacity in the GSP/SCP circuit which will need to be addressed going 
forward due to the reduction in PBC feed grade which is directly related to the lower ROM grades as current HMC 
production is not sufficient to feed the capacity of the GSP/SCP circuit.

Ilmenite concentrate finished goods increased by 31 December 2018, with a bulk ilmenite concentrate shipment 
planned for the last quarter of 2018 to be shipped in the first quarter of 2019.

TORMIN – RESOURCE 

The annual Tormin Mineral Resource review was completed in February 2019, with results as follows:

Category

Indicated Resource – Dec 2013

Tonnes Mined – FY2014

Inferred Resource – Dec 2014

Tonnes Mined – FY2015

Inferred Resource – Dec 2015

Tonnes Mined – FY2016

Inferred Resource – Dec 2016

Tonnes Mined – FY2017

Inferred Resource – Dec 2017

Tonnes Mined – FY2018

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

1.80

2.65

49.40%

53.83%

38.14%

49.57%

28.01%

45.97%

28.08%

27.57%

15.92%

17.35%

14.16%

10.60%

17.26%

10.05%

16.15%

6.97%

12.97%

6.15%

5.81%

2.72%

3.14%

2.30%

3.40%

4.76%

2.21%

3.88%

1.56%

2.78%

1.65%

1.10%

0.79%

0.55%

0.43%

0.70%

0.65%

0.46%

0.60%

0.55%

0.61%

0.53%

0.50%

0.43%

0.38%

0.19%

25.30%

31.16%

25.22%

28.94%

18.54%

29.21%

18.99%

19.40%

11.45%

12.55%

7.90%

Inferred Resource – Dec 2018 (3)

2.27 (2)

Includes other valuable heavy minerals e.g. leucoxene and magnetite

(1) 
(2)  5% Heavy Mineral (“HM”) cut-off grade used 
(3)  Refer ASX Release of 28 February 2019

Since commencement of operations at Tormin, the Company has mined in excess of 9.2 million tonnes. The tonnage 
mined is materially more than the original Indicated Resource of 2.7 million tonnes, which is supportive of the 
replenishing nature of the deposit where resource blocks are mined more than once per year.

The inferred resources tonnage has increased to 2.27 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 14.16% at a cut-off grade of 5% Heavy 
Mineral (“HM”).

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MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

A total of 2.65 million tonnes was mined during the financial year ended 31 December 2018 at a total HM grade of 
17.35%, significantly exceeding the December 2017 Inferred Resource of 1.8 million tonnes at a grade of 15.92% HM. 
During the 2018 year the Company has effectively mined 147% of the December 2017 Inferred Resource at a 9% 
higher grade than that inferred, supporting the strong replenishment properties of the Tormin beach.

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 – PERMITTING

The Section 24G Application determination was received in December 2018, and a fine of ZAR1.25 million (US$0.1 
million) was imposed on the Company.

The Company considers the fine excessive given the nature of the alleged minor infringements and the fact that the 
Department of Mineral Resources (“DMR”) had previously given permission to commence the activities under the 
Environmental Management Programme (“EMP”). The Company is liaising with the relevant committee in an attempt 
to negotiate a lower fine. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company will not be formally appealing the determination.

During the September 2018 quarter, the Company reported that it had lodged its financial performance bond for the 
Klipvley Karoo Kop Prospecting Right Application (10259 PR) covering the farming area to the north of the current 
Tormin operations. Subsequently, the Company received notification from the DMR of the refusal of an Environmental 
Authorisation Application (“EAA”) for the Prospecting Right, which was the final step for the granting of the 
Prospecting Right to this area. The Company has filed an Appeal against the refusal of the EAA and considers there 
are strong technical and legal grounds for the Appeal to be successful.

In early 2019, EAA approval was received in respect of the Company’s Prospection Right Applications 10261 PR and 
10262 PR.

The Company is still awaiting a decision regarding the environmental approval Appeal submitted in June 2018 for the 
De Punt Prospecting Right Application (10240 PR), which is situated directly adjoining the southern boundary of the 
Company owned Geelwal Karoo Farm where the Tormin operations are located.

These prospecting right areas are not core to and will not affect the current Tormin mining operations and planned 
expansion covered under the Section 102 Extended Mining Rights Application (“Section 102 Application”).

As previously reported, the Company has lodged a Section 102 Application for the adjoining northern beaches 
and the inland strand deposits located on the Company owned freehold farm land. The Section 102 Application 
includes the preparation and submission of a full Mining Work Programme, which details a minimum 10-year mine life 
program on the expanded areas covered under the application. On granting of the requisite permitting, the Company 
intends to adopt a phased development program with an initial increase in primary beach concentration capacity 
and subsequently incorporate the construction of a Mineral Separation Plant (“MSP”) to produce final products from 
the Company’s concentrates.

The Company has concluded all aspects of the Section 102 Application public participation process. The final 
versions of the Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) and EMP reports with all public comments were submitted 
on 13 November 2018. The DMR now has 107 days to hand down a final decision, which, based on the legislative 
timeframes, is by 24 March 2019.

The Mining Right Renewal applications for both the current Tormin Mining Rights (162 and 163) were submitted to 
the DMR in August 2018. These applications are under consideration and a decision is also expected in March 2019. 
The Company is able to continue to operate whilst the renewal application process takes its due course.

The Company maintains its optimism in the push by the current government and the DMR to reinvigorate mining 
in South Africa and is confident, whilst the process has been frustrating in the past, that the quality of its assets in 
South Africa warrant persistence to ensure that permitting for the Tormin mine expansion is given every opportunity 
of success. 

XOLOBENI MINERAL SANDS PROJECT

Since his appointment in February 2018, the Minister of Mines for South Africa, the Honourable Gwede Mantashe, 
has undertaken a number of visits to the Xolobeni project area in an attempt to understand the community issues 
between the pro and anti-mining groups. The intention of the Minister’s intervention, as publicly stated, is to resolve 
the impasse in relation to the progression of mining in the area.

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MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

The Company, through its subsidiary Transworld Energy and Minerals Resources (SA) (Pty) Ltd) (“TEM”), has been 
engaged as a respondent in litigation with Xolobeni traditional land owners. In a landmark decision, the High Court 
of South Africa has ruled against the Company and the DMR in finding that the fully informed consent from affected 
traditional land owners who hold informal land rights under the Interim Protection of Informal Land Rights Act 
(“IPILRA”) must be obtained prior to the granting of any mining rights. This ruling is in conflict with the current Mineral 
and Petroleum Resources Development Act (“MPRDA”) legislation which provides for consultation, not consent, 
which is vested in the competent authority, the DMR. The decision has been appealed by various groups including 
the Chamber of Mines in South Africa and the DMR.

The Company continues to consider that the Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project has compelling socio-economic 
benefits for the area and can be developed in conjunction with the eco-tourism and agricultural initiatives that are 
being put forward by various stakeholders.

2018 MINING CHARTER

On 27 September 2018, the Minister of Mines for South Africa, the Honourable Gwede Mantashe, published the 
Broad-Based Black Socio-Economic Empowerment Charter for the South African Mining and Minerals Industry, 
2018 (“Mining Charter, 2018”). 

This sets out the composition of the required minimum 30% Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (“BBBEE”) 
shareholding. 

Applications for mining rights that are pending at the commencement of the Mining Charter, 2018 will be granted 
if the applicants have a 26% BBBEE shareholding in place (in accordance with the 2010 Mining Charter) with a 
requirement to increase to 30% within five years. There appears to be no restriction in respect of the commercial 
nature of the equity increase (i.e. sale or subscription and dilution), the class of beneficiary (it can be a community, 
an entrepreneur or employees) or in respect of the level within a company at which the transaction is implemented 
(holding level or asset level).

For new mining rights to be issued, there will be a requirement for the mining right to be held 30% by BBBEE 
shareholders, with a minimum 20% to be held by a BBBEE entrepreneur and 5% to be held by HDSA employees. 
Significantly, 5% of the employees’ stake will be a free carry and non-transferable. Communities must hold an equity 
equivalent 5% interest in the mining right.

For new mining rights to be issued, there will be a requirement that 1% of Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, 
Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”) is paid to communities and employees as a trickle dividend from the sixth 
year of a mining right until dividends are declared or at any point in a 12-month period where dividends are not 
declared.

The Mining Charter, 2018 will increase the target to procure services from BBBEE entities from 70% to 80% and 
increase the target to procure goods from BBBEE entities from 50% (in respect of consumer goods) and 40% (in 
respect of capital goods) to 70%. Up to 5% of the total procurement budget on mining goods and up to 10% of 
budget on services may be offset using supplier and/or enterprise development.

The Company is currently assessing the impacts of the Mining Charter, 2018.

The Company’s operating subsidiary for the Tormin Mineral Sands Operation, Mineral Sands Resources (Pty) Ltd 
(“MSR”), has a 50% BBBEE shareholding. Irrespective of the fact that MSR’s 50% BBBEE shareholding exceeds 
the minimum 30% shareholding required under the Mining Charter, 2018, and that MSR already has mining right 
applications in place, the Company is currently considering appropriate amendments in the ownership structure of 
MSR to comply with the full intentions of the new Mining Charter, 2018.

The Company’s subsidiary for the Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project, Transworld Energy and Minerals Resources (SA) 
(Pty) Ltd) (“TEM”), has a 26% BBBEE shareholding. As this 26% BBBEE shareholding is less than the minimum 30% 
BBBEE shareholding required under the Mining Charter, 2018, the Company will be giving due consideration at the 
appropriate time to the necessary amendments in the ownership structure of TEM to comply with the full intentions 
of the Mining Charter, 2018. 

MUNGLINUP GRAPHITE PROJECT

MRC Graphite Pty Ltd (“MRCG”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, continued to progress the Munglinup 
Graphite Project during 2018. Following the Pre-Feasibility Study (“PFS”) results, released to the ASX on 30 May 
2018, a Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) was commissioned, with Battery Limits engaged to manage the DFS.

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MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyThe PFS results demonstrated the project’s potential as a robust, low capital and low operating cost operation.  
The PFS highlighted:

DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

•  A post-tax project NPV of A$139 million;

•  A post-tax project IRR of 48%;

•  Average annual EBIT of A$42.4 million; and

•  Net cash flow of A$216.5 million.

An Ore Reserve of 3.4 million tonnes at an average grade of 15.9% Total Graphitic Carbon (“TGC”) was declared 
in the PFS, comprising a Proven Reserve of 1.4 million tonnes at 15.8% TGC and a Probable Reserve of 2.0 million 
tonnes at 16.0% TGC. The expected minimum mine life is nine years with an average annual production of 54,800t of 
graphite concentrate.

MRCG has made considerable progress throughout the 2018 year in advancing the Munglinup Graphite 
Project, through significant activities across metallurgical test work, resource evaluation, drilling, core sampling, 
environmental studies and hydrological/geotechnical drilling in its DFS. 

As part of the DFS, the Company carried out optimisation test work on flake size distribution and final grades of the 
concentrate with results, as released on 22 October 2018, confirming graphite concentrate flake size distribution and 
grade improvements.

The results showed that the coarse flake fraction (+150µm) can be maintained at around 50% of the concentrate at 
high average Total Graphite Content (“TGC”) grades (up to 97.7%) and that high-grade fines (-150µm) concentrate 
can be produced with up to an average of 98.3% TGC across the finer size fractions. The Company is particularly 
pleased with the high grades achieved for the finer flakes and the mass split to the coarse fraction. 

The Company remains on schedule to deliver the Munglinup Graphite Project DFS in March 2019. Permitting 
for the project is ongoing with the environmental approvals currently under consideration by the relevant 
government departments. The project was referred to the Department of Environment and Energy (Federal) and 
the Environmental Protection Authority (State) in November 2018 for assessment. MRCG is awaiting the outcomes 
of these assessments which are expected to be finalised shortly. It is hoped that the outcomes will be positive for 
MRCG allowing for onsite construction to begin later in the year after the annual wet period, however, should the 
worst-case scenario be realised, it is possible that a delay of 54 to 70 weeks may be incurred.

During the year, the Company acquired E74/565, an exploration licence adjoining the mining lease hosting the 
Munglinup graphite deposit. Previous airborne geophysical surveys undertaken in 2011 resulted in the identification 
of significant anomalies within the Company’s current mining lease that extend into E74/565. The acquisition 
of this adjoining exploration licence will provide significant benefit to the Munglinup Graphite Project in terms of 
consolidation of mineral prospectivity, and availability of additional areas for infrastructure.

Expandable graphite testwork, conducted by European consultancy group Dorfner ANZAPLAN, was completed with 
results released on 10 May 2018. The results exhibited excellent expandable volumes for Munglinup graphite of 400 
ml/g for coarse (+300 micron) flakes and expansion volumes of 305 ml/g for medium (+180 to -300 micron) flakes. 
The graphite was shown to be suitable for a broad range of expandable graphite markets.

The Company also executed a Research Agreement with the University of Adelaide (“UoA”), for the testing of 
graphite concentrate from Munglinup for the production of graphene and graphene related products, using the 
University’s proprietary methods. UoA is at the forefront of graphene research in Australia, leading the Australian 
Research Council (“ARC”) research hub for graphene. The Research Agreement is focused on developing graphene 
production routes that are low cost, environmentally friendly and scalable. This proof of concept study, if successful, 
will be followed by a pilot scale program.

The Company also announced on 13 December 2018 an additional one year extension to the Memorandum of 
Understanding (“MOU”) between MRCG and Doral Fused Materials Pty Ltd (“Doral”), a wholly owned subsidiary 
of Iwatani Corporation, for exclusive access to the Doral fused alumina facility site. As previously announced, the 
fused alumina facility has been identified as a possible site for downstream graphite processing due to the existing 
infrastructure, permitting, access to power and connectivity.

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MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

IRAN

The Company has continued to actively establish its presence in Iran and has reviewed in excess of 36 greenfields, 
brownfields and operating mining projects. 

The unilateral withdrawal in May 2018 by the United States of America from the United Nation (“UN”) sanctioned 
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has provided a significant obstacle to expanding the Company’s footprint in 
Iran. Management is actively monitoring the situation and remains committed to extracting value from its first mover 
advantage in Iran.

AUSTRALIAN EXPLORATION

The Company, via its wholly owned subsidiary, MRC Exploration Australia Pty Ltd (“MRCEA”), has acquired eight 
new exploration licences and has entered into joint venture agreements on two other exploration tenements in 
Western Australia. The Company is targeting lithium (Yandeyarra and Geraldton Prospects), channel iron (Glen Florrie 
Prospect), gold-copper (Doolgunna and Cave Hill Prospects) and vanadium (Triple Eight Prospect). Exploration work 
completed on the Doolgunna Prospect is reported separately below.

These additional Australian exploration licences also support the Company’s long-term strategy of commodity 
diversification through exploration upside. Exploration work in these areas involves a $1.5 million fully funded 
minimum commitment over the next two years.

During 2018, the following activities were conducted on the Company’s exploration prospects in Western Australia:

•  Glen Florrie Prospect - The Company commenced negotiations on access arrangements with the pastoral lease 

holder underlying the Glen Florrie Prospect;

•  Geraldton Prospect - Applications have been submitted for two tenements considered prospective for lithium 

and tantalum bearing pegmatite in the Mid West region;

• 

  Collie Triple Eight Titanomagnetite Project - The Company entered into an option agreement to acquire the 
historic Triple Eight Titanomagnetite Project near Collie in Western Australia. The acquisition comprises an 
active mining lease that expires on 25 June 2038, with the initial option to earn 51% for a cash consideration of 
A$25,000 and a minimum expenditure of A$250,000. 

 Subject to satisfaction of the initial option, the Company has a right to purchase the remaining 49% for 
A$500,000. The acquisition of this prospective vanadium project is consistent with the Company’s corporate 
strategy of geopolitical diversification and targeting commodities crucial to the battery technology revolution 
taking place;

•  Yandeyarra Prospect - The Company is working towards a heritage agreement with the Yamatji Marlpa 

Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the relevant native title holders and has engaged with the Mugarinya 
Community Association with a view to negotiating an access agreement allowing access to the Yandeyarra 
Reserve; and

•  Doolgunna Gold and Copper Prospect – as described following.

DOOLGUNNA GOLD AND COPPER PROSPECT

During the first half of the 2018 year, MRCEA conducted a first phase exploration and bulk sampling campaign 
to confirm historical intersections and gold recoveries along a quartz reef known as the Revere Reef located on 
tenement E51/1766.

There are other targets and gold occurrences on the Doolgunna tenements, however the Revere Reef was assigned 
priority status due to its potential to host high-grade gold associated with strong metasomatic alteration and 
outcrops of quartz reef and stockwork structures.

The Company announced on 5 September 2018 outstanding assay results from its bulk sampling and RC drilling 
program, with 17 g/t Au to 326 g/t Au calculated gold grades from bulk sample testing over a 900m section of 
exposed quartz reef. These initial bulk sample results and first-pass drilling campaign confirm that the Revere Reef 
system is a priority target for the discovery of a significant high-grade gold deposit.

A 41-hole RC drilling program for 1,500m was completed during the September 2018 quarter and was focused 
along a NE-trending alteration system within the Doolgunna formation which hosts the Revere Reef system. The 
holes intersected several narrow, low grade intervals of gold mineralisation based on the assay results received from 
conventional 50g fire assay analysis. The lower than expected assay results most likely reflect a high nugget gold 
distribution, consistent with the very coarse, visible gold observed in rock chip samples of the reef. As a result, the 
future analysis of drill samples has adopted methods considered more appropriate for coarse gold detection.

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DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

To further investigate the potential of a high nugget gold distribution, five bulk samples were collected from 
three shallow prospecting pits located along a 900 metre section of the Revere Reef system. After some on-site 
processing, the final concentrates of three samples were submitted to the Perth Mint for grade determination.  
All bulk samples returned highly encouraging calculated gold results as summarised in the below table.

Bulk sampling grade results

Area

Main reef contact zone – not quartz, Central Pit

Main quartz reef in Central Pit

South Pit – near surface sample

Sample (kg)

293.4

271.6

258.5

Recovered Gold 
(Perth Mint – grams)

95.58

82.25

4.44

Au Grade (g/t)

325.77

302.84

17.18

A drilling and trenching program was commenced at Doolgunna during the December 2018 quarter in response to 
the encouraging results seen during the first exploration program. A further 7,345m were drilled and a bulk sampling 
program was completed. The program will concentrate on trying to deliver a Mineral Resource on previously 
identified high-grade gold mineralisation zones. This drilling and trenching program will allow MRC to fully investigate 
the near surface potential of this identified reef discovery.

CONSOLIDATED RESULT AND FINANCIAL POSITION

Revenue for the year was $55.4 million (2017: $62.6 million), a 12% decrease on the prior year. Lower sales revenue 
was due to substantially lower concentrate volumes shipped during the current year, partially offset by higher zircon, 
rutile and ilmenite concentrate prices achieved.

Gross profit margins were generally maintained, with the Revenue to Cost of Goods Sold Ratio for the year of 1.43 
(2017: 1.46), as the impacts of decreasing mine grades and production cash cost increases were mostly offset 
by improved processing plant performance and higher sales prices achieved for the Company’s zircon, rutile and 
ilmenite concentrates.

Corporate administration and share incentive expenses for the year of $7.4 million (2017: $5.8 million) were incurred, 
with the increase over the prior year a result of the Company investing in greater management talent with the aim 
of executing its strategic growth initiatives, in addition to full amortisation on long term incentive performance rights 
exceeding the pre-established exercise price.

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation for the Group (“EBITDA”) was $14.7 million (2017: 
$19.1 million), a 23% decrease on the prior year. The lower overall sales volumes and revenue, in-conjunction with 
increased corporate overheads translated into the lower reported EBITDA for the 2018 year, when compared to 2017 
results. 

Net finance costs for 2018 of $0.1 million (2017: $0.8 million net finance income) were reported, with the prior 
financial year’s reported net finance income assisted by foreign currency hedging gains.

The profit before income tax expense (“NPBT”) was $10.4 million (2017: $14.0 million), a 25% decrease on the prior 
year.

The profit of the consolidated entity after income tax attributable to members of the parent entity (“NPAT”) for 2018 
year was $8.8 million (2017: $9.9 million), an 11% decrease on the prior year.

The main contributors towards the decreased NPAT when compared to 2017 results, were the lower shipping 
volumes and mined grades, and increased diesel, maintenance, corporate and net finance costs. The impacts of 
these were partially offset by improved sales pricing and plant performance, and a lower effective tax rate for the 
current year of 16% (2017: 29%).

At 31 December 2018, the Company had $12.4 million in cash (2017: $11.0 million), with trade and other receivables 
of $6.0 million (2017: $6.1 million).

Net working capital as at 31 December 2018 was $13.4 million (2017: $15.8 million).

Borrowings as at 31 December 2018 were $5.1 million (2017: $4.2 million). The increased borrowings reflect 
additional debt funding for six new 745 Articulated Dump Trucks for the Tormin Operation, partially offset by $1.5 
million repayments against the GMA loan facility previously provided to finance Tormin’s Garnet Stripping Plant.

Net assets of the Group as at 31 December 2018 were $42.1 million (2017: $45.9 million). Contributing to the 
decrease in reported net assets were foreign exchange differences on translation of foreign owned operations due 
to a significant weakening of the Rand from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018, and a restatement of retained 

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earnings at 1 January 2018 arising from the application of the new accounting standard AASB 15 Revenue for 
Contracts with Customers. Further information regarding the impacts of the application of AASB 15 Revenue for 
Contracts with Customers is contained in Note 1.8 of the Financial Statements.

Strong net cash inflow from operating activities for the year of $14.5 million (2017: $22.3 million) continued to fund the 
Company’s significant investment program and dividend distributions.

Net cash investments in acquisitions, exploration, feasibility studies, mine development, property, plant and 
equipment during 2018 totalled $9.3 million (2017: $5.4 million) 

The Company’s dividend payment strategy to provide cash returns to shareholders continued, with a further $3.8 
million (2017: $5.2 million) distributed in dividends during 2018. 

CORPORATE AND FINANCIAL

The Board of the Company was pleased to be able to declare and pay during the year a 0.7 Australian cent per 
share final dividend in respect of the 2017 year, followed by an interim dividend for the half year ended 2018 of 0.6 
Australian cent per ordinary share.

Subsequent to year end, the Directors declared a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2018 of 0.7 
Australian cent per ordinary share, partially franked to 15% of the ordinary dividend (or partially franked to 0.105 
Australian cent per ordinary share). This equates to a total distribution of A$2,947,641 based on the number of 
ordinary shares on issue at the date of this report. As the dividend was partially franked, there are income tax 
consequences for the owners of the Company relating to this dividend. 

The current and expected future cash position and earnings of the Company is expected to continue to provide for 
the payment of future dividends as part of the Company’s overall capital management strategy.

The Company continues to actively pursue business development opportunities in the industrial minerals, base 
metals and precious metals sectors, in accordance with the Company’s strategy to diversify both in commodities 
and jurisdictions.

OUTLOOK 

Tormin operations will continue to focus on optimising the mining and processing value chain to deliver results 
in line with 2018 figures. In addition, a concerted effort will continue to be made to secure the full granting of the 
Company’s current mining right renewal application, the Section 102 application for expanded mining rights and its 
prospecting right applications.

Until such time that additional permitting is granted allowing an expansion and access to the inland strand and 
northern beach resources, the Company recognises it will need to continue to address 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 Definitive Feasibility Study for the Munglinup Graphite Project and 
expedite the requisite studies and regulatory approvals to fast track this project to development.

The advancement of the permitting process in South Africa for the expansion of the Tormin mining operation, 
combined with the progress of the tier 1 jurisdiction Munglinup Graphite Project and the success of the initial drilling 
at the Doolgunna Gold Prospect in Western Australia, sees the Company well positioned in 2019 to deliver on its 
stated expansion and diversification business development strategy.

Significant changes in the state of affairs
Details of the year’s operational performance and the resulting financial impact are 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.

18

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

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. 

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. 

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.

19

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

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

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

Mining

Granted – subject to renewal 
application

Granted – subject to renewal 
application

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

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

Mining

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

Prospecting

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

Prospecting

Granted

Granted

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

Prospecting

EA Refused – under appeal

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

Prospecting

EA granted subject to appeal

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

Prospecting

EA granted subject to appeal

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

Prospecting

EA granted subject to appeal

Xolobeni - 
Kwanyana block

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

Prospecting

Xolobeni

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

Mining

Subject to moratorium - 
Converting to Mining Right

Subject to moratorium - 
Under Application

Australia

Cave Hill

E51/1867

Exploration

Granted

Doolgunna

E51/1766

Exploration

Granted

Doolgunna – Bone

E51/1770

Doolgunna – Lucky 
Dog

Doolgunna – Lucky 
Dog

P51/2787

P51/2788

Glen Florrie

ELA08/2963

Exploration

Granted

Exploration

Granted

Exploration

Exploration

Granted

Granted

Harvey Vanadium

M70/888

Mining

Granted

Paynes Find

M59/714

Paynes Find – Edon 
Pegmatites

E59/2325

Paynes Find – 
Wydgee Pegmatites E59/2326

Mining

In Transfer

Exploration

Granted

Exploration

Granted

100% (90%)

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

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

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

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

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

100% (90%)

0% (Option to 
earn-in up to 
100%)

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

100% (90%)

51% (Option to 
acquire 90%)

51% (Option to 
acquire 90%)

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Munglinup

M74/245

Mining

Granted

Munglinup

Munglinup

Yandeyarra

Yandeyarra

Yandeyarra

Yandeyarra

E74/505

E74/565

E47/3884

E47/3885

E47/3916

E45/5109

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Granted

Granted

Granted

Granted

Granted

Granted

20

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

Information on Directors

Mark Victor Caruso 

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

Age 57

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

Connexion Telematics Ltd 

Former directorships in the last 3 years

Perpetual Resources Limited

Special responsibilities

Chairman of the Board 
Chief Executive Officer

Interests in shares and options

79,514,228 ordinary shares in the Company – indirect 
holding ¹ 
15,784 ordinary shares in the Company – direct holding

Joseph Anthony Caruso 

Non-Executive Director 

Age 73

Experience and expertise

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

78,007,485 ordinary shares in the Company ¹

Peter Patrick Torre CA, AGIA, MAICD 

Non-Executive Director and Company Secretary 

Age 47

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

Volt Power Group Limited 
VEEM Ltd

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

1,625,000 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 78,007,485 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 2018For personal use only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 49

Experience and expertise

Mr Walker is a highly accomplished director and senior investment management executive with over 22 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

None

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

1,200,000 ordinary shares in the Company

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

Age 68

Independent Non-Executive Director 

Experience and expertise

Mr Ross Hastings was appointed as a non-executive Director in April 2015. He is a geologist with over 32 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

Special responsibilities

None

Former directorships in the last 3 years

Perpetual Resources Limited

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

Interests in shares and performance rights

1,150,000 ordinary shares in the Company

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 2018

Received as 
remuneration

Increase as 
a result of 
performance 
rights exercised

Indirect

Direct

Mark Caruso

Joseph Caruso

Peter Torre

Guy Walker

Ross Hastings

Tony Sheard

Surinder Ghag

Bahman Rashidi

Fletcher Hancock

22

79,164,228

15,784

77,007,485

625,000

200,000

150,000

250,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

2,000,000

-

-

-

Purchased on 
market

Balance as at 
31 December 
2018

350,000

79,514,228

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

15,784

78,007,485

1,625,000

1,200,000

1,150,000

2,250,000

-

-

-

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

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 2018, 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

6

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

8

0

8

8

B

0

7

0

8

8

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.

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.  Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration

B.  Details of remuneration

C.  Service agreements

D.  Share-based compensation

E.  Additional information

F.  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. 

23

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only 
DI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

There were short term cash incentives provided to the Executive Chairman, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), Technical 
Services Manager (“TSM”) and Group Legal Counsel (“GLC”). 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 2018, the short term cash bonus incentives were up to 25% of base pay calculated on Company 
performance and other key performance indicators. Directors’ fees are fixed. 

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

Closing share price (AUD)

Dividends paid (AUD)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

8,823,231

17.0 cents

5,431,140

9,932,930

13.0 cents

6,884,012

3,777,834

13.0 cents

4,049,416

10,576,785

10.0 cents

-

8,376,344

11.0 cents

-

Voting and comments made at the Company’s 2018 Annual General Meeting

The Company received more than 25% votes against the approval of the Remuneration Report, and as such, has 
recorded its first strike in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001. Following the 2018 Annual General Meeting, 
the Remuneration and Nomination Committee formally sought explanations from certain shareholders on the 
reasons why votes were cast against the Remuneration Report. Information was received by the Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee and considered in light of the reasons provided.

B.  DETAILS OF REMUNERATION

The key management personnel of the Group are: 

• 

the Directors of the Company; 

•  Mr Tony Sheard, the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”); 

•  Mr Surinder Ghag, the Technical Services Manager (“TSM”), appointed on 4 September 2017;

•  Mr Bahman Rashidi, the General Manager – Iran, (“GM Iran”) appointed on 1 October 2017;

•  Mr Fletcher Hancock, the Group Legal Counsel (“GLC”), appointed on 11 May 2018; and 

•  Mr Logan Francis, the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), appointed on 17 October 2016, resigned on 24 May 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, to the CFO in the 2017 financial year and to the TSM and 
GM Iran in the 2018 financial year. The following fees are applicable to Directors and key management personnel of 
the Company.

24

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyFor personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

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i

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

3. 

 Positive progress towards the review of the Tormin Mining Rights, including Mining Rights for the Northern 
Beaches and Geelwal Karoo Inland Mining Area;

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

4.  Munglinup project progress against agreed project plan and deliverables; and

5.  Securing additional prospecting permits for the Company.

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, to secure further mining and prospecting tenure for the Company’s Tormin operations 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 75% of the full bonus of 25% of the Base Remuneration.

In 2018 the Executive Chairman received an additional one-off special bonus of A$550,000 in recognition of his 
performance in generating the uplift in the Company’s share price during 2018, resulting in the increased market 
capitalisation and individual shareholder value created. In considering whether or not to pay this one-off bonus, the 
Board canvassed its largest shareholders’ opinions before it made its final decision to award the bonus.

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

1. 

 Performance against scope of services set out in the employment contract at the sole discretion of the Executive 
Chairman -70%;

2.  Board Reporting within set timing each month -10%; and

3. 

 Achieving EBITDA against budget taking into account uncontrollable variables at the discretion of the Board 
-20%.

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 75% 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:

1.  Tormin processing plant performance recoveries and throughput rates against budget -25%;

2.  Tormin HMC expansion progress against agreed project plan and deliverables -25%;

3.  Tormin business improvement initiatives -10%;

4.  Munglinup project progress against agreed project plan and deliverables -25%; and

5. 

 Achieving EBITDA against budget taking into account uncontrollable variables at the discretion of the Executive 
Chairman -15%.

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

27

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

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.

The Executive Chairman assessed the performance of the Technical Services Manager against the above 
measurable objectives and awarded 90% of the full bonus of 25% of the Base Remuneration for the year.

The Group Legal Counsel, Fletcher Hancock, was entitled to an annual bonus of 25% of the Base Remuneration, 
measured against the following criteria:

1.  Legal project progress against agreed project plan and deliverables -80%;

2. 

 Achieving EBITDA against budget taking into account uncontrollable variables at the discretion of the Executive 
Chairman -20%.

Future bonus of the Group Legal Counsel will be at the sole discretion of the Board.

The measurable objectives were chosen to ensure the Group Legal Counsel was incentivised to ensure legal and 
statutory compliance and EBITDA, and to ensure the Group Legal Counsel performed each of the tasks outlined in 
his employment contract which are typical of that for a Group Legal Counsel position.

The Executive Chairman assessed the performance of the Group Legal Counsel against the above measurable 
objectives and awarded 88% 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

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Name

Directors

Executive Chairman

Mark Caruso

Non-Executive Directors

Joseph Caruso

Peter Torre

Guy Walker

Ross Hastings

50%

57%

74%

60%

63%

Other Key Management Personnel

Tony Sheard

Logan Francis

Surinder Ghag

Bahman Rashidi

Fletcher Hancock

52%

0%

75%

54%

82%

C.  SERVICE AGREEMENTS 

Mark Caruso

Commencement date
Term
Total Remuneration package

Termination benefits 

Peter Torre

79%

65%

80%

68%

71%

73%

100%

80%

100%

-

50%

19%

0%

0%

0%

0%

10%

0%

17%

0%

18%

0%

0%

0%

0%

18%

0%

20%

0%

-

0%

43%

26%

40%

37%

38%

0%

8%

46%

0%

2%

35%

20%

32%

29%

9%

0%

0%

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

Commencement date
Term
Total Remuneration package
Termination benefits 

1 November 2012
No fixed term
A$150,000 per annum
12 months’ base salary plus any payment in lieu of notice

28

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

1 January 2015
No fixed term
A$275,000 per annum (inclusive of statutory superannuation) and cash bonus as 
set out above
Nil unless constructive redundancy in which case 12 months’ salary

17 October 2016, resigned 24 May 2017
No fixed term
A$290,000 per annum (inclusive of statutory superannuation) and cash bonus as 
set out above
Nil unless constructive redundancy in which case 12 months’ salary

4 September 2017
No fixed term
A$246,375 per annum (inclusive of statutory superannuation) and cash bonus as 
set out above
Nil unless constructive redundancy in which case 12 months’ salary

Tony Sheard

Commencement date
Term
Total Remuneration package

Termination benefits 

Logan Francis

Commencement date
Term
Total Remuneration package

Termination benefits 

Surinder Ghag

Commencement date
Term
Total Remuneration package

Termination benefits 

Bahman Rashidi

Commencement date
Term
Total Remuneration package
Termination benefits 

1 October 2017
No fixed term
A$180,000 per annum (inclusive of statutory superannuation)
Nil unless constructive redundancy in which case 12 months’ salary

Fletcher Hancock

Commencement date
Term
Total Remuneration package
Termination benefits 

11 May 2018
No fixed term
A$207,500 per annum (inclusive of statutory superannuation)
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 2018. No options vested during the 
year.

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

1,000,000

6,000,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

29

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

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

Balance as at 
1 January 2018

Received as 
remuneration

Options exercised

Options 
lapsed

Balance as at 31 
December 2018

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. 

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:

Bahman Rashidi

Surinder Ghag

Grant Date

22 May 2018

Expiry Date

1 October 2021

25 September 2018

30 September 2021

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

Barrier Price 
(A$) ^

No of Performance 
Rights

20 cents

20 cents

1,000,000

1,000,000

Each performance right issued to Mr Rashidi was valued at A$0.28, with 333,333 rights vesting on both 1 October 
2018 and 1 October 2019 and the remaining 333,334 rights vesting on 1 October 2020 once the share price exceeds 
the Barrier Price for thirty consecutive days.

Each performance right for Mr Ghag was valued at A$0.136 with 500,000 shares vesting 11 October 2019 once 
the share price exceeds the Barrier Price for five consecutive days and the remaining 500,000 shares vesting 
on 11 October 2020 once the share price exceeds the Barrier Price for five consecutive days. Vesting of these 
performance rights is also subject to meeting a key result areas weighted score of greater than 50% against certain 
key performance indicators:

•  Tormin operational performance against budget – 25%

•  Tormin expansion and other project deliverables – 25%

•  Munglinup project deliverables – 25%

•  Other project deliverables and business improvement initiatives – 25%

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

Balance as at  
1 Jan 2018

Received as 
remuneration

Performance 
rights vested 
and exercised

Performance 
rights vested 
and not 
exercised

Balance as at 31 
December 2018

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

2,000,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,000,000

1,000,000

-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

2,000,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

333,333

-

-

1,000,000

1,000,000

-

6,000,000

2,000,000

6,000,000

333,333

2,000,000

Joseph Caruso

Peter Torre

Guy Walker

Ross Hastings

Tony Sheard

Bahman Rashidi

Surinder Ghag

Fletcher Hancock

Total

Mr Rashidi’s 333,333 performance rights vested and not exercised as at 31 December 2018 are valued at A$93,333.

30

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

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 following services to the Company during 2018:

•  Provision of executive services.

The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2018 was $224,340 (2017: $134,155). 
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 2018 was $148,625 (2017: $158,510). 
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 2018 was $nil (2017: $82,372). 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 2018 was $236,880 (2017: $288,627). 
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 2018 was $337,253 (2017:$202,267). 
The amounts payable have been in respect of the acquisition of a new vehicle for the Executive Chairman, 
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 2018, amount payable to MSCS is $126,284.

Ross Hastings, one of the Directors, has provided consulting services to one of the Company’s projects during 
the year ended 31 December 2018. The amount paid by the Company to Ross Hastings for the year ended 31 
December 2018 was $8,209 (2017: $7,934). 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 2018. The amount paid by the Company to Hastings Bell 
Pty Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2018 was $305,734 (2017: $185,452). 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.

31

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyDI R E C T O R S’  R E P O R T

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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

24,946

24,946

53,135

53,135

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.

Mark Caruso 
Executive Chairman

Perth, Western Australia, 
28 February 2019 

32

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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 2018, 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 2019 

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 

For personal use only 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyFinancial statements

Contents
36  Consolidated income statement 

36  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

37  Consolidated balance sheet

38  Consolidated statement of cash flows

39  Consolidated statement of changes in equity

40  Notes to the consolidated financial statements

88  Directors’ declaration

89 

Independent auditor’s report to the members

For personal use only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 2018

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 expenses/income

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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

2.2

2.2

2.3(i)

2.3(ii)

7.2

5.2

2.4(i)

2.5

2.5

53,523,922

1,875,241

55,399,163

60,930,269

1,677,565

62,607,834

(37,501,716)

(43,412,215)

(6,913,831)

-

(441,253)

(102,756)

10,439,607

(1,616,376)

8,823,231

8,823,231

-

8,823,231

Cents

2.10

2.08

(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

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 2018

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Notes

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

8,823,231

9,932,930

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(b)

5.3(b)

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year is attributable to: 

Owners of Mineral Commodities Ltd

Non-controlling interest

-

(8,063,464) 

(8,063,464) 

759,767

759,767

-

759,767

276,901

3,486,282

3,763,183

13,696,113

13,696,113

-

13,696,113

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

36

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyFI N A N C I A L  ST A T E M E N T S

Notes

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

Consolidated balance sheet
For the year ended 31 December 2018

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

Total Non-Current Assets

Total Assets

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Unearned revenue

Contract liability

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

4.4

4.5

4.6

5.1

7.1

3.5

5.1

7.1

2.4(b)

5.3(a)

5.3(b)

5.3(c)

5.3(d)

12,410,510

5,166,481

25,756,725

753,796

44,087,512

856,715

15,369,068

5,240,911

15,320,565

36,787,259

80,874,771

7,066,484

1,670,100

18,098,880

2,277,728

355,057

1,263,859 

30,732,108 

247,834

2,788,682

99,024

4,955,747

8,091,287

38,823,395 

42,051,376 

64,919,201

(21,439,180)

(1,542,284)

41,937,737

113,639

42,051,376

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

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

37

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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 2018

Notes

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers (inclusive of goods and services tax)

Payments to suppliers and employees

Income tax paid

Net cash inflow from operating activities

4.1(ii)

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments for exploration expenditure

Payments for property, plant and equipment 

Payments for investments

Acquisition of exploration assets

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

Advance to third parties

Interest received

55,216,674

(40,585,762)

(128,299)

14,502,613

(4,612,163)

(4,141,718)

(174,812)

(676,765)

9,467

91,180

122,378

66,417,311

(44,076,945)

-

22,340,366

(276,934)

(2,767,146)

-

(2,499,233)

149,044

(78,735)

46,030

Net cash outflow from investing activities

(9,382,433)

(5,426,974)

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

(3,831,078)

2,974,756

(2,114,387)

(186,751)

(3,157,460)

1,962,720

10,975,817

(528,027)

12,410,510

(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

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

38

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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 2018

Contributed 
equity 
$

Reserves 
$

Accumulated 
losses 
$

Totals 
$

Non-controlling 
interest 
$

Total equity 
$

For the year ended 31 December 2018

At 1 January 2018

64,420,299

(13,116,794)

(5,488,768)

45,814,737

113,639

45,928,376

Adjustment to opening 
retained earnings  
(refer Note 1.8)

-

-

(1,246,942)

(1,246,942)

-

(1,246,942)

Adjusted 1 January 2018

64,420,299

(13,116,794)

(6,735,710)

44,567,795

113,639

44,681,434

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income 
for the year

Total comprehensive 
income for the year

-

-

-

-

8,823,231

8,823,231

(8,063,464)

-

(8,063,464)

(8,063,464)

8,823,231

759,767

Transaction with owners in their capacity as owners:

Conversion of unlisted 
performance rights

Share based payments

Transfer to retained earnings 
on expiry of unlisted options

Dividends paid

-

-

-

498,902

(498,902)

441,253

-

-

-

441,253

(201,273)

201,273

-

-

(3,831,078)

(3,831,078)

-

-

-         

-

-

-

-

8,823,231

(8,063,464)

759,767

-

441,253

-

(3,831,078)

Balance at the end of the year

64,919,201

(21,439,180)

(1,542,284)

41,937,737

113,639

42,051,376

Contributed 
equity 
$

Reserves 
$

Accumulated 
losses 
$

Non-controlling 
interest 
$

Totals 
$

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 loss for 
the year

Total comprehensive 
income for the year

-

-

-

-

9,932,930

9,932,930

3,763,183

-

3,763,183

3,763,183

9,932,930

13,696,113

Transaction with owners in their capacity as owners:

Issue of share based payments

983,207

-

Transfer to retained earnings 
on expiry of unlisted options

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

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

39

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyNotes to the consolidated 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 2018 was authorised for issue in 
accordance with a resolution of directors with effect on 28 February 2019.

1.2  Basis of accounting

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:

• 

financial assets and liabilities

(iii)  Presentation currency

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

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 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.

40

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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 2018 
to 31 December 2018; 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.

(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 

41

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only 
 
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

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

1.8  Application of new and revised Australian Accounting Standards

A number of new or amended standards became applicable for the current reporting period and the Group 
had to change its accounting policies and make retrospective adjustments as a result of adopting the 
following standards:

•  AASB 9 Financial Instruments, and

•  AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

The impact of the adoption of these standards and the new accounting policies are disclosed below. 

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Group has applied AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (as amended) for the first time in 
the current period. AASB 15 establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for 
revenue arising from contracts with customers.

The core principle of AASB 15 is that an entity should recognise revenue to depict the transfer of promised 
goods 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. Specifically, the Standard introduces a 5-step 
approach to revenue recognition:

•  Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer

•  Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract

•  Step 3: Determine the transaction price

•  Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract

•  Step 5: Recognise revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation

Under AASB 15, an entity recognises revenue when (or as) a performance obligation is satisfied, i.e. when 
‘control’ of the goods or services underlying the particular performance obligation is transferred to the 
customer.

Far more prescriptive guidance has been added in AASB 15 to deal with specific scenarios. The Company 
has considered AASB 15 in detail and has identified one difference in revenue recognition in comparison 

42

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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

to prior periods. Under the Company’s prior period accounting policy, revenue from the stockpiling of 
goods was recognised when there was evidence that there had 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. 
Under AASB 15, revenue recognition requires transfer of control, which is a sterner test than transfer of risk 
and rewards. A thorough review of our current commercial contract for the stockpiling of goods does not 
support effective transfer of control at that point in time as the Company retains legal title and has the ability 
to control the use of the product.

New Revenue Accounting Policy

Revenue is recognised when the significant control of products has been transferred to the customer, 
recovery of the consideration is probable, the associated costs and possible return of goods can be 
estimated reliably, there is no continuing management involvement with the goods and the amount of 
revenue can be measured reliably. Revenue is measured net of returns, trade allowances, rebates and 
amounts collected on behalf of third parties.

The timing of the transfer of control varies depending on the individual terms of the sales agreement. 
Generally for the Group, this is based on free-on-board (“FOB”) sales where transfer of control passes at 
port of origin or cost, insurance and freight (“CIF”) sales where control passes at port of destination. Sales 
revenue is recognised for FOB and CIF sales on bill of lading date. 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.

The majority of the Group’s revenue is derived from product sales with revenue recognised at a point in time 
when control of the goods has transferred to the customer. 

Revenue from the sales of garnet product has two performance obligations, sale of product and 
transportation services, both of which are satisfied at a point in time. Revenue from the stockpiling of goods 
is deferred until final sale of product when control of product is finally transferred.

The Group adopted AASB 15 using the cumulative catch-up method. The nature and effect of these 
changes are disclosed below.

Impact on profit/(loss) for the year

Revenue

Cost of sales

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Earnings per share from continuing operations

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

31 December 2018 
$

-

-

-

-

0.00 cents

0.00 cents

Revenue after AASB 15 adoption has had nil impact during the year ended 31 December 2018.

Impact on assets, liabilities and equity as at 1 January 2018

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Deferred tax

Contract liabilities

Opening accumulated losses

As previously 
reported under 
AASB 118 
$

AASB 15 
adjustments 
$

As restated 
$

4,997,379

9,141,797

(4,105,003)

(2,649,440)

16,085,457

2,347,939

25,227,254

563,758

(3,541,245) 

-

(15,449,440)

(15,449,440)

5,488,768

1,449,664

6,938,432

43

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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

Contract liabilities and inventories have increased due to the initial recognition of garnet in inventory as a 
result of an accounting policy change after adopting the new AASB 15 “Revenue” standard. In prior periods, 
the Company recognised garnet stockpiling revenue as incurred. Under AASB 15, garnet stockpiling 
revenue does not meet the definition of a performance obligation that transfers control to the customer, 
therefore costs associated with producing this garnet in prior periods has been recognised as inventory and 
related revenue previously recognised in profit or loss has been recognised as a contract liability until this 
revenue is able to be recognised in future periods. 

Accounts receivable for garnet stockpiling revenue recognised in advance of $2,649,440 has been reversed 
as again AASB 15 does not allow garnet stockpiling revenue recognition.

Impact on assets, liabilities and equity as at 31 December 2018

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Deferred tax

Contract liabilities

Reserves

As previously 
reported under 
AASB 118 
$

AASB 15 
adjustments 
$

As restated 
$

5,166,481

10,624,149

(5,440,669)

-

15,132,576

484,922

5,166,481

25,756,725

(4,955,747)

-

(18,098,880)

(18,098,880)

20,192,238

1,246,942

21,439,180

This reconciliation highlights the impact of AASB 15 on accounting balances incurred during the year. 

Contract liabilities and inventories have increased due to the recognition of garnet in inventory at the GMA 
Secured stockpile, as stockpiling of goods does not support effective transfer of control at that point in time 
as the Company retains legal title and has the ability to control the use of the product. AASB 15 adjustments 
to contract liabilities of $18,098,880 reflects the recognition of garnet in inventory at the GMA Secured 
stockpile. AASB 15 adjustments to inventory of $15,132,576 also reflects recognition of garnet in inventory at 
the GMA Secured stockpile at a year end stock value. 

AASB 9 Financial Instruments

The Group applies, for the first time, AASB 9 Financial Instruments. AASB 9 Financial Instruments replaces 
AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement for annual periods beginning on or after 1 
January 2018, bringing together all three aspects of the accounting for financial instruments: classification 
and measurement; impairment; and hedge accounting. The adoption of AASB 9 Financial Instruments 
from 1 January 2018 resulted in the Group’s accounting policies being updated with no adjustments to the 
amounts recognised in the financial statements. 

This standard amends the classification and measurement of the financial assets. It introduces an ‘expected 
credit loss’ model rather than ‘incurred loss’ model for impairment of the financial assets. Refer to 5.4(a) for 
further details on trade receivables - impairment.

Reclassification of available for sale financial assets to fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL): At 31 Dec 
2017, the Group had shares and units in unlisted entities classified as available-for-sale (AFS) financial 
assets of $24,689. On 1 January 2018, these have been reclassified into the fair value through profit or loss 
category. There were no cumulative fair value changes in the Group’s available for sale financial assets in 
other comprehensive income (OCI) as at 1 January 2018 and therefore no adjustments were required on 
transition to opening retained earnings.

1.9 

Impact of standards issued but not yet applied by the entity

AASB 16 Leases was issued in February 2016. It will result in almost all leases being recognised on 
the balance sheet, as the distinction between operating and finance leases is removed. Under the new 
standard, an asset (the right to use the leased item) and a financial liability to pay rentals are recognised. 
The only exceptions are short-term and low-value leases. The accounting for lessors will not significantly 
change.

The standard will affect primarily the accounting for the Group’s operating leases. As at the reporting date, 
the Group has non-cancellable operating lease commitments of $1,177,186. However, the Group has not 
yet determined to what extent these commitments will result in the recognition of an asset and a liability for 

44

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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

future payments and how this will affect the Group’s profit and classification of cash flows.

Some of the commitments may be covered by the exception for short-term and low-value leases and some 
commitments may relate to arrangements that will not qualify as leases under AASB 16.

The standard is mandatory for first interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning on or after  
1 January 2019. The Group does not intend to adopt the standard before its effective date.

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, the United Kingdom and Iran.

45

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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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46

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

14,653,190

(102,756)

(4,110,827)

-

10,439,607

19,147,151

(478,360)

(4,460,402)

(234,771)

13,973,618

Revenue is recognised when the significant control of products has been transferred to the customer, 
recovery of the consideration is probable, the associated costs and possible return of goods can be 
estimated reliably, there is no continuing management involvement with the goods and the amount of 
revenue can be measured reliably. Revenue is measured net of returns, trade allowances, rebates and 
amounts collected on behalf of third parties.

The timing of the transfer of control varies depending on the individual terms of the sales agreement. 
Generally for the Group, this is based on free-on-board (“FOB”) sales where transfer of control passes at 
port of origin or cost, insurance and freight (“CIF”) sales where control passes at port of destination. Sales 
revenue is recognised for FOB and CIF sales on bill of lading date. 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.

The majority of the Group’s revenue is derived from product sales with revenue recognised at a point in time 
when control of the goods has transferred to the customer. 

Revenue from the sales of garnet product has two performance obligations, sale of product and 
transportation services, both of which are satisfied at a point in time. Revenue from the stockpiling of goods 
is deferred until final sale of product when control of product is finally transferred.

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

From continuing operations

Sales revenue

Sale of product

Other revenue

Stockpile area maintenance fee

Other income

53,523,922

60,930,269

1,776,071

99,170

1,875,241

1,600,011

77,554

1,677,565

47

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

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:

13,638,210

6,723,039

6,216,226

4,565,983

4,020,769

18,249,474

4,906,181

5,054,237

3,452,234

4,369,223

Directors and key management personnel remuneration

Depreciation – corporate assets

2,476,421

90,058

1,567,086

91,179

2.4  Taxation

(i) 

Income tax expense
Accounting Policies

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/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.

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.

48

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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

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

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

1,373,645

660,212

(417,481)

1,616,376

1,616,376

1,616,376

798,802

(138,590)

660,212

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 facie tax expense

Profit from continuing operations before income tax expense

10,439,607

13,973,618

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

Prima facie tax payable on profit from ordinary activities before at 
a rate of 30% (2017: 30%)

Foreign tax rate differential

Tax at consolidated amount

Tax effect of:

Entertainment

Foreign exchange impact

Donations

Amortisation of exploration and evaluation asset

Gain on disposal of assets

Share based payment

AASB15 adjustment to opening retained earnings

Other non-assessable items

Utilisation of income tax losses/ capital losses

Adjustment for current tax of prior period

Income tax expense

3,131,882

(49,803)

3,082,079

5,999

(1,319,065)

12,410

92,076

-

132,376

528,700

1,186

(501,904)

(417,481)

1,616,376

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

49

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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

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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

-

-

-

-

-

-

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 (2017: $Nil) at 30% have been 
brought 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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

10,656

-

251,780

221,495

483,931

(483,931)

-

7,274

6,450

175,029

39,690

228,443

(228,443)

-

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Movements

At 1 January 2018

(charged) / credited

Tax 
losses 
$

7,274

Trade 
and other 
receivables 
$

Provisions/ 
accrued 
expenditure 
$

Business related 
expenditure and  
borrowing costs 
$

Total 
$

6,450

175,029

39,690

228,443

to profit or loss

3,382

(6,450)

76,751

181,805

255,488

 to other comprehensive income

-

10,656

-

-

-

251,780

-

-

221,495

483,931

Tax 
losses 
$

Trade 
and other 
receivables 
$

Provisions/ 
accrued 
expenditure 
$

Business related 
expenditure and 
borrowing costs 
$

Total 
$

756,059

97,607

151,479

31,797

1,036,942

to profit or loss

(748,785)

(91,157)

23,550

7,893

(808,499)

At 31 December 2018

Movements

At 1 January 2017

(charged) / credited

- 

- 

- 

- 

to other comprehensive income

At 31 December 2017

(b) 

 Deferred tax liabilities

Unrealised foreign exchange gain

Property, plant and equipment

Prepayments

Set-off against deferred tax assets

-

7,274

-

-

-

-

6,450

175,029

39,690

228,443

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

1,328,771

4,094,683

16,224

5,439,678

(483,931)

4,955,747

692,237

3,610,792

30,417

4,333,446

(228,443)

4,105,003

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Unrealised 
foreign exchange 
gain 
$

Property, plant 
and equipment 
$

Prepayments 
$

Total 
$

692,237

3,610,792

30,417

4,333,446

Movements

At 1 January 2018

(charged) / credited

- 

- 

to profit or loss

636,534

483,891

(14,193)

1,106,232

to other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

At 31 December 2018

1,328,771

4,094,683

16,224

5,439,678

Unrealised 
foreign exchange 
gain 
$

Property, plant 
and equipment 
$

Prepayments 
$

Total 
$

190,408

2,362,399

21,255

2,574,062

Movements

At 1 January 2017

(charged) / credited

- 

- 

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

2.5  Earnings per share

(i)  Basic earnings per share

Accounting Policies

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

2018 
US Cents

2017 
US Cents

2.10

2.10

2.45

2.45

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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

2018 
US Cents

2017 
US Cents

2.08

2.08

2018 
$

2.45

2.45

2017 
$

(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:

From continuing operations

8,823,231

9,932,930

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

(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

8,823,231

9,932,930

2018 
Number

2017 
Number

419,708,741

406,037,470

(1,947,802)

6,078,434

-

-

423,839,373

406,037,470

The table below details the number of options and performance rights that have been granted and are 
on issue as at 31 December 2018. As the options issued in a prior period were in the money during 2018, 
although they also lapsed during 2018, and the performance rights’ vesting conditions have been met as 
at 31 December 2018, these potential ordinary shares have been included in the determination of dilutive 
earnings per share.

Number

 500,000

 300,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

Type of Security

Performance Rights

Performance Rights

Performance Rights

Performance Rights

Performance Rights

Exercise price

AUD $0.20

AUD $0.20

AUD $0.20

AUD $0.20

AUD $0.20

Expiry date

31 May 2020

31 May 2021

31 May 2021

1 Oct 2021

30 Sept 2021

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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

2018

Final 2017 ordinary

Interim 2018 ordinary

2017 

Final 2016 ordinary

Interim 2017 ordinary

Dividend  
per share 
US Cents

0.49

0.43

0.89

0.37

2018 
$

2,048,898

1,782,180

3,831,078

3,605,697

1,575,606

5,181,303

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 is 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 areas of 
interest are 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 

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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.

The proposed transaction has not resulted in Xolobeni being classified as held for sale in accordance with 
AASB 5 as at 31 December 2018, 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

3.2  Development expenditure

Accounting Policies 

Development expenditure

Note

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

11,200,454

6,460,268

676,765

4,612,164

562,532

(1,682,847)

15,369,068

3,495,811

249,939

204,501

789,935

11,200,454

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:

•  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.

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As at 1 January 

Expenditure during the year

Amortisation expense

Exchange differences

Carrying value assessment

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

7,306,979

-

(1,138,527)

(927,541)

5,240,911

7,656,202

-

(1,127,091)

777,868

7,306,979

The Company is currently going through a Section 102 Mining Right Extension Application for access to the 
Northern Beaches and the Inland Strand, for an overall 11 year Life of Mine (“LOM”) from this point (including for 
the current Tormin Mining Rights). The Company has concluded all aspects of the Section 102 Application public 
participation process and the final submission of the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental 
Management Programme reports, with all public comments, was submitted on 13 November 2018. The DMR 
now has 107 days to hand down a final decision. Based on the legislative timetable, the Company expects a final 
decision on the Section 102 Application in Q1 2019.

Despite the fact that the current Mining Rights technically expired on 26 November 2018, in accordance with 
section 24(5) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, mining rights continue in force until 
such time as the renewal application is determined. The Company has submitted an application for renewal of 
the existing Mining Rights over the current area (i.e. without extending the mining area). The renewal application 
was filed with the DMR no less than 60 working days before 26 November 2018. Given permitting uncertainty, 
the Company has undertaken a conservative impairment assessment of the carrying value of the Tormin assets 
as at 31 December 2018. This impairment assessment is based on mining the existing resource for 12 months 
from 31 December 2018 and, given MSR owns the underlying pastoral land known as Farm Geelwal Karoo, sell 
the remaining inventory stockpiles, using current prices. Based on these assumptions the carrying value of the 
Tormin assets did not exceed their recoverable amount.

The Group is confident that the assessment of the Mining Rights will be positively progressed in the 2019 
financial year. 

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. 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 are 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:

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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

Generally 18,000 hours’ operation

Light and other mobile vehicles

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 are included in 
the life of mine assessments and reassessments. 

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 2019 financial year. On that basis there has been no change to the estimation of 
useful lives of assets since 31 December 2017.

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Freehold 
land and 
buildings 
$

Furniture, 
fittings and 
equipment 
$

Plant and 
machinery 
$

Mine 
vehicles 
$

Decommissioning 
asset 
$

Capex work 
in progress 
$

Total 
$

Year ended 31 December 2018

Cost at fair value

As at 1 January 2018

592,731

697,395

26,158,995

145,713

Additions

Disposals

Re-classifications

Exchange differences

As at 31 December 2018

-

(9,467)

-

-

-

-

-

146,943

(189,080)

-

-

-

169,145

111,583

1,101,875

28,865,854

4,141,718

4,253,301

-

-

-

(9,467)

(520,395)

(562,532)

(82,104)

501,160

(88,907)

(3,642,448)

755,431

22,327,467

(20,377)

125,336

(32,894)

(435,344)

(4,302,674)

247,834

4,287,854

28,245,082

Accumulated depreciation and amortisation

As at 1 January 2018

(26,771)

(527,764)

(11,144,047)

(71,979)

(67,658)

Depreciation and 
amortisation

Disposals

(15,533)

(114,672)

(2,798,234)

(27,999)

-

-

-

Exchange differences

5,030

67,711

1,790,102

As at 31 December 2018

(37,274)

(574,725)

(12,152,179)

-

12,385

(87,593)

(15,863)

-

10,775

(72,746)

-

-

-

-

-

(11,838,219)

(2,972,300)

-

1,886,002

(12,924,517)

Net book amount

Cost at fair value

501,160

755,431

22,327,467

125,336

247,834

4,287,854

28,245,082

Accumulated depreciation 
and amortisation

(37,274)

(574,725)

(12,152,179)

Net book amount

463,886

180,706

10,175,288

(87,593)

37,743

(72,746)

-

(12,924,517)

175,088

4,287,854

15,320,565

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

-

-

-

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

Accumulated depreciation and amortisation

As at 1 January 2017

(9,174)

(360,149)

(7,339,628)

(42,117)

(45,605)

Depreciation and 
amortisation

Disposals

(15,403)

(128,160)

(3,150,659)

(23,358)

-

-

381,615

Exchange differences

(2,194)

(39,455)

(1,035,375)

As at 31 December 2017

(26,771)

(527,764)

(11,144,047)

Net book amount

-

-

-

-

-

(7,796,673)

(3,333,311)

381,615

(1,089,850)

(11,838,219)

(15,731)

-

(6,322)

(67,658)

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

58

-

-

14,568

145,713

-

(6,504)

(71,979)

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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) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

(iv) 

 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

 Substantive expenditure on further exploration for, and evaluation of, mineral resources in the specific 
area is not budgeted or planned; or

 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 

 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.

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.

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Non-current

Environmental rehabilitation provision

3.6  Commitments for expenditure

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

247,834

169,144

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

b)  Operating lease commitments 

Accounting Policies

-

365,108

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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

671,868

505,318

-

1,177,186

1,548,449

513,523

-

2,061,972

Operating lease commitments include 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. 

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.

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Cash assets

Cash at bank and in hand

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

12,410,510

10,975,817

(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

Loss on disposal of asset

Impairment loss

Net finance costs

Share based payments

Net exchange differences

Tax expense

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

(Increase) / decrease in trade debtors

(Increase) / decrease in inventories

Increase in trade payables and unearned revenue

(Decrease) / increase in income tax payable

Increase in provisions

(iii)  Non-cash investing and financing activities

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

8,823,231

9,932,930

4,110,827

-

-

(122,378)

441,253

(2,469,541)

1,616,376

(58,868)

(529,471)

3,251,928

(657,482)

96,738

14,502,613

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

Acquisition of plant and equipment by means of finance leases

Acquisition of exploration assets by means of ordinary shares 
Issued

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

-

-

-

93,627

983,207

1,076,834

Plant and equipment acquired by finance leases in 2018 of $2,849,774 were receipted by the Company and 
immediately repatriated to the supplier. These cash inflows and outflows have therefore been recognised in 
the 2018 cash flow statement.

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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.

Cash and cash equivalents

Borrowings – repayable within one year (including overdraft)

Borrowings – repayable after one year

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

12,410,510

(2,277,728)

(2,788,682)

10,975,817

(2,072,320)

(2,133,721)

Net debt

7,344,100

6,769,776

Cash and cash equivalents

Gross debt – variable interest rates

12,410,510

(5,066,410)

10,975,817

(4,206,041)

Net debt

7,344,100

6,769,776

Other assets

Liabilities from financing activities

Finance 
leases due 
within 1 year 
$

Finance 
leases due 
after 1 year 
$

Borrowings 
due within  
1 year 
$

Borrowings 
due after  
1 year 
$

Cash 
$

Total 
$

2,873,135

(1,317,069)

(437,073)

(1,135,523)

(4,500,000)

(4,516,530)

8,018,278

750,519

428,352

(370,247)

2,375,000

11,201,902

84,404

-

-

-

-

84,404

10,975,817

(566,550)

(8,721)

(1,505,770)

(2,125,000)

6,769,776

1,849,687

(211,178)

(2,154,961)

5,770

1,500,000

989,318

(414,994)

-

-

-

-

(414,994)

12,410,510

(777,728)

(2,163,682)

(1,500,000)

(625,000)

7,344,100

Net debt as at  
1 January 2017

Cash flows

Foreign 
exchange 
adjustments

Net debt as at 
31 December 
2017

Cash flows

Foreign 
exchange 
adjustments

Net debt as at 
31 December 
2018

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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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

Current

Trade receivables 

Less: Provision for impairment of receivables

Other receivables (i)

Prepayments

Non-current

Security deposits (iii)

Advance to Blue Bantry (iv)

Other receivables

1,890,032

-

1,890,032

3,222,371

54,078

5,166,481

204,779

575,065

76,871

856,715

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

(i) 

Includes $1,374,248 (2017: $844,089) of VAT refundable from the South African Revenue Service.

(ii) 

Includes a secured deposit of $204,779 (2017: $235,003) with FirstRand Bank Limited 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 ’s obligations under the Tormin Mining 
Rights.

(iii)  An amount of ZAR 8.25 million (2017: ZAR 8.25 million) has been advanced to the BEE partner, Blue 

Bantry (refer note 8.2 for further details).

Impairment of receivables
No impairment of receivables has been recognised by the Group for the year ended 31 December 2018. 

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 2018 and 2017. 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 2018, compared to a carrying 
amount of $Nil (2017: fair value of $Nil and carrying amount of $Nil).

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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

355,364

23,202,679

2,198,682

25,756,725

2,622,965

3,635,040

2,883,792

9,141,797

The costs of individual items of inventory are determined using weighted average cost. Finished product 
at cost as at 31 December 2018 reflects the impact of the application of the new AASB 15 Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers (refer note 1.8).

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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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

5,310,043

1,756,441

7,066,484

2,793,981

897,164

3,691,145

(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 2018 and 2017.

(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. Refer note 1.8 for updated AASB 9 Financial Instruments accounting 
policy.

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 control has 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 product delivery is not due within 12 months from the reporting date.

Unearned revenue

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

1,670,100

1,793,475

(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 2018 and 2017.

(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.

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

4.6  Contract Liabilities

Accounting Policies 

Contract liabilities are recognised originally at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost. 
Contract liabilities represent revenue that has been received by the Group per the Amended and Restated 
Garnet Offtake Agreement where control has not yet been transferred. Contract liabilities are recognised in 
accordance with the Group’s revenue recognition policy (Refer note 2.2)

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

Contract liabilities

18,098,880

-

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In accordance with note 1.8 adjustments caused by the implementation of the new AASB 15 Revenue 
standard as at 1 January 2018 was to recognise a Contract liability of $15,449,440 with a further $2,649,440 
reclassified from accounts receivable to contract liabilities (total $18,098,880). There has been no movement 
in the contract liability balance in 2018 as the same 210,000 tonnes of garnet was stockpiled and delivered 
to the delivery point.

(i) 

Fair values and credit risk
Due to the nature of the contract liability, the carrying values represent their respective fair values as at 31 
December 2018.

(ii)  Foreign exchange and interest rate risk

Information about the Group’s exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risk in relation contract 
liabilities 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.

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.

Current

Short term borrowings – unsecured (1)

Amounts due under equipment acquisition agreements (2),(3),(5),(6)

Long term borrowings – secured (4)

Non-current

Long term borrowings – secured (4)

Amounts due under equipment acquisition agreements (2),(3),(5),(6)

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

-

735,382

1,542,346

2,277,728

704,189

2,084,493

2,788,682

5,770

566,550

1,500,000

2,072,320

2,125,000

8,721

2,133,721

(1) 

The short term borrowings at 31 December 2017 were in relation to shareholder loans (note 7.3).

(2) 

(3) 

 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.

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(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

 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 2018 at 
US$2.125 million.

 The Group entered into Commercial Loans and Chattel Mortgages for motor vehicles. Under the terms 
of these agreements, the Group will become the owner of the motor vehicles on final payment under 
the agreements.

 The Group entered into a Master Finance Lease to acquire mobile mining equipment. Under the 
terms of these agreements, the Group will become the owner of the mobile mining equipment on final 
payment under the agreements.

(a) 

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.

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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

926,223

1,928,972

-

2,855,195

(443,479)

2,411,716

543,468

10,820

-

554,288

(40,707)

513,581

Finance lease commitments includes contracted amounts for various plant and equipment with a written 
down value of $2,959,377 (2017: $1,683,771) 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.

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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

Net change in fair value of financial assets - derivatives

Total finance costs

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

122,378

-

-

122,378

186,751

38,383

225,134

46,030

303,858

515,051

864,939

70,761

-

70,761

Net finance income / (costs)

(102,756)

794,178

5.3  Equity 

(a)  Contributed equity 

Accounting Policies 

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

2018 
Number of shares

2017 
Number of shares

2018 
$

2017 
$

421,091,571

414,941,571

64,919,201

64,420,299

(ii)  Movements in ordinary share capital

Details

At 1 January 2018

Conversion of performance rights

At 31 December 2018

Transaction costs arising on share issue

At 31 December 2018

(iii)  Ordinary shares

Number of shares

414,941,571

6,150,000

421,091,571

$

64,420,299

498,902

64,919,201

-

-

421,091,571

64,919,201

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. 

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(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 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

-

-

-

At 1 January 2018

1,363,393

Share based payments

Transfer to retained earnings 
on expiry of unlisted options

Conversion of performance 
rights

Exchange differences 
on translation of foreign 
operations

-

-

-

-

At 31 December 2018

1,363,393

-

-

-

309,782

309,782

3,486,282

276,901

-

-

-

3,486,282

276,901

-

-

-

-

-

-

(15,108,264)

628,077

(13,116,794)

441,253

441,253

 (201,273)

 (201,273)

(498,902)

(498,902)

(8,063,464)

-

(8,063,464)

(23,171,728)

369,155

(21,439,180)

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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

Adjustment to accumulated losses per AASB 15 adoption  
(note 1.8)

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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

(5,488,768)

8,823,231

(1,246,942)

(3,831,078)

201,273

(1,542,284)

(10,240,395)

9,932,930

-

(5,181,303)

-

(5,488,768)

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

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 assesses 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

Foreign currency forwards and foreign 
currency options

Market risk 
– interest rate risk

Market risk 
– price risk

Market risk 
– commodity price risk

Credit risk

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

N/A

N/A

Investments in equity securities

Sensitivity analysis

N/A

Sale of products

Cash flow forecasting

Sensitivity analysis

Cash and cash equivalents and 
trade and other receivables

Aging analysis

Credit ratings

Monitoring the prevailing commodity 
prices and entering into longer term 
fixed price sales contracts

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

Liquidity risk

Borrowings and other liabilities

Rolling cash flow 
forecasts

Availability of committed credit lines 
and borrowing facilities

The Group’s risk management is predominantly controlled by the finance department (“Treasury”) under 
policies approved by the Board of Directors. Treasury identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks in 
close co-operation with the Group’s operating units. The Board provides written principles for overall 
risk management, as well as policies covering specific areas such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate 
risk, credit risk, commodity price risk, use of derivative financial instruments and non-derivative financial 
instruments, and investment of excess liquidity.

The Group manages foreign exchange risk through hedging the South African Rand and Australian dollar 
using foreign currency forwards and foreign currency options in line with its Treasury Policy. The mark-to-
market position of the Group’s hedged position as at 31 December 2018 was:

At 31 December 2018

South African Rand (ZAR)

Australian Dollars (AUD)

Total position

(a)  Market risk

Value of Hedges 
contracted 
US$

Mark-to-market value of 
hedges 
US$

Mark-to-market hedge 
position 
US$

2,000,000

500,000

2,500,000

2,078,768

500,277

2,579,045

78,768

277

79,045

(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. 

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:

USD/AUD exchange rate – increase 10%

USD/AUD exchange rate – decrease 10%

USD/ZAR exchange rate – increase 10%

USD/ZAR exchange rate – decrease 10%

72

Impact on 
post tax profits

Impact on other 
components of equity

2018 
US$

424,975

(424,975)

2017 
US$

-

-

2,775,789

822,697

(2,775,789)

(822,697)

2018 
US$

2017 
US$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

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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 at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”). The Group’s investment 
in equity securities at FVTPL is $674,751 (2017: $27,317), which is monitored by the Board of Directors.  
Any investment in equity securities would require approval by the Board of Directors.

Sensitivity

Price increase of 10%

Price decrease of 10%

Impact on 
post tax profits

Impact on other 
components of equity

2018 
US$

47,233

(47,233)

2017 
US$

1,912

(1,912)

2018 
US$

-

-

2017 
US$

-

-

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.

The Group has two types of financial assets that are subject to the expected credit loss model:

• 

trade receivables for sales of inventory, and

•  debt investments carried at amortised cost.

Trade receivables
The Group applies the AASB 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a 
lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables.

To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on shared credit risk 
characteristics and the days past due.

The expected loss rates are based on the payment profiles of sales over a period of 36 month before 31 
December 2018 or 1 January 2018 respectively and the corresponding historical credit losses experienced 
within this period. The historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and forward-looking information 
on macroeconomic factors affecting the ability of the customers to settle the receivables. The Group has 
identified the GDP of the countries in which it sells its goods and services to be the most relevant factors, 
and accordingly adjusts the historical loss rates based on expected changes in these factors.

On that basis, the loss allowance as at 31 December 2018 and 1 January 2018 (on adoption of AASB 9) 
was determined as follows for both trade receivables and contract assets.

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At 31 December 2018

Expected loss rate

Gross carrying amount – 
trade receivables

Loss allowance

At 1 January 2018

Expected loss rate

Gross carrying amount – 
trade receivables

Loss allowance

Current

0%

1,855,508

-

Current

0%

More than 30 
days past due

More than 60 
days past due

More than 90 
days past due

Total

0%

-

-

0%

24,531

-

0%

9,993

-

1,890,032

-

More than 30 
days past due

More than 60 
days past due

More than 90 
days past due

Total

0%

0%

0%

386,994

458,079

93,621

2,570,540

3,509,234

-

-

-

-

-

Trade receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that there 
is no reasonable expectation of recovery include, amongst others, the failure of a debtor to engage in a 
repayment plan with the Group, and a failure to make contractual payments for a period of greater than 120 
days past due.

Impairment losses on trade receivables are presented as net impairment losses within operating profit. 
Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the same line item.

Other financial assets at amortised cost
Other financial assets at amortised include loans to directors and employees of subsidiaries, deposits and 
other receivables.

(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 $12,410,510 (2017: 
$10,975,817). Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity reserve (comprising 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 2017, 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 were 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 
$

31 December 2018

Trade and other receivables

5,166,481

Trade and other receivables 
– non current

Derivatives – FVTPL

Inflow

(Outflow)

-

2,579,045

(2,500,000)

Total financial assets

5,245,526

-

-

-

-

-

-

856,715

-

-

856,715

-

-

-

-

-

< 6 months 
$

6 – 12 months 
$

1 – 5 years 
$

5+ years 
$

Total 
contractual 
cash flows 
$

Carrying 
amount 
$

5,166,481

5,166,481

856,715

856,715

2,579,045

79,045

(2,500,000)

-

6,102,241

6,102,241

Total 
contractual 
cash flows 
$

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

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 
cash flows 
$

Carrying 
amount 
$

31 December 2018

Trade and other payables

7,066,484

-

-

Borrowings excluding 
finance leases

Lease liabilities

776,052

465,597

773,520

707,564

460,626

1,928,972

Total financial liabilities

8,308,133

1,234,146

2,636,536

-

-

-

-

7,066,484

7,066,484

2,257,136

2,246,535

2,855,195

2,819,875

12,178,815

12,132,894

< 6 months 
$

6 – 12 months 
$

1 – 5 years 
$

5+ years 
$

Total 
contractual 
cash flows 
$

Carrying 
amount 
$

31 December 2017

Trade and other payables

3,691,145

-

-

Borrowings excluding 
finance leases

Lease liabilities

823,831

271,734

801,393

2,180,560

271,734

31,803

Total financial liabilities

4,786,710

1,073,127

2,212,363

-

-

-

-

3,691,145

3,691,145

3,805,784

3,630,770

575,271

575,271

8,072,200

7,897,186

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(vi)  Fair value hierarchy

To provide an indication about the reliability of the inputs used in determining fair value, the Group classifies 
its financial instruments into the three levels prescribed under the accounting standards. An explanation of 
each level follows underneath the table.

The following table presents the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured and recognised at 
fair value at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017:

Level 1 
$

Level 2 
$

Level 3 
$

Total 
$

-

24,689

-

24,689

79,045

-

650,062

729,107

-

-

(5,066,410)

(5,066,410)

-

-

-

-

-

-

79,045

24,689

650,062

753,796

(5,066,410)

(5,066,410)

Level 1 
$

Level 2 
$

Level 3 
$

Total 
$

31 December 2018

Financial assets

Derivatives – FVTPL

Listed equity securities – FVTPL

Unlisted equity securities - FVTPL

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities

Borrowings

Total financial liabilities

31 December 2017

Financial assets

Derivatives – FVTPL

Listed equity securities – FVTPL

-

27,317

515,051

-

Total financial assets

27,317

515,051

Financial liabilities

Borrowings

Total financial liabilities

-

-

(4,206,041)

(4,206,041)

-

-

-

-

-

515,051

27,317

542,368

(4,206,041)

(4,206,041)

Level 1: The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as publicly traded derivatives 
and equity securities) is based on quoted (unadjusted) market prices at the end of the reporting period. The 
quoted marked price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price. These instruments 
are included in level 1.

Level 2: 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.

Level 3: If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is 
included in level 3. This is the case for unlisted equity securities.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

(i)  Material subsidiaries

The Group’s principal subsidiaries at 31 December 2018 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

2018 
%

2017 
%

2018 
%

2017 
%

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

Skeleton Coast Mining (Pty) Ltd (6)

Transworld Energy and Minerals Resources (SA) 
Proprietary Limited

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

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

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Namibia

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

Iran

Iran

100

100

100

100

100

90

100

100

100

100

100

50

50

100

100

100

56

100

90

100

100

100

100

100

100

90

100

100

100

100

100

50

50

100

100

-

56

100

90

-

-

-

-

-

-

10

-

-

-

-

-

50

50

-

-

-

44

-

10

-

-

-

-

-

-

10

-

-

-

-

-

50

50

-

-

-

44

-

10

-

Mineral Commodities (UK) Ltd (7)

United Kingdom

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

(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
Zamin Afzar Ofogh (Private Joint Stock) was incorporated on 4 October 2017
(5) 
(6) 
Skeleton Coast Mining (Pty) Ltd was incorporated on 2 August 2018
(7)  Mineral Commodities (UK) Ltd was incorporated on 25 October 2018

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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

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

3,285,437 

60,958,480 

64,243,917

49,620,117

99,024

49,719,141

3,247,013

51,292,218

54,539,231

728,525

31,729,757

32,458,282

14,524,776

22,080,949

64,919,201

(29,935,009)

(20,459,416)

64,420,299

(27,875,500)

(14,463,850)

14,524,776

22,080,949

(Loss)/profit for the year

(2,164,488)

672,539

7.  PEOPLE

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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

355,057

362,760

99,024

73,273

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. 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, 
and then amortised over 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 2018: 

Grant 
date 

27 May 
2015

Expiry 
date

30 May 
2018

7 Sept 
2015

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

1,000,000

-

6,000,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

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

Grant 
date 

27 May 
2015

Expiry 
date

30 May 
2018

7 Sept 
2015

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

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at end of period is nil years  
(2017: 0.42 years)

80

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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 2018 was $nil (2017: $15,242). 

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 employees. 
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.

On 22nd May 2018, the Board approved the issue of 1,000,000 Performance Rights to Executives. 
These performance rights are exercisable on or before 31 May 2021, vesting at a rate of 333,333 per 
annum on 1 October 2018 to 2020 inclusive and upon the closing share price reaching $0.20 and 
remaining at or above $0.20 for a period of 30 consecutive trading days.

On 22nd May 2018, the Board approved the issue of 1,000,000 Performance Rights to senior 
managers. These performance rights are exercisable on or before 25 June 2020, with 500,000 vesting 
on 25 June 2019 and 500,000 vesting on 25 June 2020 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 25th September 2018, the Board approved the issue of 1,000,000 Performance Rights to 
Executives. These performance rights are exercisable on or before 30 September 2020, with 500,000 
vesting on 11 October 2019 and 500,000 vesting on 11 October 2020 and upon the closing share 
price reaching $0.20 and remaining at or above $0.20 for a period of 5 consecutive trading days.

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Set out below are summaries of all Performance Rights granted under the Plan and unexpired at  
31 December 2018:

Grant 
date 

25 May 
2016

16 Aug 
2017

16 Aug 
2017

16 Aug 
2017

22 May 
2018

22 May 
2018

25 Sept 
2018

Expiry 
date

30 May 
2019

31 May 
2020

31 May 
2020

31 May 
2021

31 May 
2021

1 Oct 
2021

30 Sept 
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

2,000,000

20 cents

11.8 cents

500,000

20 cents

11.8 cents

450,000

-

-

-

-

4,000,000

2,000,000

-

150,000

20 cents

28.0 cents

20 cents

28.0 cents

20 cents

13.6 cents

-

-

-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

-

-

-

6,950,000

3,000,000

6,150,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

500,000

500,000

300,000

1,000,000

-

-

1,000,000

333,333

1,000,000

-

3,800,000

833,333

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 
2019

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

-

-

-

-

-

Fair value of Performance Rights granted

The assessed fair value at grant date of the Performance Rights issued during the period ended 31 
December 2018 was determined using a trinomial option pricing model that takes into account the 
performance conditions (share price reaching A$0.20 per share for five consecutive days), 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 2018 was $441,253 
(2017: $289,028). 

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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, except for Rights (vi) where 
the Share price reaching $0.20 and remaining at or above $0.20 is for a period of 30 consecutive trading days.

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(b) Number of Rights 

issued

4,000,000

2,000,000

500,000

450,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

(c) Exercise price (AUD)

0 cents

0 cents

0 cents

0 cents

0 cents

0 cents

0 cents

(d) Share price barrier 

(AUD)

(e) 5 day VWAP of 

20 cents

20 cents

20 cents

20 cents

20 cents

20 cents

20 cents

underlying security

13.5 cents

13.5 cents

13.5 cents

13.5 cents

28.0 cents

28.0 cents

17.5 cents

(f) Grant date

(g) Risk-free interest rate

(h) Expiry date

(i)

(j)

Share price at grant 
date (AUD)

Expected price 
volatility of the shares

(k) Expected dividend yield

25 May  
2016

1.62%

30 May  
2019

16 Aug  
2017

1.98%

31 May 
2020

16 Aug  
2017

1.98%

31 May 
2020

16 Aug  
2017

1.98%

31 May 
2021

22 May  
2018

22 May  
2018

25 Sept  
2018

2.20%

2.20%

2.15%

31 May 
2021

1 Oct  
2021

30 Sept 
2021

13.5 cents

13.5 cents

13.5 cents

13.5 cents

28.0 cents

28.0 cents

17.5 cents

60%

Nil

90%

8%

90%

8%

90%

8%

85%

5.67%

85%

5.67%

85%

7.6%

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.

7.3  Related party transactions

(i)  Parent entity

Transactions between the Company and other entities in the Group during the years ended 31 December 
2018 and 31 December 2017 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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

1,948,747

80,217

-

447,457

2,476,421

1,308,505

55,212

47,910

155,459

1,567,086

Detailed remuneration disclosures are provided in the remuneration report in the Director’s Report.

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(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 2018:

•  Provision of executive services

 The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2018 was $224,340 
(2017: $134,155). 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 2018 was $148,625 (2017: 
$158,510). 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 2018 was $nil (2017: 
$82,372). 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 2018 was $236,880 (2017: 
$288,627). 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 arm’s-length basis at normal 
commercial rates. 

• 

 Others

 The amount paid by the Company to MSCS for the year ended 31 December 2018 was $337,253 
(2017: $202,267). The amounts payable have been in respect of the acquisition of a new vehicle for 
the Executive Chairman, telecommunication charges and miscellaneous payments made by MSCS 
on behalf of the Company. The amounts have been reimbursed on an arm’s-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 2018. The amount paid by the Company to Ross Hastings for the year 
ended 31 December 2018 was $8,209 (2017: $7,934). 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 2018. The amount paid by the 
Company to Hastings Bell Pty Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2018 was $305,734 (2017: $185,452). 
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 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

126,284

56,721

On 30 May 2014, the Company obtained an unsecured short term working capital facility of up to A$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 2017, 28 February 2016 and 31 March 2016; 

and

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

The loan repayments dates were subsequently extended. The loan was 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 ZAR2,628,000 
(US$182,551) (2017: ZAR2,730,000 (US$220,467)).

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 De Punt Prospecting Right Application for an amount 
of ZAR320,000 (US$22,228) (2017: Nil).

Subsequent to balance date, 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 Prospecting 
Right Application for an amount of ZAR1,874,989 (US$130,244) (2017: Nil).

Subordination of Shareholders Loan

With effect from 26th March 2015, MRC Resources Proprietary Limited (“MRCR”) has subordinated 
ZAR90,000,000 (US$ 6,251,746) (2017: ZAR90,000,000 (US$7,268,130)) 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$ 3,125,873) (2017: ZAR45,000,000 (US$3,634,065)) for the due payment by MSR of all 
monies owed to FirstRand Bank Limited.

With effect from 15th September 2016, MSR has provided a surety to FirstRand Bank Limited of 
ZAR4,614,788 (US$ 320,561) (2017: ZAR4,614,788 (US$372,676)) for the due payment by Z Square M.P. 
Empowerment Company (Pty) Ltd of all monies owed to FirstRand Bank Limited.

Others

Since the year end the Company has received a letter of demand for up to ZAR32,268,000 (US$2,241,456) 
plus penalty interest of ZAR4,307,083 (US$299,186) relating to diesel refunds claimed from its mining 
activities over several years. The Company is of the view, based upon independent legal advice obtained, 
the Company has been compliant with the respective legislation and therefore the Company does not 
consider it has a present obligation with respect to this claim. Accordingly, no provision or liability in 
relation to the claim has been recognised in the financial statements. The Company will be pursuing legal 
proceedings and is confident in defending the claim.

Other contingent liabilities relate predominantly to actual or potential claims of the Group for which amounts 
are reasonably estimated but the liability is not probable and therefore the Group has not provided for such 
amounts in the financial report. This amounted to ZAR Nil (US$ Nil) (2017: ZAR18,000,000 (US$1,378,008).

Other than those mentioned above, there have been no other changes to contingent assets or liabilities 
since 31 December 2018.

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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 dividend for the year ended 31 December 2018 of 
0.7 Australian cent per ordinary share, partially franked to 15% of the ordinary dividend (or partially franked 
to 0.105 Australian cent per ordinary share). This equates to a total distribution of A$2,947,641 based on the 
number of ordinary shares on issue at the date of this report. As the dividend was partially franked, 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, 
BDO Tax (WA) Pty Ltd, and their related practices and related firms:

31 December 2018 
$

31 December 2017 
$

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

8.5  Accounting Policies

a)  New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

57,391

14,319

71,710

16,116

8,830

24,946

42,000

22,357

64,357

53,135

-

53,135

The Group has not elected to apply any pronouncements before their effective date for the annual 
reporting period ended 31 December 2018.

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for 
annual period beginning on or after 1 January 2019, and have not been applied in preparing these 
consolidated financial statements. The most significant of these are:

• 

IFRS 16 Leases (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:

Application 
date of 
standard

Annual 
reporting 
periods 
beginning 
on or after 
1 January 
2019.

Reference

Title

Nature of Change

Leases

AASB 16 
(issued 
February 
2016)

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 
2019

Impact on entity financial 
statements

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. 
Refer note 3.6(b) for current operating 
lease commitments as at 31 December 
2018. The majority of current operating 
leases are short term in duration and 
require no change to their accounting 
treatment.

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 2018 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.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors:

Mark Caruso 
Executive Chairman

Dated at Perth, Western Australia  
this 28th day of February 2019

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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

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

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

We have audited the financial report of Mineral Commodities Ltd (the Company) and its subsidiaries
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report
(the Group), which comprises the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2018, the consolidated
Opinion
income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement
of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes
We have audited the financial report of Mineral Commodities Ltd (the Company) and its subsidiaries
to the financial report, including a summary of significant accounting policies and the directors’
(the Group), which comprises the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2018, the consolidated
declaration.
income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement
of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes
In our opinion the accompanying financial report of the Group, is in accordance with the Corporations
to the financial report, including a summary of significant accounting policies and the directors’
Act 2001, including:
declaration.
(i)
In our opinion the accompanying financial report of the Group, is in accordance with the Corporations
Act 2001, including:
(ii)
(i)
Basis for opinion

Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.
Giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2018 and of its
financial performance for the year ended on that date; and

Giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2018 and of its
financial performance for the year ended on that date; and

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.  Our responsibilities under
Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.
(ii)
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial
Basis for opinion
Report section of our report.  We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations
Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.  Our responsibilities under
APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial
financial report in Australia.  We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance
Report section of our report.  We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations
with the Code.
Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s
APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the
We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been
financial report in Australia.  We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance
given to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the
with the Code.
time of this auditor’s report.

We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
given to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the
for our opinion.
time of this auditor’s report.
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
for our opinion.
our audit of the financial report of the current period.  These matters were addressed in the context of
Key audit matters
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.
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
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
89
the acts or omissions of financial services licensees

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Carrying value of mine assets

Key audit matter

How the matter was addressed in our audit

At 31 December 2018 the Group held mine assets which

Our procedures included, but were not limited to the

are significant to the group and consist of Mine

following:

development expenditure and Property, plant and

equipment assets as disclosed in Notes 3.2 and 3.3 to

the financial report.

·

assessing key inputs used in the impairment

assessment including finished product pricing,

directly attributable costs, recovered grades,

This is considered to be a key audit matter given the

and production and processing volumes against

estimation and judgment used in determining the useful

board approved forecast and historical actual

life and amortisation rates for mining assets.

results;

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 position with

respect to the expiry and subsequent renewal of the

mining rights. As a result, the Group undertook an

impairment assessment on the mine assets and

concluded no impairment was required.

·

·

·

·

use of internal valuation expert to assess the

appropriateness of discount rate used;

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 correspondence on these matters;

undertaking sensitivity analysis on significant

assumptions used in the impairment test; and

assessing the adequacy of related disclosures in

Note 3 of the financial statements.

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Revenue recognition

Key audit matter

How the matter was addressed in our audit

Note 2.2 of the financial report discloses revenue from

Our procedures included, but were not limited to the

sale of product.

following:

This was determined to be a key audit matter due to the

·

discussing with management and critically

following:

·

·

significance of revenue to the financial report

Initial application of AASB 15 ‘Revenue from

Contracts with Customers’ (AASB 15) which

applies to the Group from 1 January 2018. The

impact of the adoption of this new standard is

disclosed in Note 1.8

·

the nature of a significant offtake arrangement,

which includes deferred delivery arrangements.

assessing the financial impact of the new

revenue standard and changes to the Group’s

revenue recognition policies or practice

during the year;

·

obtaining and reviewing offtake

arrangements, including any variations,

considering the terms and conditions of

these arrangements and assessing the

accounting for under AASB 15 in consultation

with our internal accounting experts;

·

analytically reviewing revenue recorded

during the year by setting expectations

based upon internal production and survey

volumes against average contract pricing

received during the year;

·

assessing a sample of revenue transactions

through comparison to sales contracts signed

by the customer and bills of lading or final

analysis certificates;

·

evaluating whether revenue had been

recorded in the correct period based on

contractual terms for a sample of sales

around the reporting date; and

·

assessing the appropriateness of the Group’s

disclosures in respect of revenue in Note 2.2

and revenue recognition accounting policies

in Note 1.8.

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Existence and valuation of Inventory

Key audit matter

How the matter was addressed in our audit

Note 4.3 of the financial report discloses the carrying

Our procedures included, but were not limited to

value of the Group’s inventory.

the following:

Inventory was identified as a key audit matter due to

·

BDO network component auditors attending

the significance of the balance, use judgement by

inventory counts at the Tormin mine site

management in allocating costs to various products of

and counting a sample of inventory items

the mining process and the significant balance of spares

and comparing the quantities/volumes

and consumables at the mine site.

counted to the quantities/volumes

recorded;

·

·

BDO network component auditors observing

for potential obsolete or damaged items;

obtaining and reviewing third party survey

reports 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;

·

reviewing management’s inventory model

which allocates mining costs to finished

product and assessing the methodology and

comparing to the accounting policy adopted

by the Group;

·

re-performing the calculation and

reconciling inputs used in the inventory

model to survey results, production reports,

mining costs and sales contracts;

·

·

testing a sample of finished product to

assess whether they were recorded at the

lower of cost and net realisable value; and

assessing the adequacy of the related

disclosures in Note 4.3 to the financial

report.

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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 2018, 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.

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.

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Report on the Remuneration Report

Opinion on the Remuneration Report

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 23 to 31 of the directors’ report for the 
year ended 31 December 2018.

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Mineral Commodities Ltd, for the year ended 31 December 
2018, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Responsibilities

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

BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd

Phillip Murdoch

Director

Perth, 28 February 2019

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MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlyFor personal use onlyStatement of corporate governance

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Mineral Commodities Ltd (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 Statement of 
Corporate Governance was approved by the Board on 17 April 2019.

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

The Company’s corporate governance practices were in place throughout the year and, unless otherwise stated, 
comply with the CGC’s Principles, 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
The Board 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, and monitor the implementation of, the direction, strategies and financial objectives of MRC; 

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 other 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 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. 

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MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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 policies 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 comprises 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. 

The Board will continue to assess its make-up 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

Financial Knowledge

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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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 until 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 the 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 that a 
shareholders vote in favour of the re-election. 

The expertise, skills and details of each Director standing for re-election, including their biographical details, relevant 
qualifications, experience, and other material Directorships they bring to the Board are provided to shareholders to 
consider 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 or 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 of the appointment 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 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 MRC’s Constitution, voting requires a simple majority of the Board. The Chairman holds a casting vote. 

As referred to above, 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 and obtained by a Director must be made available to all other 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 are summarised 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 their 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 of the 2018 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 the results 
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 recognised 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 

the Company’s financial reports 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 
organisational 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 current primary assets are located in South Africa. Other assets are located 

in Iran. Potential changes to fiscal or regulatory regimes in South Africa and Iran may adversely affect the 
Company. The Company must also comply with local laws and administrative processes 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 shutdowns in operations, 
including plant failure, industrial action, in-country unrest, natural disasters, and discontinuance of licences. 
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 with respect to licences includes 
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’s 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. 

•  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 the financial position of the Company. The Board 

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continues to assess the progress of the Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project, will continue with the development of 
the Munglinup Graphite 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 with respect to risk and management, and 
having a primary responsibility to ensure the: 

a)  the Company presents and publishes accounts, which present a true and fair view of its results and financial 

position;

b)  the accounting methods adopted are appropriate to the Company and consistently applied in accordance 

with relevant accounting standards and the applicable laws; and

c)  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, comprising the:

•  Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee; and

•  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 an 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 itself 
available to answer questions from shareholders 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 2017 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.

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. 

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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:

a)  preparing half yearly and annual financial reports and making these available to all shareholders;

b)  preparing quarterly activity reports;

c)  advising the market of matters requiring disclosure under Australian Securities Exchange Continuous 

Disclosure Rules;

d)  maintaining a record of significant ASX announcements on the Company’s website;

e)  submitting proposed major changes in the Company’s affairs to a vote by shareholders, as required by the 

Corporations Act;

f) 

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; 

g)  giving shareholders the option to receive communications from, and send communications to, the Company 

and its share registry electronically; and

h)  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 MRC’s business, avoiding 
conflicts of interest and not misusing company resources. A formal Code of Conduct was adopted in February 2013. 

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, national origin or social origin, which contributes to 
MRC’s success and organisational strength. It ensures all employees are treated with fairness and respect.

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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 
victimisation);

•  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 286 staff, with 57 females, representing 20%. There are no female Directors.  
The Company has not yet set any measurable objectives, however it has an extensive Social and Labour Plan 
(“SLP”) 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 attracted and retained 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) Limited (“MSR”), is committed to 
contributing to the socio-economic activities of the immediate community and the region. Although the primary 
objective is to mine heavy mineral sands from the Tormin Mineral Sands Operation for 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, i.e. Xolobeni, by the creation of direct and indirect jobs wherever the required 
skills and experience are present or can be 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 SLP and, as such, may 
be used as a general indicator of 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.

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.

102

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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

Beneficial 
Interest

South Africa

Tormin

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

Mining

Granted – subject to renewal 
application

Granted – subject to renewal 
application

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

Tormin

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

Mining

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

Prospecting

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

Prospecting

Granted

Granted

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

Prospecting

EA Refused – under appeal

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

Prospecting

EA granted subject to appeal

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

Prospecting

EA granted subject to appeal

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

Prospecting

EA granted subject to appeal

Xolobeni - 
Kwanyana block

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

Prospecting

Xolobeni

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

Mining

Subject to moratorium - 
Converting to Mining Right

Subject to moratorium - 
Under Application

Australia

Cave Hill

E51/1867

Exploration

Granted

Doolgunna

E51/1766

Exploration

Granted

Doolgunna – Bone

E51/1770

Doolgunna – Lucky 
Dog

Doolgunna – Lucky 
Dog

P51/2787

P51/2788

Glen Florrie

ELA08/2963

Exploration

Granted

Exploration

Granted

Exploration

Exploration

Granted

Granted

Harvey Vanadium

M70/888

Mining

Granted

Paynes Find

M59/714

Paynes Find – Edon 
Pegmatites

E59/2325

Paynes Find – 
Wydgee Pegmatites E59/2326

Mining

In Transfer

Exploration

Granted

Exploration

Granted

100% (90%)

Munglinup

M74/245

Mining

Granted

Munglinup

Munglinup

Yandeyarra

Yandeyarra

Yandeyarra

Yandeyarra

E74/505

E74/565

E47/3884

E47/3885

E47/3916

E45/5109

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Granted

Granted

Granted

Granted

Granted

Granted

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

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

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

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

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

100% (90%)

0% (Option to 
earn-in up to 
100%)

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

100% (90%)

51% (Option to 
acquire 90%)

51% (Option to 
acquire 90%)

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

103

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MINERAL SANDS RESOURCES

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.

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.

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 2018 
remain consistent with 31 December 2017.

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 tidal flooding of the mining areas, replenishment of HMS material is taking 
place in mined and disturbed areas. 

Mining has now been ongoing for five years and a total of 9.2 million tonnes of material has been processed. The 
tonnage processed is more than the declared resource tonnage which is indicative of the replenishing 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 five years.

Updated Tormin Resource Table 

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

Inferred Resources – Dec 2017

Tonnes Mined - 2018

Inferred Resources – Dec 2018

Resource 
Million Tonnes

Total Heavy 
Mineral(1) 
(% in Resource)

Ilmenite 
(% in HM)

Zircon 
(% in HM)

Rutile 
(% in HM)

2.70

1.07

2.70

1.62

2.70

1.81

1.80

2.05

1.80(2)

2.65

2.26

49.40%

53.83%

38.14%

49.57%

28.01%

45.97%

28.08%

27.57%

15.92%

17.35%

14.10%

21.46%

32.06%

26.35%

32.58%

24.88%

28.21%

21.90%

21.07%

17.09%

18.10%

16.31%

6.88%

8.84%

5.79%

7.83%

5.57%

6.05%

5.88%

3.99%

4.96%

3.17%

3.05%

1.42%

1.21%

1.21%

1.21%

1.96%

1.33%

1.89%

1.81%

2.70%

2.19%

1.35%

Garnet 
(% in HM)

51.21%

57.89%

66.12%

58.38%

66.19%

63.54%

67.63%

70.37%

71.92%

72.33%

56.03%

(1) Includes other valuable heavy minerals e.g. leucoxene and magnetite
(2) 5% Heavy Mineral (“HM”) cut-off grade used

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 2019 entitled “MRC Annual Resource Update - Tormin Mine Mineral Resource Audit”.

The December 2018 inferred resource is based on the reasonable prospect for the economic extraction of the 
material, as has occurred over the past 5 years. Note that individual minerals are reported as a percentage of the 
total heavy mineral concentration.

The inferred resource is 2.26 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.

104

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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

The resource grade has diminished since the December 2017 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 are based on mined material reconciliation as at 31 December 2018. 

Category

Inferred

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

PROJECT

Tormin

Xolobeni

Total Xolobeni

Total MRC

Resource 
Million Tonnes

Total Heavy 
Mineral %

Ilmenite  
(% in HM)

2.26

224

104

18

346.0

348.26

14.10%

16.31%

5.7%

4.1%

2.3%

5.0%

54.5%

53.7%

69.6%

54.0%

5.06%

53.31%

Zircon 
(% in HM)

3.05%

Rutile 
(% in HM)

1.35%

Garnet  
(% in HM)

56.03%

GRAPHITE RESOURCES AND RESERVES

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 
Graphitic Carbon (“TGC”) using a lower cut-off grade of 10% or 1.6 million tonnes @ 18.7% TGC using a cut-off 
grade of 15%. 

Halberts Main Zone

Measured

Indicated

Other Areas

Indicated

Total

Resource 
(Million Tonnes)

Grade  
(Total Graphitic Content %)

Contained Graphite 
(Million Tonnes)

1.710

1.367

0.548

3.625

14.1%

15.3%

19.1%

15.3%

0.241

0.209

0.104

0.554

Additional exploration was undertaken in 2018. As at 31 December 2018, an updated Mineral Resource Model had 
not been finalised. This new model includes all exploration undertaken during the year and will be released when 
finalised and fully audited in 2019 as the estimation methodology has changed from the AEMCO model.

On 30 May 2018 the Munglinup Graphite Pre-Feasibility Study was released and included a maiden Ore Reserve 
(JORC 2012 compliant) based on the AEMCO 2016 Mineral Resource model. The Ore Reserve reported 3.44 million 
tonnes @ 15.9% TGC for a total contained graphite of 548 kilotonnes.

Halberts Main Zone

Measured

Probable

Other Areas

Probable

Total (1)

(1)  May include rounding errors

Reserve 
(Million Tonnes)

Grade  
(Total Graphitic Content %)

Contained Graphite 
(Thousand Tonnes)

1.710

1.042

0.992

3.440

15.8%

19.0%

12.9%

15.9%

222

198

128

548

105

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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

MINERAL RESOURCE AND ORE RESERVE GOVERNANCE
Mineral Resources and where applicable, Ore Reserves, are estimated by suitably 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, if any, in this statement which relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves for 
Tormin is based on information compiled by Dr Joseph A.P. Drake-Brockman, who is a Member of the AusIMM and 
is an independent consultant to the Company. Dr Drake-Brockman is an employee of Drake-Brockman Geoinfo Pty 
Limited and has over 36 years of exploration and mining experience in a variety of mineral deposits and styles.  
Dr Drake-Brockman 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 
JORC Code (2012). The information from Dr Drake-Brockman was prepared under the JORC Code (2012).  
Dr Drake-Brockman 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 statement which relates to Mineral Resources for Munglinup is based on information 
compiled by Mr Adriaan du Toit who is a member of the AusIMM and an independent consultant to Gold Terrace Pty 
Ltd. Mr du Toit is the Director and Principal Geologist of AEMCO Pty Ltd and has over 27 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 JORC Code (2012). The information from Mr du Toit was prepared under the 
JORC Code (2012). 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 statement which relates to the Ore Reserve for Munglinup is based on information 
compiled by Mr Daniel Hastings, who is a Member of the AusIMM. Mr Hastings is an employee of Hastings Bell Pty 
Ltd and a consultant to the Company. Mr Hastings has sufficient experience relevant to the type of deposit under 
consideration to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the JORC Code (2012). Mr Hastings 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 statement that relates to metallurgy, the process plant and infrastructure design for 
Munglinup is based on information compiled and reviewed by Mr David Pass, who is a Member of the 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). 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 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 38 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)”). This information was prepared and first disclosed under the JORC Code (2004).  
It has not been updated since to comply with the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration 
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (“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.

106

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only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 26 March 2019.

Twenty Largest Shareholders

Rank

Name

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

16

17

18

19

19

19

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 

INTERNATIONAL MINING SERVICES PTE LTD 

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED 

MR JONATHAN COLVILE 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

ANTHONY DAVID SHEARD 

REGIONAL MANAGEMENT PTY LTD 

INTERNATIONAL MINING SERVICES PTE. LTD 

MR ROBERT CAMERON GALBRAITH 

MR ASHLLEY WALLISS 

ZURICH BAY HOLDINGS PTY LTD 

MR GRANT MENHENNETT 

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

MRS KATALIN ILONA TORRE 

MR WILLIAM DAVIDSON MEEK 

MR JOSEPH ANTHONY CARUSO 

MR GUY REDVERS WALKER 

PROPERTY & EQUITY NOMINEES PTY LTD 

26 Mar 2019

111,128,820

77,179,586

62,875,258

50,000,000

25,757,485

9,100,000

6,342,000

5,706,875

5,428,058

4,117,219

3,609,137

2,000,000

1,546,540

1,500,000

1,459,221

1,250,000

1,250,000

1,172,728

1,055,611

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

960,214

Total

Balance of register

Grand total

377,438,752

43,652,819

421,091,571

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

406,435,492

12,117,206

1,405,830

1,097,917

35,126

%

96.52

2.88

0.33

0.26

0.01

No. of holders

119

338

174

329

134

421,091,571

100.00

1,094

100.00

107

%IC

26.39

18.33

14.93

11.87

6.12

2.16

1.51

1.36

1.29

0.98

0.86

0.47

0.37

0.36

0.35

0.30

0.30

0.28

0.25

0.24

0.24

0.24

0.24

0.23

89.63

10.37

100.00

%

10.88

30.90

15.90

30.07

12.25

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use onlySH A R E H O L D E R I N F O R M A T I O N

Marketable Parcels
Number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares is 303.

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.

111,128,820

77,007,485

60,018,408

35,808,750

26,904,733

26.39%

18.4%

14.3% 

8.6%

6.4%

108

MINERAL COMMODITIES LTD  |  Annual Report 2018For personal use only39-43 Murray Road North 
Welshpool WA 6106 
Telephone: +61 (8) 6253 1100 
Facsimile: +61 (8) 9258 3601 
Email: info@mncom.com.au

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1

8

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2
0
1
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