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San Leon Energy

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FY2020 Annual Report · San Leon Energy
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San Leon Energy plc 

Head Office  
3300 Lake Drive  
Citywest Business Campus  
Dublin 24 
Ireland 

Registered address  
2 Shelbourne Buildings 
Crampton Avenue 
Shelbourne Road 
Ballsbridge 
Dublin 4 
Ireland 

sanleonenergy.com

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An independent 
oil and gas company

Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate statement

San Leon Energy plc (“San Leon” or the “Company”) is a publicly listed 
energy company focused on Nigeria.  The Company currently holds 
a 10.58% initial indirect economic interest in Oil Mining Lease 18 
(“OML 18”), a producing asset located onshore Nigeria; and during 
2020 acquired a 10% interest in Energy Link Infrastructure (Malta) Ltd 
(“ELI”). ELI’s sole asset is the proposed new Alternative Crude Oil 
Evacuation System (“ACOES”) constructed to provide a dedicated oil 
export route from the OML 18 asset. 

The Company is aiming to use its interest in OML 18 as a platform to become a 
leading independent production and exploration company focused on Nigeria 
and West Africa – by securing and developing further high potential asset 
opportunities that yield value to our shareholders. 

Overview 

Highlights 

San Leon at a glance  

Our strategy  

1

2

4

5

Financial statements  

46

Independent Auditor’s report 

52 Consolidated income statement  

53 Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income 

Overview / Corporate structure  

54 Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

Strategic report 

6

8

Chairman’s statement  

Four expected cash flow sources 

10 Chief Executive’s statement 

Corporate governance  

14 Board of Directors 

16 Corporate governance statement 

24

27

Audit and Risk Committee report 

Remuneration Committee report  

30 Nomination Committee report  

31 Health and Safety Committee report 

32 Directors’ report  

39 Corporate Responsibility 

44

Statement of Director’s responsibilities 

56 Company statement of changes in equity  

58 Consolidated statement of financial position 

59 Company statement of financial position 

60 Consolidated statement of cash flows  

61 Company statement of cash flows 

62 Notes to the financial statements 

Other information 

119 Alternative performance measures 

120 Corporate information 

121 Glossary 

122 Conversion  

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Highlights

Corporate 

Operational 

• Completed the return of approximately US$33.8 million to 
shareholders during the first half of 2020 delivering on the 
Company’s commitment to shareholder returns. 

• The Company entered into an agreement dated 6 April 2020 

amending the existing Loan Notes Instrument (the 
“Amendment”) between San Leon and Midwestern Leon 
Petroleum Limited (“MLPL”). Under the terms of the Amendment, 
US$40.0 million was received immediately by San Leon.  

• On 3 August 2020 the Company provided a US$10.0 million loan 
plus an additional US$5.0 million loan on 6 October 2020 and 
acquired a direct 10% interest in Energy Link Infrastructure 
(Malta) Ltd (“ELI”). ELI’s sole asset is the proposed new Alternative 
Crude Oil Evacuation System (“ACOES”) constructed to provide a 
dedicated oil export route (comprising a new pipeline together 
with a Floating Storage and Offloading (“FSO”) vessel) from OML 
18. Once commissioned, the system is expected, by Eroton, to 
reduce the downtime and allocated pipeline losses to below 10%.  

• On 1 September 2020, the Company announced that it had 

conditionally agreed to invest US$7.5 million by way of a loan  
to Decklar Petroleum Limited (“Decklar”), which is the holder of  
a Risk Service Agreement (“RSA”) with Millenium Oil and Gas 
Company Limited (“Millenium”) on the Oza marginal field, carved 
out of OML 11, onshore Nigeria. Under the agreements, once 
completed, the Company will also receive a 15% interest in 
Decklar for a nominal amount paid. This transaction is still 
awaiting final conditions precedents to complete. 

• Board appointment process previously announced completed 

with appointment of John Brown as Independent Non-Executive 
Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and 
Adekolapo Ademola as Non-Independent Non-Executive Director 
on behalf of Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Ltd. Non-Executive 
Directors, Mark Phillips, Bill Higgs and Linda Beal, left the Board 
during 2020 and Alan Campbell has since stepped off the Board 
in 2021 as part of a board restructure. 

Financial 

• Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2020 of US$18.5 
million (includes US$6.8 million restricted and held in escrow for 
the Oza transaction) (31 December 2019: US$36.7 million).  

• Cash and cash equivalents as at 18 June 2021 were US$14.8 

million (includes Oza escrow of US$6.8 million). 

• In the past 18 months US$47.3 million, of which US$46.5 million 

relates to 2020 (31 December 2019: US$43.2 million) in  
principal and interest payments has been received under the 
MLPL Loan Notes. 

• US$5.8 million has so far been paid of the US$10.0 million  

due under the MLPL Loan Notes in September 2020, leaving 
US$4.2 million still outstanding.  

• A share repurchase programme of US$2.0 million of Company’s 
shares was completed between October 2019 and January 2020. 

• A special dividend of US$33.3 million was declared in May 2020, 
giving a dividend yield of approximately 30% as at the date of 
dividend announcement. 

An update on OML 18 activity during 2020 is provided below: 

• Oil delivered to the Bonny terminal for sales was approximately 

21,100 barrels of oil per day (“bopd”) in 2020 (32,000 bopd in 2019) 
and continues to be affected by combined losses and downtime of 
approximately 35%. The 2020 figure has also been affected by 
OPEC oil production quota restrictions, and some Covid-related 
delays. Together, the losses, downtime, OPEC restrictions and 
Covid-related delays have caused the majority of the difference 
between gross production when there is minimal disruption to 
production, and oil is received at Bonny terminal for sales. 

• Gas sales averaged 32.7 million standard cubic feet per day 
(“mmscf/d”) in 2020 after downtime (36.0 mmscf/d in 2019). 

• Production downtime of 9% in 2020 was caused by third party 
terminal and gathering system issues. This relates to days when 
oil production was entirely shut down at OML 18. OPEC quota 
restrictions on production also had an adverse effect on 
production rates, however downtime and Covid-related delays 
have meant these quotas at times have not been met. Such issues 
in the third-party export system are expected to be substantially 
resolved by the implementation of the new ACOES for the purpose 
of transporting, storing and evacuating crude oil from OML 18 
export Pipeline. The pipeline will run from within the OML 18 
acreage to a dedicated FSO vessel in the open sea, approximately 
50 kilometres offshore. Expected timing for the commencement  
of operations is H2 of 2021. See ELI update below. 

• Pipeline losses by the Bonny Terminal operator have increased 

over the past year (31 December 2020: 28%; 31 December 2019: 
22%), largely due to lower pipeline throughput as a result of 
OPEC quota restrictions. In the longer term, the ACOES is 
expected to reduce losses significantly. 

• Eroton completed its three well drilling programme in early 2020, 
with the final completion and flow of these wells impacted by 
Covid-19. Lower oil prices for much of 2020 have led Eroton to 
improve capital discipline and the prudent deferral of the next 
drilling campaign, now expected to commence during 2022. 

• Eroton has taken all appropriate precautions for its operations 
and people, with regards to Covid-19 and we understand has 
had no Covid-19 cases on OML 18. 

ELI 

• ELI has received approval from the President of Nigeria (acting 

in his capacity as Minister for Petroleum Resources) for the FSO, 
ELI Akaso, to be set up as an oil terminal. 

• ELI is in advanced negotiations with other third party injectors  

for use of its pipeline and terminalling facilities. 

• Construction of the pipeline continues to progress and hook up 

with ELI Akaso is expected to take place in the H2 2021. 

Outlook 2021 

• The commissioning of the ELI pipeline. 
• Expected close out of Oza transaction. 
• Continuing to position the Company for further transactions. 

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020        1

 
 
 
 
San Leon at a glance

Considerable exploration potential exists across OML 18, 
an asset which is larger than Bahrain

Material Assets  
in Nigeria 

10.58% Indirect Economic Interest  
in OML 18 
The 2016 Competent Persons Report 
(“CPR”) by Petrovision Energy Services 
(“Petrovision”) illustrated the scale of the 
reserves applicable to OML 18 partners.  
A summary is provided in the  
table opposite. 

Contingent resources and considerable 
exploration potential also exist across  
this asset which is larger than Bahrain. 
Further details regarding San Leon’s 
investment in OML 18 can be found  
in Notes 13 and 17 of the Financial 
Statements and in the 2016 AIM 
admission document in the investors 
section of the Company’s website. 

10% equity investment in Energy 
Link Infrastructure (Malta) 
The Company also has a 10% equity 
interest in Energy Link Infrastructure 
(Malta) (“ELI”) – a company which owns 
the ACOES project. The ACOES is being 
constructed to provide a dedicated oil 
export route from the OML 18 asset, 
comprising a new pipeline from OML 18 
and a floating storage and offloading 
vessel (“FSO”). Once commissioned, the 
system is expected by Eroton to reduce 
the downtime and allocated pipeline 
losses currently associated with the 
Nembe Creek Trunk Line (“NCTL”), to 
below 10%. In addition, it is anticipated 
that the ACOES project will improve 
overall well uptime. 

The Board believes that the ACOES will 
have a significant effect on the 
operation of OML 18, primarily through 
the reduction of downtime and losses 
associated with the existing export 
route. ELI, through its Nigerian 
subsidiary, will earn fees for transporting 
and storing crude oil from OML 18 and 
potential third parties. As a shareholder 
in ELI, San Leon stands to benefit from 
what the Board considers could be a 
very profitable operation in the 
medium to long term.

2         SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

NIGER

BURKINA
FASO

BENIN

N I G E

R

I

A

TOGO

Abuja

Lagos

G U L

F

O F

G U I N E A

Port 
Harcourt

CAMEROON

N

I

G

E

R   D E L T A

Bonny
Terminal

N

0

200km

OML 18

EQUATORIAL
GUINEA

Gross technical reserves before economic cut-off 

OML 18 

1P 

2P 
GABON

Oil + Condensate (mmstb^) 

389 

Gas (bscf*) 

3,119 

576 

3,213 

^ million stock tank barrels of oil.  * billion standard cubic feet of gas.

3P 

777 

5,080 

Aker Solutions, AGR, Maersk Drilling, 
Keppel FELS, Aibel AS for the subsequent 
development of Barryroe. In April 2021, 
Providence has announced that it had 
terminated the farm-out agreement with 
SpotOn Energy for the Barryroe Licence 
and is progressing arrangements for an 
alternative funding package to finance 
100% of the costs of the early 
development scheme (“EDS”) for the 
Barryroe licence (SEL 1/11).

Other assets  

Ireland (Offshore) – Barryroe 
San Leon holds a 4.5% Net Profit Interest 
(“NPI”) on the Barryroe oil field which is 
located in Standard Exploration Licence 
1 / 11 in the North Celtic Sea, offshore 
Ireland. The field has had six 
hydrocarbon bearing wells successfully 
drilled on the structure. Providence 
Resources plc (the operator of Barryroe) 
announced during 2020 that it had 
farmed out Barryroe, pending certain 
conditions to be fulfilled. The Farmout 
Agreement was entered into with 
SpotOn Energy Limited, a 
Norwegian-based resources company, 
who have partnered with Schlumberger, 

OML 18

OML 23

DEGEMA

Greater Port
Harcourt Swamp
Line (GPHSL)

BUGUMA

Port 
Harcourt

Apara

GTS 4GTS 4
GTS 4
Gas Line
Gas Line
Gas Line

OML 2006
OML 2006
OML 2006

Ajokpori

Ebubu

Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt
Oil Refinery
Oil Refinery
Oil Refinery

OGONI

N’toreN’tore
N’tore
Chemicals
Chemicals
Chemicals

Onne

Dawes
Dawes
Dawes
Island
Island
Island

OML 11

Alakiri
East

Cawthorne
Channel

Hughes
Channel

Nembe 
Creek
Trunk Line
(NCTL)

3. MPN Bonny 
River Terminal 
(Exxon Mobil) 

Asaramatoru

Bonny
Island

1

2

3

1. Bonny Oil Terminal (Shell)
1.1. Bonny Oil Terminal (Shell)
 Bonny Oil Terminal (Shell)

2. NLNG Bonny LNG Terminal
2.2. NLNG Bonny LNG Terminal
 NLNG Bonny LNG Terminal

OML 52

Bonny
Terminal

Buguma
Creek

Asaritoru

Orubiri

Idama

OML 55

Jokka

OML18

Alakiri

Bille

Eastern Gas
Gathering
System
(EGGS-1)

Krakama
East

Awoba

Krakama

OML 24

Nembe
Nembe
Nembe
Creek
Creek
Creek
Trunk Line
Trunk Line
Trunk Line
(NCTL)
(NCTL)
(NCTL)

OML 25

OPL 278

Ke

OML 55
OML 55
OML 55

Akaso

YELLOW
ISLAND

GTS 4
Gas Line

OML 141

OML 55

Manifold

Flow Station

Oil Export Line

Gas Export Line
Main field Tie-in Lines

OML 74

OML 467

OML 72

Proposed
FSO location

                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020        3

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Our strategy

The Company’s strategy is to become a leading independent 
production and exploration company focused on West Africa

We are seeking to achieve this by using our technical 
and operational expertise in securing production and 
near-term operating cash flow which will yield value  
to our shareholders whilst continuing to forge close  
links with governments, partners and the local 
communities that we operate in. 

4         SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Overview

San Leon holds an initial indirect 10.58% 
economic interest in OML 18*

NNPC

55%

Bilton

1.8%

2%

Bilton

Governed by JOA

Sahara

16.2%

Eroton

27%

98%

Martwestern

100%

MLPL

40%

60%

Midwestern

55%

2.34%

10.58%*

15.88%

16.2%

Direct interest in OML 18

Initial economic interest in OML 18

The parties in the OML 18 
shareholding structure are 
described below.  

NNPC: Nigerian National Petroleum 
Corporation is the state oil corporation  
of Nigeria.  

Eroton: Eroton Exploration and 
Production Company Limited is the 
current operator that completed the 
purchase of 45% of OML 18 for US$1.1 
billion from Shell, Total and ENI in March 
2015. Following a farm out to Sahara  
and Bilton (see below), Eroton now holds 
a 27% interest in the licence.

Sahara: Sahara Field Production Limited 
is a Nigerian privately-owned integrated 
oil & gas company – part of a power and 
energy conglomerate established in 
1996. Effective 16.2% stake was part of 
Eroton’s original 45% purchase. 

MLPL: Midwestern Leon Petroleum 
Limited, a Mauritian-incorporated special 
purpose vehicle, holding the combined 
OML 18 interest of both San Leon and 
Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited, 
through Martwestern. 

Bilton: Bilton Energy Limited is an 
indigenous company whose entry costs 
into OML 18 were carried by certain 
partners. Bilton has a 1.8% direct  
interest in OML 18 and also has a 50% 
shareholding in Eroton. 

Midwestern: Midwestern Oil and Gas 
Company Limited is a Nigerian company 
awarded operatorship of Umusadege 
Marginal Field located in OML 56, Nigeria, 
in 2003, increasing production from 
3,000 to a typical rate of ~20,000 bopd. 

Martwestern: Martwestern Energy 
Limited is a Nigerian company 
100%-owned by Midwestern Leon 
Petroleum Limited (“MLPL”). Martwestern 
owns 50% of Eroton (Bilton owns the 
remaining 50%). 

 * After various financial and production hurdles 
are met, San Leon’s indirect economic interest 
in OML 18 reduces to 5.4%. 

                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020        5

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Chairman’s statement

As we went into 2020, there had been significant turmoil 
in the financial markets due to the impact of the Covid-19 
pandemic. This, along with certain geopolitical issues, had 
also led to a sharp fall and continued volatility in the oil 
price, which continued for much of 2020. 

During this sustained period of reduced 
demand, San Leon continued to deliver 
further shareholder returns. An additional 
US$46.5 million was received in cash 
from the loan notes mechanism relating 
to its OML 18 investment during the year, 
which enabled us to announce the 
inaugural special dividend of US$33.3 
million in April 2020.  

On receipt of US$40.0 million in Loan 
Note repayments (principal and interest) 
in April 2020, the Company amended the 
terms of the Loan Notes, extending the 
term out to December 2021. The 
Company anticipates the remaining 
outstanding balance at 31 December 
2020 of US$84.2 million, including 
interest, to be repaid, however given the 
issues around Covid-19, volatility in the 
oil price and demand as well as short 
term production issues at the asset level, 
the Company is not confident of 
repayments being received on time. This 
has resulted in a credit impairment of the 
Loan Notes due to uncertainty in timing 
of these repayments. 

The Company’s financial position enabled 
it to take advantage of potential 
value-adding opportunities, and I am 
pleased to report that San Leon did so 
during the second half of 2020, acquiring 
an interest in ELI and announcing the 
proposed Oza field investment.  

Last year I reported that Eroton had 
continued to drill its three-well campaign 
and progressed the new oil export system. 
The drilling campaign was successfully 
completed during 2020, and the new oil 
export system, ACOES, is expected to be 
operational during H2 2021. 

I continue to believe that we should not 
expect significant long-term impacts 
resulting from the sustained economic 
downturn, to our indirect interest in OML 
18 or the underlying asset, however we 
have credit impaired the MLPL Loan 
Notes due to these increased risks 
previously mentioned. San Leon and 

Eroton, the operator of OML 18, 
continue to observe work from home 
where possible for office employees, 
while continuing to adjust field location 
rotations and managing working capital. 
Naturally, the operational deferrals, 
OPEC production restrictions and 
increased production downtime have 
reduced production during 2020 and 
have some natural delay in achieving 
future production increases from new 
well drilling. Alongside the revival in oil 
prices post the reporting period, I expect 
Eroton to start to consider when to 
restart well operations with an aim to 
boosting production on what we 
consider to be a world-class asset.  

West Africa, focusing on Nigeria, is where 
San Leon’s activities and resources will 
continue to be concentrated, and we 
expect this focus to continue to deliver 
value for shareholders. 

Our investment in ELI is expected to yield 
attractive returns to the Company from 
its loan plus equity component, and we 
anticipate the ACOES and FSO will be 
commissioned in the second half of 
2021. We continue to finalise our 
investment in the Oza marginal field, 
within the broader OML 11 block, 
onshore Nigeria. This is an existing field 
with some production history, where we 
believe workovers and new drilling can 
release the asset’s expected inherent 
value. Again, a relatively low-risk 
investment with a cash sweep, combined 
with an equity interest via the Risk 
Service Provider on Oza, fits well with the 
Company’s strategy to broaden its 
portfolio in Nigeria using limited risk 
investments with near-term targeted 
cash flow. This transaction is still awaiting 
final conditions precedents to complete. 

The Company still retains two 
non-Nigerian, non-core assets. These are 
the Durresi block offshore Albania, for 
which a farm out is being sought, and the 
Company’s Net Profit Interest (“NPI”) in 
the Barryroe field, offshore Ireland, the 

6         SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

US$47.3 m  

 US$47.3 million received since  
the beginning of 2020.

importance for businesses and investors. 
We constituted a formal Committee of 
the Board during December 2020 to 
oversee San Leon’s ESG strategy and 
initiatives. This is an area to which San 
Leon continues to be committed and our 
focus in 2021 is in developing our own 
ESG strategy, which the Company 
anticipates will meet the expectations  
of good international industry practice. 
As part of this we will continue ongoing 
engagement with all stakeholders and 
governments to ensure that we operate 
our business in a way that is sustainable 
and benefits the local communities in 
which we have a presence. The Company 
continued several initiatives during the 
course of 2020 in Nigeria including the 
provision of educational support for 
disadvantaged children, the building of  
a new medical centre, and construction 
of a new classroom block at a school in 
Benue State. This is in addition to our 
ongoing support of women-led small 
enterprises in Nassarawa and Benue 
States and the installation of motorised 
water boreholes. 

With its increasing technical involvement 
in OML 18, relationships in-country, 
additional investments in ELI and Oza 
(yet to be completed), and funds 
expected in the future, we believe San 
Leon is well-positioned to continue to 
realise value for shareholders from 
Nigeria. With the stabilised oil price and 
planned ACOES, we hope to see an 
improvement in the short-term 
production issues at the asset level, and 
continue to monitor the situation closely. 

Our strategy continues to include the 
delivery of sustainable long-term returns 
to shareholders. We aim to achieve this 
through a combination of returns to 
shareholders and also growth in our 
asset base.  

I look forward with confidence to 
updating shareholders on the 
achievement of these aims. 

Mutiu Sunmonu 
Chairman 

28 June 2021

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operator, Providence Resources plc, 
continues to work on a funding solution 
which is expected by Providence to 
conclude by the end of the third quarter 
in time to meet drilling in 2022 and 
progress development of the field. 

The Company has nearly completed its 
exit from Poland, with the small amount 
of remaining activity being administrative. 
The Company continues to hold certain 
NPIs in relation to Polish licences. 

The assets of NovaSeis are planned to be 
sold as part of the Company’s exit from 
Poland, with the majority of non-seismic 
equipment having already been sold. 

Staff welfare is of utmost importance to 
us and as such at San Leon Energy plc  
we have also been working remotely 
whenever possible since March 2020 as 
mandated by the different governments 
in the countries in which we have a 
presence. All employees and consultants 
have continued to be actively engaged 
regardless of the home working conditions. 

As at 18 June 2021 San Leon had 
unrestricted cash on hand of US$8.0 
million, however given the issues around 
Covid-19, volatility in the oil price and 
demand as well as short term production 
issues at the asset level, the Company is 
not confident of repayments being 
received on time. This has resulted in a 
credit impairment of the Loan Notes due 
to uncertainty in timing of repayments. 
Our cash inflows have allowed the 
Company not only to survive the on-going 
market turmoil, but also to take advantage 
of potential value-adding opportunities. 
The Company continues to monitor the 
situation and is managing its financial 
position accordingly.  

Director. Adekolapo brings a wealth of 
experience across a variety of disciplines 
with a strong focus on Nigeria. John 
Brown was recently appointed as 
Independent Non-Executive Director  
and the Chair of the Audit and Risk 
Committee. John brings 20 years of 
international experience in the oil and 
gas and related industries, including  
10 years in West Africa. Following John’s 
appointment and as part of a corporate 
governance review conducted in 
conjunction with its search for a new 
non-executive director, Alan Campbell, 
Director of Commercial & Business 
Development, also stepped down from 
the Board. I am grateful to Alan for 
stepping down from his Board role at this 
time as part of our corporate governance 
Board restructuring, where there is now 
an equal balance of three Non-Executive 
Directors and three Executive Directors. 
Alan was a key figure in San Leon’s 
growth and transformation during his 
time as a Director. He will remain a part  
of the Company’s executive management 
team and continue to contribute to  
San Leon’s commercial and business 
operations going forward. He also 
remains as Company Secretary. The 
Company would like to thank 
Non-Executive Directors, Mark Phillips,  
Bill Higgs and Linda Beal, who left the 
Board during the period, for their service 
and wish them well for the future. 

During July, Allenby Capital Limited was 
appointed as the Company’s Nominated 
Adviser and Joint Broker. At the same 
time, pursuant to the acquisition of 
Whitman Howard Limited by Panmure 
Gordon & Co (“Panmure Gordon”), the 
Company appointed Panmure Gordon 
as its Joint Broker. 

During 2020, the Company appointed 
Adekolapo Ademola as a Non-Executive 

Environment, Social and Governance 
(“ESG”) is an area of increasing 

                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020        7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Four expected cash flow sources

Strong cash flow enabled the Company to complete 
a share repurchase programme in January 2020 and paid 
a US$33.3 million special dividend in May 2020

1

Loan notes repayment 
and interest

The Company entered into a Loan Notes 
agreement in September 2016 with 
MLPL, whereby, once certain conditions 
have been met and using an agreed 
distribution mechanism, San Leon would 
be repaid the par value of US$174.5 
million* plus an annual coupon of 17% 
(accounted for as US$152.0 million at an 
annual 25% coupon under IFRS) through 
to 2020. In April 2020, it was agreed that 
the loan term would be extended 
through to 2021. The coupon would 
continue to accrue on the outstanding 
balance. By 31 December 2020, San Leon 
had received total cash inflows of 
US$195.6 million (interest and principal) 
due under the terms of the Loan Note. 
During 2021, further payments of US$0.8 
million were received, bringing total cash 
receipts to date to US$196.4 million, 
leaving US$82.1 million* at par value 
(before interest) (accounted for as 
US$92.4 million under IFRS) outstanding 
as of 18 June 2021. 

Such receipts to date have largely been 
paid on behalf of MLPL due to the 
existence of guarantees to the Company 
under the Loan Notes instruments. The 
Company expects to receive the 
remaining outstanding balance of the 
Loan Notes, however due to short term 
production issues on OML 18, the Board 
is unable to assess the timing of when the 
repayments will be made. Due to this 
uncertainty in timing, the Company has 
credit impaired the Loan Notes. Having 
assessed the risk of non-payment, the 
Board, although unsure of timing, still 
anticipates that all Loan Note repayments 
will continue to be made, noting that  
San Leon has various guarantees and  
a share pledge in place which provide 
some security for payments due to the 
Company under the Loan Notes 

ELI loan note and interest 
In August 2020 the Company announced 
an investment of US$15.0 million in 
Energy Link Infrastructure (Malta) Limited 
(“ELI”), the company which owns the 
Alternative Crude Oil Evacuation System 
(“ACOES”) project. The investment 
comprises a 10% equity interest in ELI 
together with a US$15.0 million* 
shareholder loan at a coupon of 14% per 
annum (accounted for as US$16.4 million 

under IFRS at 18 June 2021) over four 
years, and repayable quarterly following  
a one-year moratorium from the date of 
investment. Repayments are expected  
to commence from Q3 2021. Under the 
terms of ELI’s senior debt facility, the 
lender has a charge over all of the 
company’s assets and, as further  
security, each shareholder (including  
San Leon Energy) has pledged their 
shares to the lender. The terms of the 
pledge are that the shares cannot be 
transferred or otherwise utilised without 
the lender’s consent. 

2 Services  

revenue

San Leon can provide certain technical 
services in relation to subsurface work on 
OML 18. The Company also has a Master 
Services Agreement to provide certain 
rig-related services to Eroton. 

The Directors believe that with the current 
sustained improvement in oil price, and 
subject to OPEC quota restrictions, 
drilling may recommence during 2022. 
Current expectation of services income  
is a continuation of the contract for its 
subsurface technical input and leadership 
once this drilling commences. 

No income has yet been recognised for 
technical services or under the Master 
Services Agreement. 

3 Indirect 

equity interest

Eroton is the Operator of OML 18  
while San Leon has a defined partner  
role through its shareholding in MLPL.  
San Leon provides technical support  
to Eroton. 

No dividend has been paid as yet by 
MLPL. OML 18 cash flow has not been  
as anticipated due to both operational 
issues and the economic turmoil during 
Covid-19 as well as the associated 
volatility in oil price and impact on 
planned well drilling and delays in the 
ACOES project. 

The majority of the 9% production 
downtime in 2020 was caused by 
problems in the third-party terminal and 
gathering system. Underlying production 
(production at the wellhead before 
pipeline losses) from the assets was 

approximately 32,000 bopd during 2020 
before that downtime, having also been 
affected by OPEC production restrictions. 
This downtime issue is being addressed 
by the planned implementation of the 
new ACOES export pipeline and Floating 
Storage and Offloading (“FSO”) project, 
which is due to be commissioned during 
H2 2021. Reducing field downtime is  
also expected to improve overall well 
performance. This is due to decreasing 
the time taken to bring all wells back to 
normal production rates again once the 
field is back operating 

Pipeline losses have been allocated to 
all operators by the Bonny Terminal 
operator. The 28% pipeline losses 
(reducing 2020 field oil sales further to 
approximately 21,000 bopd) have been  
a significant burden on net oil sales.  
In future, the ACOES export pipeline and 
FSO system mentioned above will provide 
additional control. 

Removing the above challenges will 
enable greater capital allocation to 
production growth and support future 
dividends from Eroton to the Company 
via its initial indirect 10.58% economic 
interest in OML 18. 

The future ability of MLPL to pay dividends 
to its shareholders (including to San Leon) 
will require future payments of dividends 
by Eroton to Martwestern and from 
Martwestern to MLPL, and the settlement 
of MLPL’s Loan Notes obligations. 

The Directors have assessed the  
carrying value of the equity interest in 
MLPL, considering the above issues  
(Note 13), and have determined that it 
is not impaired. 

As a 10% shareholder in ELI, San Leon 
stands to benefit from what the Board 
considers can be a very profitable 
operation in the medium to long term.  

4 Barryroe net  

profit interest

The Company’s 4.5% Net Profit Interest  
in Barryroe oil field, offshore Ireland, 
provides a zero cost potential future 
cash stream. 

At year end, the Company has increased 
that fair value of the Net Profit Interest to 
US$6.8 million. 

* Refer to Alternate Performance Measures on page 119 for full reconciliation of IFRS numbers and Alternative Performance Measures.

8         SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash generation, our current portfolio of potential  
sources for cash flow is:

NEAR TERM 

MEDIUM TERM

LONG TERM 

1 

Loan  
Notes

Payment  
under  
Loan Notes 
structures.

2 

Services

Income from the provision of rig-based drilling and workover (and 
associated) services, and production services, under a Master 
Services Agreement (“MSA”) with Eroton, the operator of OML 18, 
and/or provision of subsurface technical services to Eroton.

3 

Dividends

Dividend payments as a consequence of holding indirect 
economic interests in producing assets.

4 

Net Profit 
Interest

4.5% Barryroe  
Net Profit 
Interest (through 
potential income 
or a potential 
sale).

                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020        9

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Chief Executive’s statement

2020 saw operational progress at OML 18 in preparation 
for its next stage of development, tempered by the 
macroeconomic environment.

Eroton completed its three-well drilling 
programme and the new oil export 
system (Alternative Crude Oil Evacuation 
and Storage system, or “ACOES”) had 
continued to progress its implementation. 
Following year end, the FSO has arrived in 
Nigerian waters. Such operational activity, 
together with expected future well work, 
is we believe, the key to the anticipated 
unlocking of further value for the 
stakeholders in OML 18.  

Both gross production at the wellhead 
and sales oil volumes were lower than 
expected. This was due to downtime; 
allocated pipeline losses associated with 
the use of the Nembe Creek Trunk Line 
(“NCTL”); Covid-related operational 
delays; prudent reduced operational 
expenditure and capital expenditure 
spending as a result of lower oil price; 
and also, OPEC production quota 
restrictions. Gross oil production, taking 
out the effect of NCTL downtime,  
(but after reductions for OPEC quota 
production restrictions), was around 
32,000 bopd. Sales oil, including the 
effects of downtime and allocated losses, 
and of OPEC quota production 
restrictions, was around 21,000 bopd.  

The most positive impact on OML 18  
oil sales is expected to be Eroton’s 
agreement with Energy Link 
Infrastructure (Malta) Limited (“ELI”).  
ELI is financing and constructing the 
ACOES and once commissioned, this 
system is expected, by Eroton, to 
significantly reduce the downtime and 
allocated pipeline losses currently 
associated with the NCTL. The NCTL  
was responsible for the majority of the 
approximately 11,000 bopd difference 
between gross production, when the 
pipeline is running, and average sales  
oil. In addition, it is anticipated that the 
ACOES and FSO project will greatly 
improve overall well uptime. 

San Leon continues to be involved with 
the subsurface technical input into OML 

18 and has a contract to provide such 
services on OML 18, providing 
geoscience and engineering resource 
into well and reservoir planning for new 
wells. We believe that OML 18 is a world 
class asset and one that we look forward 
to developing further with our partners. 

Additions to our asset base 

I have previously been clear that San 
Leon’s strong cash position, professional 
relationships and technical capability 
would be used to broaden our portfolio 
of assets, particularly where market 
forces make financial strength a 
differentiator. To that end we were 
pleased to announce our investment  
in ELI.  

The Company invested US$15.0 million 
into ELI as a loan, whilst securing a 10% 
equity interest in ELI. Repayments are 
expected from 31 July 2021 adding to 
our cash flow in the second half of the 
year. It is anticipated that the pipeline 
will be commissioned during the  
second half of 2021 and we are pleased 
to report that third party sales are 
planned to commence during the 
second half of 2021. It is expected that 
Eroton volumes will commence during 
H2 which will then complete the vital  
role in optimising cash flow from  
OML 18. The ELI investment is also  
expected to be a value-adding asset for 
Company shareholders as part of a 
broader portfolio. 

Additionally, San Leon also announced 
an investment of US$7.5 million into 
Decklar during 2020, which is still to 
complete. This transaction involves 
Decklar, as Risk Service Provider to the 
operator of the Oza field, performing 
workover and new well drilling to 
develop the reserves and contingent 
resources on what is a proven 
producing field with existing 
infrastructure. Under the terms of the 

10       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

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financing, SLE have rights to a cash 
sweep until the loan coupon is repaid, 
with an option to purchase an additional 
15% equity holding (30% in total) on the 
same terms following the initial 
development well. With near term 
operations imminent, I look forward to 
updating you after the first well results 
are known and in relation to the 
completion of the investment. 

San Leon also notes the announcement 
by Providence Resources plc that it has 
terminated the farm-out agreement 
with SpotOn Energy for the Barryroe 
Licence and is progressing 
arrangements for an alternative funding 
package to finance 100% of the costs of 
the early development scheme (“EDS”) 
for the Barryroe licence (SEL 1/11). San 
Leon retains a 4.5% Net Profit Interest 
over the Barryroe field, one of the 
largest undeveloped discoveries in 
Western Europe, with independently 
appraised 2C resources of 346 MMboe 

and significant further resource 
potential in additional reservoirs. The 
Company continues to follow these 
negotiations with interest. 

Cash flow 

The Company has four anticipated 
sources of cash flow, as it builds its 
portfolio in line with its stated strategy. 
As of 31 December 2020, cash receipts 
totalling US$195.6 million have come 
from the repayment of MLPL Loan Notes, 
including interest. The outstanding 
balance payable as of 18 June 2021 is 
US$93.2 million* at par value (US$92.4 
million under IFRS), which continues to 
accrue interest. Final payment of the 
MLPL Loan Notes was anticipated by the 
end of 2021, however due to issues 
around Covid-19, volatility in the oil price 
and demand as well as short-term 
production issues on OML 18, the 
Company believes this date is unlikely to 
be met. The Company is still confident in 

receiving all repayments and late 
payment interest, however in line with 
our accounting policy we have recognised 
a credit impairment to reflect the 
uncertainty around timing of repayments.  

Repayments of loan notes from our 
investment in ELI are due to commence 
in July this year. 

The Company will also generate income 
from the provision of subsurface 
technical services to Eroton which will 
align with field development expected in 
2022. In addition, future OML 18 rig 
activity is an opportunity for the 
Company to generate income from the 
provision of services under its Master 
Service Agreement with Eroton. 

Cash flow from the Company’s indirect 
shareholding in Eroton is anticipated 
once OML 18 is generating sufficient 
free cash flow. We are also hopeful of 
future dividends from our equity interest 
in ELI in the medium to long term.  

* Refer to Alternate Performance Measures on page 119 for full reconciliation of IFRS numbers and Alternative Performance Measures.

                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      11

 
 
 
 
Chief Executive’s statement continued

Corporate 

Further shareholder returns were 
provided in 2020 via the Company’s first 
special dividend of US$33.3 million, in 
line with the Company’s announced 
policy. This follows on from share 
repurchases of US$2.0 million over 
October 2019 to January 2020. 

ESG 

As discussed in the Chairman’s 
statement ESG is an area of increasing 
importance. This is an area in which  
San Leon is committed to meeting high 
standards of ESG practices across all 
aspects of the business. The Company is 
committed to the countries in which it 
operates and is dedicated to promoting 
sustainable growth as well as providing 
support to local communities in Nigeria. 
The Company firmly believes that by 
providing the younger generation with 

the valuable skills and education 
needed to succeed, the whole country 
will benefit from growth and prosperity. 

Outlook 

The Oil price was significantly impacted 
for the majority of 2020, due to the 
combined effects of Covid-19 affecting 
demand, and quota disagreements 
within OPEC regarding how to deal with 
that reduction in demand. This 
uncertainty presented the Company 
with both risks and opportunities, and 
we are delighted to see that the oil 
priced has strengthened considerably in 
2021. The opportunities taken to date 
were the investment in and loan to ELI 
and the expected finalisation of the 
investment in Oza (still to complete).  

it will put us in a position to continue 
moving forward with our strategy and 
capitalising on accretive opportunities. 
The Company continues to monitor the 
performance of OML 18, and is ready to 
pursue any appropriate opportunities 
that may arise in the current market. 

I look forward to updating shareholders 
with news of the impact of the ACOES 
on OML 18, plans for operations on 
OML 18 as we hopefully emerge from 
macroeconomic issues, and how our 
various expected cash flow streams are 
performing. The Company is in a good 
position, with several future cash 
streams, and together with its 
professional relationships and people,  
I believe is well-positioned to grow and 
add further value to shareholders. 

The Company has cash in hand as at 18 
June 2021 of US$14.8 million, and with 
future loan note repayments, we believe 

Oisín Fanning 
CEO 

28 June 2021 

12       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Corporate governance

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14 Board of Directors  

16 Corporate governance statement 

24

27

Audit and Risk Committee report  

Remuneration Committee report  

30 Nomination Committee report  

31 Health and Safety Committee report 

32 Directors’ report 

39 Corporate Responsibility 

44

Statement of Director’s responsibilities 

                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      13

 
 
 
 
Board of Directors

Mutiu Sunmonu 
Non-Executive Chairman

Oisín Fanning 
Chief Executive Officer

Joel Price 
Chief Operating Officer

Background and experience: 
Mr Sunmonu has led the Company as Non-Executive Chairman since the purchase of our 
indirect economic interest in OML 18 in September 2016. Mr Sunmonu is a former managing 
director of Shell Petroleum Development Company and was country chairman of Shell 
companies in Nigeria from 2008 to February 2015. He led Shell’s multi-billion dollar operations 
in Nigeria employing over 4000 direct staff with revenue contribution to the Nigerian 
Government of ~US$70 billion dollars during 2009-2013. He has worked in the industry for over 
36 years in Nigeria, the UK and the Netherlands. His strategic vision, proven track record and 
deep knowledge of Nigeria, brings valuable Nigerian operating experience and relationships to 
San Leon Energy plc. 

Committee memberships: Chair of Health and Safety Committee, Nomination and Remuneration 
Committee’s, Member of Audit and Risk Committee. During the year Mr Sunmonu Chaired the Audit and 
Risk and Remuneration Committees while recruitment of an additional Independent Non-Executive 
Director occurred.  

(Appointed 21 September 2016) 

Background and experience: 
Mr Fanning has almost 30 years’ experience in structured finance, stockbroking and corporate 
finance, with 22 years specialising in the oil and gas industry. Formerly CEO of Astley & Pearce 
Ltd., MMI Stockbrokers, and Smart Telecom plc, Oisín was closely involved with the restructuring 
of Dana Petroleum plc in the early 1990s, and was heavily involved with broking of Tullow Oil plc 
shares early in its growth phase. Oisín is both visionary and deeply practical in pursuing business 
goals on behalf of stakeholders. He recognises the importance of finding and developing talented 
people and building relationships with local governments, partners and communities. 

Committee memberships: Member of Nomination Committee. 

(Appointed 16 September 1995) 

Background and experience: 
Mr Price is a petroleum engineer with 25 years’ experience, having worked across well 
operations, reservoir engineering, production optimisation, asset management and business 
development. He was instrumental in the drilling and hydraulic fracturing of the first multi-fracked 
horizontal wells in Poland. Joel was previously in various technical roles with Hess in the UK and 
Algeria, including extensive well workover and field rehabilitation, followed by three years as 
Business Development Manager at Delta Hydrocarbons BV in The Netherlands (evaluating 
opportunities worldwide). He holds a BA Hons. in Natural Sciences (Geology) from Cambridge 
University, an MEng in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University, and an MBA with 
distinction from Durham University. 

Committee memberships: Member of Health and Safety Committee. 

(Appointed 21 September 2016)

14       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Lisa Mitchell 
Chief Financial Officer

Background and experience: 
Ms Mitchell is an experienced Chief Financial Officer with over 25 years’ international experience, 
across the oil and gas, mining and the pharmaceutical industries. She was most recently CFO and 
Executive Director of Lekoil Limited (AIM: LEK), the African focused oil and gas exploration and 
production company with interests in Nigeria. 
Previously, Lisa was CFO and Executive Director at Ophir Energy plc, formerly a FTSE 250 company 
(LSE: OPHR) where she was responsible for contributing to the overall business strategy of Ophir; 
leading the finance function including all financial, taxation, treasury and funding requirements and 
investor relations. Lisa’s previous roles include CSL Limited, (ASX top 50) and Mobil Oil Australia.  
Lisa is a Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA Australia) and holds a Bachelor of Economics (major in 
Accounting) from La Trobe University, Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate 
Governance from the Governance Institute of Australia.  

(Appointed 30 June 2019)  

Background and experience: 
Mr Ademola is a marketing and business strategy specialist with over 30 years’ experience.  
A Business Management graduate from the University of Jos, Nigeria with further training in the 
USA and UK. With extensive consulting experience across multiple industry sectors added to his 
17+ years of involvement in the Nigerian Oil and Gas sector; Mr Ademola brings valuable regional 
knowledge, expertise and relationships to San Leon Energy plc. Mr Ademola is also the CEO and 
Executive Director of ELI. 

Committee memberships: Invited to attend the Nomination Committee during the year. 

(Appointed to Nominations Committee on 25 May 2021)

Adekolapo Ademola 
Non-Executive Director 

Background and experience: 
Mr Brown has more than 20 years of international experience in the oil and gas and related 
industries, including 10 years in West Africa. He is a Chartered Accountant (ICAS) and has acted as 
Chief Financial Officer or Group Finance Director for numerous UK listed companies within the oil 
and gas sector including Gulf Marine Services plc, Bowleven plc and Pittencrieff Resources plc.  

Committee memberships: Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, Member of the Nomination  
and Remuneration Committees.  

John Brown 
Independent  
Non-Executive Director 

(Appointed 7 May 2021)

Previous Directors

Alan Campbell: Executive Director  

(Appointed 21 September 2016, resigned 7 May 2021) 

Bill Higgs: Independent Non-Executive Director  

(Appointed 22 May 2018, resigned 18 May 2020) 

Mark Phillips: Independent Non-Executive Director  

(Appointed 21 September 2016, resigned 29 June 2020) 

Linda Beal: Independent Non-Executive Director  

(Appointed 16 January 2018, resigned 7 December 2020)

                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      15

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Corporate governance statement

Corporate Governance 

The Directors of San Leon Energy plc  
are committed to maintaining high 
standards of corporate governance to 
ensure the Company is run effectively. 
We aim to conduct our business in an 
open, honest and ethical manner. The 
Board is accountable to shareholders for 
good corporate governance and has 
adopted the procedures set out below 
in this regard. 

The Board adopted the principles of the 
Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate 
Governance Code (“QCA Code”). The QCA 
Code is based on ten principles that focus 
on the pursuit of medium to long term 
value for shareholders. The QCA has 
stated what it considers to be appropriate 
arrangements for growing companies and 
asks companies to provide an explanation 
about how they are meeting the principles 
through the prescribed disclosures. We 
have considered how we apply each 
principle to the extent that the Board 
judges these to be appropriate in view of 
the Company’s size, strategy, resources 
and stage of development, and below we 
provide an explanation of the approach 
taken in relation to each. 

This report explains in broad terms how 
the Company applies the main principles 
of the QCA Code. We have identified one 
principal where we are not in full 
compliance with the guidelines of the 
QCA Code detailed on page 20. This 
deviation is to Principle 5 – Maintain the 
Board as a well-functioning, balanced 
team led by the Chair and relates to the 
participation of Non-Executive Directors 
in the Company’s share option scheme 
and the impact on their independence 
and also the balance regarding 
Non-Executive and Executive Directors. 
During the year we were not compliant 
regarding an appropriate balance 
between Executive and Non-Executive 
Directors and maintaining at least two 
Independent Non-Executive Directors. 
This situation arose as a result of timing 
differences between the resignation and 
appointment of Directors. We fully 
consulted our Nominated Advisor on 
this point, and informed the market it 
was to be addressed. We have since 
recruited an additional Independent 
Non-Executive Director and rebalanced 
the Board to rectify this. These are 

highlighted in the respective sections 
outlined below. 

The Board 

The Board is responsible for setting the 
overall strategy of the business, 
reviewing management performance 
and ensuring the Group has sufficient 
financial and human resources to meet 
its objectives. It directs the Group’s 
activities in an effective manner 
through Board meetings and monitors 
performance through timely and 
relevant reporting procedures. 

The Board plays a central role in 
developing and maintaining the 
Company’s culture and values by setting 
the ‘tone from the top’, defining the 
behaviours expected by the Board and 
ensuring that ethical standards are 
upheld. Thus, the Board aims for the 
right balance between entrepreneurial 
leadership and prudent and effective 
risk management, which are vital to 
maintaining a sustainable business 
and creating value for shareholders. 

The QCA Code requires that the boards 
of AIM companies have an appropriate 
balance between Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors and should 
have at least two Independent 
Non-Executive Directors – a 
requirement which has been satisfied 
for the majority of 2020 however from 
December 2020 through May 2021 we 
were not compliant. The recruitment  
for an experienced Independent 
Non-Executive Director to Chair the 
Audit and Risk Committee was 
undertaken and with the addition of 
John Brown to the Board during May 
2021 this was rectified. As part of a 
corporate governance review conducted 
in conjunction with its search for a new 
non-executive director, Alan Campbell, 
Director of Commercial & Business 
Development, also stepped down from 
the Board. This has facilitated a 
rebalancing between Executive Directors 
and Non-Executive Directors which, 
following Mr Brown’s appointment, will 
now be three of each. San Leon is 
committed to high standards of 
corporate governance and the Directors 
believe that this reorganisation is an 

important action to ensure the overall 
structure and experience of the Board is 
suitable in light of the Company’s 
anticipated strategic growth plans.  

At the date this Annual Report is 
published, the Board comprises the 
Chairman, three Executive Directors 
and two Non-Executive Directors. The 
Independent Non-Executive Directors 
are Mutiu Sunmonu (appointed 
21 September 2016) and John Brown 
(appointed 7 May 2021). They are 
considered independent of 
management and any business or other 
relationships which would interfere 
with the exercise of their independent 
judgement. On 7 April 2020 Mr 
Adekolapo Ademola was appointed 
to the Board as a Non-Independent 
Non-Executive Director on behalf of 
Midwestern Oil and Gas Company 
Limited. Mr Ademola is also CEO and 
Executive Director of ELI. On 18 May 
2020 Mr Bill Higgs resigned as a 
Director, followed by Mr Mark Phillips 
on 29 June 2020 and Ms Linda Beal 
on 8 December 2020. All were 
Independent Non-Executive Directors. 

The following paragraphs set out the 
Company’s compliance with the ten 
principles of the QCA Code. 

Establish a strategy and 
business model which 
promote long-term value 
for shareholders 

The Company’s overall strategic objective 
is to secure and develop high-potential 
asset opportunities in West Africa and 
produce a near-term operating cash 
flow, yielding value to shareholders. 
We plan to grow the company by 
carefully selecting new opportunities, 
particularly in Nigeria where we can 
achieve this through our technical 
expertise, operational capabilities and 
industry contacts, secured by the close 
links we forge with governments and 
the local communities. We have built 
our industry reputation as a capable 
operator in various European and 
African countries and our key asset 
remains the indirect economic interest 

16       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

in OML 18 – which the Directors 
consider to be a world class asset 
onshore Nigeria. Other Nigerian assets 
include an equity interests in ELI. 
The Company continues to seek to 
monetise or otherwise dispose of 
its non-core assets and in keeping 
with that strategy. 

Key challenges and risks around meeting 
this strategy and mitigants are detailed 
in the Director’s report on page 32. 
These are namely: 

•

financial risk around loan note 
repayments; 

•

partnership risk; 

•

further Pandemics; and 

•

commodity price risk. 

Risk assessment and evaluation is an 
essential part of the Company’s 
planning and an important aspect of 
the Company’s internal control system. 
The Company strives to develop strong 
working relationships with its partners 
and suppliers in its various operating 
locations to manage and mitigate the 
operational risks. 

We are committed to operating a 
sustainable business and plan to 
incorporate Environmental, Social and 
Governance aspects to all future 
opportunities reviewed. 

Capital distribution policy 
As part of the Company’s strategy to 
generate value for shareholders, within 
the Admission Document published in 
September 2016, the Company set out 
a shareholder distribution policy. The 
ability for the Company to make such 
distributions is dependent upon the 
availability of cash to distribute. In 
January 2020 it was announced that the 
buyback programme had completed 
with the repurchase of 5,709,101 shares 
at an average price of 27.5 pence per 
share, with a value of US$2.0 million 
(£1.6 million). On 27 April 2020 the 
Company announced a special dividend 
of £27.0 million (US$33.3 million), or 
6 pence per ordinary share, with a 
payment date in May 2020. 

Seek to understand and 
meet shareholder needs 
and expectations 

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer 
and other Executive Directors are 
responsible for shareholder liaison. 
They hold regular meetings with major 
shareholders and analysts to discuss the 
Company’s strategy and performance 
and maintain a dialogue between the 
Company and its investors. Private 
investor events and investor roadshows 
are organised by the Company’s brokers 
and public relations consultants, where 
the Chief Executive Officer and at times 
other Executive Directors meet with 
current (and potential future) institutional 
and retail shareholders and brokers to 
update them on the Company’s progress. 
During lockdown and with Covid-19 
restrictions many meetings held were 
via video-conferencing during 2020  
and 2021. 

The entire Board receives feedback 
following these meetings and any issues 
raised are discussed. Any significant 
reports from analysts are also circulated 
to the Board. By keeping open and 
transparent dialogue we can consider 
matters and discuss with shareholders 
in a positive and constructive way. 

The Non-Executive Chairman and 
Independent Non-Executive Director 
are available to meet with shareholders 
if required. 

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is 
the main forum for dialogue between 
the Board and the shareholders.  
All Directors aim to attend the AGM.  
The Non-Executive Chairman, Mutiu 
Sunmonu, leads the AGM and takes 
questions from the floor. The Chairs  
of the Audit and Risk, Remuneration, 
Nomination and Health and Safety 
Committees are on-hand to answer 
questions that may arise at the  
meeting. The 2020 AGM was held via 
teleconference due to Covid-19 travel 
restrictions on 27 September 2020.  
All Directors were in attendance with 
Committee Chairs available to answer 
any questions via email ahead of the 
meeting, regarding the activities of each 
of the Board Committees. At the AGM, 
all resolutions were passed. 

All Directors receive regular industry 
and peer updates, to enable them to 
keep current on issues relevant to the 
Company and its shareholders. 

Take into account wider 
stakeholder and social 
responsibilities and 
their implications for 
long-term success 

The Company’s ability to achieve its 
long-term success is dependent on 
good relations across a wide range of 
stakeholders both internally (employees) 
and externally (partners, suppliers, 
regulatory authorities, local 
governments and communities in 
which we operate). 

Our employees are one of the most 
important stakeholder groups and the 
Board recognises the need for two-way 
communication with the workforce. The 
small size of the Company means that the 
Directors and senior managers are 
relatively accessible to all employees to 
provide and receive feedback. Staff 
attend committee meetings as required 
enabling two-way communication. 
The Executive Directors hold regular 
executive team meetings at which key 
messages are then relayed to their 
respective teams. To retain our highly 
skilled workforce and keep their 
satisfaction high, the Company offers 
competitive remuneration, discretionary 
employee share option awards and 
health and critical illness cover. We seek 
to ensure that all employees are treated 
fairly and with dignity. The Company has 
a zero tolerance policy towards any form 
of discrimination or harassment. 

We recognise our responsibilities to 
the environment and community in 
the areas in which we operate. 
The Company places a high priority on 
operating to high standards of integrity 
and ethics. We recognise that our 
activities may have impact on the 
environment and therefore aim to 
minimise that impact by operating in a 
socially responsible manner, engaging 
with local, regional and national 
stakeholders where we are operator. 
Since the Company is not the operator 

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      17

 
 
 
 
Corporate governance statement 
Continued

of OML 18, it does not control these 
matters on OML 18. 

The Company seeks to behave as a 
responsible employer and make positive 
contributions to the local economies in 
which we have an interest. Engagement 
with local communities in which we 
operate and conducting social work has 
helped them understand what we are 
doing. Please refer to the Sustainability 
Section of the ESG report on page 39 
for details on the initiatives and local 
community engagement made by 
the Company directly. 

The Board is aware of its duty to act 
in good faith in the interests of the 
Company and complies with the 
obligations under section 228 of the 
Companies Act 2014. All the Company’s 
stakeholders have access to contact 
information for communication with 
the Company. Any feedback will be 
respectfully acknowledged by the 
Company and appropriately dealt with. 

The Board believes that its investment in 
the wider stakeholder network will assist 
the Company’s management in achieving 
its long-term goals by creating an 
environment of trust and communication 
which will have positive implications for 
the long-term success of the Company. 

The Board believes holding the 
Company’s responsibilities in high regard 
to be a requirement for building its 
business and being considered an 
operator or partner of choice. 

Embed effective risk 
management, considering both 
opportunities and threats, 
throughout the organisation 

The Board acknowledges its overall 
responsibility for ensuring that the 
Company has a robust framework of risk 
management and an appropriate system 
of internal control. However, any system 
can only provide reasonable, not 
absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss and is designed to 
manage (but cannot eliminate) the risk of 
failure to achieve business objectives. 

A risk management policy and 
procedure has been adopted which 
provides a procedure for the 
management of the Company’s risk. As 
part of the risk management procedure, 
the Company has further developed its 
detailed risk register which identifies 
business continuity risks, corporate 
governance risks, security risks, financial 
risks, reputational risks and health, 
safety and environment protection risks. 
Reporting is required from each 
Executive Director and consists of 
quarterly reports assessing material 
changes within the risk profiles. 

The Chief Financial Officer is in charge of 
collating the risk reports and presenting 
them to the Audit and Risk Committee 
quarterly. The Audit and Risk Committee 
reports on its activities and make 
recommendations to the Board as 
appropriate. 

Maintain the Board as a 
well-functioning, balanced 
team led by the Chair 

The Board is responsible for setting the 
overall strategy of the business, 
reviewing management performance 
and ensuring the Company has sufficient 
financial and human resources to meet 
its objectives. It directs the Company’s 
activities in an effective manner through 
regular Board meetings and monitors 
performance through timely and 
relevant reporting procedures. 

The Board is specifically responsible for: 

•

•

•

approval of budgetary and business 
plans; 

approval of significant investments 
and capital expenditure; 

approval of annual and half-year 
results and interim management 
statements, accounting policies and 
the appointment and remuneration 
of the external auditors; 

•

approval of interim, and 
recommendation of final, dividends 
and buybacks; 

•

•

•

•

changes to the Group’s capital structure 
and the issue of any securities; 

agreeing the Group’s risk appetite, 
establishing and maintaining a system 
of internal control, governance and 
approval authorities; 

executive performance and 
succession planning; 

determining standards of ethics and 
policy in relation to health, safety, 
environment, social and community 
responsibilities; and 

•

disclosure to the market and 
shareholders. 

The Board comprises the Non-Executive 
Chairman, three Executive Directors 
and two Non-Executive Directors. 
The Chairman, Mutiu Sunmonu, is 
responsible for the leadership of the 
Board, ensuring its effectiveness and 
setting its agenda. He is not involved 
in the day-to-day operation of the 
Company. The Chairman is responsible 
for the Company’s approach to 
corporate governance and the 
application of the principles of the QCA 
Code. The Company’s Independent 
Directors, are Mutiu Sunmonu and John 
Brown (appointed 7 May 2021) who are 
independent of management and any 
business or other relationships which 
would interfere with the exercise of 
their independent judgement. 

The Chairman considers that the 
Company has had a balanced and 
diverse Board with the requisite skills 
to build a successful, sustainable 
Nigerian-focussed oil and gas business. 
We have recently recruited John 
Brown as Independent Non-Executive 
Director and Chair of the Audit and 
Risk Committee. 

To ensure that the Directors can 
properly carry out their roles, they are 
provided with relevant information and 
financial details prior to all Board 
meetings. All Directors have access to 
the advice and services of Company 
advisors to allow them to ensure that 
the Board complies with applicable  
rules and procedures. 

18       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

The Board meets at least six times a year 
to discuss and decide the Company’s 
business and strategic decisions and 
additional Board calls are held as 
required. In addition, there is a high 
degree of contact between the Directors 
outside of Board meetings to ensure all 
Directors are aware of the Company’s 
business. If necessary, the Non-Executive 
Directors may take independent advice 
at the expense of the Company. 

Each Board member commits sufficient 
time to fulfil their duties and obligations 
to the Board and the Company. They 
attend Board meetings and join ad hoc 
Board calls and offer availability for 
consultation when needed. The 
contractual arrangements between the 
Directors and the Company specify the 
minimum time commitments which are 
considered sufficient for the proper 
discharge of their duties. Each 
Non-Executive Director is expected to 
attend not less than six board meetings 
in each calendar year as well as the 
Annual General Meeting and any 
Extraordinary General Meetings of the 
Company. However, in exceptional 
circumstances all Board members 
understand the need to commit 
additional time. The Executive Director 
roles are all full-time roles. 

Board meetings attendance in 2020 

                                              Maximum 
                                                 possible       Meetings  
                                            attendance        attended 

Mutiu Sunmonu                    13               12 

Oisín Fanning                         13               13 

Joel Price                                13               13 

Lisa Mitchell                           13               13 

Alan Campbell>                     13               13 

Adekolapo Ademola ~            7                 7 

Linda Beal *                           10                 9 

Mark Phillips ^                         8                 7 

Bill Higgs <                                6                 5 

~   Appointed 7 April 2020. 
*   Resigned 7 December 2020. 
^   Resigned 29 June 2020. 
<   Resigned 18 May 2020. 
>   Resigned 7 May 2021.

The Board Committees 

Audit and Risk Committee 

The Board has established four 
separate committees: Remuneration 
Committee, Audit and Risk Committee, 
Nomination Committee, Health and 
Safety Committee. In December 2020 
the Environment and Social 
Governance Committee (“ESG”) was 
formally constituted and it is 
anticipated it will report in through 
the Health and Safety Committee. 

Remuneration Committee 

The Remuneration Committee consists 
of the Chairman, and one Non-Executive 
Director, John Brown, and is chaired by 
Mutiu Sunmonu. During 2020, Mark 
Phillips resigned from the Board and as 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee  
at which point Linda Beal assumed  
the Chair role. On the subsequent 
resignation of Linda Beal, Mutiu 
Sunmonu assumed the Chair role. 
The Remuneration Committee monitors 
the performance of the Company’s 
Executive Directors and makes 
recommendations to the Board on the 
remuneration packages for the 
executives. The remuneration and terms 
and conditions of appointment of the 
Non-Executive Directors are set by the 
Board as a whole. During the year the 
Remuneration Committee met and 
discussed the following: 

•

•

•

2019 Performance against agreed 
metrics; 

Agreed the 2019 cash bonus and 
award to Executives; and 

2020 Remuneration framework and 
set Executive 2020 KPI’s. 

Remuneration committee meetings 
and attendance in 2020 
                                                                    Number of  
                                             Number of       meetings 
                                                meetings        attended 

Mutiu Sunmonu (Chair)          4                 4 

Mark Phillips ^                         4                 4 

Linda Beal *                             4                 4 

John Brown>                          Nil               Nil 

^   Resigned 29 June 2020. 
*   Resigned 7 December 2020. 
>   Appointed 7 May 2021. 

The Audit and Risk Committee consists 
of the Chairman, Mutiu Sunmonu and 
John Brown, Independent Non-Executive 
Director and Chair of the Committee 
(appointed 7 May 2021). From 7 
December 2020 to 6 May 2021  
Mr Sunmonu assumed the Chair role 
until the appointment of Mr Brown. 

The duties of the Audit and Risk 
Committee include the review of the 
accounting principles, policies and 
practices adopted in preparing the 
financial statements, internal control 
and risk management processes and 
the review of the Company’s financial 
results. The Audit and Risk Committee 
considers the need for an internal audit 
function, reviews the risk management 
policies and procedures and is 
responsible for ensuring that adequate 
insurance cover is in place for 
identifiable risks. During the year the 
Audit and Risk Committee considered 
the need for internal audit and based 
on the size and scale of the Group’s 
activities, combined with curtailment of 
activities due to Covid-19, that the 
outsourced internal audit reviews be 
put on hold. 

However, following the further 
investments in ELI and the proposed 
Decklar Petroleum investment during in 
2020, the Committee recommended 
that the internal audit plan for 2020 
should be rescheduled for 2021. 

During November 2020 this decision 
was reviewed and an external firm have 
been re-engaged with a view to 
commencing four reviews during 2021. 
For more details, please refer to the 
Audit and Risk Committee report on 
page 24. 

The Audit and Risk Committee also 
considers how to maintain an 
appropriate relationship with the 
Company’s auditors. The Audit and 
Risk Committee approves any fees in 
respect of non-audit services provided 
by external auditors to safeguard the 
external auditor’s independence 
and objectivity.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      19

 
 
 
 
Corporate governance statement 
Continued

Audit committee meetings and 
attendance in 2020 
                                                                    Number of  
                                             Number of       meetings 
                                                meetings        attended 

Mutiu Sunmonu ~                   5                 5 

Mark Phillips ^                         3                 3 

Linda Beal *                             5                 5 

John Brown (Chair) >            Nil               Nil 

^ Resigned 29 June 2020. 
* Resigned 7 December 2020. 
> Appointed 7 May 2021. 
~ Assumed Chair role from 7 December 2020 

to 6 May 2021. 

Nomination Committee 

The Nomination Committee consists of 
the Chair, Mutiu Sunmonu, John Brown 
(appointed 7 May 2021), Adekolapo 
Ademola (appointed 25 May 2021)  
and the Chief Executive Officer, Oisin 
Fanning. The Nomination Committee is 
responsible for reviewing the structure, 
size and composition of the Board and 
making recommendations to the Board 
regarding any changes required. 

It is responsible for locating appropriate 
senior candidates and conducting initial 
interviews and submitting 
recommendations on any appointment 
to the Board. There was one meeting 
held during the year whereby the 
committee led the process for a new 
Board appointment and making 
recommendations to the Board. 

Nomination committee meetings 
and attendance in 2020 
                                                                    Number of  
                                             Number of       meetings 
                                                meetings        attended 

Mutiu Sunmonu (Chair)          1               Nil 

Mark Phillips ^                         1                 1 

Oisín Fanning                           1                 1 

Linda Beal *                           Nil               Nil 

Adekolapo Ademola~           Nil               Nil 

John Brown >                         Nil               Nil 

^ Resigned 29 June 2020. 
* Resigned 7 December 2020. 
~ Appointed 7 April 2020 and invited to attend 
the Nomination Committee. Appointed to the 
Nomination Committee on 25 May 2021. 

> Appointed 7 May 2021. 

Health and Safety Committee 

The Health and Safety Committee 
consists of the Chairman, Mutiu 
Sunmonu and the Chief Operating 
Officer, Joel Price. The Health and Safety 
Committee is responsible for evaluating 
risks in Company operations including 
property, personnel, security and 
environmental risks and ensuring that 
appropriate procedures are in place for 
mitigating risk. The Health and Safety 
Committee is also responsible for ethics 
and corporate social responsibility.  

Health and Safety committee 
meetings and attendance in 2020 

                                                                    Number of  
                                             Number of       meetings 
                                                meetings        attended 

Mutiu Sunmonu (Chair)          1                 1 

Joel Price                                   1                 1 

Bill Higgs <                             Nil               Nil 

< Resigned 18 May 2020. 

Departures from the Code 

Non-Executive Directors’ 
participation in Option Schemes 
The Company encourages 
Non-Executive Directors to participate 
in the Company’s option schemes, and 
believes such participation enhances 
alignment between the Non-Executive 
Directors and shareholders. The 
Company does not currently comply 
with the QCA Code in this respect. 

The Board believes that independence is 
a matter of independence of mind, 
judgement and integrity and that Mutiu 
Sunmonu, John Brown and Adekolapo 
Ademola are independent of 
management. The Board considers their 
ability to act independently to be 
unaffected by participation in the 
Company’s option scheme. 

Mr Ademola is considered a 
Non-Independent Non-Executive 
Director, appointed on behalf of 
Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Ltd. 

Nomination Committee 
The Nomination Committee is chaired by 
Mutiu Sunmonu (Non-Executive 
Chairman and Chair of the Remuneration 

and Nomination Committee’s), with  
Oisín Fanning (Chief Executive Officer) 
and John Brown (appointed 7 May 2021) 
members. During the year Mr Adekolapo 
Ademola (Non-Independent 
Non-Executive Director and Chair of the 
Nomination Committee) was invited to 
attend meetings and was formally 
appointed to the Committee on 25 May 
2021. The Nomination Committee is 
responsible for reviewing the structure, 
size and composition of the Board and 
making recommendations to the Board 
with regard to any changes required.  
It is responsible for locating appropriate 
senior candidates and conducting  
initial interviews and submitting 
recommendations on any appointment 
to the Board. 

The Board accepts that it is unusual for 
the Company’s Chief Executive Officer to 
be part of this Committee. However, Mr 
Fanning has almost 30 years’ experience 
in structured finance, stockbroking and 
corporate finance, with 12 years 
specialising in the oil and gas industry 
and as such has many useful and 
relevant contacts. He recognises the 
importance of finding and developing 
talented people to help the Company 
achieve its objectives and without his 
direct input, the Committee would be 
denied his relevant opinion on suitable 
candidates to join the Board. 

Balance between Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors 
The QCA Code requires that the boards 
of AIM companies have an appropriate 
balance between Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors and should have 
at least two Independent Non-Executive 
Directors – a requirement which has been 
satisfied for the majority of 2020 however 
from December 2020 through May 2021 
we were not compliant. The recruitment 
for an experienced Independent 
Non-Executive Director to Chair the Audit 
and Risk Committee was undertaken 
increasing the number of Independent 
Non-Executive Directors to two. The 
Board currently comprises three 
Executive Directors and three 
Non-Executive Directors and is therefore 
compliant. During the intervening period 
until Mr Brown’s appointment the 
Chairman assumed the role of Chair of 

20       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

the committees that it was thought 
appropriate for an Independent 
Non-Executive to Chair. 

Ensure that between them the 
Directors have the necessary 
up-to-date experience, skills 
and capabilities 

The Board members bring extensive 
and diverse experience encompassing 
operational, financial, African, European, 
AIM and regulatory, commercial 
expertise and large and developing 
company experience. 

The Chairman believes that the Board 
should always have a suitable mix of 
skills and competencies covering all 
essential disciplines bringing a balanced 
and diverse perspective that is beneficial 
both operationally and strategically. 

The Executive Directors bring significant 
listed company, oil and gas operations and 
financial, commercial and transactions 
experience. The Non-Executive Directors 
bring significant African oil and gas, 
investor, AIM and main board and financial 
expertise to the Board. 

The nature of the Company’s business 
requires the Directors to keep their 
skillset up to date. The Directors are kept 
informed on relevant regulatory 
compliance and statutory matters 
through briefings by external advisers 
and all Executive and Non-Executive 
Directors have access to the Company’s 
external advisers. During the year the 
Remuneration Committee sought 
assistance from external advisors 
regarding remuneration and incentive 
packages for Executive Directors.  
The Non-Executive Directors, at times, 
provide internal advisory services  
(Please see Related Parties Note 31). 

The Company Secretary and advisors 
assist the Chair in preparing for board 
meetings including dissemination of 
appropriate information.  

The Directors receive regular briefing 
papers on the operational and financial 
performance of the Company from the 
executive and senior management. 

All Company Non-Executive Directors 
also hold Director (Non-Executive or 
Executive) roles in other companies, 
helping to ensure broad and current 
experience. Further training is available 
at the Company’s expense.

Summary background and diversity of the Board 

                                                                                            Background                                         Diversity 

                                                                          Oil & gas/        Finance/                                                      Non-UK/ 
Directors                                                               energy  commercial         Investor          Female                Irish 

Mutiu Sunmonu                                            3                3                3                 –                3 
Oisín Fanning                                                 3                3                3                 –                 – 
Joel Price                                                        3                3                 –                 –                 – 
Lisa Mitchell ^                                                3                3                3                3                3 
Alan Campbell **                                          3                3                 –                 –                 – 
Linda Beal *                                                   3                3                 –                3                 – 
Mark Phillips ^                                                –                3                3                 –                 – 
Bill Higgs <                                                     3                3                 –                 –                 – 
Adekolapo Ademola ~                                  3                3                3                 –                3 
John Brown#                                                 3                3                3                 –                 – 

~    Appointed 7 April 2020. 
*    Resigned 7 December 2020. 
^    Resigned 29 June 2020. 
<    Resigned 18 May 2020. 
#   Appointed 7 May 2021. 
** Resigned 7 May 2021.

Evaluate Board performance 
based on clear and relevant 
objectives, seeking continuous 
improvement 

The Board considers that during the 
majority of 2020 the combination of 
Non-Executive and Executive Directors 
was of sufficient competence and 
experience to support the strategy and 
development of the Company. We have 
recently recruited an Independent 
Non-Executive Director to Chair the 
Audit and Risk Committee in order to 
further strengthen and replace 
resignations during the year. 

The Chairman and Nomination 
Committee will continue to review and 
monitor the strength and objectivity of 
the Board and seek improvement. 
Please see the Nomination committee 
report page 30 for activities performed 
during the year. 

Succession planning 

Succession planning is currently 
undertaken on an informal basis 
by the CEO in consultation with the 
Board. The Board is satisfied that this 
is appropriate for this stage in the 
Company’s development and will 
continue to review its succession 
planning. 

Formal evaluation of 
Board and Directors 

There was no formal evaluation process 
performed during 2020. 

The Board has improved focus on 
strategic imperatives including the 
fostering of best practice in all areas of 
governance and ensuring that the 
Executive team and Non-Executive 
Directors closely collaborate on the 
development of strategy and ensuring 
its execution. The Board continues to 
review and strives to enhance all areas 
of governance. The Board continues with 
its commitment in attaining compliance 
with the QCA code.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      21

 
 
 
 
Corporate governance statement 
Continued

Promote a corporate culture 
that is based on ethical values 
and behaviours 

Our ethics 
The Company is committed to upholding 
high ethical standards and principles, 
both in letter and in spirit, throughout all 
of our operations. The Company aspires 
to, and encourages its staff to, operate in 
a socially responsible manner, acting 
professionally at all times. 

The Company is committed to a strong 
ethical and values-driven culture 
encompassing high standards of quality, 
honesty, openness and accountability, 
and understands that any issues counter 
to this culture could have an extremely 
negative impact on the business. The 
Company, its management, employees, 
contractors and partners have the 
responsibility of applying the highest 
standard of ethical business practices in 
all their relationships with shareholders, 
suppliers, and the general public. 

Creating a fair and inclusive culture 
The Company promotes an inclusive, 
transparent and respectful culture. Our 
people are our greatest asset. Led by 
the values of responsibility, excellence 
and continuous improvement, integrity 
and trustworthiness, cooperation and 
engagement, empathy and fairness they 
apply their skills and expertise every day 
to ensure we operate both responsibly 
and successfully. A culture based upon 
sound ethical values and behaviours is 
an asset and source of competitive 
advantage. Key to this is recruiting and 
retaining key senior personnel. 

The Company is an equal opportunity 
employer and seeks to hire, endorse and 
retain highly skilled people based on 
merit, competence, performance, and 
business needs. The Company is 
committed to employment policies 
which follow best practice, based on 
equal opportunities for all employees, 
irrespective of ethnic origin, religion, 
political opinion, gender, marital status, 
disability, age or sexual orientation. 

The Company communicates its 
corporate culture through staff 

presentations and inductions. To 
embody and promote sound ethical 
principles, the Board has endorsed the 
following key policies: 

•

Share-dealing Code; 

•

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy; 

•

Whistle Blowing Policy; and 

•

Health and Safety and Environmental 
Protection Policies. 

Whistleblowing Policy 
The Company has a Whistleblowing Policy 
in place to assist employees, suppliers, 
contractors and others with the reporting 
of any malpractice or illegal act or 
omission by others. The policy is reviewed 
at least once every year or more often if 
necessary and is communicated to all 
employees. It was last reviewed in 
December 2020 as part of the Audit and 
Risk Committee responsibilities. 

Share-dealing Code 
The Company has adopted a 
share-dealing code for Directors and 
applicable employees of the Company to 
ensure compliance with the provisions of 
the AIM Rules (including relating to the 
restrictions on dealings during closed 
periods in accordance with MAR and with 
Rule 21 of the AIM Rules for Companies). 
The Directors consider that this share 
dealing code is appropriate for a 
company whose shares are admitted to 
trading on AIM. The Company takes all 
reasonable steps to ensure compliance 
with the share-dealing code by the 
Directors and applicable employees with 
the terms of the share-dealing code and 
the relevant provisions of the AIM Rules 
(including Rule 21). 

Health and Safety and 
Environmental Policy 
The Company’s objectives include 
observing the highest level of health and 
safety standards, developing our staff 
to their highest potential and being a 
good corporate citizen in our chosen 
countries of operations. 

The Company is committed to providing 
a safe working environment for its 
employees and anyone doing work on 
the Company’s behalf. The Health and 
Safety Committee reviews and makes 
recommendations concerning risk, 
health and safety issues. The HS&E 
performance indicators and the safety of 
our employees are principal elements of 
our business and are fundamental to 
our culture and engagement with our 
stakeholders. HS&E is covered at Board 
meetings during discussion on 
operations. Please refer to the HS&E 
committee report on page 31 for a list 
of activities performed during the year. 

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy 
The Company’s Anti-Bribery and 
Corruption Policy (“ABC”) formalises the 
Company’s zero-tolerance approach to 
bribery and corruption. The Company 
expects all employees, suppliers, 
contractors and consultants to conduct 
their day-to-day business activities in a 
fair, honest and ethical manner, and to 
be aware of and refer to the ABC Policy 
in all of their business activities 
worldwide and to conduct all business 
in compliance with it. The Company 
seeks to enforce effective systems to 
counter bribery, such as secondary 
authorisations for payments. 

The Policy was last reviewed in 
December 2020 as part of the Audit and 
Risk Committee responsibilities. During 
2020 the Audit and Risk Committee also 
completed an independent review of the 
ABC Policy and Procedures (see Audit and 
Risk Committee report). 

Maintain governance 
structures and processes 
that are fit for purpose and 
support good decision- 
making by the Board 

The Board of Directors recognises the 
importance of applying the highest 
standards of corporate governance to 
enable effective and efficient decision 
making, and to give a structural aid for 
Directors to discharge their duty to 
promote the success of the Company 
for the benefit of its shareholders. 

The Board reserves for itself a range of key 
decisions to ensure that it retains proper 
direction and control of the Company 

22       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

whilst delegating authority to individual 
Directors who are responsible for the 
day-to-day management of the business. 

The following matters are reserved for 
the Board: 

•

all matters which exceed the authority 
delegated to the Group executives; 

•

mergers and acquisitions transactions; 

•

strategy, budgets and business plans; 

•

audit, financial and other reporting; 

•

changes in the capital structure of the 
Company and the issue of shares or 
other securities by the Company; 

•

policies and guidelines; 

•

internal controls and governance; 

•

•

•

•

appointment or removal of Directors 
and the Company Secretary; 

establishment of sub-boards and 
committees; 

appointment, re-appointment or 
removal of the auditors and any 
other corporate advisers; 

management development, 
remuneration and employee 
benefits; and 

•

returns to shareholders. 

The Company conducts a review of the 
Company’s governance framework each 
year and takes into account audit 
recommendations. The appropriateness 
of the Company’s governance structures 
will continue to be reviewed in light of 
further developments of accepted best 
practice and the development of the 
Company. (Refer to the Audit and Risk 
Committee report for a description of the 
committee and the 2020 reviews 
on page 24.) 

Communicate how the 
Company is governed and is 
performing by maintaining a 
dialogue with shareholders and 
other relevant stakeholders 

San Leon Energy is committed to open 
communication with all its stakeholders. 
The Company believes it is important to 

explain business development and 
financial results to its stakeholders and 
to ensure that suitable arrangements 
are in place so that the issues and 
concerns of major stakeholders are 
heard and understood. 

The Board has been supported by 
an Audit and Risk Committee, 
Remuneration Committee, Nomination 
Committee and Health and Safety 
Committee (an ESG Committee was 
formally constituted in December 2020); 
details of their activities during 2020 
can be found in each of their reports 
on pages 24 to 31. 

The Company communicates with all 
stakeholders through its website, 
Regulatory News Service (“RNS”) 
announcements, Annual Report and 
Accounts, half yearly announcements, 
AGMs and private meetings. 

Copies of the Annual Report and Financial 
Statements are issued to all shareholders 
who have requested them and copies are 
available on the Group’s investor website 
www.sanleonenergy.com. The Group’s 
interim results are also made available on 
the Company’s website. The Group 
makes full use of its investor website to 
provide information to shareholders and 
other interested parties. 

The Chief Executive Officer and other 
Executive Directors are responsible for 
communicating with major shareholders 
and other shareholders who wish to be 
part of a dialogue. The Board is briefed 
by the CEO regarding these discussions 
at each board meeting as required. 
Feedback by way of market updates, 
brokerage and communication reports, 
analyst and proxy agents is presented 
on an ad hoc basis as received. 

The Chairs of the Audit and Risk, 
Remuneration, Nomination, and Health 
and Safety Committees are also available 
to answer questions at the AGM. 

The Board discloses the result of general 
meetings by way of announcement and 
discloses the proxy voting numbers to 
those attending the meetings. In order 
to improve transparency, the Board has 

committed to announcing proxy voting 
results in future and disclosing them on 
the Company’s website. In the event that 
a significant portion of voters have voted 
against a resolution, an explanation of 
what actions it intends to take to 
understand the reasons behind the 
vote will be included. 

Signed on behalf of the Board by: 

Mutiu Sunmonu 
Non-Executive Chairman 

28 June 2021

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      23

 
 
 
 
 
 
Audit and Risk Committee report

The Audit Committee comprises two 
members, both of whom are 
Independent Non-Executive Directors 
including the Chair, John Brown who was 
appointed on 7 May 2021 to replace 
Linda Beal, and Mutiu Sunmonu who 
are considered by the Board to have 
recent and relevant financial experience. 
The Audit and Risk Committee meets 
formally at least four times a year and 
otherwise as required and also meets 
with the Company’s external auditors 
at least twice a year. During 2020 
Linda Beal (7 December 2020) and 
Mark Phillips (29 June 2020) both 
resigned from the Board and their 
respective committees. 

Roles and responsibilities 

The main roles and responsibilities of 
the Audit and Risk Committee are to: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

monitor the integrity of the financial 
statements, including review of the 
accounting policies, key judgements 
and estimates adopted in preparing 
the financial statements, and any 
formal announcements relating to 
financial performance; 

review and monitor the Company’s 
financial reporting, internal control and 
risk management systems to ensure 
that effective risk management and 
financial control frameworks have 
been implemented; 

make recommendations to the 
Board in relation to the appointment, 
reappointment or removal of the 
external auditor and approve 
engagement terms and fees of 
the auditor; 

review and monitor the scope of the 
annual external audit; 

review and monitor the independence 
of the external auditor; and 

consider the need for an internal 
auditor. 

Internal control and risk 
management 

San Leon has established terms of 
reference for the Audit and Risk 
Committee. This includes overview of 
the identification, categorisation and 
prioritisation of critical risks within the 
business and allocation of responsibility 
to its executives and senior managers. 
The objectives of this risk management 
policy are to: 

•

•

•

provide a structured risk management 
framework that will provide senior 
management and the Board with 
comfort that the risks confronting the 
organisation are identified and 
managed effectively; 

create an integrated risk management 
process owned and managed by the 
Group’s personnel that is both 
continuous and effective; 

ensure that the management of risk is 
integrated into the development of 
strategic and business plans, and the 
achievement of the Group’s vision 
and values; and 

•

ensure that the Board is regularly 
updated with reports by the 
Committee. 

The Board also acknowledges its overall 
responsibility for ensuring that the 
Company has a system of internal 
control in place that is appropriate. This 
includes ensuring the implementation of 
policies and procedures that address 
risk identification and control, training 
and reporting. 

Management is responsible for efficient 
and effective risk management across 
the activities of the Group. 

The Audit and Risk Committee reviews 
the effectiveness of the implementation 
of the risk management system and 
internal control system annually. When 
reviewing risk management policies and 
the internal control system the Board 
takes into account the Company’s legal 

obligations and also considers the 
reasonable expectations of the 
Company’s stakeholders. 

The key policies and procedures are: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

preparation of annual budgets for 
approval by the Board; 

ongoing review of expenditure and 
cash flow versus approved budget; 

establishment of appropriate cash flow 
management and treasury policies for 
the management of liquidity, currency 
and credit risk on financial assets and 
liabilities, along with delegations of 
authority and bank mandates; 

regular management, committee, and 
Board meetings, to review operating 
and financial activities; 

provide input in the recruitment of 
appropriately qualified and 
experienced staff to key financial and 
management positions; 

preparation of the annual report, 
related financial statements and 
annual audit thereof; and 

a risk management policy and 
procedure which incorporates a risk 
register to assist with the identification 
and management of risk. 

The principal areas of risk for the 
Company are set out in the Directors’ 
report on page 32. 

The Audit and Risk Committee also 
ensures that appropriate procedures, 
resources and controls are in place to 
comply with the AIM rules and monitors 
compliance thereof. The Company has 
adopted a model code for Directors’ 
share dealings which is appropriate for 
an AIM listed company. The Directors 
comply with Rule 21 of the AIM Rules 
relating to Directors’ dealings and take all 
reasonable steps to ensure compliance 
by the Company’s applicable employees. 
There are also anti-bribery and 
corruption, whistleblowing, and 
environmental policies, as well as an 

24       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

annual review of compliance with the 
Irish Companies Act 2014. 

In order to ensure the independence 
and objectivity of the external auditor, 
the Audit and Risk Committee reviews 
the provision of non-audit services by 
its external auditor to ensure that 
such services do not impair the 
independence or objectivity of the 
external auditor. 

Activities of the Audit 
Committee 

During 2020 the Audit Committee 
considered the role of internal audit and 
decided to pause the internal audit 
reviews in 2020 based on the size and 
scale of the Group’s activities, combined 
with curtailment of activities due to 
Covid-19 and the pandemic. 

The internal audit role was reviewed 
again in November 2020 and it was 
considered appropriate to restart the 
programme during 2021. The internal 
audit role reports into the Audit and Risk 
Committee and the main processes of 
control to be reviewed during 2021 
are detailed below: 

•

•

Review of Procurement to Pay 
processes; 

Risk Register review and review of new 
software implemented during 2020; 

•

Payroll controls review; and 

•

Treasury controls review. 

The Audit and Risk Committee reviewed 
the Corporate Risk Register at its 
meeting on 8 June 2020 and again on 
17 May 2021. 

Other policies and procedures reviewed 
or updated and implemented during 
the year were: 

•

Treasury policy; 

•

Finance Position and Prospects 
Procedures (“FPPP”); and 

•

An Independent review of the 
Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy 
and Processes and the Criminal 
Finances Act. 

2020 financial statements 

The Audit and Risk Committee reviewed 
the interim financial statements. 

The Audit and Risk Committee reviewed 
the planning of the 2020 audit and the 
annual report. With regard to the 
Group’s financial statements, the Audit 
and Risk Committee considered: 

•

•

•

•

•

the appropriateness of the Group’s 
key accounting policies; 

the clarity and acceptability of 
accounting policies and practices; 

the clarity of the disclosures and 
compliance with financial reporting 
standards and relevant financial and 
governance reporting requirements; 

material areas in which significant 
judgements have been applied or 
there has been discussion with the 
external auditor; and 

whether the Annual Report and 
financial statements taken as a 
whole present a fair, balanced and 
understandable body of information 
that provides the data necessary 
for shareholders to assess the 
Company’s performance, business 
model and strategy. 

The Audit and Risk Committee received 
and considered memoranda from 
management regarding these matters 
and discussed these with the 
external auditor. 

The Audit and Risk Committee 
determined that the key risks of 
misstatement of the Group’s financial 
statements related to the carrying value 
of the Loan Notes and equity interest for 
both MLPL and ELI and the Net Profit 
Interest (NPI) on the Barryroe oil field 

* Refer to Alternate Performance Measures on page 119 for full reconciliation of IFRS numbers and 

Alternative Performance Measures.

and going concern. These matters were 
discussed with management during  
the year when the Committee 
considered the interim financial 
statements and in 2021 when the 
Committee reviewed the 2020 Annual 
report and financial statements. 

Valuation of MLPL Loan Notes 
and equity interest 

At 31 December 2020 there was 
US$82.1 million* at par value (US$84.2 
million under IFRS) outstanding (before 
interest) on the MLPL Loan Notes. The 
value of the equity interest in MLPL at 
31 December 2020 was US$43.8 million. 
The Audit Committee considered the 
ability of the underlying parties and 
assets to meet the obligation to the 
Company and the value of the equity 
interest both in the light of the 
performance to date and expected 
future performance. This is explained 
in detail in Note 13 and 17 of the 
financial statements. 

Valuation of ELI Loan Notes 
and equity interest 

At 31 December 2020 there was 
US$15.0 million* at par value (US$15.4 
million under IFRS) outstanding (before 
interest) on the ELI Loan Notes. The 
value of the equity interest in ELI at 31 
December 2020 was US$0.3 million. The 
Audit Committee considered the ability 
of the underlying parties and assets to 
meet the obligation to the Company and 
the value of the equity interest both in 
the light of the performance to date and 
expected future performance. This is 
explained in detail in Note 13 and 17 of 
the financial statements.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      25

 
 
 
 
Audit and Risk Committee report 
Continued

than MLPL Loan Note receipts, and also 
certain cost saving measures. The Audit 
Committee considered that whilst there 
may be uncertainty over the timing and 
amount of future MLPL Loan Note 
payments, their receipt is not required 
given the cash flow forecast 
assumptions (See Note 1) in order for 
the Group to continue as a going 
concern. Accordingly, the Audit 
Committee concluded that it was 
appropriate to recommend adoption of 
going concern as the basis of 
preparation of the financial statements. 

Signed on behalf of the Audit and 
Risk Committee by: 

John Brown 
Audit and Risk Committee 

28 June 2021

Valuation of 4.5% NPI on the 
Barryroe oil field 

The carrying value of the 4.5% NPI on  
the Barryroe oil field at 31 December 
2020 was increased to US$6.8 million. 
The Audit Committee adopted the 
market-based valuation approach for  
this investment as it considered it a 
reasonable and appropriate method to 
determine carrying value. It also noted 
the announcement post balance date 
that Providence Resources Ltd has 
terminated the farm-out agreement with 
SpotOn Energy for the Barryroe Licence 
and is progressing arrangements for  
an alternative funding package to  
finance 100% of the costs of the early 
development scheme (“EDS”) for the 
Barryroe licence (SEL 1/11). 

Going concern 

The Audit Committee reviewed the 
detailed cash flow forecast for the Group 
and the Company for the period from 1 
June 2021 to 31 December 2022, the 
principal assumptions underlying the 
cash flow forecast. This included a 
review of various scenarios including the 
availability of finance to the Group other 

26       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

 
 
Remuneration Committee report

The Group’s policy on senior executive 
remuneration is designed to attract and 
retain individuals of the highest calibre 
who bring relevant experience and 
independent views to the development 
of policy, strategic decisions and 
governance of the Group. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

•

Determine and agree with the Board 
the policy for the remuneration of 
the Chairman, the Executive Directors, 
the Company Secretary and such 

other members of the executive 
management as it is required by the 
Board to consider; 

•

Review and approve long and 
short-term incentive plans and 
payments including but not limited to 
share incentive plans, option plans, 
performance targets, bonuses, goals 
and remuneration package 
recommendations from the CEO in 
respect of Executive Directors; 

•

Review and approve long and 
short-term incentive plans for the 
Company; and 

•

Consider any matters as may be 
requested by the Board. 

In determining remuneration levels, the 
Remuneration Committee takes into 
consideration the practices of other 
companies of similar scope and size. 
A key philosophy is that staff should 
be properly rewarded and motivated 
to perform in the best interests of 
the shareholders.

Director emoluments and pension contributions, excluding share option arrangements, during the year ended 
31 December 2020 were as follows: 

                                                                                                  Salary &                                                                                       Fees &                                                         2020 
                                                                                         emoluments                      Bonus                   Pension                   services                   Benefits                        Total 
                                                                                                 US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                   US$’000 

Mutiu Sunmonu #                                                          –                         –                         –                    163                         –                     163 

Oisín Fanning                                                           1,334                    593                         –                       68                       26                 2,021 

Joel Price                                                                      448                    193                       33                       68                         8                     750 

Lisa Mitchell                                                                448                    193                       33                       68                         7                     749 

Alan Campbell **                                                       448                    193                       33                       68                         3                     745 

Mark Phillips ^                                                                 –                         –                         –                       33                         –                       33 

Linda Beal *                                                                     –                         –                         –                       63                         –                       63 

Bill Higgs <                                                                        –                         –                         –                       26                         –                       26 

Adekolapo Ademola ~                                                    –                         –                         –                       50                         –                       50 

                                                                                  2,678                 1,172                       99                    607                       44                 4,600 

< Resigned 18 May 2020. 
^ Resigned 29 June 2020. 
* Resigned 7 December 2020. 
~ Appointed 7 April 2020. 
# The Group has a consultancy agreement with Mutiu Sunmonu and Greenbay Energy Resources Limited and Mutiu Sunmonu and Caledonian Properties 

Nigeria Limited. Please see Note 31 for further details. 

** Resigned as Director 7 May 2021. 

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      27

 
 
 
 
Remuneration Committee report 
Continued

Director emoluments and pension contributions, excluding share option arrangements, during the year ended 
31 December 2019 were as follows: 

                                                                                                  Salary &                                                                                       Fees &                                                         2019 
                                                                                         emoluments                      Bonus                   Pension                   services                   Benefits                        Total 
                                                                                                 US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000 

Mutiu Sunmonu #                                                          –                         –                         –                    153                         –                    153 

Oisín Fanning                                                           1,280                    305                         –                       63                       29                 1,677 

Joel Price                                                                      455                    115                       36                       63                         2                    671 

Lisa Mitchell ^                                                             196                    102                       16                       31                         –                    345 

Alan Campbell                                                            455                    115                       36                       63                         2                    671 

Ewen Ainsworth *~>                                                  321                         –                       14                       31                         –                    366 

Mark Phillips                                                                    –                         –                         –                       63                         –                       63 

Linda Beal                                                                        –                         –                         –                       63                         –                       63 

Bill Higgs                                                                           –                         –                         –                       63                         –                       63 

                                                                                  2,707                    637                    102                    593                       33                 4,072 

* Resigned 30 June 2019. 
^ Appointed 30 June 2019. 
# The Group has a consultancy agreement with Mutiu Sunmonu and Greenbay Energy Resources Limited and Mutiu Sunmonu and Caledonian Properties 

Nigeria Limited. Please see Note 31 for further details. 

~ The Group had a consultancy agreement with Ewen Ainsworth and Discovery Energy Limited. 
> Termination payment of US$127,836 is included within Salary & Emoluments 

In addition to the emoluments above, in accordance with IFRS 2 share-based payments, a cost of US$418,048 (2019: US$491,635) 
has been recognised in respect of share options granted to Directors. A total of US$Nil (2019: US$115,712) was recognised in 
respect of Directors options modified in the year. See Note 27 for further details of share options. 

Directors’ interests 

The Directors and Company Secretary who held office at 31 December 2020, except where indicated, had no interests other 
than those shown below in the Ordinary Shares of the Company. All interests are beneficially held by the Directors. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Number of Ordinary Shares 

Director                                                                                                                                                                              22/06/21                    31/12/19                    01/01/20 

Oisín Fanning                                                                                                                               9,495,864            9,495,864            9,495,864

28       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Share options 

Details of share options granted to the Directors are as follows: 

                                                                             Options at                                                                                           Options at  
                                                                               01/01/20         Granted in year           Lapsed in year                    31/12/20            Exercise price                 Expiry date 

Mutiu Sunmonu                                 1,000,000                            –                            –            1,000,000                    £0.45              20/09/23 

Oisín Fanning #                                  1,500,000                            –                            –            1,500,000                    £0.45              20/09/23 

Joel Price #                                          2,000,000                            –                            –            2,000,000                    £0.45              30/09/22 

                                                             1,500,000                            –                            –            1,500,000                    £0.45              20/09/23 

Alan Campbell #                                2,000,000                            –                            –            2,000,000                    £0.45              30/09/22 

                                                             1,500,000                            –                            –            1,500,000                    £0.45              20/09/23 

Mark Phillips ^                                    1,000,000                            –                            –            1,000,000                    £0.45              20/09/23 

Linda Beal *                                        1,000,000                            –                            –            1,000,000                    £0.45              08/07/25 

Bill Higgs <                                          1,000,000                            –                            –            1,000,000                    £0.45              19/02/26 

Lisa Mitchell >                                     1,000,000                            –                            –            1,000,000                    £0.45              22/03/28 

Adekolapo Ademola ~                                      –            1,000,000                            –            1,000,000                    £0.45              22/03/28 

# All existing Company share options which had an exercise price above 45 pence per ordinary share, were repriced with an exercise price of 45 pence on 20 February 
2019. All other terms remain unchanged. The repricing resulted in an increase in the fair value of the options, expiring on 30 September 2022, of US$115,712. 
Mr Campbell stepped down from the Board on 7 May 2021. 

> On her appointment on 30 June 2019, the Board approved the grant of 1,000,000 of share options at a strike price of £0.45, however as the Company was in a 

closed period at the date of award these options have not yet been formally awarded. The fair value of these options has been calculated at US$344,332 of which 
US$270,617 was recognised in 2019. The options have since been awarded on 23 March 2021. 

~ On his appointment on 7 April 2020, the Board approved the grant of 1,000,000 of share options at a strike price of £0.45, however as the Company was in a close 
period at the date of award these options have not yet been formally awarded. The fair value of these options has been calculated at US$344,332. The options have 
since been awarded on 23 March 2021. 

< Resigned 18 May 2020. 
^ Resigned 29 June 2020. 
* Resigned 7 December 2020. 

Transactions involving Directors 

Contracts and arrangements of significance during the year in which Directors of the Company were interested are disclosed in 
Note 31 to the financial statements. 

Signed on behalf of the Remuneration Committee by: 

Mutiu Sunmonu 
Remuneration Committee Chair 

28 June 2021

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      29

 
 
 
 
 
Nomination Committee report

The Committee also will review the 
Directors’ existing conflicts of interests 
every six months, or more frequently 
as required. 

Board succession planning is ongoing 
and we continue to focus on this. 

The Board welcomed Adekolapo 
Ademola who was appointed to the 
board on 7 April 2020 as a 
Non-independent Non-Executive 
Director. During 2021 John Brown was 
appointed to the Board as Independent 
Non-Executive Director and Chair of 
the Audit and Risk Committee, and 
member of the Remuneration and 
Nomination Committees. 

The Committee is of the view that the 
Board including the current senior team 
is fit for purpose, with the requisite skills 
and experience to support the business. 

Given the importance and increased 
focus on ESG since Covid-19, the ESG 
Committee was formally constituted 
in December 2020. Members of the 
ESG committee are: Adekolapo 
Ademola (Chair), Mutiu Sunmonu 
and Lisa Mitchell. 

In accordance with the Articles of 
Association, Joel Price and Lisa Mitchell 
retire from the Board by rotation and, 
being eligible, offer themselves for 
re-election. 

Mutiu Sunmonu 
Nomination Committee Chair 

28 June 2021

The Committee conducted its business 
through one meeting held in 2020. 
Membership during the year comprised 
of the Chairman Mutiu Sunmonu, 
Adekolapo Ademola who was invited to 
attend meetings, the Chief Executive 
Officer Oisin Fanning, Mark Phillips 
(resigned 29 June 2020) and Linda Beal 
(resigned 8 December 2020). John 
Brown was appointed on 7 May 2021. 
Adekolapo Ademola was formally 
appointed on 25 May 2021. 

Role and Responsibilities 

•

•

•

Review the structure, size and 
composition of the Board and 
recommend any changes to the Board; 

Carry out succession planning for the 
Board and other senior executives; 

Be responsible for filling board 
vacancies when they arise and, before 
any appointment is made, evaluating 
the balance of skills, knowledge, and 
experience on the Board; and 

•

Make recommendations to the Board 
on all new appointments to the Board. 

The Committee continues to regularly 
review the structure, size and 
composition (including the skills, 
knowledge and experience) required of 
the Board compared to its current 
position and will make recommendations 
as required to the Board on the Board’s 
composition and balance. 

Before any appointment is made by the 
Board, the Committee will evaluate the 
balance of the skills, knowledge and 
experience on the Board, and in light of 
this evaluation prepare a description of 
the role and capabilities required for a 
particular appointment. In identifying 
suitable candidates, the Committee 
shall consider using services of external 
advisors to facilitate the search for 
candidates from a wide range of 
backgrounds; and on merit and against 
objective criteria, take care that 
appointees have enough time available 
to devote to the position.

30       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

 
 
Health and Safety Committee report

Ethics and Corporate Social 
Responsibility 

The Company will conduct business with 
the highest ethical values and will be 
socially responsible in the communities 
in which we work. 

Given the importance and increased 
focus on ESG since Covid-19, the ESG 
Committee was formally constituted in 
December 2020. Members of the 
ESG committee are: Adekolapo 
Ademola (Chair), Mutiu Sunmonu 
and Lisa Mitchell. 

Mutiu Sunmonu 
Health and Safety Committee Chair 

28 June 2021

The Committee will govern the 
Company’s ethics policy and code of 
ethics to ensure ethical business practice. 

Security 

The security of our people and our 
assets is of paramount importance to the 
Company, as such the Committee will: 

•

•

Ensure appropriate security controls 
and systems are in place and 
operational; and 

Ensure that the Company’s journey 
management procedure is adequate 
and functioning. 

An updated health, safety, environment 
and quality management system was 
noted as being required for office based 
activity, inclusive of a journey 
management policy. In the interim, 
standard journey management protocols 
are being followed for travel to Nigeria. 

Anti-Bribery and Corruption, and 
Whistleblowing policies, have been 
circulated to all employees and 
acknowledged. The Ethics and 
Corporate Social Responsibility 
policies are to be reviewed. 

During 2020 the Health and Safety 
Committee reviewed the terms of 
reference, a copy of which is available 
on the Company’s website. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

The management of business and 
operational risk is a key success factor 
for the Company, as such the 
Committee will: 

•

•

•

Report significant changes to the 
operational risk profile of the business 
as necessary; 

Monitor the Company’s risk 
assessment procedure and action 
plans for all operational risks; and 

Ensure that the controls to prevent 
and mitigate the most significant 
operational risks for the business 
are in place and functioning. 

Health, Safety and 
Environment 

The protection of people, the 
environment and our assets are central to 
San Leon Energy’s values and principles 
and as such the Committee will: 

•

•

Ensure health and safety audits of 
each operation and country office are 
carried out at such times that the 
Committee deems appropriate 
considering the scale and nature of 
the operations; and 

Ensure the Company’s Health, Safety 
and Environmental Policy (“HSE Policy”) 
meets or exceeds international oil 
and gas practice appropriate to the 
Company’s operations and meets the 
required legal and regulatory 
standards for the jurisdictions in 
which we work.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      31

 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 
for the year ended 31 December 2020

A special dividend was paid in May 2020 of US$33.3 million

operational existence for the 
foreseeable future which covers a 
period of at least twelve months from 
the date of approval of these 
financial statements. 

As set out in Note 1 to the financial 
statements, there are a number of 
assumptions underlying the Group’s 
cash flow projections. The principal 
cash flows expected by the Group are 
interest and capital repayments on 
the MLPL Loan Notes. 

Since the end of the financial period 
cash payments totalling US$0.8 million 
have been made on behalf of MLPL and 
received by the Company. There is 
currently US$4.2 million (before late 
payment interest) outstanding from the 
US$10.0 million repayment due on 
6 October 2020. 

The Directors have considered the 
impact of Covid-19, volatility in the oil 
price and demand, OPEC quotas and 
short-term production issues upon the 
Company’s indirect interest in OML 18, 
and upon the Loan Notes. The overall 
effect is likely to delay the receipt of 
distributions from MLPL. The Company 
is monitoring the situation, and despite 
being unable to predict the timing of 
future Loan Note receipts, is confident 
that the full repayment will be made. 

The Directors have discussed the 
assumptions and basis of preparation of 
the projections and, having considered 
the financial resources available, believe 
that it is appropriate to prepare the 
financial statements on the going 
concern basis.

The Directors present their annual 
report together with the audited 
financial statements of San Leon Energy 
plc (“the Company”) and its subsidiaries 
(collectively “the Group”) for the year 
ended 31 December 2020. 

Principal activity and 
future developments 

The principal activities of the Company 
are the holding of an initial indirect 
10.58% economic interest in OML 18 
Nigeria, through its investment in MLPL, 
and the exploration and production of 
oil and gas, and a 10% interest in Energy 
Link Infrastructure (Malta) Ltd (“ELI”). 
ELI’s sole asset is the proposed new 
Alternative Crude Oil Evacuation System 
(“ACOES”) constructed to provide a 
dedicated oil export route from the 
OML 18 asset to a Floating Storage 
and Offloading (“FSO”) vessel. 

A detailed review of activities for the year 
and future prospects of the Group is 
contained in the Chairman’s Statement 
and CEO’s Statement. 

Results and dividends 

The Group loss for the year after 
providing for depreciation and taxation 
amounted to a loss of US$11.9 million 
(2019 Restated: loss of US$44.6 million). 
Net assets of the Group at 31 December 
2020 amounted to US$152.1 million 
(2019 Restated: US$195.8 million). 
Exploration & evaluation impairments / 
write off totalled US$0.2 million in 2020 
(2019: US$1.4 million). The Barryroe 4.5% 
Net Profit Interest carrying value was 
increased to US$6.8 million (2019: 
US$2.8 million). A special dividend was 
paid in May 2020 of US$33.3 million 
(2019: US$Nil). 

Principal risks and 
uncertainties 

There are a number of potential risks 
and uncertainties that could have a 

material impact on the Group’s 
long-term performance. The Board has 
overall responsibility for managing risk. 

The Group’s principal areas of oil and 
gas exploration and production activity 
are in Nigeria and a Net Profit Interest 
on the Barryroe oil field (offshore 
Ireland). The Group has a management 
structure and system of internal controls 
in place designed to identify, evaluate, 
manage and mitigate business risk, 
including HSE risks. Risks are formally 
identified and recorded in a risk 
register which is reviewed by the 
Board and appropriate processes are 
in place to implement and monitor 
mitigating controls. 

The Executive Directors are closely 
involved in the day-to-day management 
of the business and have oversight of 
all the controls the business has in 
place, including financial, operational 
(including HSE) and compliance 
controls, as well as overseeing risk 
management. Each Board member 
commits sufficient time to fulfil their 
duties and obligations to the Board 
and the Company. 

The Audit and Risk Committee, which 
is comprised of certain Independent 
Non-Executive Directors, monitors and 
promotes high standards of integrity, 
financial reporting, risk management 
and internal control. For details of 
the Audit and Risk Committee’s 
performance refer to the Audit and 
Risk Committee Report on page 24. 
Risks and uncertainties, which are not 
exhaustive, which are particularly 
relevant to the Company and the 
Group’s business activities are 
considered to be the following: 

Going concern and 
Loan Notes repayment 
The Directors have reviewed budgets, 
projected cash flows and other relevant 
information, and on the basis of this 
review, concluded that the Group and 
the Company will have adequate 
financial resources to continue in 

32       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Risk Management 
Managing risks in an international oil and 
gas company is essential to stability and 
long-term sustainability. The Company’s 
Board has overall responsibility for risk 
identification and control and has 
developed a risk management structure 
to identify risks, evaluate the impact of 
certain risks, assess the likelihood of 
risks occurring and implementing risk 
mitigation measures where possible to 
reduce each risk to an acceptable level 
in accordance with the Group’s 
appetite for risk. 

Risks are formally identified and 
recorded in a risk register which is 
reviewed twice a year by the Board 

and on a quarterly basis by the Audit 
and Risk Committee. The Executive 
Directors are closely involved in the day 
to day management of the business and 
have oversight of all the controls the 
business has in place, including 
financial, operational (including HSE) 
and compliance controls, as well as 
overseeing risk management. 

As part of our overall goal to reduce 
risk across the organisation, a Risk 
Management Policy and Procedure was 
developed and presented to the Audit 
and Risk Committee in February 2020. 
This provides a procedure for the 
management of the Company’s risk. 
As part of the risk management 

procedure, the Company has developed 
a detailed risk register which identifies 
business continuity risks, corporate 
governance risks, security risks, financial 
risks and health, safety and environment 
protection risks. 

The Board recognises that risk cannot 
be fully eliminated but it is their 
responsibility to ensure that risk 
assessment and mitigation is as 
thorough and vigorous as possible. 
The following principal risks and 
uncertainties, which are not exhaustive, 
with their mitigation actions are 
particularly relevant to the Company.

Risk

Detail

Mitigation

Year on year 
change

STRATEGIC RISK

Lack of MLPL Loan 
Notes Repayments

•

The Company will not be able to 
fund current operations or invest 
for future expansion.

Partnership risk

•

Risk of relationship with partners 
deteriorating or partner having 
insufficient financial or technical 
resources.

Further pandemics

•

Further lockdowns due to new 
pandemics or continued Covid-19 
escalation creating renewed 
pressure on oil pricing. 

•

Reduced income stream and 
repayment of loan notes due 
to this.

•

Strong financial discipline. 

Increased

•

•

•

•

•

•

Maintain sufficient working capital for 12 
months look ahead. 

Monitor the situation and maintain dialogue 
and good relations with OML 18 partners and 
investors, relevant Nigerian national and 
regional authorities. 

Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited Loan Note 
guarantee.

Partners in joint ventures are reputable with 
significant experience and financial resources. 
Continuous dialogue maintained with partners. 

Increased

The Company has Board representation 
throughout the ownership structure allowing 
a transparent working relationship.

Continue to follow government advice and 
lockdown measures whilst maintaining and 
minimizing disruption to business. 

New

•

Cash forecasting. 

•

Remote working. 

•

Continued close relationships with partners.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 
Continued

Risk

Detail

Mitigation

OPERATIONAL RISK

Political Instability 
/ OML 18 
operational 
disruption

Geological and 
development Risk

Health, Safety & 
Environmental risk

•

•

•

•

•

OML 18 operations are exposed to 
the risk of delays and interruptions 
to production due to various 
causes including political instability, 
sabotage, pipeline losses, 
operational downtime, slow 
progress caused by unexpected 
downhole challenges, operational 
funding, and procedural delays 
with JV partners and authorities. 

Severe operational delays or 
disruption could lead to an inability 
to produce oil and repay the 
Eroton RBL debt facility, which 
could lead to the loss of OML 18, 
or an inability to pay dividends.

The Company depends on 
maintaining successful 
development projects to achieve 
revenue and success. However, the 
level of production and cash flow 
from OML 18 is an estimated 
value and may not materialise as 
originally expected. This risk is 
specific to the geological and 
engineering factors involved in 
estimation and projection of the 
expected capacity of new or 
existing projects.

The industry faces high risk 
operating conditions and HSE risks, 
posing the threat of Industrial 
accidents; natural disasters. 

Impact from a pandemic or 
epidemic affects the ability of the 
Company or the Joint Ventures 
from being able to successfully 
operate the assets. (Such as 
Covid-19 virus.)

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Year on year 
change

No change

Eroton is a local experienced operator 
completely focused on OML 18 regulatory 
requirements and maintaining dialogue with 
local communities. 

San Leon Energy has appointed a senior 
operations manager with downhole operational 
experience to work with the Eroton team.

Increased

The Group utilises its experience, external 
contractors and that of its partners, in particular 
Eroton, to determine the resource and 
development assumptions to ensure the Board 
maintains a realistic view of resources and 
development expectations. 

Periodic review of reserves by an independent 
consultant. 

Ensure industry best practice regarding 
technical estimates and judgements.

The Company has a Risk & Safety Committee to 
ensure risks are managed appropriately in 
accordance with international best practice 
and legislation. 

Increased

Promote and facilitate best practice 
international standards. 

Embedding a strong HSE culture, with support 
at a high level in the Company. 

Adequate insurances to be in place at the 
operational level. 

The Company is dependent on its operating 
partners to impose and maintain required 
standards to operations. 

•

Early adoption of guidance based on World 
Health Organisation (WHO) guidance.

34       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

 
 
 
Risk

Detail

Mitigation

OPERATIONAL RISK CONTINUED

Year on year 
change

Cyber risk

•

Major cyber breach may result in 
loss of confidential data and 
business disruption.

•

•

Prevention software in place and regularly 
monitored. 

Increased

Back-up system and business recovery plan 
in place. 

Human 
resource risk

•

Failure to recruit and retain key 
senior personnel in key senior 
management positions is essential 
to ensure success.

•

Internal audit reviewed during 2019.

•

Compensation packages are approved by the 
full Board, with remuneration for key executives 
being highly competitive. 

No change

•

Staff packages are validated for 
competitiveness. 

•

Flexible working arrangements allowed. 

•

Creation of a long-term incentive scheme to 
increase incentive opportunity.

FINANCIAL RISK

Commodity 
price risk

Increased

•

Volatility and decreases in oil or 
natural gas prices can lead to 
insufficient funds to finance growth 
plans. This may lead to the inability 
to repay Reserve Based Lending 
facility debt, or inability to pay 
dividends. The field could become 
uneconomic and there would be 
an inability to fund capital 
development.

•

The demand for, and price of oil and gas is 
dependent on supply and demand, actions of 
governments and general global economic and 
political developments. Eroton, as operator of 
OML 18, has in place a put option at US$50 per 
barrel for a portion of its production. In effect 
this provides a price floor for that portion of 
production, while providing access to price 
upside. It is designed to protect the ability of 
Eroton to service RBL debt facility repayments 
at Eroton level. 

•

Capital discipline and monitoring.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 
Continued

Risk

Detail

FINANCIAL RISK CONTINUED

Availability of 
capital / insufficient 
funds

•

The Oil and Gas industry is 
capital intensive with significant 
amounts of capital required for 
development of assets. The 
Group’s business partners may 
require significant capital 
expenditure and the future 
expansion and development of its 
business could require future debt 
and equity financing. The future 
availability of such funding may 
not always be certain, which may 
lead to funding shortages. 

•

Insufficient funds at the Group 
level to finance growth and pay 
dividends.

REPUTATIONAL RISK

Bribery & 
corruption

•

Reputational damage and 
exposure to possible criminal 
charges.

Mitigation

Year on year 
change

•

•

Active dialogue maintained with financial 
institutions and investors. 

Increased

There is a significant population of investors 
who are willing to invest in companies like 
San Leon. 

•

Management has a strong track record of 
successful fundraisings. 

•

Discretionary spend actively managed. 

•

•

Continued engagement with partners and 
lenders. 

Maintain controls in relation to systems and 
processes around spend and Delegation 
of Authority. 

•

Monthly reporting. 

•

Forecasting. 

•

Maintain financial discipline.

No change

•

The area in which the Company holds its 
material asset scores high relatively to many 
countries with regard to bribery and corruption 
issues. The Company has a zero tolerance 
policy on such matters. The Company has an 
Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy in place that is 
monitored and updated in accordance with 
UK standards. The Company also has a 
Whistleblowing Policy in place to encourage 
confidential reporting of any issues that may 
be illegal or suspicious.

Directors 

•

Lisa Mitchell, Chief Financial Officer 

The Directors of San Leon Energy plc, all 
of whom served for the full year, except 
where indicated, are as follows: 

•

Mutiu Sunmonu, Non-Executive 
Chairman 

•

Oisín Fanning, Chief Executive Officer 

•

Joel Price, Chief Operating Officer 

•

Alan Campbell, Commercial and 
Business Development Director 
(resigned 7 May 2021) 

•

•

•

•

•

Mark Phillips, Non-Executive Director 
(resigned 29 June 2020) 

Linda Beal, Non-Executive Director 
(resigned 8 December 2020) 

Bill Higgs, Non-Executive Director 
(resigned 18 May 2020) 

Adekolapo Ademola, Non-Executive 
Director (appointed 7 April 2020) 

John Brown, Independent Non-Executive 
Director (appointed 7 May 2021) 

In accordance with the Articles of 
Association, Joel Price and Lisa Mitchell 
retire from the Board by rotation and, 
being eligible, offer themselves for 
re-election.

36       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

 
 
 
Significant shareholders 

The Company has been informed that, in addition to the interests of the Directors at 31 December 2020 (see Remuneration 
Report), the following shareholders owned 3% or more of the issued share capital of the Company: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Percentage of issued share capital 

                                                                                                                                                                                            22/06/21                    31/12/20                    31/12/19 

Funds managed by Toscafund Asset Management LLP                                                            72.63%                 73.47%                 72.41% 

Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited                                                                                     13.18%                 13.18%                 13.14% 

The Directors are not aware of any other holding of 3% or more of the share capital of the Company.

Acquisition of own shares 

In 2020 the Company completed the 
repurchase of US$2.0 million of its own 
shares between October 2019 and 
January 2020. 

Accounting records 

The Directors are responsible for 
ensuring adequate accounting records, 
as outlined in Section 281 to 285 of the 
Companies Act 2014, are kept by the 
Company. The Directors, through the 
use of appropriate procedures and 
systems and the employment of 
competent persons, have ensured that 
measures are in place to secure 
compliance with these requirements. 
The books and accounting records 
are maintained at 3300 Lake Drive, 
Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24. 

Group transparency 
Part 26 of the Companies (Accounting) 
Act 2014 came into force on 1 January 
2017. This required companies 
operating in the extractive sector to 
publicly disclose payments made to 
National Governments. The Act 
implements Chapter 10 of EU 
Accounting Directive (2013/34/EU).

The payments disclosed are based on 
where the obligation arose which in our 
case is Ireland and Poland. Payments are 
disclosed by licence where the aggregate 
of the payment in the year exceeds 
US$100,000 otherwise, they are 
combined into a corporate level 
payment which consolidated all the 
smaller payments. 

All of the payments disclosed in 
accordance with the law have been 
made to National Governments, covering 
both direct and indirect payments. 

The payments type covered by this 
disclosure are: 

•

Licence fees: licence fees cover the 
costs associated with holding each of 
our licences. 

                                                              Licence fees 
Licence                                                        US$’000 

2020 

Relevant audit information 
The Directors believe that they have 
taken all necessary steps to make 
themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and have established that 
the Company’s statutory auditors are 
aware of this information. In so far as 
they are aware there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s 
statutory auditors are unaware. 

Events since the year end 

Details of significant events since the 
year end are included in Note 33 to the 
financial statements. 

Group undertakings 

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries 
are set out in Note 16 to the financial 
statements. 

Corporate #                                              – 

Total Poland                                             – 

Political donations 

2018 

Corporate #                                           40 

Total Poland                                           40 

# Corporate is the consolidated total of all our 
Polish licences where the total of each licence 
payment in the year is less than US$100,000.

There were no political donations made 
during the current or prior year. 

Charitable donations were made of 
US$6,000.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      37

 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 
Continued

Compliance policy statement 
of San Leon Energy plc 

The Directors, in accordance with 
Section 225(2) of the Companies Act 
2014, acknowledge that they are 
responsible for securing the Company’s 
compliance with certain obligations 
specified in that section (‘relevant 
obligations’). The Directors confirm that: 

•

•

a compliance policy statement has 
been drawn up setting out the 
Company’s policies that in their 
opinion are appropriate with regard 
to such compliance; 

appropriate arrangements and 
structures have been put in place that, 
in their opinion, are designed to 
provide reasonable assurance of 
compliance in all material respects 
with those relevant obligations; and 

•

a review has been conducted, during 
the financial year, of those 
arrangements and structures.

Auditor 

The Auditor, KPMG, Chartered 
Accountants, were first appointed 
statutory auditor on 9 September 2010 
and have been re-appointed annually 
since that date and pursuant to Section 
282(2) of Companies Act 2014 will 
continue in office. 

Oisín Fanning 
Chief Executive 

Lisa Mitchell 
Chief Financial Officer 

28 June 2021 

38       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

 
 
 
 
Corporate Responsibility

Supporting Health, Education and Communities: Results from 
our Corporate Responsibility policy in action are being seen

ESG & Sustainability 

San Leon is committed to ensuring that 
we operate our business in a way that is 
sustainable and benefits the local 
communities in which we have a 
presence. Given the importance and 
increased focus on ESG throughout the 
pandemic, the ESG Committee was 
formally constituted in December 2020 
in order to guide the Company in the 
development of its own ESG strategy in 
2021, which the Company anticipates 
will meet all the expectations of good 
international industry practice. 

The UN’s Sustainable Development 
Goals (“SDGs”), a collection of 17 goals 
designed to be a ‘blueprint to achieve a 
better and more sustainable future for 
all’ will be our chief framework by which 
San Leon will develop its ESG strategy 
and decide how we as a Company can 
best contribute to helping the world 
meet these goals by 2030. 

Environmental 

As a Company engaged in the 
exploration and development of oil and 
gas resources, care for the environment 
is one of our key responsibilities and an 
integral part of our business. San Leon 
is committed to ensuring that the 
Company complies with all relevant 
environmental legislation, regulations 
and approved practices to ensure that 
our impact on the environment and 
contribution to pollution is minimised. 

In our environmental policy, San Leon 
is committed to: 

•

•

•

Comply with all relevant environmental 
legislation, regulations and approved 
codes of practice; 

Protect the environment by striving to 
prevent and minimise our contribution 
to pollution of land, air, and water; 

Seek to keep wastage to a minimum 
and maximise the efficient use of 
materials and resources; 

•

Manage and dispose of all waste in 
a responsible manner; 

•

•

•

Provide training for our staff so that 
we all work in accordance with this 
policy and within an environmentally 
aware culture; 

Regularly communicate our 
environmental performance to our 
employees and other significant 
stakeholders; 

Develop our management processes 
to ensure that environmental factors 
are considered during planning and 
implementation; and 

•

Monitor and continuously improve 
our environmental performance. 

The policy statement is regularly 
reviewed and updated, as necessary. 
The management team endorses these 
policy statements and is fully committed 
to their implementation. 

Social 

San Leon firmly believes that by 
providing the younger generation with 
the valuable skills and education needed 
to succeed, the whole country will 
benefit from growth and prosperity. 

San Leon is honoured and committed  
to supporting health, education and 
community projects in countries in 
which we have a presence. The 
Company wants to meet its social 
responsibilities and contribute directly  
to society when possible and where  
we trust our contributions can have a 
direct impact on the environment and 
communities we seek to assist.

Above: Opening of Ogbagbala School, Kogi State.

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“San Leon Energy continues to 
be committed to and takes its 
Corporate Social Responsibility 
in countries in which we have 
an interest very seriously.  

 The Company contributes 
directly to projects in Nigeria 
when possible and where we  
trust our contributions can 
have a direct impact on the 
environment and communities 
we seek to assist.”

Above: Food delivery over Christmas 2020.

                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      39

 
 
 
 
Corporate Responsibility 
Continued

Supporting education 

While medical projects can bring relief 
and assistance in the present, we firmly 
believe in the right of access to and the 
importance of supporting education as 
a way to underpin hope and change in 
the future. San Leon has supported 
hundreds of young and vulnerable 
people in education through direct 
support and by funding the construction 
of new schools in Nigeria. 

One such project, a new six classroom 
block in the Achusau school, in Benue 
State, officially opened in October 2020. 
While the whole community benefits 
from the new classrooms, particularly 
disadvantaged children are being 
enrolled, as part of our investment, 
who would in normal circumstances 
not get an education. 

San Leon also continues to support 
education in other ways by: 

•

•

•

covering tuition fees for third level 
students; 

providing the fees, books and school 
clothes for orphans and vulnerable 
children in Kojoli, Adamawa State in 
the North-Eastern part of Nigeria; and 

providing school fees, books, and exam 
fees for children from poor homes 
mostly in Makurdi and Idah areas.

new clinical laboratory and perimeter 
fence to safeguard patients and workers. 

It includes six hospital beds for overnight 
stays and is open to anyone that 
requires assistance. It is expected to 
treat approximately 50 patients a day. 
San Leon has been informed that it will 
be a life-saving resource and an 
immense relief to untold-of pain in the 
surrounding communities, as many of 
the people who are expected to attend 
from the area will be malnourished 
children, poverty stricken pregnant 
women and vulnerable adults who not 
only need medical attention but also 
food that they may not be able to afford. 
The Company has made a donation to 
support some of these needs also. 

The Bishops of the Province of Abuja, 
which owns the building, have appointed 
an experienced expert in hospital 
management, Sr Joy-Jacob Nkiruka 
DMMM, to manage the hospital and 
she has worked with the diocese, 
government and community to structure 
and staff the centre and laboratory. 
The laboratory itself has been equipped 
to test for a wide range of conditions 
including typhoid, malaria, hepatitis B 
and C and HIV to assist in saving critical 
time between diagnosis and treatment. 

Above: St Luke’s Medical Centre, Kanshio 
village, Benue State.

In Nigeria, for example, San Leon has 
implemented a number of initiatives 
including the building of a new medical 
centre in Benue State, the provision of 
educational support for disadvantaged 
children and the construction of new 
schools. This is in addition to our 
ongoing training and support for small 
women led enterprises and the 
installation of motorized water supply 
stations that can often transform 
people’s daily lives and assist sustainable 
living. San Leon has also helped many 
impoverished and vulnerable families 
by contributing food, shelter, clothing 
as well as direct educational and 
medical support. 

St Luke’s Medical Centre, 
Kanshio village, Benue State 

San Leon is delighted to have been able 
to support the opening of a new medical 
centre in Kanshio village, Benue State, in 
August 2020. The Company funded the 
transformation of a derelict building into 
a medical centre, which now includes a 

We have been delighted to be part of this 
project from its inception in 2019 to its 
opening in August 2020, and we wish all 
involved in this new facility great success 
in providing healthcare to people in the 
community long into the future. 

Above: A new six classroom block in the 
Achusau school, in Benue State.

40       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Medical support 

Education 

We have been delighted to be part of St Luke’s Medical 
Centre from its inception in 2019 to its opening in August 
2020, we wish all involved in this new facility great success 
in providing healthcare to people in the community.

While medical projects can bring relief and assistance in 
the present, we firmly believe in the right of access to 
and the importance of supporting education as a way to 
underpin hope and change in the future.

St Luke’s Medical Centre 

“The Medical Centre is treating an average of 50 people a day, the six 
overnight beds are continuously in use, and the laboratory is constantly 
diagnosing diseases and conditions on a daily basis such as malaria, 
Hepatitis B and C, HIV/Aids, Pylori, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Meningitis etc., 
which nurses and doctors have been able to treat immediately with the 
medicines provided. I cannot express how overjoyed people are by the 
sheer relief this medical centre offers.”  

  Fr. Emmanuel Abuh, Trustee & Chairman – Deus Caritas Development Initiative.

Achusau school

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San Leon has supported hundreds of young and vulnerable people in 
education through direct support and by funding the construction of new 
schools in Nigeria. One such project, a new six classroom block in the 
Achusau school, in Benue State, officially opened in October 2020. The 
children pictured are the first to benefit from this life-changing initiative. 

                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      41

 
 
 
 
Corporate Responsibility 
Continued

Supporting women-led 
enterprise 

The Company also supports the training 
and establishment of small women-led 
enterprises that can provide people with 
a sustainable source of income. We have 
funded the training of approximately  
50 women from the states of Nassarawa, 
Benue State, Enugu, Kogi, and 
Gwagwalada in tailoring and each 
woman was donated a sewing machine 
to establish their own enterprise, noting 
that crafting traditional African clothing 
and other clothing is a sustainable  
local business. 

We have been told this support is 
transforming lives given that many 
women who before now were struggling 
with obtaining the most basic necessity 
of life, food, are now able to afford food 
and educate their children. Some of 
these women have also been busy 
making school uniforms for the children 
we have supported in education. 

Similarly, we sponsored ten women who 
completed scholarships at catering 
schools in December 2020. We also 
supported further women to start the 
same programme in 2021. We hope that 
some will go on to gain employment in 
local private and commercial enterprises. 
Alternatively, some would be capable 
of setting up their own businesses with 
some support, similar to those who  
have set up tailoring businesses, as 
referred to above. 

Above: Ten women completed their San Leon 
sponsored catering scholarships.

42       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Water infrastructure projects 

Through our presence in Nigeria, the 
importance of water infrastructure in 
communities and the onerous task that 
many families face each day to gather 
water has been made apparent to us. 
This daily burden often falls on girls and 
women who have to walk long distances 
in search of water in streams and 
unhygienic rivers for their families. 

Following on from our successful water 
projects in Mballom, Benue State and 
Igwo-gwo in Kogi State, we completed 
two further water projects in Yaikyo- 
Kanshio community of Benue State and 
Ochaja in Kogi State in 2020. 

Above: Completed water project.

By providing motorised water boreholes 
and storage tanks, the projects have not 
only relieved the daily toil of getting 
water for these communities and their 
immediate neighbours where time saved 
can be spent on education, work and 
with families. 

By seeking to help people across 
communities, San Leon has been told it 
has transformed the lives of children 
and families. We hope, as part of our 
Corporate Social Responsibility, that we 
are positively benefiting society and 
giving optimism, dignity and strength 
to people trying to rebuild or better 
their lives and by also focusing on 
infrastructural projects, we hope we 
will leave a positive lasting impact 
on communities. 

Broader responsibility 

San Leon Energy actively seeks 
community involvement, dialogue and 
debate and we seek to maintain high 

standards to ensure we meet our 
broader responsibility towards 
communities and the environments 
we work in. 

We welcome strict regulation and 
monitoring of our activities by authorities. 
We work with regulators and inspectors 
to make sure we meet best practice in 
our operations and implement best 
communication processes. 

We are happy to respond to any 
questions or issues people raise and 
believe dialogue at all levels increases 
understanding and trust. 

We have organised presentations, 
community information events and site 
visits to our operations. This gives 
people first-hand experience of what we 
are doing. It helps people understand 
the role we play in an ever-increasing 
interconnected world. 

We have also been fortunate to provide 
local employment and foster talent 
through the investment we are making 
in local economies. By investing in and 
supporting local business, education, 
health and employment, we believe 
we are investing in all of us. 

Governance 

The Company seeks to maintain high 
standards of corporate governance to 
ensure the business is run effectively. 
We aim to conduct our business in an 
open, honest and ethical manner. The 
Board is accountable to shareholders for 
good corporate governance and has 
adopted the principles of the Quoted 
Companies Alliance Corporate 
Governance Code to make sure that 
focus remains on the pursuit of medium 
to long term value for shareholders and 
Company stakeholders more broadly. 

As part of this, we seek to behave as a 
responsible employer and make positive 
contributions to the local economies in 
which we have an interest. Engagement 
with local communities in which we 
operate and conducting social work 
has helped them understand what we 
are doing.

 
Women-led enterprise 

We have funded the training of approximately 50 women 
from the states of Nassarawa, Benue State, Enugu, Kogi, 
and Gwagwalada in tailoring and each woman was 
donated a sewing machine to establish their own 
enterprise, as making traditional African clothing and 
other clothing is a sustainable local business.

Water projects 

Through our presence in Nigeria, it has been brought 
home to us the importance of water infrastructure in 
communities and the onerous task many families face 
each day to gather water. This burden often falls on  
girls and women who have to walk long hard distances 
in search of water in streams and unhygienic rivers.

Supporting women-led enterprise

Our training support is transforming lives, given where many 
women were struggling with obtaining the most basic 
necessities of life are today able to afford food and educate 
their children. Mrs Ester Igoma (left in the photo opposite), 
was trained and provided with a sewing machine and now 
employs two people in her growing enterprise.

Water infrastructure projects 

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By providing motorised water boreholes and storage tanks, the projects have 
relieved the daily toil of getting water for these communities and their immediate 
neighbours where time saved can be spent on education, work and with families.

                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      43

 
 
 
 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
in respect of the annual report and the financial statements 

The Directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the 
corporate and financial information 
included on the Company’s website. 
Legislation in the Republic of Ireland 
governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements 
may differ from legislation in other 
jurisdictions. 

On behalf of the Board: 

Oisín Fanning 
Director 

Lisa Mitchell 
Director

The Directors are responsible for 
preparing the annual report and the 
Group and Company financial 
statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare Group and Company financial 
statements for each financial year. As 
required by the AIM Rules, they are 
required to prepare the Group financial 
statements in accordance with IFRS as 
adopted by the EU. The Directors have 
elected to prepare the Company 
financial statements in accordance with 
IFRS as adopted by the EU and as 
applied in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2014. 

Under company law the Directors must 
not approve the Group and Company 
financial statements unless they are 
satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities and financial 
position of the Group and Company 
and of the Group’s profit or loss for 
that year. In preparing each of the 
Group and Company financial 
statements, the Directors are 
required to: 

•

•

•

select suitable accounting policies and 
then apply them consistently; 

make judgements and estimates that 
are reasonable and prudent; 

state whether they have been 
prepared in accordance with IFRS as 
adopted by the EU and as regards the 
Company, as applied in accordance 
with the Companies Act 2014;

•

•

assess the Group and Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters 
related to going concern; and 

use the going concern basis of 
accounting unless they either intend to 
liquidate the Group or Company or to 
cease operations, or have no realistic 
alternative but to do so. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records which 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at 
any time the assets, liabilities, financial 
position of the Group and Company and 
the profit and loss of the Group and 
which enable them to ensure that the 
financial statements comply with the 
provision of the Companies Act 2014. 
The Directors are also responsible for 
taking all reasonable steps to ensure 
such records are kept by its subsidiaries 
which enable them to ensure that the 
financial statements of the Group comply 
with the provisions of the Companies Act 
2014. They are responsible for such 
internal controls as they determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of 
financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error, and have a general 
responsible for safeguarding the assets 
of the Company and the Group, and 
hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities. The Directors are 
also responsible for preparing a 
Directors’ report that complies with 
the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2014.

44       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

 
 
 
Financial statements

Financial statements 

46

Independent Auditor’s report 

52 Consolidated income statement 

53 Consolidated statement of other 

comprehensive income 

54 Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

56 Company statement of changes in equity 

58 Consolidated statement of financial position 

59 Company statement of financial position 

60 Consolidated statement of cash flows 

61 Company statement of cash flows 

62 Notes to the financial statements 

Other information 

119 Alternative performance measures 

120 Corporate information 

121 Glossary 

122 Conversion

                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      45

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Independent Auditor’s report 
to the members of San Leon Energy plc

Report on the audit of the financial statements 

Opinion 
We have audited the financial statements of San Leon Energy plc (“the Company”) and its consolidated undertakings (“the Group”) 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 set out on pages 52 to 119, which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the 
Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity, the 
Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position, Consolidated and Company Statements of Cash Flows and related 
notes, including the summary of significant accounting policies set out in note 1. The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in their preparation is Irish Law and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union 
and, as regards the Company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2014. 

In our opinion: 

•

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Group and Company as at 
31 December 2020 and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended; 

•

the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union; 

•

•

the Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union, 
as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2014; and 

the Group and Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2014. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (Ireland) (ISAs (Ireland)) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements section of our report. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and we remained independent of the Group 
in accordance with ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of financial statements in Ireland, including the Ethical 
Standard issued by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (“IAASA”), as applied to listed entities. 

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

Emphasis of matter – uncertainty relating to valuation of investment in and Loan Notes from Midwestern Leon 
Petroleum Limited (“MLPL”) 
We draw attention to note 13(i) and 17(i) to the financial statements concerning the uncertainty associated with the assessment of the 
Group’s investment in and related Loan Notes due from MLPL. The Group’s investment in and related Loan Notes due from MLPL are 
underpinned by the OML 18 oil field in Nigeria. Notwithstanding the performance of the Loan Notes in the year, there remains 
significant uncertainty in relation to the quantum and timing of future cash flows, and this uncertainty in turn impacts the value of the 
Group’s investment in MLPL and the recoverability of the Group and Company’s loans due from MLPL. The consequences of the 
significant uncertainty in relation to the Group and Company’s Loan Notes due from MLPL, impact on the Group and Company’s 
assessment of their ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter. 

Conclusions relating to going concern 
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Director’s use of the going concern basis of accounting in the 
preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the Directors’ assessment of the Group’s and Company’s 
ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included considering the inherent risks to the Group’s and 
Company’s business model and analysing how those risks might affect the Group’s and Company’s financial resources or ability to 
continue operations over the going concern period. 

The sensitivity we considered most likely to adversely affect the Group’s and Company’s future financial resources over the going 
concern period is the significant uncertainty associated with quantum and timing of future cash flows associated with the MLPL 
Loan Notes as highlighted by the Emphasis of Matter paragraph above. We considered various downside scenarios over the level 
of available financial resources indicated by the Group’s forecasts. A key judgement in the downside scenarios is that there is 
dependence on cash flows from other financial loan notes within the Group and availability of third party funding. We critically 
assessed management’s assessment of the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting and note that there were no risks identified that we considered were likely to have material adverse effect on the 
Group’s and Company’s available financial resources over this period. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, 
individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group or the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a 
period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

46       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Key audit matters: our assessment of risks of material misstatement 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, 
including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing 
the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a 
whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

In arriving at our audit opinion above, the key audit matters, in decreasing order of audit significance, were as follows 
(unchanged from 2019):

Key audit matter

How the matter was addressed in our audit

Valuation of Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited (“MLPL”) Loan Notes (US$68.9 million) and equity interest (US$43.8 million) 
(refer to pages 66 to 72 (accounting policy) and pages 80 to 83 and 87 to 91 (financial disclosures))

The OML 18 transaction (the MLPL Loan 
Notes and equity interest) accounts for 
San Leon’s most significant asset. 

In line with the relevant accounting standards, 
management have ascertained fair values for 
the Loan Notes US$68.9 million (2019: 
US$112.3 million) and equity interest 
US$14.3 million (2019 restated: US$44.8 
million) at 31 December 2020. 

There are significant estimates and judgment 
(forecasted cash flows and discount rate) 
involved in determining the fair value of both 
the Loan Notes and equity interest in MLPL. 

This is both a Group and Company key 
audit matter.

Our audit procedures included, but were not limited to: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Inspection of management’s fair value assessment models and accounting 
papers highlighting the significant assumptions (forecasted cash flows and 
discount rate) supporting the carrying amount of the equity interest and 
Loan Notes investment in MLPL 

Inspection of the historical accuracy of the Group’s cash flow forecast 
by comparing the prior period forecasted cash receipts from the MLPL 
Loan Notes to actual receipts in 2020 and to the date of signing the 
financial statements; 

Inspection of documentation supporting the amounts received and due 
from MLPL under the Loan Notes; 

Comparison of the Group’s forecasted income from the MLPL Loan Note 
to MLPL’s own cash flow forecasts to ensure they were consistent; 

Assessment of the arithmetic accuracy of the calculations underpinning the 
valuation and accounting for the Loan Notes and equity accounted interests; 

Recalculation of the fair value of the Loan Notes based on management’s 
assumptions; 

Inspection of correspondence with the Group’s legal advisers which 
considers the manner and classification of Loan Notes payments and 
whether there was a breach of the instrument’s terms; 

Inspection of reporting and opinion of MLPL issued to us and discussions 
with the MLPL component auditor including consideration of restatements 
in relation to the prior year errors in the MLPL audited consolidated financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2020; and 

Assessment of the required accounting disclosures of the Loan Notes and 
related subsequent events in accordance with IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 
and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures. 

We found no material misstatements arising from our procedures, however 
based on evidence obtained, we note that the recoverability of the Group’s 
investment (Loan Notes and equity investment) in MLPL is dependent on the 
ability of the OML 18 operator, Eroton, to make distributions which remains 
subject to a number of restrictions. 

This is outside of the control of San Leon Energy plc and reflects a significant 
uncertainty for the Group and Company. Therefore, we have included an 
emphasis of matter in relation to the carrying value of the Group’s investment 
in MLPL in our audit opinion. 

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Independent Auditor’s report 
Continued

Key audit matter

How the matter was addressed in our audit

Valuation of 4.5% Net Profit Interest (“NPI”) on the Barryroe oil field (US$6.8 million) 
(refer to pages 66 to 72 (accounting policy) and pages and 87 to 93 (financial disclosures))

The risk relates to the assessment of the 
carrying value of the Barryroe NPI financial 
asset of US$6.8 million (2019: US$2.8 million). 

Assessing the fair value of the Group’s NPI 
in Barryroe continues to be subject to 
complexity and significant judgement 
(market based approach and estimated 
value of the NPI). 

This is both a Group and Company key 
audit matter.

Our audit procedures included, but not limited to: 

•

•

Inspection of management and the Board’s accounting papers setting out 
their assessment of the carrying value of the financial asset; 

Inspection of the most recent available third party and independent 
information available to management, including developments in relation 
to the farm out of the Barryroe oil field; 

•

Recalculation of management’s estimate of the fair value of the asset; 

•

•

Assessment of the key management assumptions and inputs which 
underpin their valuation model; and 

Assessment of the required accounting disclosures are in accordance with 
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures. 

The fair value of the Barryroe NPI asset is estimated by management to be 
US$6.8 million as at 31 December 2020 (2019: US$2.8 million) based on a fair 
value model produced by management. This resulted in a fair value gain of 
US$4.0 million recognised in the Consolidated and Company Statement of 
Profit and Loss for the period ending 31 December 2020. 

We consider the valuation technique and significant assumptions in 
management’s model to be supportive of the valuation. All assumptions are 
appropriately disclosed. 

48       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit 
Materiality for the Group and Company financial statements as a whole was set at US$800,000 (2019: US$1,200,000). This has 
been calculated using a benchmark of Group and Company total assets (of which it represents 0.5% (2019: 0.6%)), which we have 
determined, in our professional judgement, to be one of the principal benchmarks within the financial statements relevant to the 
members of the Company in assessing financial performance. 

We report to the Audit Committee all corrected and uncorrected misstatements we identified through our audit in excess of 
US$40,000 (2019: US$60,000), in addition to other audit misstatements below that threshold that we believe warranted reporting 
on qualitative grounds. We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative measures of materiality 
discussed above and in light of other relevant qualitative considerations in forming our opinion. 

The accounting records of the Company and its subsidiaries are maintained in Ireland. The accounting records of the equity 
accounted investment in MLPL are maintained in Nigeria. 100% of total Group revenue, 100% of the Group’s loss before taxation 
and 100% of Group total assets were subject to audit for group reporting purposes. 

For the two significant components in the scope of our audit, the parent Company San Leon Energy plc (audited by the Group 
team) and the equity accounted investment MLPL (audited by the component auditor), the Group audit team considered 
aggregation risk in setting component materiality having regard to the size and risk profile of the components across the Group. 
The Group audit team instructed the component auditor as to the significant areas to be covered including the relevant risks 
detailed above and the information to be reported back. 

The Group audit team held a number of video and telephone conference calls with the component auditors of the MLPL 
component to assess the audit risk and strategy and work undertaken. We reviewed the component auditor’s procedures and 
conclusions over the significant risks identified by us. In our discussions, the matters subject to audit and the findings reported to 
the Group audit team were discussed in more detail and any further work required by the Group audit team was then performed 
by the component auditors. 

Other information 
The Directors are responsible for the preparation of the other information presented in the Annual Report together with the 
financial statements. The other information comprises the information included in the Directors’ report, Group overview report, 
Strategic report and Governance report. 

The financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon do not comprise part of the other information. Our opinion on the 
financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except as 
explicitly stated below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      49

 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s report 
Continued

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our financial statements audit 
work, the information therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the financial statements or our audit knowledge. Based 
solely on that work we have not identified material misstatements in the other information. 

Based solely on our work on the other information undertaken during the course of the audit, we report that: 

•

we have not identified material misstatements in the Directors’ report; 

•

in our opinion, the information given in the Directors’ report is consistent with the financial statements; and 

•

in our opinion, the Directors’ report has been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2014. 

Our opinions on other matters prescribed the Companies Act 2014 are unmodified 
We have obtained all the information and explanations which we consider necessary for the purpose of our audit. 

In our opinion, the accounting records of the Company were sufficient to permit the financial statements to be readily and 
properly audited and the Company’s financial statements are in agreement with the accounting records. 

We have nothing to report on other matters on which we are required to report by exception 
The Companies Act 2014 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion the disclosures of Directors’ remuneration and transactions 
required by Sections 305 to 312 of the Act are not made. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Respective responsibilities and restrictions on use 
Directors’ responsibilities 
As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 44, the Directors are responsible for: the preparation of the financial 
statements including being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing 
the Group and Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and 
using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the Company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

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

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on IAASA’s website at http://www.iaasa.ie/Publications/Auditing-standards/ 
International-Standards-on-Auditing-for-use-in-Ire/Description-of-the-auditor-s-responsibilities-for.

50       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities 
Our report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 391 of the Companies Act 2014. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state 
to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume 
responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, 
or for the opinions we have formed. 

Niall Savage 
for and on behalf of 

KPMG 
Chartered Accountants, Statutory Audit Firm 
1 Stokes Place 
St. Stephen’s Green 
Dublin 2 

28 June 2021

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      51

 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated income statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Notes                      US$’000                  (Restated*) 

Continuing operations 

Revenue from contracts with customers                                                                                                2                            –                       266 

Cost of sales                                                                                                                                                                               –                      (148) 

Gross profit                                                                                                                                                                               –                       118 

Share of loss of equity accounted investments                                                                                    13                   (1,139)                  (9,214) 

Administrative expenses                                                                                                                                              (14,918)                (14,899) 

Loss on disposal of subsidiaries                                                                                                               4                   (1,044)                (13,770) 

Impairment / write off of exploration and evaluation assets                                                              12                      (196)                  (1,407) 

Other income                                                                                                                                               3                            –                    1,400 

Loss from operating activities                                                                                                                                   (17,297)                (37,772) 

Finance expense                                                                                                                                         6                      (131)                     (144) 

Finance income                                                                                                                                           7                  17,442                  24,123 

Expected credit losses                                                                                                                                8                 (13,692)                   3,465 

Fair value movements in financial assets                                                                                               17                    4,073                 (48,373) 

Loss before income tax                                                                                                                                                 (9,605)                (58,701) 

Income tax                                                                                                                                                  10                   (2,248)                 14,079 

Loss for the financial year                                                                                                                                          (11,853)                (44,622) 

Loss per share (cent) – total 

Basic loss per share                                                                                                                                  11                     (2.63)                    (9.57) 

Diluted loss per share                                                                                                                               11                     (2.63)                    (9.57) 

* See Note 13 for details on restated amounts. 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 118 form an integral part of these financial statements.

52       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Notes                      US$’000                  (Restated*) 

Loss for the year                                                                                                                                                            (11,853)                (44,622) 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss 

Currency translation differences – subsidiaries                                                                                    26                          83                        (26) 

Recycling of currency translation reserve on disposal of subsidiaries                                              26                    1,044                  13,870 

Fair value movements in financial assets                                                                                               17                      (194)                  (2,625) 

Deferred tax on fair value movements in financial assets                                                                  29                            –                         40 

Total other comprehensive income                                                                                                                                  933                  11,259 

Total comprehensive loss for the year                                                                                                                    (10,920)                (33,363) 

* See Note 13 for details on restated amounts. 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 118 form an integral part of these financial statements.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      53

 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2020

                                                                                                                                           Other un-                                                        Share                                                                    Attributable 
                                                                                                      Share            Share        denom-                            Currency           based     Shares to                                                   to equity 
                                                                                                     capital     premium           inated          Special   translation      payment     be issued     Fair value      Retained         holders 
                                                                                                   reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve       earnings      in Group 
2019                                                                                      US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000 

Balance as at 1 January 2019                         150,600   478,666                –                –      10,777      14,977        2,099             80  (396,049)  261,150 

Restatements*: 

Share of loss of equity 
accounted investments                                                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –       (1,058)      (1,058) 

Balance as at 1 January 2019 (Restated*)      150,600   478,666                –                –      10,777      14,977        2,099             80  (397,107)  260,092 

Total comprehensive income for year 

Loss for the year (Restated*)                                      –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –     (44,622)    (44,622) 

Other comprehensive income 

Recycling of currency translation 
reserve on disposal of subsidiaries                            –                –                –                –      13,870                –                –                –                –      13,870 

Foreign currency translation 
differences – subsidiaries                                            –                –                –                –            (26)               –                –                –                –            (26) 

Fair value movements in financial assets                  –                –                –                –                –                –                –       (2,625)               –       (2,625) 

Deferred tax on fair value 
movements in financial assets                                    –                –                –                –                –                –                –             40                –             40 

Total comprehensive income for year                       –                –                –                –      13,844                –                –       (2,585)    (44,622)    (33,363) 

Transactions with owners recognised 
directly in equity 

Contributions by and distributions to owners 

Tender offer (Note 24)                                    (144,871) (459,721)               –        5,024                –                –                –                –   599,568                – 

Reduction of capital (Note 24)                               (576)               –           576                –                –                –                –                –     (30,512)    (30,512) 

Share buybacks (Note 24)                                        (47)               –             47                –                –                –                –                –       (1,535)      (1,535) 

Share-based payment                                                  –                –                –                –                –           848                –                –                –           848 

Issue of shares in lieu of salary                                 63        2,036                –                –                –                –       (2,099)               –                –                – 

Effect of share options exercised                               3             96                –                –                –            (72)               –                –             72             99 

Effect of repricing of share options                            –                –                –                –                –           219                –                –                –           219 

Effect of options expired                                              –                –                –                –                –       (1,680)               –                –        1,680                – 

Total transactions with owners                     (145,428) (457,589)          623        5,024                –          (685)      (2,099)               –   569,273     (30,881) 

Balance at 31 December 2019                          5,172      21,077           623        5,024      24,621      14,292                –       (2,505)  127,544   195,848 

* The balance at 1 January 2019 has been restated to account for the following: 

The share of loss of equity accounted investments increased by US$1.1 million in 2018 resulting in a decrease in the Company’s equity by the same amount, 
see Note 13 for full details. 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 118 form an integral part of these financial statements.

54       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

                                                                                                                                            Other un-                                                         Share                                                                    Attributable 
                                                                                                      Share            Share        denom-                            Currency           based     Shares to                                                   to equity 
                                                                                                     capital     premium           inated          Special   translation      payment     be issued     Fair value      Retained         holders 
                                                                                                   reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve       earnings      in Group 
2020                                                                                      US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000 

Balance as at 1 January 2020                              5,172      21,077           623        5,024      24,621      14,292                –       (2,505)  127,544   195,848 

Total comprehensive income for year 

Loss for the year                                                            –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –     (11,853)    (11,853) 

Other comprehensive income 

Foreign currency translation 
differences – subsidiaries                                            –                –                –                –             83                –                –                –                –             83 

Recycling of currency translation 
reserve on disposal of subsidiaries                            –                –                –                –        1,044                –                –                –                –        1,044 

Fair value movements in financial assets                  –                –                –                –                –                –                –          (194)               –          (194) 

Deferred tax on fair value movements 
in financial assets                                                          –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                – 

Total comprehensive income for year                       –                –                –                –        1,127                –                –          (194)    (11,853)    (10,920) 

Transactions with owners recognised 
directly in equity 

Contributions by and distributions to owners 

Tender offer (Note 24)                                                  –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                – 

Dividend payment (Note 25)                                       –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –     (33,251)    (33,251) 

Reduction of capital (Note 24)                                     –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                – 

Share buybacks (Note 24)                                        (15)               –             15                –                –                –                –                –          (507)         (507) 

Share-based payment                                                  –                –                –                –                –           417                –                –                –           417 

Issue of shares in lieu of salary                                   –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                – 

Effect of share options modified                                –                –                –                –                –           473                –                –                –           473 

Effect of repricing of share options                            –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                – 

Effect of options expired                                              –                –                –                –                –            (43)               –                –             43                – 

Total transactions with owners                               (15)               –             15                –                –           847                –                –     (33,715)    (32,868) 

Balance at 31 December 2020                         5,157      21,077           638        5,024      25,748      15,139                –       (2,699)    81,976   152,060 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 118 form an integral part of these financial statements.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      55

 
 
 
 
Company statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2020

                                                                                                                                            Other un-                                                       Share-                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                               denom-                            Currency           based     Shares to                                                                     
                                                                                                      Share            Share           inated          Special   translation      payment     be issued     Fair value      Retained             Total 
                                                                                                     capital     premium         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve       earnings           equity 
2019                                                                                      US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000 

Balance as at 1 January 2019                         150,600   478,666                –                –                –      14,977        2,099             80  (416,122)  230,300 

Total comprehensive income 

Profit for the year                                                          –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –     (12,284)    (12,284) 

Fair value movements 
in financial assets                                                          –                –                –                –                –                –                –       (2,625)               –       (2,625) 

Deferred tax on fair value 
movements in financial assets                                    –                –                –                –                –                –                –             40                –             40 

Total comprehensive income 
for the year                                                                     –                –                –                –                –                –                –       (2,585)    (12,284)    (14,869) 

Transactions with owners recognised 
directly in equity 

Contributions by and distributions to owners 

Tender offer and reduction of 
capital (Note 24)                                               (144,871) (459,721)               –        5,024                –                –                –                –   599,568                – 

Reduction of capital (Note 24)                               (576)               –           576                –                –                –                –                –     (30,512)    (30,512) 

Share buybacks (Note 24)                                        (47)               –             47                –                –                –                –                –       (1,535)      (1,535) 

Share-based payment                                                  –                –                –                –                –           848                –                –                –           848 

Issue of shares in lieu of salary                                 63        2,036                –                –                –                –       (2,099)               –                –                – 

Effect of share options exercised                               3             96                –                –                –            (72)               –                –             72             99 

Effect of repricing of share options                            –                –                –                –                –           219                –                –                –           219 

Effect of options expired                                              –                –                –                –                –       (1,680)               –                –        1,680                – 

Total transactions with owners                     (145,428) (457,589)          623        5,024                –          (685)      (2,099)               –   569,273     (30,881) 

Balance at 31 December 2019                         5,172      21,077           623        5,024                –      14,292                –       (2,505)  140,867   184,550 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 118 form an integral part of these financial statements.

56       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Company statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

                                                                                                                                            Other un-                                                       Share-                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                               denom-                            Currency           based     Shares to                                                                    
                                                                                                      Share            Share           inated          Special   translation      payment     be issued     Fair value      Retained             Total 
                                                                                                     capital     premium         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve       earnings           equity 
2020                                                                                      US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000 

Balance as at 1 January 2020                              5,172      21,077           623        5,024                –      14,292                –       (2,505)  140,867   184,550 

Total comprehensive income 

Loss for the year                                                            –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –       (9,946)      (9,946) 

Fair value movements in financial assets                  –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                – 

Deferred tax on fair value movements 
in financial assets                                                          –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                – 

Total comprehensive income for the year                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –       (9,946)      (9,946) 

Transactions with owners recognised 
directly in equity 

Contributions by and distributions to owners 

Tender offer and reduction of 
capital (Note 24)                                                             –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                – 

Dividend payment (Note 25)                                       –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –     (33,251)    (33,251) 

Reduction of capital (Note 24)                                     –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                – 

Share buybacks (Note 24)                                        (15)               –             15                –                –                –                –                –          (507)         (507) 

Share-based payment                                                  –                –                –                –                –           417                –                –                –           417 

Issue of shares in lieu of salary                                   –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                – 

Effect of share options modified                                –                –                –                –                –           473                –                –                –           473 

Effect of repricing of share options                            –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                –                – 

Effect of options expired                                              –                –                –                –                –            (43)               –                –             43                – 

Total transactions with owners                               (15)               –             15                –                –           847                –                –     (33,715)    (32,868) 

Balance at 31 December 2020                         5,157      21,077           638        5,024                –      15,139                –       (2,505)    97,206   141,736 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 118 form an integral part of these financial statements.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      57

 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
as at 31 December 2020

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                           2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                    2020                      US$’000                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                               Notes                      US$’000                  (Restated*)                (Restated*) 

Assets 

Non-current assets 

Intangible assets                                                                                                          12                            –                            –                                  – 

Equity accounted investments                                                                                  13                  44,102                  44,798                  54,012 

Property, plant and equipment                                                                                 14                    3,294                    4,344                    1,964 

Financial assets                                                                                                            17                  17,846                    2,963                124,876 

Deferred tax asset                                                                                                       29                            –                    1,718                            – 

Other non-current assets                                                                                          15                            –                            –                       206 

                                                                                                                                                            65,242                  53,823                181,058 

Current assets 

Inventory                                                                                                                       18                       183                       180                       272 

Trade and other receivables                                                                                      19                    1,878                       987                    2,440 

Financial assets                                                                                                            17                  72,889                112,252                  57,611 

Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                        20                  18,510                  36,697                  40,762 

                                                                                                                                                            93,460                150,116                101,085 

Total assets                                                                                                                                     158,702                203,939                282,143 

Equity and liabilities 

Equity 

Called up share capital                                                                                               24                    5,157                    5,172                150,600 

Share premium account                                                                                            24                  21,077                  21,077                478,666 

Other undenominated reserve                                                                                                            638                       623                            – 

Special reserve                                                                                                             26                    5,024                    5,024                            – 

Share-based payments reserve                                                                          26 / 27                  15,139                  14,292                  14,977 

Shares to be issued reserve                                                                                                                      –                            –                    2,099 

Currency translation reserve                                                                                     26                  25,748                  24,621                  10,777 

Fair value reserve                                                                                                        26                   (2,699)                  (2,505)                        80 

Retained earnings                                                                                                                             81,976                127,544               (397,107) 

Total equity attributable to equity shareholders                                                                       152,060                195,848                260,092 

Non-current liabilities 

Lease liability                                                                                                                30                    2,428                    2,501                            – 

Derivative                                                                                                                      22                            9                       128                       659 

Deferred tax liabilities                                                                                                 29                       518                            –                  12,404 

                                                                                                                                                               2,955                    2,629                  13,063 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables                                                                                          21                    3,631                    5,406                    8,228 

Provisions                                                                                                                     23                          56                         56                       760 

                                                                                                                                                               3,687                    5,462                    8,988 

Total liabilities                                                                                                                                    6,642                    8,091                  22,051 

Total equity and liabilities                                                                                                           158,702                203,939                282,143 

* See Note 13 for details on restated amounts. 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 118 form an integral part of these financial statements. 

Oisín Fanning, Director                          Lisa Mitchell, Director 
28 June 2021

58       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Company statement of financial position 
as at 31 December 2020 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Notes                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Assets 

Property, plant and equipment                                                                                                               14                    2,612                    3,066 

Financial assets                                                                                                                                          17                    6,842                    2,769 

Financial assets – investment in subsidiaries                                                                                        16                  31,539                  31,539 

Deferred tax asset                                                                                                                                     29                            –                    1,691 

                                                                                                                                                                                          40,993                  39,065 

Current assets 

Trade and other receivables                                                                                                                    19                  19,992                    4,068 

Financial assets                                                                                                                                          17                  68,925                112,252 

Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                      20                  18,145                  36,388 

                                                                                                                                                                                        107,062                152,708 

Total assets                                                                                                                                                                   148,055                191,773 

Equity and liabilities 

Equity 

Called up share capital                                                                                                                             24                    5,157                    5,172 

Share premium account                                                                                                                          24                  21,077                  21,077 

Other un-denominated reserve                                                                                                                                         638                       623 

Special reserve                                                                                                                                           26                    5,024                    5,024 

Share-based payments reserve                                                                                                        26 / 27                  15,139                  14,292 

Fair value reserve                                                                                                                                      26                   (2,505)                  (2,505) 

Retained earnings                                                                                                                                                           97,206                140,867 

Attributable to equity shareholders                                                                                                                           141,736                184,550 

Non-current liabilities 

Lease liability                                                                                                                                              30                    2,428                    2,501 

Derivative                                                                                                                                                    22                            9                       128 

Deferred tax liabilities                                                                                                                               29                       245                            – 

                                                                                                                                                                                             2,682                    2,629 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables                                                                                                                        21                    3,637                    4,594 

                                                                                                                                                                                             3,637                    4,594 

Total liabilities                                                                                                                                                                  6,319                    7,223 

Total equity and liabilities                                                                                                                                         148,055                191,773 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 118 form an integral part of these financial statements. 

Oisín Fanning, Director                          Lisa Mitchell, Director 

28 June 2021

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      59

 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of cash flows 
for the year ended 31 December 2020

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Notes                      US$’000                  (Restated*) 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Loss for the year – continuing operations                                                                                                                 (11,853)                (44,622) 

Adjustments for: 

Depletion and depreciation                                                                                                                     14                    1,028                       960 

Finance expense                                                                                                                                         6                       131                       144 

Finance income                                                                                                                                           7                 (17,442)                (24,123) 

Share-based payments charge                                                                                                                                          890                    1,069 

Foreign exchange                                                                                                                                                                 113                      (403) 

Income tax expense                                                                                                                                  10                    2,248                 (14,079) 

Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets – continuing operations                                     12                       196                    1,407 

Expected credit losses                                                                                                                                8                  13,692                   (3,465) 

Loss on disposal of subsidiaries                                                                                                               4                    1,044                  13,770 

Decommissioning payments                                                                                                                   23                            –                      (702) 

Fair value movements in financial assets                                                                                               17                   (4,073)                 48,373 

(Increase) / decrease in inventory                                                                                                           18                           (3)                        92 

(Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables                                                                                                    (897)                      532 

Decrease in trade and other payables                                                                                                                         (1,778)                  (3,876) 

Share of loss of equity-accounted investments                                                                                    13                    1,139                    9,214 

Tax paid                                                                                                                                                                                      –                        (18) 

Net cash outflow from operating activities                                                                                                            (15,565)                (15,727) 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Expenditure on exploration and evaluation assets                                                                              12                      (196)                     (466) 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                                                                         14                            –                        (82) 

Lease – prepaid rental                                                                                                                              30                            –                      (231) 

Loans repaid by Directors                                                                                                                        31                            –                       727 

Interest on Director’s loan                                                                                                                         7                            –                            1 

Interest and investment income received                                                                                               7                          47                       278 

Acquisition of ELI Equity Interest                                                                                                             17                 (14,557)                           – 

ELI Loan Notes                                                                                                                                    13 / 17                      (443)                           – 

OML 18 Loan Notes principal payments received                                                                               17                  35,285                  23,361 

OML 18 Loan Notes interest payments received                                                                                 17                  11,215                  19,885 

Net cash inflow from investing activities                                                                                                                 31,351                  43,473 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Dividends paid                                                                                                                                           25                 (33,251)                           – 

Share buybacks                                                                                                                                                                   (507)                (32,048) 

Proceeds from issue of shares                                                                                                                                               –                         99 

Repayment of lease liability – principal                                                                                                                            (211)                     (192) 

Interest paid                                                                                                                                                 6                      (131)                     (144) 

Net cash outflow from financing activities                                                                                                            (34,100)                (32,285) 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                           (18,314)                  (4,539) 

Effect of foreign exchange fluctuation on cash and cash equivalents                                                                         127                       474 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year                                                                                        20                  36,697                  40,762 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                                                                          20                  18,510                  36,697 

* See Note 13 for details on restated amounts. 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 118 form an integral part of these financial statements.

60       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Company statement of cash flows 
for the year ended 31 December 2020

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Notes                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Loss for the year                                                                                                                                                              (9,946)                (12,284) 

Adjustments for: 

Depletion and depreciation                                                                                                                     14                       358                       343 

Finance income                                                                                                                                           7                 (16,646)                (24,123) 

Finance expense                                                                                                                                                                  131                       144 

Share-based payments charge                                                                                                                                          890                    1,069 

Impairment / (reversal of impairment) of investment in subsidiaries 
and amounts due from Group undertakings                                                                                                               4,020                   (6,943) 

Fair value movements in financial assets                                                                                               17                   (4,073)                 48,373 

Expected credit losses                                                                                                                                8                  13,307                   (3,465) 

Foreign exchange                                                                                                                                                                   76                      (678) 

Income tax expense                                                                                                                                                         1,937                 (14,084) 

(Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables                                                                                                    (926)                      130 

Decrease in trade and other payables                                                                                                                            (968)                  (2,403) 

Tax paid                                                                                                                                                                                      –                        (18) 

Net cash outflow from operating activities                                                                                                            (11,840)                (13,939) 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Advances to subsidiary companies                                                                                                                             (19,010)                  (2,160) 

OML 18 Loan Notes principal payments received                                                                               17                  35,285                  23,361 

OML 18 Loan Notes interest payments received                                                                                 17                  11,215                  19,885 

Loans repaid by Directors                                                                                                                        31                            –                       727 

Interest on Director’s loan                                                                                                                         7                            –                            1 

Interest and investment income received                                                                                               7                          47                       278 

Lease – prepaid rental                                                                                                                              30                          96                      (231) 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                                                                         14                            –                        (82) 

Net cash inflow from investing activities                                                                                                                 27,633                  41,779 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Dividends paid                                                                                                                                           25                 (33,251)                           – 

Share buybacks                                                                                                                                                                   (507)                (32,048) 

Proceeds of issue of shares                                                                                                                                                    –                         99 

Repayment on lease obligations                                                                                                                                       (211)                     (192) 

Interest paid                                                                                                                                                 6                      (131)                     (144) 

Net cash outflow from financing activities                                                                                                            (34,100)                (32,285) 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                           (18,307)                  (4,445) 

Effect of foreign exchange fluctuation on cash and cash equivalents                                                                           64                       653 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year                                                                                        20                  36,388                  40,180 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                                                                          20                  18,145                  36,388 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 118 form an integral part of these financial statements.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      61

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 

1. Accounting policies 

San Leon Energy plc (“the Company”) is a company incorporated and domiciled in the Republic of Ireland. The Company’s ordinary 
shares are admitted to trading on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange. The Group financial statements consolidate 
those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”). The registered office address is 2 Shelbourne 
Buildings, Crampton Avenue, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. 

Statement of compliance 
As required by AIM rules and permitted by Company Law, the Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the EU. The individual financial statements of the Company 
(“Company financial statements”) have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and as applied in accordance 
with the Companies Act 2014 which permits a Company that publishes its Company and Group financial statements together, 
to take advantage of the exemption in Section 304 of the Companies Act 2014, from presenting to its members its Company 
statement of comprehensive income and related notes that form part of the approved Company financial statements. The IFRS 
adopted by the EU as applied by the Company and the Group in the preparation of these financial statements are those that 
were effective for accounting periods commencing on or before 1 January 2020 or were early adopted as indicated below. 

New standards required by EU companies for the year ended 31 December 2020 
The following new standards and amendments were adopted by the Group and the Company for the first time in the current 
financial reporting period. 

New standards and interpretations effective that were adopted 

Standard                                                                                                                                                                      IASB effective date                       EU effective date 

Definition of material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8)                                                      1 January 2020                   1 January 2020 

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards               1 January 2020                   1 January 2020 

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7)                1 January 2020                   1 January 2020 

Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3)                                                                 1 January 2020                   1 January 2020 

The standards listed above, are effective from 1 January 2020 but they do not have a material effect on the Group’s financial statements. 

New standards and amendments issued by the IASB but not yet effective 
There are a number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations that are not yet effective and have not been 
applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. These new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations 
are either not expected to have a material impact on the Group and the Company’s financial statements or are still under 
assessment by the Group and the Company. 

The principal new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are as follows: 

Standard                                                                                                                                                                      IASB effective date                       EU effective date 

Covid-19 Related Rent Concessions (Amendment to IFRS 16)                                           1 June 2020                        1 June 2020 

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2 (Amendments to IFRS 9, 
IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16)                                                                                           1 January 2021                   1 January 2021 

Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS 37)                     1 January 2022                   1 January 2022 

Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018 – 2020                                                       1 January 2022                   1 January 2022 

Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use 
(Amendments to IAS 16)                                                                                                           1 January 2022                   1 January 2022 

Reference to the Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS 3)                                   1 January 2022                   1 January 2022 

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1)                1 January 2023                   1 January 2023 

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts and amendments to IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts            1 January 2023                   1 January 2023 

Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or                         Effective date                      Effective date  
Joint Venture (Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28)                                                             deferred indefinitely          deferred indefinitely

62       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

New standards that came into effect on 1 January 2021 will be applied in the year ending 31 December 2021 first reporting to 
include these will be for the period ending 30 June 2021. The Directors do not believe that any of these standards will have a 
significant impact on Group and Company reporting. 

Basis of preparation 
The Group and Company financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis, except for financial assets (net profit 
interests, quoted shares and unquoted shares), which are carried at fair value, and equity settled share option awards and 
warrants which are measured at grant date fair value. 

Going concern 
The Directors have prepared a detailed cash flow forecast for the Group and Company for the period from 1 June 2021 to 
31 December 2022. 

The principal assumptions underlying the cash flow forecast and the availability of finance to the Group are as follows: 

•

Following completion of a transaction in 2016, the Company paid US$174.5 million to acquire Loan Notes in Midwestern Leon 
Petroleum Limited (“MLPL”), which are repayable by MLPL to San Leon and a 40% shareholding in MLPL. The economic effect of 
this structure is that San Leon has an initial indirect economic interest of 10.584% in OML 18. Shareholders will note this is 
0.864% higher than the percentage interest anticipated by San Leon at the time of the acquisition in 2016. There have been no 
further purchases or payments by San Leon but this revised percentage is based on a reassessment and recalculation of the 
various parties’ interests in OML 18 which has resulted in Martwestern Energy Limited’s (“Martwestern”) economic interest in 
Eroton now standing at 98%. The Group will receive cash flows from the Loan Notes in the form of interest and capital 
repayments. This continued to be the case during 2020 and the basis of the forecast for 2021 and 2022. On 6 April 2020, the 
Company entered into an agreement amending the Loan Notes Instrument. The Amendment extends the term of the Loan 
Notes to December 2021 and changes the expected loan note repayment schedule. Up to 31 December 2020, Loan Note 
payments totalling US$195.6 million of both principal and interest have been made on behalf of MLPL. Since the reporting date, 
a further US$0.8 million has been received. Of the US$10.0 million due on 6 October 2020, a balance of US$4.2 million is still 
outstanding. Quarterly repayments are due to start from July 2021.  

•

Income from the provision of subsurface technical and management services of US$5.3 million in 2022. 

•

Ongoing exploration and administrative expenditure from the Group’s existing activities are in line with current expectations 
and commitments. 

•

Repayments from ELI of loan notes of US$10.6 million during 2021 and 2022. 

•

OZA deal finalised in June 2021, with repayments of Loan Notes in 2022 of US$2.2 million. 

Given the Group’s well understood cost base, the principal uncertainty relates to the quantum and timing of receipt of interest and 
capital repayments on the Loan Notes with MLPL. It was originally envisaged that the MLPL Loan Note payments due to the Group 
would be sourced by MLPL from the receipt of dividends through its indirect interest in Eroton via Martwestern. These dividends 
have not been received and consequently MLPL has entered into loan arrangements in order to be able to make Loan Note 
payments to the Company. In the absence of the dividend payments, MLPL will be reliant on further advances under the loan 
arrangement and in turn being able to make Loan Note payments to the Company. The Company has no obligation arising from 
the loan arrangements entered into by MLPL. 

The Directors have considered the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the volatility in oil prices and demand, OPEC quotas, and 
recent operational challenges being experienced by OML 18 upon the Company’s indirect interest in OML 18, and upon the Loan 
Notes. The Directors are still confident in the operational potential and ultimately recovering the full amount of the outstanding 
Loan Notes, however due to the above issues management recognise the uncertainty in timing of future cash flows and for this 
reason the MLPL Loan Notes have been credit impaired. 

The Directors have concluded, that whilst any MLPL Loan Note payments, if delayed or not received, represents an uncertainty, 
the receipt of any further MLPL Loan Note payment(s) is not required given other expected cash inflows considered in the 
assumptions, such as ELI Loan Note repayments, and mitigants such as the implementation of certain cost saving measures, 
to continue for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      63

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

1. Accounting policies continued 

Based on its consideration of Group cash flow projections and underlying assumptions outlined above, the Directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group and Company will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence and to 
discharge its debts as they fall due for the foreseeable future and for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of 
the financial statements. 

Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of preparation of the financial statements for the year ended 
31 December 2020. 

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”). These consolidated financial statements are 
presented in US Dollars (US$), which is the Company’s functional currency and the Group’s presentational currency, rounded to 
the nearest thousand. 

Use of estimates and judgements 
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with EU IFRS, requires management to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results 
may differ from these estimates. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other 
factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements 
about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Estimates and underlying assumptions 
are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised 
and in any future periods affected. In particular, significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements used in applying 
accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements include: 

Judgements 
•

Going concern (Note 1) 

•

Classification of finance income (Note 7) 

•

Impairment of investment in subsidiary (Note 16) 

•

Recoverability of equity accounted investments (Note 13) 

•

Recoverability of financial assets (Note 17) 

Estimates 
•

Measurement of equity accounted investments (Note 13) 

•

Measurement of financial assets (Note 17) 

•

Recognition and measurement of derivatives (Note 22) 

•

Measurement of share-based payments (Note 27) 

•

Recognition of deferred tax asset for tax losses (Note 29) 

Basis of consolidation 
The financial information incorporates the financial information of the Company and entities controlled by the Group (its 
subsidiaries). Control is defined as when the Group is exposed to or has the rights to variable returns from its investment with the 
entity and has the ability to affect these returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are 
included in the consolidated financial statements from the date control commences until the date that control ceases. Where 
necessary, adjustments are made to the financial information of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with those 
used by other members of the Group. Intra-group balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income or expenses arising 
from intragroup transactions are eliminated in preparing the Group financial statements. 

Business combinations and goodwill 
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which 
control is transferred to the Group. Control is defined as when the Group and Company have the rights to variable returns from 
its investment with the entity and have the ability to affect these returns through its power over the entity. In assessing control, 
the Group takes into consideration potential voting rights that currently are substantive.

64       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

1. Accounting policies continued 

Acquisitions 
The Group and Company measures goodwill at the acquisition date as: 

•

the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus 

•

the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus, if the business combination is achieved in stages, 
the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree; less 

•

the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 

When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognised immediately in profit or loss. 

Costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurs in 
connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred. 

Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is classified 
as equity, it is not re-measured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes to the fair value of 
the contingent consideration are recognised in profit or loss. 

Intangible assets – exploration and evaluation assets 
Expenditure incurred prior to obtaining the legal rights to explore an area is recognised in profit or loss as incurred. All other 
expenditure relating to licence acquisition, exploration, evaluation and appraisal of oil and gas interests, including an appropriate 
share of directly attributable overheads, is capitalised on a licence by licence basis. 

Exploration and evaluation assets are carried at cost until the exploration phase is complete or commercial reserves have been 
discovered. The Group and Company regularly review the carrying amount of exploration and evaluation assets for indicators of 
impairment and capitalised costs are written off where the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Where commercial 
reserves have been established and development is approved by the Board, the relevant expenditure is transferred to oil and gas 
properties following assessment of impairment. 

Impairment of non-financial assets 
The carrying amounts of the Group’s assets are reviewed at each reporting date and, if there is any indication that an asset may 
be impaired, its recoverable amount is estimated. The recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its 
value in use. 

Estimates of impairment are limited to an assessment by the Directors of any events or changes in circumstance that would 
indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. 

Any impairment loss arising from the review is recognised in profit or loss to the extent the carrying amount of the asset exceeds 
its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the 
carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised. 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to 
write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life. The residual value is the estimated amount that 
would currently be obtained from disposal of the asset if the asset were already of the age and in the condition expected at the 
end of its useful life. The annual rate of depreciation for each class of depreciable asset is: 

Office equipment                                     25% Straight line  

Motor vehicles                                          20% Reducing balance  

Plant and equipment                              20% – 33% Straight line 

Leased assets                                           Shorter of the term of lease or useful life of the asset as defined under IFRS 16

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      65

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

1. Accounting policies continued 

Inventories 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 

Joint ventures 
The Group has also entered into a joint venture arrangement which is operated through a joint venture. The Group accounts for its 
interest in this entity on an equity basis, with Group share of profit or loss after tax recognised in the Income Statement and its 
share of Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) of the joint venture recognised in OCI. 

Financial fixed assets – investment in subsidiaries 
Financial fixed assets in the Company Statement of Financial Position consist of investments in subsidiary undertakings and are 
stated at cost less provision for impairment where applicable. 

Financial assets and financial liabilities 
i. Recognition and initial measurement 
Financial assets are classified at initial recognition and subsequently measured at amortised cost, Fair Value through Other 
Comprehensive Income (“FVOCI”) or Fair Value Through Profit or Loss (“FVTPL”). The classification of financial assets is determined 
by the contractual cash flows and where applicable the business model for managing the financial assets. 

A financial asset or financial liability is initially measured at fair value plus, for an item not at FVTPL, transaction costs that are 
directly attributable to its acquisition or issue. 

ii. Classification and subsequent measurement 
Financial assets 
On initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as measured at: amortised cost; FVOCI – debt investment; FVOCI – equity 
investment; or FVTPL. Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition unless the Group changes its 
business model for managing financial assets. 

A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if the objective of the business model is to hold the financial asset in order to 
collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest. 
Subsequently the financial asset is measured using the effective interest method less any impairment. The amortised cost is 
reduced by impairment losses in accordance with Group policy set out below. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses 
and impairment are recognised in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is recognised in profit or loss. 

The business model in which a financial asset is held is assessed at an individual asset level for assets that are individually material, 
and otherwise at a portfolio level. Financial assets that are held as part of a long-term strategic investment are considered within a 
business model to collect contractual cash flows. 

In assessing whether the contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest, the Group considers the contractual 
terms of the instrument. This includes assessing whether the financial asset contains a contractual term that could change the 
timing or amount of contractual cash flows such that it would not meet this condition. 

On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, the Group may irrevocably elect to present subsequent 
changes in the investment’s fair value in OCI (FVOCI – equity investment). This election is made on an investment-by-investment 
basis. These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Dividends are recognised as income in profit or loss unless the 
dividend clearly represents a recovery of part of the cost of the investment. Other net gains and losses are recognised in OCI and 
are never reclassified to profit or loss. 

All financial assets not classified as measured at amortised cost or FVOCI as described above are measured at FVTPL. This includes 
all derivative financial assets. These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Net gains and losses, including any interest or 
dividend income, are recognised in profit or loss. 

On initial recognition, the Group may irrevocably designate a financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements to be 
measured at amortised cost or at FVOCI as at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that 
would otherwise arise. 

66       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

1. Accounting policies continued 

Financial liabilities 
Financial liabilities are classified as measured at amortised cost or FVTPL. A financial liability is classified as at FVTPL if it is classified 
as held-for-trading, it is a derivative or it is designated as such on initial recognition. Financial liabilities at FVTPL are measured at 
fair value and net gains and losses, including any interest expense, are recognised in profit or loss. Other financial liabilities are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Interest expense and foreign exchange gains and 
losses are recognised in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is also recognised in profit or loss. 

iii. Impairment (including receivables) 
The Group recognises loss allowances for expected credit losses (“ECL’s”) on financial assets measured at amortised cost. 

A provision for 12-month ECL is recognised in respect of low risk assets. A provision for the lifetime ECL is recognised in respect of 
higher risk assets that are not credit impaired. If an asset is credit impaired, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced by its 
lifetime ECL. 

The 12-month ECL represents the weighted average of credit losses that result from default events on a financial instrument that 
are possible within the 12 months after the reporting date. This requires a number of outcomes to be considered, a probability 
assigned to each, and a resulting credit loss applied to each. ECLs are discounted at the effective interest rate of the financial asset. 

12-month ECL is determined based on forward looking analysis where a range of outcomes have been considered taking into 
account the size and timing of the contractual cash flows, the risk of late payment and the risk of default leading to less than full 
recovery of the amounts due. Lifetime ECL is calculated the same way, but over the relevant period. 

At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether financial assets carried at amortised cost are credit-impaired. A financial asset 
is ‘credit-impaired’ when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial 
asset have occurred. The Group considers a financial asset to be in default and presumed credit impaired when contractual 
payments are outstanding 90 days after their due date, unless there is reasonable information that amounts will be recovered; or 
when the borrower is unlikely to pay its credit obligations to the Group in full, without recourse by the Group to actions such as 
realising security including guarantees (if any is held). 

The Company has determined that MLPL is likely to meet its credit obligations as evidenced by the preparation of a Competent 
Persons Report in relation to San Leon’s interest in OML 18, however are uncertain of the timing of when these obligations will be 
met. The Company has therefore credit impaired the asset. 

The Company has determined that ELI is likely to meet its credit obligations as evidenced by recent management information in 
relation to San Leon’s interest in ELI. 

Write-off 
The gross carrying amount of a financial asset is written off when the Group has no reasonable expectations of recovering a 
financial asset in its entirety or a portion thereof. The Group expects no significant recovery from the amount written off. However, 
financial assets that are written off could still be subject to enforcement activities in order to comply with the Group’s procedures 
for recovery of amounts due. 

iv. Derecognition 
The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire. 

The Group derecognises a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire. 

On derecognition of a financial asset or financial liability, the difference between the carrying amount removed or extinguished 
and the consideration received or paid is recognised in profit or loss.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      67

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

1. Accounting policies continued 

Decommissioning provision 
A provision is made for decommissioning of oil and gas wells. The cost of decommissioning is determined through discounting the 
amounts expected to be payable to their present value at the date the provision is recognised and reassessed at each reporting 
date. This amount is regarded as part of the total investment to gain access to economic benefits and consequently capitalised as 
part of the cost of the asset and the liability is recognised in provisions. Such cost is depleted over the life of the asset on the basis 
of proven and probable reserves and charged to the Income Statement. The unwinding of the discount is reflected as a finance 
cost in the Income Statement over the life of the field or well. 

Taxation 
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement 
except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income or equity, in which case it is 
recognised in Other Comprehensive Income or equity. 

i. Current tax 
Current tax comprises the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year and any adjustment to the 
tax payable or receivable in respect of previous years. The amount of current tax payable or receivable is the best estimate of the 
tax amount expected to be paid or received that reflects uncertainty relates to income taxes, if any. It is measured using tax rates 
enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Current tax also includes any tax arising from dividends. 

Current tax assets and liabilities are offset only if certain criteria are met. 

ii. Deferred tax 
Deferred tax is recognised using the liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets 
and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for the 
following temporary differences: the initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that 
is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments in 
subsidiaries to the extent that they are controlled and probably will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is measured 
at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been 
enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. 

A deferred tax asset is recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the 
temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that 
it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised. 

Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed as each reporting date and recognised to the extent that it has become 
probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be used. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only if certain criteria are met. 

Foreign currencies 
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially translated to the respective functional currencies of Group entities at the exchange 
rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated to the 
functional currency at the exchange rates ruling at the reporting date with gains or losses recognised in profit or loss. 
Non-monetary items are translated using the exchange rates ruling as at the date of the initial transaction. 

Foreign currency differences are generally recognised in profit or loss and presented within finance costs. However, foreign 
currency differences arising from the translation of the following items are recognised in OCI: 

•

an investment in equity securities designated as at FVOCI (except on impairment, in which case foreign currency differences that 
have been recognised in OCI are reclassified to profit or loss); 

•

a financial liability designated as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation to the extent that the hedge is effective; and 

•

qualifying cash flow hedges to the extent that the hedges are effective.

68       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

1. Accounting policies continued 

Foreign operations 
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into US Dollars at the exchange rate at the reporting date and the 
income and expenses of foreign operations are translated at the actual exchange rates at the date of the transaction or at average 
exchange rates for the year where this approximates to the actual rate. Exchange differences arising on translation are recognised 
in Other Comprehensive Income and presented in the foreign currency translation reserve in equity. Details of exchange rates 
used are set out in Note 32. 

Revenue recognition 
For the year ended 31 December 2020 the Group used the five-step model as prescribed under IFRS 15 on the Group’s revenue 
transactions. This included the identification of the contract, identification of the performance obligations under same, 
determination of the transaction price, allocation of the transaction price to performance obligations and recognition of revenue. 
The point of recognition arises when the Group satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a promised seismic 
processing service to the customer, which could occur over time. 

Finance income and expenses 
Interest income is accrued on a time basis by reference to the principal on deposit and the effective interest rate applicable. 

The ‘effective interest rate’ is the rate that at initial recognition exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts 
through the expected life of the financial instrument to: 

•

the gross carrying amount of the financial asset; or 

•

the amortised cost of the financial liability. 

In calculating interest income and expense, the effective interest rate is applied to the gross carrying amount of the asset (when 
the asset is not credit-impaired) or to the amortised cost of the liability. However, for financial assets that have become 
credit-impaired subsequent to initial recognition, interest income is calculated by applying the effective interest rate to the 
amortised cost of the financial asset net of impairment provision. If the asset is no longer credit-impaired, then the calculation 
of interest income reverts to the gross basis. 

Finance expenses comprise interest or finance costs on borrowings and unwinding of any discount on provisions using the 
effective interest rate. 

Share capital 
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares are recognised as a deduction from equity. 

Share-based payments 
The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 ‘share-based payments’. The Group issues share options as an incentive to 
certain key management and staff (including Directors), which are classified as equity settled share-based payment awards. 
The grant date fair value of share options granted to Directors and employees under the Company’s share option scheme is 
recognised as an expense over the vesting period with a corresponding credit to the share-based payments reserve. The fair 
value is measured at grant date and spread over the period during which the awards vest. 

The options issued by the Group are subject to both market-based and non-market based vesting conditions. Market conditions 
are included in the calculation of fair value at the date of the grant. Non-market vesting conditions are not taken into account when 
estimating the fair value of awards as at grant date; such conditions are taken into account through adjusting the number of the 
equity instruments that are expected to vest. 

The proceeds received will be credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when options are converted into 
ordinary shares. 

Where the terms of an equity-settled transaction are modified, an additional expense is recognised for any modification that 
increases the total fair value of the share-based payment transaction, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee as measured at 
the date of modification.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      69

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

1. Accounting policies continued 

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

Dividends 
The Group has elected to classify cash flows from dividends paid as financing activities. 

Earnings per share 
The Group and the Company present basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is 
calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to equity shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary 
shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary 
shares, which comprise convertible notes, share options granted to employees and warrants. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand on demand. 

Leases 
As a lessee 
The Group recognises right-of-use assets representing its right to use the underlying assets and lease liabilities representing its 
obligation to make lease payments at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost, which 
comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, 
plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the 
underlying asset or to restore the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received. 

The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the end of the 
lease term, unless the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to the Group by the end of the lease term or the cost of 
the right-of-use asset reflects that the Group will exercise a purchase option. In that case the right-of-use asset will be depreciated 
over the useful life of the underlying asset, which is determined on the same basis as those of property and equipment. In 
addition, the right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of 
the lease liability. 

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, 
discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental 
borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. 

The Group determines its incremental borrowing rate by obtaining interest rates from various external financing sources and 
makes certain adjustments to reflect the terms of the lease and type of the asset leased. 

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following: 

•

fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments; 

•

variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date; 

•

amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee; and 

•

the exercise price under a purchase option that the Group is reasonably certain to exercise, lease payments in an optional 
renewal period if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, and penalties for early termination of a lease 
unless the Group is reasonably certain not to terminate early.

70       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

1. Accounting policies continued 

The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in the 
Group’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, if the Group changes its assessment of 
whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option or if there is a revised in-substance fixed lease payment. 

When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use 
asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero. 

The Group presents right-of-use assets that do not meet the definition of investment property in ‘property, plant and equipment’ 
and lease liabilities in ‘loans and borrowings’ in the Statement of Financial Position. 

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets 
The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases of low-value assets and short-term leases, 
including IT equipment. The Group recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line 
basis over the lease term. 

Segmental reporting 
A segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that is engaged in business activities from which it may earn revenues and 
incur expenses which is subject to risks and rewards that are different from those of other segments and for which discrete 
financial information is available. 

All operating segments and results are regularly reviewed by the Board of Directors to make decisions about resources to be 
allocated to each segment and to assess its performance. 

Full details of the Group’s operating segments all of which are involved in oil and gas exploration and production are set out in 
Note 2 to the financial statements. 

Defined contribution pension scheme 
The Company operates a defined contribution scheme. All contributions made are recognised in the Income Statement in the 
period in which they fall due. 

Fair value movement 
The Group has an established process with respect to the measurement of fair values. The finance team regularly reviews 
significant unobservable inputs and valuation adjustments. If third party information, such as broker quotes or pricing services, 
is used to measure fair values, then the valuation team assesses the evidence obtained from the third parties to support the 
conclusion that such valuations meet the requirements of IFRS, including the level in the fair value hierarchy in which such 
valuations should be classified. 

Significant valuation issues are reported to the Board. 

Level 1:

quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

Level 2:

inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly 
(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). 

Level 3:

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

For further detail on assumptions made in measuring Level 3 fair values see the following notes: 

•

Note 17 Financial Assets 

•

Note 22 Derivative

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      71

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

1. Accounting policies continued 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value 
In accordance with IFRS 13, the Group discloses its assets and liabilities held at fair value after initial recognition in the following 
categories: FVOCI – equity instrument and FVTPL. 

With the exception of shares held in quoted entities, which are classified as Level 1 items under the fair value hierarchy, all assets 
and liabilities held at fair value are measured on the basis of inputs classified as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy on the basis 
that the inputs underpinning the valuations are not based on observable market data as defined in IFRS 13. 

Where derivatives are traded either on exchanges or liquid over-the-counter markets, the Group uses the closing price at the 
reporting date. Normally, the derivatives entered into by the Group are not traded in active markets. The fair values of these 
contracts are estimated using a valuation technique that maximises the use of observable market inputs, e.g. market exchange 
and interest rates. All derivatives entered into by the Group are included in Level 3 and consist of share warrants issued. 

2. Revenue and segmental information 

Operating segment information is presented on the basis of the geographical areas as detailed below, which represent the 
financial basis by which the Group manages its operations. The Board of Directors, which has been recognised as the Chief 
Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), regularly receive verbal or written reports at board meetings for each of the segments based 
on the below criteria which management consider to be appropriate in evaluating segment performance relative to other entities 
that operate in the industry. 

Revenue and Segmental Information 

                                                                                Poland           Morocco             Albania              Nigeria              Ireland                 Spain     Unallocated#                Total  
2020                                                                   US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000 

Total revenue                                                  –                    –                    –                    –                    –                    –                    –                    – 

Impairment of exploration 
and evaluation assets                                    –                    –              (196)                   –                    –                    –                    –              (196) 

Segment (loss) / profit 
before income tax                                 (2,093)                   –              (196)           3,259            4,073                (59)        (14,589)          (9,605) 

Property, plant and equipment                 11                    –                    –               575            2,708                    –                    –            3,294 

Equity accounted investments                     –                    –                    –          44,102                    –                    –                    –          44,102 

Segment non-current assets                        –                    –                    –          55,729            9,513                    –                    –          65,242 

Segment liabilities                                       (83)               (18)             (804)                 (4)          (3,279)             (748)          (1,706)          (6,642) 

# Unallocated expenditure and liabilities include amounts of a corporate nature and not specifically attributable to a reportable segment. 

Revenue relates to the provision of seismic acquisition services in Poland.

72       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

2. Revenue and segmental information continued 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Total  
                                                                                Poland           Morocco             Albania              Nigeria              Ireland                 Spain    Unallocated#            US$’000 
2019                                                                   US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000        (Restated*) 

Total revenue                                             266                    –                    –                    –                    –                    –                    –               266 

Impairment of exploration 
and evaluation assets                              (126)             (150)             (190)                   –                    –              (941)                   –           (1,407) 

Segment (loss) / profit 
before income tax (Restated*)          (15,074)           1,134              (190)         17,565         (48,373)          (1,014)        (12,749)        (58,701) 

Property, plant and equipment                 32                    –                    –            1,476            2,836                    –                    –            4,344 

Equity accounted 
investments (Restated*)                                –                    –                    –          44,798                    –                    –                    –          44,798 

Segment non-current 
assets (Restated*)                                        32                    –                    –          46,043            7,554                    –               194          53,823 

Segment liabilities                                     (194)             (268)             (804)                   –           (2,835)             (739)          (3,251)          (8,091) 

# Unallocated expenditure and liabilities include amounts of a corporate nature and not specifically attributable to a reportable segment. 
* See Note 13 for details on restated amounts. 

Revenue relates to the provision of seismic acquisition services in Poland. 

3. Other income 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
Group                                                                                                                                                                                                                        US$’000                      US$’000 

Zag Licence – Bank Guarantee                                                                                                                                               –                    1,400 

Zag Licence – Bank Guarantee 
In September 2019, Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (“ONHYM”) returned the Zag Licence bank guarantee of US$1.4 
million to the Company. This bank guarantee had been previously fully provided for in the 2017 and 2018 financial statements. 

4. Loss on disposal of subsidiaries 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

Other, recycling from equity to income statement (i)                                                                                                 (1,044)                (13,870) 

Horizon Petroleum Ltd (ii)                                                                                                                                                        –                       100 

                                                                                                                                                                                           (1,044)                (13,770) 

(i) Other 
In 2020 the Company liquidated certain foreign operations that held non-core assets. The Group’s investment in the assets held 
by the subsidiaries has been fully impaired in prior periods. The liquidation of the foreign operations has resulted in the realisation 
of cumulative foreign currency losses of US$1.0 million (2019: US$13.9 million), that had previously been recognised in equity. 
The realisation of the cumulative foreign currency losses does not impact the consolidated assets or liabilities. 

(ii) Horizon Petroleum Ltd 
In August 2019, sale and purchase agreements were completed for the sale of a 100% interest in two oil & gas concessions in 
Poland, known as Bielsko-Biala and Cieszyn (together the “Primary Concessions”), and a 100% interest in two additional oil & gas 
concessions in Poland, known as Prusice and Kotlarka, (together the “Secondary Concessions”) with Horizon Petroleum Ltd. 
(‘Horizon’) (TSXV: HPL).

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      73

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

4. Loss on disposal of subsidiaries continued 

San Leon will receive a 6% net profit interest on the Primary and Secondary Concessions when the concessions are transformed 
and granted to Horizon. Under revised completion terms, a cash payment of US$1,080,000 is also due to be paid to San Leon if 
the Bielsko-Biala concession is transformed and granted to Horizon. At the same time, San Leon is also to receive US$769,558 
(CAD$1.0 million) in shares of Horizon. A cash payment of approximately US$75,000 is due to be paid to San Leon for each of the 
Secondary Concessions if granted to Horizon. 

The aggregate consideration of US$2.0 million has been noted as a contingent asset in Commitments and Contingencies (Note 28). 

On completion of the sale, a US$100,000 advance received by the Company in 2017 as part of the Memorandum of 
Understanding became non-refundable. 

At 31 December 2020 and at the date of signing these accounts, the concessions have yet to be transformed and granted to Horizon. 

5. Statutory information 

(a) Group 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

The loss for the financial year is stated after charging: 

Depreciation of property, plant, machinery and equipment                                                                                      1,028                       960 

(Loss) / gain on foreign currencies                                                                                                                                   (113)                      403 

Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets                                                                                                           196                    1,407 

Share-based payment charge                                                                                                                                            890                    1,068 

During the year, the Group (including its overseas subsidiaries) obtained the following services from KPMG, the Group Auditor: 

Auditor’s remuneration 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

Fees paid to lead audit firm: 

Audit of the Group financial statements                                                                                                                           238                       191 

Audit of the subsidiary financial statements                                                                                                                      69                         62 

Total                                                                                                                                                                                       307                       253 

During the year, the Group (including its equity accounted investment) obtained the following audit services, excluding the 
Group Auditor, KPMG: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

Fees paid to other firms: 

Audit of equity accounted investment                                                                                                                                48                         48 

Total                                                                                                                                                                                          48                         48

74       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

5. Statutory information 

(b) Company 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

The loss for the financial year is stated after charging: 

Depreciation of property, plant, machinery and equipment                                                                                         358                       343 

(Loss) / gain on foreign currencies                                                                                                                                      (76)                      678 

Auditor’s remuneration – audit services                                                                                                                           238                       191 

As permitted by Section 304 of the Companies Act 2014, the Company Statement of Comprehensive Income has not been 
separately disclosed in these financial statements. A loss of US$9.9 million (2019: a loss of US$12.3 million) has been recorded 
in the Parent Company. 

6. Finance expense 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

Interest on obligations for leases                                                                                                                                       131                       144 

7. Finance income 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

Total finance income on Loan Notes (Note 17)                                                                                                          17,276                  23,313 

Movement in fair value of derivatives (Note 22)                                                                                                              119                       531 

Deposit interest received                                                                                                                                                      47                       278 

Interest on Director’s loan (Note 31)                                                                                                                                      –                            1 

                                                                                                                                                                                          17,442                  24,123 

All interest income is in respect of assets measured at amortised cost. 

8. Expected credit losses 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

OML 18 Loan Notes – impact of modification (Note 17)                                                                                           (5,857)                           – 

OML 18 Loan Notes – net remeasurement of loss allowance (Note 17)                                                                (7,450)                   3,465 

ELI Loan Notes – initial recognition (Note 17)                                                                                                                 (385)                           – 

                                                                                                                                                                                         (13,692)                   3,465

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      75

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

9. Personnel expenses 

Number of employees 
The average monthly number of employees (including the Directors) during the year was: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Number                      Number 

Directors                                                                                                                                                                                    8                            8 

Administration                                                                                                                                                                        10                         11 

Technical                                                                                                                                                                                    1                            1 

Seismic crew                                                                                                                                                                              1                            4 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  20                         24 

Employment costs (including Directors) 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

Wages and salaries (excluding Directors)                                                                                                                      1,437                    1,625 

Directors’ salaries                                                                                                                                                              2,678                    2,579 

Directors’ bonuses                                                                                                                                                            1,172                       637 

Social welfare costs                                                                                                                                                              428                       494 

Directors’ fees and consultancy costs                                                                                                                               607                       593 

Termination payments                                                                                                                                                             –                       128 

Share-based payment charge for options issued to Directors                                                                                     418                       492 

Share-based payment charge on repricing of options issued to Directors                                                                     –                       116 

Share-based payment charge on repricing of options issued to employees                                                                  –                       104 

Employees’ pension                                                                                                                                                               71                         35 

Benefits (including Directors)                                                                                                                                                59                       101 

Directors’ pension                                                                                                                                                                  99                       102 

                                                                                                                                                                                             6,969                    7,006 

The Group contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme for certain Executive Directors and employees. The scheme is 
administered by trustees and is independent of the Group finances. Total contributions by the Group to the pension scheme, 
including contributions for Directors amounted to US$0.2 million (2019: US$0.1 million).

76       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

10. Income tax 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                  (Restated*) 

Current tax 

Current year income tax                                                                                                                                                        12                            3 

Deferred tax 

Origination and reversal of temporary differences (Note 29)                                                                                       893                    2,006 

Deferred tax movement in Barryroe NPI (Note 29)                                                                                                     1,343                 (16,064) 

Deferred tax movement on fair value of other financial assets, Quoted shares                                                             –                        (24) 

Total income tax charge / (credit)                                                                                                                                   2,248                 (14,079) 

Deferred tax relating to items charged / credited to equity 

Deferred tax movement on fair value of other financial assets, Unquoted shares                                                        –                        (40) 

Total income tax charge / (credit)                                                                                                                                           –                        (40) 

* See Note 13 for details on restated amounts. 

The difference between the total tax shown above and the amount calculated by applying the applicable standard rate of Irish 
corporation tax to the loss before tax is as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                  (Restated*) 

Loss before income tax                                                                                                                                                   (9,605)                (58,701) 

Tax on loss at applicable Irish corporation tax rate of 25% (2019: 25%)                                                                 (2,401)                (14,675) 

Effects of: 

Tax effect at fair value adjustment                                                                                                                                     326                   (3,870) 

Prior year adjustment                                                                                                                                                               –                        (24) 

Losses utilised in year                                                                                                                                                         (690)                  (2,006) 

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes                                                                                                                   2,559                    4,771 

Income tax withheld                                                                                                                                                               13                            3 

Effect of different tax rates                                                                                                                                                      2                            – 

Excess losses carried forward                                                                                                                                         2,439                    1,722 

Tax charge / (credit) for the year                                                                                                                                     2,248                 (14,079) 

* See Note 13 for details on restated amounts. 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at 
the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Liabilities for uncertain tax treatments are 
recognised in accordance with IFRIC 23 and are measured using either the most likely amount method or the expected value 
method – whichever better predicts the resolution of the uncertainty.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      77

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

11. Loss per share 

Basic loss per share 
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares in issue during the year as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                  (Restated*) 

Loss for the year                                                                                                                                                            (11,853)                (44,622) 

The weighted average number of shares in issue is calculated as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Number                      Number 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                of shares                    of shares 

In issue at start of year (Note 24)                                                                                                                        451,303,014        500,256,857 

Shares to be issued at start of year                                                                                                                                        –            5,590,270 

Effect of tender offer and buybacks in the year                                                                                                  (1,332,865)        (39,697,582) 

Effect of shares issued and shares to be issued in the year                                                                                              –                195,890 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (basic)                                                                      449,970,149        466,345,435 

Basic loss per ordinary share (cent)                                                                                                                                (2.63)                    (9.57) 

* See Note 13 for details on restated amounts. 

Diluted loss per share 
Diluted loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares outstanding after adjustment for effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                  (Restated*) 

Loss for the year                                                                                                                                                            (11,853)                (44,622) 

The diluted weighted average number of shares in issue is calculated as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Number                      Number 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                of shares                    of shares 

Basic weighted average number of shares in issue during the year                                                             449,970,149        466,345,435 

Effect of share options and warrants in issue                                                                                                                      –                            – 

                                                                                                                                                                                 449,970,149        466,345,435 

Diluted loss per ordinary share (cent)                                                                                                                             (2.63)                    (9.57) 

* See Note 13 for details on restated amounts. 

The number of options which are anti-dilutive and have therefore not been included in the above calculations is 41,221,626 
(2019: 39,559,074).

78       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

12. Intangible assets 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Exploration  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           and evaluation 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          assets 
Group                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        US$’000 

Cost and net book value 

At 1 January 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                    – 

Additions (ii)                                                                                                                                                                                                     1,201 

Transfer from other non-current assets (Note 15)                                                                                                                                       206 

Write off / impairment of exploration and evaluation assets                                                                                                                  (1,407) 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                                                                                                                            – 

Additions (ii)                                                                                                                                                                                                         196 

Transfer from other non-current assets (Note 15)                                                                                                                                            – 

Write off / impairment of exploration and evaluation assets                                                                                                                     (196) 

At 31 December 2020                                                                                                                                                                                                 – 

(i) The following geographical exploration areas in the Group were impaired / written off during the year: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

Spain                                                                                                                                                                                           –                       941 

Albania                                                                                                                                                                                   196                       190 

Morocco                                                                                                                                                                                     –                       150 

Poland                                                                                                                                                                                         –                       126 

                                                                                                                                                                                                196                    1,407 

(ii) This is the net amount incurred by San Leon Energy and excludes amounts attributable to joint operating partners of US$Nil 
in 2020 (2019: US$Nil). 

The Directors have considered the carrying value at 31 December 2020 of capitalised costs in respect of its exploration and 
evaluation assets. These assets have been assessed for impairment indicators and in particular with regard to remaining licence 
terms, likelihood of licence renewal, likelihood of further expenditures and on-going appraisals for each area. Based on internal 
assessments from the latest information available, the Directors fully impaired the exploration and evaluation assets in 2020.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      79

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

13. Equity accounted investments 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                           2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                    2020                      US$’000                      US$’000 
Group                                                                                                                                                 US$’000                  (Restated*)                (Restated*) 

Cost and net book value 

At 1 January                                                                                                                                        44,798                  54,012                  69,763 

Additions (ELI)                                                                                                                                         443                            –                            – 

Share of loss of equity accounted investments                                                                            (1,139)                  (9,214)                (15,751) 

At 31 December                                                                                                                               44,102                  44,798                  54,012 

The Group’s only joint venture entities and associates at 31 December 2020 were as follows: 

Name                                                                                                         Registered office                                                                                        Type                        % held 

Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited                              5th Floor Barkly Wharf, Le Caudan Waterfront,                Joint 
                                                                                               Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius                                        Venture               40% 

Energy Link Infrastructure (Malta) Limited                      260 Triq San Albert, Griza, GZR 1150, Malta                     Associate            10% 

2020 
A summary of the financial information of the equity investments is detailed below. 

                                                                                                                                                                                        Midwestern                Energy Link  
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Leon            Infrastructure 
                                                                                                                                                                                          Petroleum                          (Malta)  
                                                                                                                                                                                             Limited (i)                  Limited (ii)                          Total 

Equity Interest                                                                                                                                        40%                      10% 

                                                                                                                                                                                              US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Loss from continuing operations                                                                                                    (2,440)                  (2,804)                  (5,244) 

Total comprehensive loss                                                                                                               (2,440)                  (2,804)                  (5,244) 

Non-current assets                                                                                                                        198,948                147,922                346,870 

Current assets (excluding cash)                                                                                                   286,687                       167                286,854 

Cash                                                                                                                                                              –                  46,334                  46,334 

Non-current liabilities                                                                                                                                 –               (141,458)              (141,458) 

Current liabilities                                                                                                                            (376,082)                (47,214)              (423,296) 

Net assets                                                                                                                                       109,553                    5,751                115,304 

Group’s interest in net assets of investee at 1 January 2020                                                 44,798                            –                  44,798 

Additions                                                                                                                                                      –                       443                       443 

Share of loss                                                                                                                                          (976)                     (163)                  (1,139) 

Group’s interest in net assets of investee at 31 December 2020                                         43,822                       280                  44,102

80       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

13. Equity accounted investments continued 

2019 
A summary of the financial information of the equity investments is detailed below. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Midwestern Leon 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Petroleum Limited (i) 

Equity Interest                                                                                                                                                                                                    40% 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  (Restated*) 

Loss from continuing operations                                                                                                                                                              (23,035) 

Total comprehensive loss                                                                                                                                                                         (23,035) 

Non-current assets                                                                                                                                                                                    186,642 

Current assets (excluding cash)                                                                                                                                                               262,444 

Non-current liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                             – 

Current liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                        (337,091) 

Net assets                                                                                                                                                                                                   111,995 

Group’s interest in net assets of investee at 1 January 2019                                                                                                             54,012 

Share of loss                                                                                                                                                                                                   (3,204) 

Restatement of share of loss *                                                                                                                                                                    (6,010) 

Group’s interest in net assets of investee at 31 December 2019                                                                                                     44,798 

2018 
A summary of the financial information of the equity investments is detailed below. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Midwestern Leon 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Petroleum Limited (i) 

Equity Interest                                                                                                                                                                                                    40% 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  (Restated*) 

Loss from continuing operations                                                                                                                                                              (35,046) 

Total comprehensive loss                                                                                                                                                                         (39,378) 

Non-current assets                                                                                                                                                                                    201,148 

Current assets (excluding cash)                                                                                                                                                               242,749 

Non-current liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                  (48,259) 

Current liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                        (260,608) 

Net assets                                                                                                                                                                                                   135,030 

Group’s interest in net assets of investee at 1 January 2018                                                                                                             69,763 

Share of loss                                                                                                                                                                                                 (14,693) 

Restatement of share of loss *                                                                                                                                                                    (1,058) 

Group’s interest in net assets of investee at 31 December 2018                                                                                                     54,012 

(i) Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited 
During 2016 the Company acquired a 40% non-controlling interest in MLPL as part of the OML 18 transaction. Full details of the 
OML 18 transaction are set out in Note 17(i). The movement during 2020 reflects a share of the loss of MLPL being administrative 
costs of US$9.7 million (2019: US$2.1 million), other income of US$nil (2019: US$7.2 million), net finance income / costs of US$3.3 
million income (2019: US$5.5 million costs), profit on investment of US$12.2 million (2019: US$14.6 million loss (Restated*)), net 
impairment losses on financial assets of US$0.3 million (2019: US$nil) and a tax charge of US$7.9 million (2019: US$8.0 million). 

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      81

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

13. Equity accounted investments continued 

The above interest is accounted for as an equity accounted investment as San Leon does not have control over the entity, which 
is governed under a Joint Venture Agreement requiring the approval of both parties to the Joint Venture Agreement in respect 
of all operating decisions. 

The Group identified potential impairment indicators, being that MLPL is yet to receive a dividend from Eroton, the equity interest 
is currently loss making, US$5.0 million of a US$10.0 million repayment due on 6 October 2020 was still outstanding at year end, 
and MLPL has entered into a loan to be able to make Loan Note repayments to the Group. To test for a potential impairment the 
carrying value of the equity interest in MLPL was compared against the fair value less cost of sale. This was estimated using a 
discounted cash flow model of the expected future cash flows from MLPL’s share of the underlying OML 18 asset. Future cash 
flows of OML 18 were estimated using the following price assumptions of US$54/bbl in 2021, US$57/bbl in 2022, 2023 and 2024 
and a subsequent long term price US$62/bbl escalated at 2% annually, with the cash flows discounted using a post-tax discount 
rate of 10%. Assumptions involved in the impairment assessment include estimates of commercial reserves, production rates, 
future oil prices, discount rates and operating and capital expenditure profiles, all of which are inherently uncertain. This analysis 
identified that the carrying value of the equity interest in MLPL is not impaired. 

If the recoverable amount was estimated taking into account a reduction in the oil price of 30% over the same period and an 
increase in the discount rate to 25%, then the carrying value of the equity interest in MLPL would still not be impaired. 

The Directors recognise that the future realisation of the equity accounted investment is dependent on future successful 
exploration and appraisal activities and subsequent production of oil and gas reserves. 

* Restatements 
Restatement adjustments have been made in the 2019 comparative to reflect the following misstatements in MLPL’s 100% owned 
subsidiary Martwestern Energy Limited (“Martwestern”), who in turn owns 50% of Eroton, which is recognised in Martwestern as 
an equity accounted investment: 

•

•

•

Correction of the treatment of dividend received on equity investment which had been recognised as income, resulting in an 
increase in the restated loss of US$2.5 million. 

Share of restated total comprehensive loss of the investee (Eroton) due to the recognition of leases, resulting in an increase in 
the restated loss of US$3.5 million. 

Share of receivable impairment in investee (Eroton) not previously recognised in Martwestern, resulting in an increase in the 
restated loss of US$1.1 million in 2018. 

The earliest comparatives that required restatement for this error was in 2018. 

The impact on the prior year financial statements is outlined below: 

Income statement: 
The impact of the restatement has resulted in the loss for the financial year increasing by US$6.0 million from a loss of US$38.6 
million to a loss of US$44.6 million. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       US$’000 

Loss for the financial year ended 31 December 2019 as disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report                                                     (38,612) 

Restatement of loss on equity accounted investments                                                                                                                           (6,010) 

Restated loss for the financial year ended 31 December 2019                                                                                                           (44,622) 

Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share (cent) 

Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share (cent) for the financial year ended 31 December 2019 
as disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report                                                                                                                                                       (8.28) 

Restatement of basic and diluted loss per ordinary share (cent) attributable to increase in 
loss on equity accounted investments                                                                                                                                                         (1.29) 

Restated basic and diluted loss per ordinary share (cent) for the financial year ended 31 December 2019                             (9.57)

82       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

13. Equity accounted investments continued 

Statement of Financial Position: 
The impact of the restatement has resulted in lower Equity accounted investments.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       US$’000 

Equity accounted investments as at 31 December 2019 as disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report                                                 51,866 

Restatement of 2018 loss on equity accounted investments                                                                                                                 (1,058) 

Restatement of 2019 loss on equity accounted investments                                                                                                                 (6,010) 

Restated Equity accounted investments for the financial year ended 31 December 2019                                                        44,798 

Cash flow statement: 
The impact of the restatement has resulted in lower Equity accounted investments.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       US$’000 

Share of loss of equity-accounted investments for the ended 31 December 2019 
as disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report                                                                                                                                                     (3,204) 

Restatement of loss on equity accounted investments                                                                                                                           (6,010) 

Restated share of loss of equity-accounted investments for the financial year ended 31 December 2019                            (9,214) 

(ii) Energy Link Infrastructure (Malta) Limited 
In August 2020 the Company acquired a 10% non-controlling interest in ELI (Malta) Limited (See Note 17(ii)). The movement during 
2020 reflects a share of the loss of ELI being sales income of US$5.7 million, other income of US$0.1 million, cost of sales of 
US$4.9 million and operating expenses including administrative costs of US$3.7 million. 

San Leon does not have control over the entity, however it has been determined to have significant influence. On this basis, the 
above interest is recognised as an equity accounted investment. Significant influence has been determined based on the Company 
having 10% of voting rights, a board position and a Shareholder Agreement requiring a majority, and in some instances a super 
majority (meaning 70% of votes are required to pass a resolution), to approve all operating decisions. 

Under the terms of ELI’s senior debt facility, the lender has a charge over all of the company’s assets and, as further security, each 
shareholder (including San Leon Energy) has pledged their shares to the lender. The terms of the pledge are that the shares 
cannot be transferred or otherwise utilised without the lender's consent. 

The Directors recognise that the future realisation of the equity accounted investment is dependent on completion of the pipeline 
and subsequent throughput of oil from various customers.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      83

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

14. Property, plant and equipment 

                                                                                                                       Leased                        Plant &                          Office                         Motor  
                                                                                                                         assets                 equipment                 equipment                      vehicles                            Total 
Group                                                                                                       US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Cost 

At 1 January 2019                                                                            –                    9,080                    1,258                       429                  10,767 

Adoption of IFRS 16 leases                                                    3,050                            –                            –                            –                    3,050 

Additions                                                                                     231                            –                            –                         82                       313 

Currency translation adjustment                                                  –                        (30)                       (55)                       (16)                     (101) 

At 31 December 2019                                                            3,281                    9,050                    1,203                       495                  14,029 

Disposals                                                                                          –                            –                      (111)                           –                      (111) 

Currency translation adjustment                                                  –                       116                            –                        (15)                      101 

At 31 December 2020                                                              3,281                     9,166                     1,092                        480                   14,019 

Depreciation 

At 1 January 2019                                                                            –                    7,207                    1,169                       427                    8,803 

Charge for the year                                                                    329                       626                            –                            5                       960 

Currency translation adjustment                                                  –                        (30)                       (31)                       (17)                       (78) 

At 31 December 2019                                                               329                    7,803                    1,138                       415                    9,685 

Charge for the year                                                                    378                       622                         12                         16                    1,028 

Disposals                                                                                          –                            –                      (111)                           –                      (111) 

Currency translation adjustment                                                  –                       122                         16                        (15)                      123 

At 31 December 2020                                                                 707                     8,547                     1,055                        416                   10,725 

Net book values 

At 31 December 2020                                                              2,574                        619                          37                          64                     3,294 

At 31 December 2019                                                            2,952                    1,247                         65                         80                    4,344

84       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

14. Property, plant and equipment continued 

                                                                                                                                                           Leased                          Office                         Motor  
                                                                                                                                                             assets                 equipment                      vehicles                            Total 
Company                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Cost 

At 1 January 2019                                                                                                          –                       548                            –                       548 

Adoption of IFRS 16 leases                                                                                  3,050                            –                            –                    3,050 

Additions                                                                                                                   231                            –                         82                       313 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                          3,281                       548                         82                    3,911 

Transfer to other company within the Group                                                     (231)                           –                            –                      (231) 

At 31 December 2020                                                                                            3,050                        548                          82                     3,680 

Depreciation 

At 1 January 2019                                                                                                          –                       502                            –                       502 

Charge for the year                                                                                                  329                         12                            2                       343 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                             329                       514                            2                       845 

Charge for the year                                                                                                  330                         12                         16                       358 

Transfer to other company within the Group                                                     (135)                           –                            –                      (135) 

At 31 December 2020                                                                                                524                        526                          18                     1,068 

Net book values 

At 31 December 2020                                                                                            2,526                          22                          64                     2,612 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                          2,952                         34                         80                    3,066 

15. Other non-current assets 

                                                                                                                                                                       Group                                                           Company 

                                                                                                                                                               2020                           2019                            2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Deposits on Spanish oil and gas concession applications (i)                                  –                            –                            –                            – 

Deposits on Spanish oil and gas concessions (i)                                                      –                            –                            –                            – 

                                                                                                                                        –                            –                            –                            – 

                                                                                                                                                                       Group                                                           Company 

                                                                                                                                                               2020                           2019                            2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

At 1 January                                                                                                                    –                       206                            –                            – 

Deposits retained by Ministry (i)                                                                                 –                            –                            –                            – 

Transfer to intangible assets (i) (Note 12)                                                                  –                      (206)                           –                            – 

At 31 December                                                                                                            –                            –                            –                            – 

(i) The deposits paid were recoverable on completion of work programmes attached to each of the concessions. During 2019 the Ministry signalled its intention to retain 
US$0.2 million in relation to oil and gas concession applications that were withdrawn by the Company. 

The deposits were transferred to intangible assets and then fully impaired by the Company. 

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      85

  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

16. Financial assets – Company 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

Investment in subsidiary undertakings at cost: 

Balance at beginning and end of year                                                                                                                         31,539                  31,539 

San Leon Energy Nigeria B.V. holds the equity interest in MLPL. As per Note 13(i), the Group identified potential impairment 
indicators with respect to the equity interest. These same indicators are also impairment indicators for the Company’s holding in 
San Leon Energy B.V. The same tests as detailed in Note 13(i) were carried out to assess the carrying value of the Company’s 
investment in its subsidiary and the analysis identified that the carrying value of the investment in MLPL is not impaired. 

At 31 December 2020, the Company had the following principal subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned through holding all 
of the issued ordinary shares of the entities: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Country of  
Name                                                                                Registered office                                                           Principal activities                            Incorporation 

Directly held: 

San Leon Energy B.V.                                      de Ronge 16, 1852 XB Heiloo                     Holding company                  Netherlands 
                                                                          The Netherlands 

San Leon Services Limited                             12 Castle Street                                             Service company                   Jersey 
                                                                          St. Helier, Jersey, JE2 3RT 

San Leon Energy Nigeria B.V.                        de Ronge 16, 1852 XB Heiloo                     Holding company                  Netherlands 
                                                                          The Netherlands 

San Leon Energy Financing Limited             2 Shelbourne Buildings,                               Financing company               Ireland 
                                                                          Crampton Avenue, 
                                                                          Shelbourne Road, 
                                                                          Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 

San Leon Holdings Limited                            27/28 Eastcastle Street,                               Holding company                  England 
                                                                          London, England, 
                                                                          W1W 8DH 

Indirectly held: 

San Leon Nigeria Limited                               No. 801,                                                          Service company                   Nigeria 
                                                                          Eden Heights, 
                                                                          6 Elsie Femi Pearse Street, 
                                                                          Victoria Island, 
                                                                          Lagos, Nigeria 

San Leon Energy (UK) Limited                       27/28 Eastcastle Street,                               Service company                   England 
                                                                          London, England, W1W 8DH 

San Leon Energy Eli Limited                          27/28 Eastcastle Street,                               Holding company                  England 
                                                                          London, England, W1W 8DH 

San Leon Energy Oza Limited                       27/28 Eastcastle Street,                               Holding company                  England 
                                                                          London, England, W1W 8DH 

A full list of subsidiaries will be annexed to the Annual Report of the Company to be filed with the Irish Registrar of Companies.

86       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

17. Financial assets 

                                                                                                                                                                                          Barryroe 4.5%  
                                                                                                                                                                                                   net profit               Unquoted  
                                                                                                                               OML 18 (i)                       ELI (ii)              interest (iii)        shares (iv) (viii)                                  
                                                                                                                                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                                  

                                                                                                                               Amortised               Amortised                                         FVOCI – equity                        Total 
Group                                                                                                                           cost                          cost                      FVTPL             instrument                  US$’000 

Cost / Valuation 

At 1 January 2019                                                                          134,187                         –               51,142                 2,625             187,954 

Finance income                                                                                23,313                         –                         –                         –               23,313 

Loan Notes receipts – principal                                                    (23,361)                        –                         –                         –              (23,361) 

Loan Notes receipts – interest                                                      (19,885)                        –                         –                         –              (19,885) 

Impairment of unquoted shares, 
Other comprehensive income                                                                 –                         –                         –                (2,625)               (2,625) 

Additions (viii)                                                                                              –                         –                         –                    194                    194 

Fair value movement, Income statement                                               –                         –              (48,373)                        –              (48,373) 

At 31 December 2019                                                                  114,254                         –                 2,769                    194             117,217 

Net fair value of acquisition of ELI Loan Notes                                      –               14,557                         –                         –               14,557 

Finance income                                                                                16,480                    796                         –                         –               17,276 

Loan Notes receipts – principal                                                    (35,285)                        –                         –                         –              (35,285) 

Loan Notes receipts – interest                                                      (11,215)                        –                         –                         –              (11,215) 

Lifetime ECL – credit-impaired #                                                  (15,309)                        –                         –                         –              (15,309) 

Impairment of unquoted shares, 
Other comprehensive income                                                                 –                         –                         –                   (194)                  (194) 

Fair value movement, Income statement                                               –                         –                 4,073                         –                 4,073 

At 31 December 2020                                                                      68,925                15,353                  6,842                          –                91,120 

Expected Credit Loss Provision 

At 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019                                                                       –                         –                         –                         – 

New financial asset acquired *                                                                                      (385)                        –                         –                   (385) 

At 31 December 2020                                                                                                       (385)                         –                          –                    (385) 

# See OML18 ECL table below. 
* See ELI ECL table below. 
                                                                                                                                                                                          Higher risk  
                                                                                                                                                                                          assets not  
                                                                                                                                                    Performing         credit impaired         Credit impaired  
Expected Credit Loss – OML 18                                                                           12-month ECL               Lifetime ECL               Lifetime ECL                            Total 

At 1 January 2019                                                                                                          –                   (5,467)                           –                   (5,467) 

Net remeasurement of loss allowance                                                                      –                    3,465                            –                    3,465 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                                  –                   (2,002)                           –                   (2,002) 

Impact of modification                                                                                                 –                   (5,857)                           –                   (5,857) 

Net remeasurement of loss allowance                                                                      –                   (7,450)                           –                   (7,450) 

Transfer to lifetime ECL – credit-impaired                                                                 –                  15,309                 (15,309)                           – 

At 31 December 2020                                                                                                     –                             –                 (15,309)                (15,309)

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      87

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

17. Financial assets continued 

                                                                                                                                                                                          Higher risk  
                                                                                                                                                                                          assets not  
                                                                                                                                                    Performing         credit impaired         Credit impaired  
Expected Credit Loss – ELI                                                                                     12-month ECL               Lifetime ECL               Lifetime ECL                            Total 

At 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019                                                               –                            –                            –                            – 

New financial assets originated                                                                            (385)                           –                            –                      (385) 

At 31 December 2020                                                                                              (385)                            –                             –                       (385) 

                                                                                                                                                                                          Barryroe 4.5%  
                                                                                                                                                                                                   net profit               Unquoted  
                                                                                                                               OML 18 (i)                       ELI (ii)              interest (iii)        shares (iv) (viii)                                  
                                                                                                                                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                                  

                                                                                                                               Amortised               Amortised                                         FVOCI – equity                        Total 
                                                                                                                                          cost                          cost                      FVTPL             instrument                  US$’000 

Book value at 31 December 2020                                                 68,925                14,968                  6,842                          –                90,735 

Current                                                                                                68,925                  3,964                          –                          –                72,889 

Non-current                                                                                                  –                11,004                  6,842                          –                17,846 

Book value at 31 December 2019                                              112,252                         –                 2,769                    194             115,215 

Current                                                                                            112,252                         –                         –                         –             112,252 

Non-current                                                                                                –                         –                 2,769                    194                 2,963 

Net Profit Interests (Poznan, v) (Gora, vi) (Liesa, vii): These NPIs have a nil value from acquisition. 

                                                                                                                                                                                   Barryroe 4.5%  
                                                                                                                                                                                            net profit                  Unquoted  
                                                                                                                                                       OML 18 (i)                 interest (iii)                   shares (iv)                                    
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                                     

                                                                                                                                                      Amortised                                               FVOCI – equity                            Total 
Company                                                                                                                                           cost                          FVTPL                 instrument                      US$’000 

Cost / Valuation 

At 1 January 2019                                                                                             134,187                  51,142                    2,625                187,954 

Finance income                                                                                                   23,313                            –                            –                  23,313 

Loan Notes receipts – principal                                                                       (23,361)                           –                            –                 (23,361) 

Loan Notes receipts – interest                                                                         (19,885)                           –                            –                 (19,885) 

Impairment of unquoted shares                                                                                –                            –                   (2,625)                  (2,625) 

Fair value movement, Income statement                                                                  –                 (48,373)                           –                 (48,373) 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                     114,254                    2,769                            –                117,023 

Finance income                                                                                                   16,480                            –                            –                  16,480 

Loan Notes receipts – principal                                                                       (35,285)                           –                            –                 (35,285) 

Loan Notes receipts – interest                                                                         (11,215)                           –                            –                 (11,215) 

Lifetime ECL – credit-impaired #                                                                     (15,309)                           –                            –                 (15,309) 

Impairment of unquoted shares                                                                                –                            –                            –                            – 

Fair value movement, Income statement                                                                  –                    4,073                            –                    4,073 

At 31 December 2020                                                                                          68,925                     6,842                             –                   75,767 

Expected Credit Loss Provision 

At 1 January 2019, 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2020                                                        –                            –                            – 

# See OML18 ECL table below.

88       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

17. Financial assets continued 

                                                                                                                                                                                          Higher risk  
                                                                                                                                                                                          assets not  
                                                                                                                                                    Performing         credit impaired         Credit impaired  
Expected Credit Loss – OML 18                                                                           12-month ECL               Lifetime ECL               Lifetime ECL                            Total 

At 1 January 2019                                                                                                          –                   (5,467)                           –                   (5,467) 

Net remeasurement of loss allowance                                                                      –                    3,465                            –                    3,465 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                                  –                   (2,002)                           –                   (2,002) 

Impact of modification                                                                                                 –                   (5,857)                           –                   (5,857) 

Net remeasurement of loss allowance                                                                      –                   (7,450)                           –                   (7,450) 

Transfer to lifetime ECL – credit-impaired                                                                 –                  15,309                 (15,309)                           – 

At 31 December 2020                                                                                                     –                             –                 (15,309)                (15,309) 

                                                                                                                                                                                   Barryroe 4.5%  
                                                                                                                                                                                            net profit                  Unquoted  
                                                                                                                                                       OML 18 (i)                 interest (iii)                   shares (iv)                                    
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                                     

                                                                                                                                                      Amortised                                               FVOCI – equity                            Total 
Company                                                                                                                                           cost                          FVTPL                 instrument                      US$’000 

Book value at 31 December 2020                                                                    68,925                     6,842                             –                   75,767 

Current                                                                                                                    68,925                             –                             –                   68,925 

Non-current                                                                                                                      –                     6,842                             –                     6,842 

Book value at 31 December 2019                                                                 112,252                    2,769                            –                115,021 

Current                                                                                                               112,252                            –                            –                112,252 

Non-current                                                                                                                   –                    2,769                            –                    2,769 

(i) OML 18 
In September 2016, the Company secured an indirect economic interest in OML 18, onshore Nigeria. 

The Company undertook a number of steps to effect this purchase. MLPL, a company incorporated in Mauritius of which San Leon 
Nigeria B.V. has a 40% shareholding, was established as a special purpose vehicle to complete the transaction by purchasing all of 
the shares in Martwestern, a company incorporated in Nigeria. Martwestern holds a 50% shareholding in Eroton, a company 
incorporated in Nigeria and the operator of OML 18, and Martwestern also holds an initial 98% economic interest in Eroton. 
The economic effect of this structure is that San Leon has an initial indirect economic interest of 10.584% in OML 18. Shareholders 
will note that this is higher than the percentage interest anticipated by San Leon at the time of the acquisition in 2016. There have 
been no further purchases or payments by San Leon but this revised percentage is based on a reassessment and recalculation 
of the various parties’ interests in OML 18. 

To partly fund the purchase of 100% of the shares of Martwestern, MLPL borrowed US$174.5 million in incremental amounts by 
issuing loan notes with an annual coupon of 17% (“Loan Notes”) and effective interest rate of 25%, as noted below. Midwestern Oil 
and Gas Company Limited (“Midwestern”) is the 60% shareholder of MLPL and transferred its shares in Martwestern to MLPL as 
part of the full transaction. Following its placing in September 2016, San Leon became beneficiary and holder of all Loan Notes 
issued by MLPL and the holder of an indirect economic interest in OML 18. San Leon is due to be repaid the full amount of the 
US$174.5 million plus the 17% coupon once certain conditions have been met and using an agreed distribution mechanism. 
Through its wholly owned subsidiary, San Leon Nigeria B.V., the Company is also a beneficiary of any dividends that will be paid 
by MLPL as a 40% shareholder in MLPL but the Loan Notes repayments must take priority over any dividend payments made to 
the MLPL shareholders.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      89

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

17. Financial assets continued 

The fair value assessment of the Loan Notes on acquisition was calculated as follows: 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Total 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       US$’000 

Total consideration                                                                                                                                                                                    188,419 

Fair value of Loan Notes attributable to equity investment #                                                                                                              (30,889) 

Net fair value of Loan Notes                                                                                                                                                                     157,530 

Arrangement fees                                                                                                                                                                                          (5,500) 

Additions to Financial Assets in 2016 including accrued interest at date of acquisition                                                                 152,030 

# The fair value of Loan Notes attributable to the equity investment is calculated using a discount factor of management’s estimate of a market rate of interest of 8% 
above the coupon rate of 17% over the term of the Loan Notes, giving an effective interest rate of 25%. 

The key information relevant to the fair value of the Loan Notes on the date they were initially recognised is as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                     Inter-relationships between the unobservable  
Valuation technique                                               Significant unobservable inputs*                                          inputs and fair value measurements 

Discounted cash flows                             • Discount rate 25% based on a market            Nil 
                                                                      rate of interest of 8% above the 
                                                                      coupon rate of 17%. 

                                                                    • MLPL ability to generate cash flows 
                                                                      for timely repayment. 

                                                                    • Loan Notes are repayable in  
                                                                      full by 31 December 2021 
                                                                      (2019: 30 September 2020). 

* Day 1 and considered appropriate at 31 December 2020. 

The business model for the MLPL loan is to hold to collect. The Loan Notes are accounted for at amortised cost. 

The credit risk is managed via various undertakings, guarantees, a pledge over shares and the mechanism whereby MLPL 
prioritises payment of sums due under the Loan Notes. These are described further in Note 31. Given the size and quality of the 
OML 18 oil and gas asset the main credit risk is regarded as the timing of payments by MLPL which is dependent on dividend 
distributions by Eroton rather than being unable to pay the total quantum due under the Loan Notes. To date Eroton have been 
unable to make a dividend distribution. Consequently, MLPL had to enter into a loan in 2017 and subsequently, in order to be able 
to meet its obligations under the Loan Notes and make payments to San Leon. 

On 6 April 2020, the Company entered into an Agreement with MLPL, amending the timing of the remaining payment of the Loan 
Notes Instrument. At the date of the Agreement, the remaining outstanding balance on the par value was US$82.1 million* 
(accounted for as US$79.5 million under IFRS). Under the terms of the Agreement, US$10.0 million was due to be repaid on or 
before 6 October 2020, with the balance of the Loan Notes receivable payable in three quarterly instalments, commencing in July 
2021 and completing by December 2021. The outstanding loan will continue to have an annual coupon rate of 17% and an 
effective interest rate of 25% per annum until repaid. All other material terms of the Loan Notes Instrument remain unchanged. 
The Agreement with MLPL was accounted for as a modification of the financial asset which did not give rise to derecognition. 
A loss of US$2.5 million was recognised in respect of the change in present value of the revised cash flows discounted at the 
original effective interest rate. 

During 2020 San Leon received total payments under the Loan Notes of US$46.5 million (2019: US$43.2 million). The payments 
received during 2020 represent principal of US$35.3 million (2019: US$23.3 million) and interest of US$11.2 million (2019: US$19.9 
million) on the Loan Notes repaid. As at 31 December 2020 there was US$84.2 million in principal and interest (2019: US$114.3 
million), due under the Loan Notes. As at 31 December 2020, US$5.0 million was outstanding from the US$10.0 million due to be 
repaid on 6 October 2020. Since then, US$0.8 million of the balance outstanding has been received. 

* Refer to Alternate Performance Measures on page 119 for full reconciliation of IFRS numbers and Alternative Performance Measures.

90       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

17. Financial assets continued 

The Directors of San Leon have considered the credit risk of the Loan Notes at 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2020. 
Due to the inability of MLPL to make dividend distributions, the Directors continue to consider that the credit risk has significantly 
increased since initial recognition. At 31 December 2019 a provision for the lifetime expected credit loss of the Loan Notes had 
been recognised. In 2020, issues such as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy, the volatility in oil prices 
and demand, OPEC quotas, and recent operational challenges experienced by OML 18 resulted in a significant loss being recorded 
in MLPL at 31 December 2020. This, along with ongoing production issues at the field has impacted the financial strength of 
MLPL, particularly in respect of short-term liquidity. 

In addition, the Directors have reviewed the counterparty credit risk associated with measurement of the expected credit loss. This 
was assessed as having increased significantly since initial recognition, and is now considered to have increased further during the 
year ended 31 December 2020. 

Management are still confident in the operational potential of OML 18 and ultimately recovering the full amount of the outstanding 
Loan Notes, however due to the above issues management are unable to determine the timing of future cash flows and for this 
reason the Loan Notes are now considered credit impaired. 

The Loan Notes are unique assets for which there is no directly comparable market data. Repayments of the Loan Notes are expected 
to be made from the underlying cash flows that support MLPL. The Directors have considered the credit risk of MLPL, in particular in 
light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant impact on the oil price and demand, as well as ongoing short term production issues. 
As a result, the credit risk has been determined to have increased since 31 December 2019 and the Loan Notes are now considered to 
be impaired. In previous periods an annualised expected credit loss of 3.11% was applied to the amount outstanding on the Loan 
Notes. This rate was determined on the basis of long-term historical default rates of loans originated in similar geography and industry. 
A default rate determined by reference to historical default rates has been determined to be less appropriate in the current 
environment as a result of the uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing operational issues. In addition, the change in 
profile of the repayments due under the Loan Notes, arising as a result of the amendments to the Loan Notes agreed in April 2020, 
means that an expected default risk taking into account the timing of the payments is now also appropriate. An impairment has been 
estimated based on a forward looking analysis where a range of outcomes has been considered taking into account the size and timing 
of the contractual cash flows, the risk of late payment and the risk of default leading to less than full recovery of the amounts due in 
respect of the Loan Notes. The Directors have considered the possible scenarios and used their judgement to estimate a weighted 
average outcome of these scenarios. The impairment is calculated as the difference between the present value of the weighted 
average of possible outcomes (discounted at the effective interest rate of the Loan Notes) and the present value of the contractual 
cash flows. This has then been compared to publicly available macroeconomic data of default rates by geography and industry. 

As at 31 December 2020 the Loan Notes are considered credit impaired. The expected credit loss of US$15.3 million (2019: 
US$2.0 million) has been presented net with the amortised cost of the Loan Notes. 

(ii) Energy Link Infrastructure (Malta) Limited 
In August 2020, the Company acquired an indirect economic interest in the Alternate Crude Oil Evacuation System (“ACOES”) project. 

The interest was acquired through the direct investment in Energy Link Infrastructure (Malta) Limited (“ELI”), a company 
incorporated in Malta, which owns the ACOES project through its 100% owned subsidiary Energy Link Infrastructure (Nigeria) 
Limited, a company incorporated in Nigeria. 

The investment comprises a 10% equity interest in ELI together with a US$15.0 million shareholder loan at a coupon of 14% per 
annum over 4 years, and repayable quarterly following a one year moratorium from the date of investment. Funds were provided to 
ELI in two tranches with the first US$10.0 million tranche being paid in August, and the second tranche of US$5.0 million on 6 October 
2020, being half of the funds due from Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited as part of the repayment of the MLPL Loan Notes. 

The fair value assessment of the Loan Notes on acquisition was calculated as follows: 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Total 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 US$’000 

Total consideration                                                                                                                                                                                       15,000 

Fair value of Loan Notes attributable to equity investment #                                                                                                                    (443) 

Net fair value of Loan Notes                                                                                                                                                                        14,557 

# The fair value of Loan Notes attributable to the equity investment is calculated using a discount factor of management’s estimate of a market rate of interest of 2% 
above the coupon rate of 14% over the term of the Loan Notes, giving an effective interest rate of 16%.

                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      91

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Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

17. Financial assets continued 

The key information relevant to the fair value of the Loan Notes on the date they were initially recognised is as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                     Inter-relationships between the unobservable  
Valuation technique                                               Significant unobservable inputs*                                          inputs and fair value measurements 

Discounted cash flows                             • Discount rate 16% based on a market            Nil 
                                                                      rate of interest of 2% above the 
                                                                      coupon rate of 14%. 

                                                                    • ELI ability to generate cash flows 
                                                                      for timely repayment. 

                                                                    • Loan Notes are repayable in full  
                                                                      by 6 October 2021. 

* Day 1 and considered appropriate at 31 December 2020. 

The intention for the ELI loan is to hold to collect. 

The credit risk is managed via various undertakings, such as representations, warranties and covenants and the ability for a 
preferential distribution should some warranties be breached. These are described further in Note 31. Given the nature and stage 
of the asset the main credit risk is regarded as the timing of payments by ELI Malta which is dependent on dividend distributions 
by ELI Nigeria rather than being unable to pay the total quantum due under the Loan Notes. Currently the Loan Notes are in good 
standing with the first repayment due on 31 July 2021. 

During 2020 San Leon was not due any contractual repayments of the Loan Notes. As at 31 December 2020 there was 
US$15.4 million in principal and interest, due under the Loan Notes. 

The Directors of San Leon have considered the credit risk of the Loan Notes at 31 December 2020. Both tranches of the Loan 
Notes were issued in H2 2020, with a one year repayment holiday. The first repayment due is on 31 July 2021 and therefore the 
Loan Notes are currently in good standing. Despite some project delays due to the impacts of Covid-19, it is not expected that this 
would impact the ability of ELI to make Loan Note repayments, with current projections indicating that all debt will be serviced in 
accordance with contract expectations. The Directors do not consider the credit risk has significantly increased since initial 
recognition, and a provision for a 12-month expected credit loss of the Loan Notes has been recognised. 

In addition, the Directors have reviewed the counterparty credit risk associated with measurement of the expected credit loss and, 
this has been assessed as not having increased significantly since initial recognition. A factor that has been considered to reduce 
overall credit risk is a guarantee from ELI Nigeria, who guarantee all payment obligations of ELI Malta. 

An expected credit loss provision has been estimated based on a forward looking analysis where a range of outcomes has been 
considered taking into account the size and timing of the contractual cash flows, the risk of late payment and the risk of default 
leading to less than full recovery of the amounts due in respect of the Loan Notes. The Directors have considered the possible 
scenarios and used their judgement to estimate a weighted average outcome of these scenarios. The ECL provision is calculated 
as the difference between the present value of the weighted average of possible outcomes (discounted at the effective interest 
rate of the Loan Notes) and the present value of the contractual cash flows. This has then been compared to publicly available 
macroeconomic data of default rates by geography, industry and rating. 

The Company determined that the expected credit loss provision of US$0.4 million, being 2.6% of the balance at acquisition was 
appropriate. 

(iii) Barryroe – 4.5% Net Profit Interest 
SLE holds a 4.5% Net Profit Interest in the Barryroe (“Barryroe NPI”) oil field at fair value through profit and loss under IFRS 9. 
In 2019 a market-based valuation approach was adopted, using the price of the publicly listed shares of Providence Resources plc 
(“Providence”) (operator and holder of an 80% interest in the Barryroe oil field) as its basis. The Directors believe the markets 
assessment of the current risks and uncertainties of the project have been reflected within the share price of Providence at year 
end, and it is therefore appropriate to use this to update their valuation.

92       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

17. Financial assets continued 

The 2020 announcements by Providence in relation to Standard Exploration Licence 1/11 which contains the Barryroe oil 
accumulation indicated that a partner for the project had now been found, which had reduced project risk around both funding 
and timing of the potential development of the asset. 

Given the latest announcements, the Directors have reviewed the modelling assumptions and consider it reasonable and 
appropriate to continue to use a market based approach to increase the Barryroe carrying value by US$4.0 million (2019: 
impairment of US$48.4 million) to US$6.8 million to reflect their estimate of the impact of these risks to the future cash flows on 
the value of the asset. 

The key information relevant to the fair value of the Barryroe 4.5% net profit interest is as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                     Inter-relationships between the unobservable  
Valuation technique                                               Significant unobservable inputs                                            inputs and fair value measurements 

Market based approach using               • Estimated value of NPI as                                  The estimated fair value would  
share price of Operator                             percentage of total field NPV 9.5%                   increase / (decrease) if: 
(Providence)                                                 (2019: 9.5%) 
                                                                                                                                                     • US Dollar exchange rate 
                                                                                                                                                        increased / (decreased) 

(iv) Ardilaun Energy Limited 
As part of the consideration for the sale of Island Oil & Gas Limited to Ardilaun Energy Limited (“Ardilaun”) in 2014 Ardilaun agreed 
to issue shares equivalent to 15% of the issued share capital of Ardilaun to San Leon. The original fair value of the 15% interest in 
Ardilaun was based on a market transaction in Ardilaun shares. 

The Directors have considered the carrying value of this interest at 31 December 2020 and given the length of time to obtain Irish 
government approval for the transaction, the Directors feel it is prudent to continue to carry the 15% of Ardilaun shares still to be 
issued to San Leon at a value of US$Nil (2019: US$Nil). 

(v) Poznan 10% Net Profit Interest 
In 2016, San Leon sold its 35% interest in the Poznan assets for a consideration of €1 plus a 10% Net Profit Interest (“NPI”). Until 
active development commences a nil value has been placed on the NPI. There has been no change in 2020. 

(vi) Gora 5% Net Profit Interest 
In 2018, San Leon sold its interest in the Gora assets for a consideration of €1 plus a 5% NPI. Until active development 
commences a nil value has been placed on the NPI. There has been no change in 2020. 

(vii) Liesa 5% Net Profit Interest 
In 2018, San Leon sold its interest in the Liesa assets for a consideration of €1 plus a 5% NPI. Until active development 
commences a nil value has been placed on the NPI. There has been no change in 2020. 

(viii) Gemini Resources Limited 
In 2019, San Leon converted a debtor of US$192,607 due from Gemini Resources Limited (“Gemini”) into 54,818 fully paid 
ordinary shares in Gemini. 

(ix) Amedeo Resources plc 
At 31 December 2020, the Company holds 213,512 ordinary shares at a market value of US$Nil (2019: US$Nil). The value of the 
investment was written down to nil in 2018 due to the shares of Amedeo Resources plc being de-listed.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      93

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

18. Inventory 

                                                                                                                                                                       Group                                                           Company 

                                                                                                                                                               2020                           2019                            2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Spare parts and consumables                                                                               183                       180                            –                            – 

Spare parts include drilling equipment and consumables utilised by the Group’s seismic services company. 

19. Trade and other receivables 

                                                                                                                                                                       Group                                                           Company 

                                                                                                                                                               2020                           2019                            2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Amounts falling due within one year: 

Amounts owed by Group undertakings (i)                                                                –                            –                122,417                103,236 

Expected credit loss on amounts owed by Group undertakings (i)                         –                            –               (104,240)             (100,059) 

Net amounts owed by Group undertakings                                                             –                            –                  18,177                    3,177 

Trade receivables                                                                                                          2                            2                            –                            – 

Corporation tax refundable                                                                                      39                         52                          48                         52 

VAT and other taxes refundable                                                                              88                       134                          28                         63 

Other debtors (ii)                                                                                                   4,264                    4,242                       726                       696 

Expected credit loss on other debtors (ii)                                                        (3,532)                  (3,532)                           –                            – 

Prepayments (iii)                                                                                                    1,017                         89                    1,013                         80 

                                                                                                                                 1,878                       987                  19,992                    4,068 

(i) Amounts owed by Group undertakings are interest free and repayable on demand with the exception of amounts due from 
the Polish subsidiaries of US$6.9 million (2019: US$6.2 million) which are repayable on demand and subject to a market rate of 
interest from the date the loan was advanced (Note 31). 

At 31 December 2020, the Company is owed US$122.4 million (2019: US$103.2 million) by its subsidiaries in respect of funds 
advanced to them and expenses discharged by the Company on their behalf. An impairment provision of US$104.2 million 
(2019: US$100.1 million) against these debts has been provided as at the year end. The credit-impaired balances relate to the 
funding of historical investments in subsidiaries to hold assets and businesses which have been abandoned or discontinued in 
prior periods and from which no economic value is expected. The expected credit loss on remaining loans to subsidiaries is 
not considered material. 

(ii) In 2017, other debtors included US$3.6 million due from NSP Investments Holdings Ltd for the disposal of equity accounted 
investments. During 2018, the Directors fully provided for the amount. There has been no change in 2020. 

The remaining other debtors consists of rent deposits and similar receivables. 

(iii) Prepayments includes an amount of US$0.8m in relation to the Oza deal, detailed in Subsequent Events (Note 33).

94       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

20. Cash and cash equivalents 

                                                                                                                                                                       Group                                                           Company 

                                                                                                                                                               2020                           2019                            2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                11,757                  36,197                  11,392                  35,888 

Solicitor client account (i)                                                                                     6,753                       500                    6,753                       500 

                                                                                                                              18,510                  36,697                  18,145                  36,388 

(i) Solicitor client account at 31 December 2020 represents monies held on behalf of the Company by Adepetun Caxton-Martins Agbor & Segun in relation to the 
Oza deal, detailed in Subsequent Events (Note 33) (2019: David M. Turner & Company Solicitors). 

21. Trade and other payables 

                                                                                                                                                                       Group                                                           Company 

                                                                                                                                                               2020                           2019                            2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Current 

Trade payables                                                                                                         719                    1,608                       187                       329 

Amounts owed to Group undertakings (i)                                                                 –                            –                    2,413                    2,401 

PAYE / PRSI                                                                                                                295                       215                       136                       116 

Other creditors                                                                                                           36                       158                            2                         71 

Accruals                                                                                                                  2,248                    3,092                       566                    1,344 

Current portion of lease                                                                                          333                       333                       333                       333 

                                                                                                                                 3,631                    5,406                    3,637                    4,594 

(i) Amounts owed to Group undertakings are interest free and repayable on demand (Note 31). 

22. Derivative 

                                                                                                                                                                       Group                                                           Company 

                                                                                                                                                               2020                           2019                            2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Non-current 

Derivative                                                                                                                       9                       128                            9                       128 

                                                                                                                                        9                       128                            9                       128

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      95

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

22. Derivative continued 

The key inputs into the valuation model are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                     Inter-relationships between the unobservable  
Valuation technique                                               Significant unobservable inputs                                            inputs and fair value measurement 

Black-Scholes model                                Option strike price of £0.30 to £0.45                  The estimated fair value would  
                                                                    (2019: £0.30 to £0.60)                                           increase / (decrease) if: 

                                                                    Average maturity of 0 to 1 year                           The share price increased /  
                                                                    (2019: 1 to 2 years)                                                (decreased) 

                                                                    Risk-free interest rate of 0.055%                         Sterling exchange rate  
                                                                    (2019: 0.055%)                                                       increased / (decreased) 

                                                                    Share price volatility of 62%                                 The risk free interest rate  
                                                                    (2019: 62%)                                                             increased / (decreased) 

The derivative is in relation to options and warrants that were issued in connection with financing provided to the Company 
between 2016 and 2018. 

23. Provisions for liabilities 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Decommissioning 
Group                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        US$’000 

At 1 January 2019                                                                                                                                                                                               760 

Currency translation adjustment                                                                                                                                                                        (2) 

Paid during the year                                                                                                                                                                                         (702) 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                                                                                                                         56 

Currency translation adjustment                                                                                                                                                                          – 

Paid during the year                                                                                                                                                                                               – 

At 31 December 2020                                                                                                                                                                                               56 

Current                                                                                                                                                                                                                        56 

Non-current                                                                                                                                                                                                                  – 

Decommissioning 
The provision for decommissioning costs is recorded at the value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the 
Group’s future obligations on decommissioning of previously drilled wells.

96       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
24. Share capital – Group and Company 

Rights and obligations attaching to the Ordinary Shares 
The Company has no securities in issue conferring special rights with regards control of the Company. All Ordinary Shares rank 
pari passu, and the rights attaching to the Ordinary Shares (including as to voting and transfer) are as set out in the Company’s 
Articles of Association (“Articles”). 

                                                                                                                                                                         Number of                              Number of 
                                                                                                                                                                   New Ordinary                                  Deferred                    Authorised 
                                                                                                                                                                                shares                     Ordinary shares                             Equity 
                                                                                                                                                                         €0.01 each                          €0.0001 each                         US$’000 

Authorised equity 

At 1 January 2019                                                                                                   2,847,406,025        1,265,259,397,525                  177,475 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                           2,847,406,025                                       –                  177,475 

At 31 December 2020                                                                                              2,847,406,025                                        –                   177,475 

Issued, called up and fully paid: 
                                                                                                                                    Number of                                  Number of  
                                                                                                                               New Ordinary                                     Deferred                          Share                          Share  
                                                                                                                                            shares                         Ordinary shares                         capital                    premium 
                                                                                                                                    €0.01 each                             €0.0001 each                      US$’000                      US$’000 

At 1 January 2019                                                                        500,256,857           1,265,259,397,525                150,600                478,666 

Issue of shares in lieu of salary (i)                                                  5,590,270                                          –                         63                    2,036 

Exercise of share options (ii)                                                              250,000                                          –                            3                         96 

Reduction of capital                                                                                        –          (1,265,259,397,525)             (144,871)             (459,721) 

Tender offer                                                                                  (50,475,000)                                         –                      (576)                           – 

Share buybacks                                                                               (4,319,113)                                         –                        (47)                           – 

At 31 December 2019                                                                451,303,014                                          –                    5,172                  21,077 

Share buybacks                                                                               (1,389,988)                                         –                        (15)                           – 

At 31 December 2020                                                                  449,913,026                                           –                     5,157                   21,077 

See Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity on pages 54 to 57. 

(i) On 25 February 2019, 5,590,270 ordinary shares were issued to Oisín Fanning in lieu of 80% of his salary due to him for the 
period 1 September 2016 to 30 September 2018. 

(ii) On 20 March 2019, the Company issued and allotted 250,000 New Ordinary Shares of €0.01 each in respect of options 
exercised. The options were exercised at a price of £0.30 (US$0.39) per share. 

Reduction of Capital 
On 8 February 2019, the Company obtained local statutory approval to cancel all the Deferred Shares of €0.0001 each, this 
resulted in the release of Share Capital of US$144.9 million, Share Premium of US$459.7 million, a required Special Reserve of 
US$5.0 million and an increase in retained earnings of US$599.0 million. 

Tender offer 
On 22 March 2019 the Company announced the result of the Tender Offer, being an offer by the Company to purchase shares from 
shareholders at 46p per share set out in the shareholder circular published by the Company on 20 February 2019 (the “Circular”). 

The maximum number of Ordinary Shares authorised by shareholders under the Tender Offer, being 50,475,000 Ordinary Shares, 
was acquired for a total cost of US$30.5 million. This represented approximately 9.97% of the issued ordinary share capital of the 
Company, at the date of the announcement.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      97

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

24. Share capital – Group and Company continued 

The Tender Offer was oversubscribed, with a total of 81,177,508 Ordinary Shares validly tendered by Qualifying Shareholders. 
Qualifying Shareholders who tendered Ordinary Shares equal to or less than their Individual Basic Entitlement had their tender 
accepted in full. Qualifying Shareholders who validly tendered in excess of their Individual Basic Entitlement had their tender 
accepted in respect of their Individual Basic Entitlement (being approximately 9.97% of their shareholding) plus approximately 
50.23% of the number of Ordinary Shares in excess of their Individual Basic Entitlement that they validly tendered. 

All proceeds payable under the Tender Offer to the Company’s shareholders were transferred to Computershare on 23 March 
2019 for distribution to the shareholders. 

As set out in the Circular, the Ordinary Shares were purchased by Cantor Fitzgerald Europe pursuant to the Tender Offer and the 
Company purchased such Ordinary Shares from Cantor Fitzgerald Europe under the terms of the Repurchase Agreement 
described in the Circular. 

The Company cancelled the Ordinary Shares purchased by it under the Repurchase Agreement, reducing the number of Ordinary 
Shares in issue from 506,097,127 Ordinary Shares to 455,622,127 Ordinary Shares (the “Cancellation”). 

Share buyback programme 
On 18 October 2019 the Company announced that, pursuant to the shareholder resolutions passed on 27 September 2019 at the 
Annual General Meeting, it planned to acquire ordinary shares of EUR 0.01 nominal value each (“Ordinary Shares”), up to a total 
value of US$2.0 million (the “Buyback Programme”). In accordance with the shareholder resolutions, the Company is proposed to 
acquire the Ordinary Shares at a maximum price of the greater of (i) 105% of the average market price of such shares for the 
previous five days and (ii) the higher of the price quoted for the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid 
or offer for such shares. 

Ordinary Shares acquired as a result of the Buyback Programme were cancelled. The Buyback Programme was funded from the 
Company’s cash balances. 

At 31 December 2019 Company had repurchased 4,319,113 Ordinary Shares at an aggregate value of US$1.5 million. Following 
cancellation of the shares repurchased to 31 December 2019, the total number of Ordinary Shares in issue with voting rights was 
451,303,014. 

On 22 January 2020 the Company announced that it had completed the buyback programme. Under the Buyback Programme, 
the Company repurchased 5,709,101 Ordinary Shares at an aggregate value of £1,570,085.49. Following cancellation of the final 
shares repurchased, the total number of Ordinary Shares in issue with voting rights was 449,913,026. 

25. Dividends paid 

In May 2020, the Company returned a special dividend to its shareholders of £0.06 per share, totalling US$33.3 million (£27.0 million).

98       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

26. Reserves 

The Statement of Changes in Equity outlines the movement in reserves during the year. Further details of these reserves are set 
out below: 

Currency translation reserve 
The currency translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements 
of foreign operations. 

The recycling of the currency translation reserve of US$1.0 million (2019: US$13.9 million) relates to the realisation of the 
cumulative foreign currency losses on the disposal or liquidation of non-core assets. 

Share-based payments reserve 
The share-based payments reserve comprises the fair value of all share options which have been charged over the vesting period, 
net of the amount relating to share options which have expired, been cancelled and have vested. 

Fair value reserve 
The fair value reserve comprises the cumulative net change in the fair value of financial assets measured at Fair Value through 
Other Comprehensive Income until the assets are derecognised. 

Special reserve 
Pursuant to the capital reduction, in Note 24, the Company undertook to credit US$5,024,260 to a special reserve. This special 
reserve is not a distributable reserve and must remain in place until such time as obligations in respect of certain guarantees 
given by the Company have lapsed or become unenforceable. 

27. Share-based payments  

Prior to 31 December 2012, the Group had one share-based payment scheme for executives and senior employees of the Group. 
In accordance with the provisions of the plan, as approved by shareholders at a previous general meeting, executives and senior 
employees may be granted options to purchase ordinary shares. 

Each share option converts into one ordinary share of San Leon Energy plc on exercise and options do not carry rights to 
dividends nor voting rights. Options may be exercised at any time from the date of vesting to the date of their expiry. The options 
vest in tranches subject to the achievement of certain service and non-market performance conditions. Market conditions in 
relation to the achievement of share price trading levels also apply in the case of certain options granted to the Directors, further 
details of which are set out in the Directors’ Report. 

During the first quarter of 2013, this scheme was replaced by a more formal Share Option Plan, which governs all future awards of 
share options made by San Leon. All employees, and certain Directors and consultants, may from time to time be eligible to receive 
a discretionary bonus to be awarded in the form of options over San Leon Ordinary shares. Historic options in respect of San Leon 
shares will continue to be governed by the terms and conditions set out in the historic share-based payments scheme. 

The Group’s equity share options are equity settled share-based payments as defined in IFRS 2: Share-Based Payments. The total 
share-based payment charge for the year has been calculated based on grant date fair value obtained using an option pricing 
model with a discount for market conditions applied based on a Monte Carlo simulator analysis where appropriate. The charge 
for the year is US$891,263 (2019: US$1,068,601) includes the charge for options issued to the Directors of US$418,048 
(2019: US$607,635) and shares to be issued to Directors of US$Nil (2019: US$Nil).

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020      99

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

27. Share-based payments continued 

The movement on outstanding share options and warrants during the year was as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                         2020                                                                2019 

                                                                                                                                                                                           Weighted                                                        Weighted  
                                                                                                                                                         Number                       average                      Number                      average 
                                                                                                                                                   of options /                      exercise                of options /                      exercise  
                                                                                                                                                        warrants                            price                     warrants                            price 

Balance at beginning of the financial year                                               40,559,075                  £0.400          39,035,025                  £0.620 

Granted during the financial year                                                               1,000,000                  £0.450            2,000,000                  £0.450 

Modified during the financial year *                                                                           –                  £0.393                            –                  £0.450 

Expired or cancelled during the financial year                                            (337,448)                 £0.592               (225,950)                 £9.337 

Exercised during the financial year                                                                            –                            –               (250,000)                 £0.300 

Balance at end of the financial year                                                         41,221,627                  £0.397          40,559,075                  £0.400 

Exercisable at end of the financial year                                                   41,221,627                  £0.397          40,559,075                  £0.400 

The range of exercise prices of outstanding options/warrants at year end is £0.25 to £0.45 (2019: £0.25 to £0.60). 

* On 26 February 2020 the Company repriced 1,500,000 options from £0.45 to £0.35, the expiry date of these options was also 
extended from 26 February 2020 by 4 years to 26 February 2024. The resulting charge for the year was US$326,581. 

* On 2 October 2020 the Company extended the expiry date of 2,222,222 options by 5 years to 2 October 2025. This resulted 
in a charge for the year of US$146,635. 

In March 2019 the Company repriced all outstanding options with an exercise price above £0.45 to £0.45. 

The weighted average remaining contractual life for options / warrants outstanding at 31 December 2020 is 2.94 years 
(2019: 3.53 years). 

During the current year no options were exercised (2019: 250,000 options at £0.25). 

The following table illustrates the number, exercise price and expiry date of share options and warrants remaining at year end. 

Type                                                                                                                                                                                      Number            Exercise price     Year of expiration 

Options                                                                                                                                               10,000                    £0.45                     2021 

Warrants                                                                                                                                          300,000                    £0.30                     2021 

Warrants                                                                                                                                          750,000                    £0.45                     2021 

Options                                                                                                                                         6,750,000                    £0.45                     2022 

Options                                                                                                                                       10,625,000                    £0.45                     2023 

Warrants                                                                                                                                     10,000,000                    £0.25                     2023 

Warrants                                                                                                                                       4,939,405                    £0.45                     2023 

Options                                                                                                                                         1,500,000                    £0.35                     2024 

Options                                                                                                                                            125,000                    £0.45                     2024 

Options                                                                                                                                         3,222,222                    £0.45                     2025 

Options                                                                                                                                         1,000,000                    £0.45                     2026 

Options                                                                                                                                         2,000,000                    £0.45                     2027 

Total                                                                                                                                                41,221,627

100     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

27. Share-based payments continued 

The following table lists the fair value of options granted and the inputs to the models used to calculate the grant date fair values 
of awards granted in 2020 and 2019, and the repricing of the options in 2019: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 

Weighted average fair value of options granted during year                                                                                     £0.25                    £0.20 

Weighted average share price of options at date of grant                                                                                         £0.39                    £0.28 

Dividend yield                                                                                                                                                                   0.00%                   0.00% 

Exercise price                                                                                                                                                                     £0.45                    £0.45 

Expected volatility                                                                                                                                                                72%          48% – 90% 

Risk-free interest rate                                                                                                                                                      0.55%      0.55% – 1.7% 

Expected option life                                                                                                                                                       7 years                 7 years 

Expected early exercise %                                                                                                                                                    0%                        0% 

Model used                                                                                                                                                         Black-Scholes      Black-Scholes 
                                                                                                                                                                                           model                   model 

The expected life used in the model is based on the expectation of management attaching to the option and behavioural 
considerations and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. Expected volatility is based on an analysis of 
the historical volatility of San Leon Energy plc shares and comparable listed entities. The fair value is measured at the date of grant. 
There are no conditions attached to the options. 

Option repricing 
In March 2019 the Company repriced all outstanding options with an exercise price above £0.45 to £0.45. 

28. Commitments and contingencies 

(a) Operating leases 
Cash commitments under operating leases (Note 30) are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Total                            Total 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
Group                                                                                                                                                                                                                    US$’000                      US$’000 

Payable: 

Within one year                                                                                                                                                                    369                       340 

Between one and five years                                                                                                                                            1,472                    1,348 

Over five years                                                                                                                                                                   1,718                    1,910 

                                                                                                                                                                                             3,559                    3,598 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Total                            Total 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
Company                                                                                                                                                                                                            US$’000                      US$’000 

Payable: 

Within one year                                                                                                                                                                    369                       337 

Between one and five years                                                                                                                                            1,472                    1,348 

Over five years                                                                                                                                                                   1,718                    1,910 

                                                                                                                                                                                             3,559                    3,595

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020    101

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

28. Commitments and contingencies continued 

(b) Decklar Petroleum Limited 
On 1 September 2020, the Company announced that it had conditionally agreed to invest US$7.5 million by way of a loan to 
Decklar Petroleum Limited, who is the holder of a Risk Service Agreement with Millenium Oil and Gas Company Limited on the 
Oza marginal field, carved out of OML 11, onshore Nigeria. Under the agreements, if completed, the Company will also receive a 
15% interest in Decklar for a nominal amount paid. This transaction is still awaiting final conditions precedents to complete. 

(c) Exploration, evaluation and development activities 
The Group has commitments of US$Nil (2019: US$Nil) in the year ended 31 December 2020 to contribute to its share of 
exploration and evaluation expenditure in respect of exploration licences and concessions held. 

(d) Horizon Petroleum Ltd 
The Group has a contingent asset, the consideration is in aggregate of US$2.0 million in relation to the sale completed in August 
2019 to Horizon Petroleum Ltd. outlined in Note 4. 

29. Deferred tax 

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following: 

                                                                                               Assets                                                           Liabilities                                                              Net 

                                                                                       2020                           2019                            2020                           2019                            2020                           2019 
Group                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Financial assets – IFRS 9                                   –                            –                   (1,416)                       (73)                  (1,416)                       (73) 

Financial assets – other                               175                       175                            –                            –                       175                       175 

Unrealised exchange difference                     –                            –                           (4)                           –                           (4)                           – 

Interest not taxable until received                  –                            –                      (199)                           –                      (199)                           – 

Tax losses recognised                                  926                    1,616                            –                            –                       926                    1,616 

                                                                     1,101                    1,791                   (1,619)                       (73)                     (518)                   1,718 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

At 1 January                                                                                                                                                                        1,718                 (12,404) 

Deferred tax on fair value movements in financial assets IFRS 9, Barryroe NPI (Note 10)                                   (1,343)                 16,064 

Origination and reversal of temporary differences (Note 10)                                                                                      (893)                  (2,006) 

Deferred tax on fair value of other financial assets, Quoted shares                                                                                 –                         64 

At 31 December                                                                                                                                                                 (518)                   1,718 

                                                                                               Assets                                                           Liabilities                                                              Net 

                                                                                       2020                           2019                            2020                           2019                            2020                           2019 
Company                                                           US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Financial assets – net profit Interest              –                            –                   (1,416)                       (73)                  (1,416)                       (73) 

Financial assets – other                               175                       175                            –                            –                       175                       175 

Tax losses recognised                                  996                    1,589                            –                            –                       996                    1,589 

                                                                     1,171                    1,764                   (1,416)                       (73)                     (245)                   1,691

102     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

29. Deferred tax continued 

Unrecognised deferred tax assets 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
Group                                                                                                                                                                                                                    US$’000                      US$’000 

Tax losses                                                                                                                                                                           8,631                  15,031 

Capitalised expenditure                                                                                                                                                 33,101                  32,764 

                                                                                                                                                                                          41,732                  47,795 

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the above items because it is not probable that future taxable profits 
will be available against which the Group can utilise these losses. 

30. Leases 

Statement of Financial Position 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
Group                                                                                                                                                                                                                    US$’000                      US$’000 

Right of use asset (included within Property, plant and equipment) 

Property leases 

At 1 January                                                                                                                                                                        2,952                    3,050 

Additions                                                                                                                                                                                    –                       231 

Depreciation charge for the period                                                                                                                                  (378)                     (329) 

Closing net carrying amount                                                                                                                                         2,574                    2,952 

Lease liability 

Property leases 

At 1 January                                                                                                                                                                        2,834                    3,050 

Payments – principal                                                                                                                                                          (211)                     (192) 

Payments – interest                                                                                                                                                            (131)                     (144) 

Currency translation adjustment                                                                                                                                       138                        (24) 

Interest                                                                                                                                                                                   131                       144 

Closing net carrying amount                                                                                                                                         2,761                    2,834 

Current                                                                                                                                                                                  333                       333 

Non-current                                                                                                                                                                      2,428                    2,501

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020    103

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

30. Leases continued 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
Company                                                                                                                                                                                                            US$’000                      US$’000 

Right of use asset (included within Property, plant and equipment) 

Property leases 

At 1 January                                                                                                                                                                        2,952                    3,050 

Additions                                                                                                                                                                                    –                       231 

Transfer to other company within the Group                                                                                                                   (96)                           – 

Depreciation charge for the period                                                                                                                                  (330)                     (329) 

Closing net carrying amount                                                                                                                                         2,526                    2,952 

Lease liability 

Property leases 

At 1 January                                                                                                                                                                        2,834                    3,050 

Payments – principal                                                                                                                                                          (211)                     (192) 

Payments – interest                                                                                                                                                            (131)                     (144) 

Currency translation adjustment                                                                                                                                       138                        (24) 

Interest                                                                                                                                                                                   131                       144 

Closing net carrying amount                                                                                                                                         2,761                    2,834 

Current                                                                                                                                                                                  333                       333 

Non-current                                                                                                                                                                      2,428                    2,501 

Income Statement 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
Group                                                                                                                                                                                                                    US$’000                      US$’000 

Right of use asset (included within Property, plant and equipment) 

Property leases 

Depreciation charge                                                                                                                                                            378                       329 

Interest expense                                                                                                                                                                   131                       144 

Expenses relating to low-value leases                                                                                                                                   –                         60 

Total                                                                                                                                                                                        509                       533 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
Company                                                                                                                                                                                                            US$’000                      US$’000 

Right of use asset (included within Property, plant and equipment) 

Property leases 

Depreciation charge                                                                                                                                                            330                       329 

Interest expense                                                                                                                                                                   131                       144 

Expenses relating to low-value leases                                                                                                                                   –                         60 

Total                                                                                                                                                                                        461                       533

104     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

31. Related party transactions 

The Company and Group has related party transactions with i) Directors ii) shareholders iii) subsidiaries and iv) other entities with 
which it has entered into business arrangements. Due to the influence or material interest that these parties have in transactions 
with the Company or Group they are required to be disclosed and are detailed below. 

Property 
The Company holds an option to acquire a property at market value from Mr. Fanning. The option has a remaining life of seven  
years and the option fee of US$409,000 is included in other receivables (Note 19) and is refundable when the Company either 
exercises or terminates the option. Mr. Fanning was paid US$215,999 (2019: US$221,195) rent for the use of this property during 
the year by the Company. 

The property is available for use by all staff and consultants requiring overnight accommodation while conducting business on 
behalf of the Company. 

Shares issued in lieu of salary 
On 25 February 2019, Mr. Fanning was issued 5,590,270 ordinary shares in lieu of 80% of his salary for the period 1 September 
2016 to 30 September 2018. 

Director change in Shareholding 
On 11 May 2020 the Company was notified that Mr. Fanning, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, acquired 98,000,000 
ordinary shares in the Company. Following the notification, Mr. Fanning had an interest of 107,495,864 ordinary shares, 
representing 23.89% of the issued share capital of the Company. 

On 23 December 2020 the Company announced that it had been informed that Mr. Fanning had been unable to secure the 
necessary funding for the above share purchase. Consequently, settlement of the share purchase did not occur. Following this, 
Mr. Fanning owns 9,495,864 ordinary shares in the Company, representing 2.1% of the issued share capital of the Company. 

Greenbay Energy Resources Limited 
San Leon Energy plc and Greenbay Energy Limited have a common Director, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu. San Leon has a consultancy 
agreement with Greenbay Energy Limited which was paid US$95,181 for amounts due for 2020 (2019: US$90,098). Please see the 
Director’s emolument table on page 27 which includes the amount paid to Greenbay Energy Limited. 

In June 2019, San Leon Energy plc entered into an agreement with Caledonian Properties Nigeria Limited (“Caledonian”), a 
company owned by Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, for the use of two properties in Lagos, Nigeria, in their entirety for two years from 1 July 
2019. Caledonian was paid US$231,000 for the period 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2021 of which US$115,500 relates to 2020 (2019: 
US$57,750 for the period 1 July to 31 December). It is common practice to pay such sums up-front in Nigeria. 

The properties are being provided at a competitive rate and it is an arm’s length transaction. 

One of the properties is used as an office and the other property is available for use by all staff and consultants requiring 
accommodation while conducting business on behalf of the Company. 

Palomar Natural Resources (Netherlands) B.V. / NSP Investments Holdings Ltd 
On 18 November 2016, the Company announced the sale of its (i) 35% interest in TSH Energy Joint Venture B.V. (TSH) and (ii) 35% 
interest in Poznan Energy B.V. (Poznan) to Palomar Natural Resources (Palomar). This divested the Company’s interest in the 
Rawicz and Siekierki fields respectively. A 10% net profit interest was retained in the Poznan assets. Palomar is regarded as a 
related party as it already held the remaining interest in both TSH and Poznan. 

The total cash consideration due to the Company for the sale of its 35% interest in TSH was US$9.0 million, of which US$4.5 million 
was received in November 2016. The balance of US$4.5 million plus accrued interest (the “Amount Due”) was due to paid to San 
Leon on or before 1 October 2017. As announced on 2 January 2018 under a novation agreement and extension agreement 
dated 22 December 2017, the Amount Due is now the full responsibility of NSP Investments Holdings Ltd, a BVI registered 
company that holds a 35% interest in TSH. San Leon also announced that it had received a further US$1.5 million payment of the 
Amount Due. The Company was due to receive a further US$3.6 million, including an extension fee plus any further accrued 
interest on or before 1 September 2018. The Company had not received the US$3.6 million by 31 December 2018 and, provided 
for expected credit losses of US$3.4 million and reversed accrued interest receivable in 2018 of US$0.2 million. As at 31 December 
2020 this position has not changed.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020    105

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

31. Related party transactions continued 

Toscafund Asset Management LLP 
Toscafund Asset Management LLP (“Toscafund”) is a related party on the basis that funds managed by Toscafund hold a 
substantial shareholding in San Leon Energy plc and the substantive transactions which the parties entered into during 2016 
and as more fully described below detailing the purchase of the indirect interest in OML 18. 

On 11 May 2020 the Company was informed that funds managed by Tosca Asset Management LLP had sold 98,000,000 ordinary 
shares in the Company on 7 May 2020. On completion of the sale funds managed by Tosca Asset Management LLP held 
228,771,927 ordinary shares, representing 50.85% of the issued share capital of the Company. This sale was not completed and 
on 22 December 2020 the Company was informed that funds managed by Tosca Asset Management LLP held 330,570,719 
ordinary shares in the Company at that date. 

OML 18 
In September 2016, the Company secured an indirect economic interest in Oil Mining Lease 18 (“OML 18”), onshore Nigeria. 

The Company undertook a number of steps to effect this purchase. MLPL, a company incorporated in Mauritius of which San Leon 
Nigeria B.V. has a 40% shareholding, was established as a special purpose vehicle to complete the transaction by purchasing all of 
the shares in Martwestern, a company incorporated in Nigeria. 

Martwestern holds a 50% shareholding in Eroton, a company incorporated in Nigeria and the operator of OML 18, and it also holds 
an initial 98% economic interest in Eroton. To partly fund the purchase of 100% of the shares of Martwestern, MLPL borrowed 
US$174.5 million in incremental amounts by issuing loan notes with a coupon of 17% (“Loan Notes”). Midwestern is the 60% 
shareholder of MLPL and transferred its shares in Martwestern to MLPL as part of the full transaction. Following its placing in 
September 2016, San Leon became beneficiary and holder of all Loan Notes issued by MLPL and the holder of an indirect economic 
interest in OML 18. San Leon is also a beneficiary of any dividends that will be paid by MLPL as a 40% shareholder in MLPL but the 
Loan Notes repayments and any other debt take priority over any dividend payments made to the MLPL shareholders. The 
economic effect of this structure is that San Leon has an initial indirect economic interest of 10.584%. in OML 18. Shareholders will 
note this is higher than the percentage interest anticipated by San Leon at the time of the acquisition. There have been no further 
purchases or payments by San Leon but this revised percentage is based on a reassessment and recalculation of the various 
parties’ interests in OML 18 which has resulted in Martwestern’s economic interest in Eroton now standing at 98%. 

To date, San Leon has received aggregate payments under the Loan Notes totalling US$190.6 million. An expected credit loss of 
US$2.0 million was recognised at 31 December 2019. Due to uncertainty around the timing of repayments, the Company has 
impaired the Loan Notes, netting the expected credit loss of US$2.0 million against the gross amortised value and recognising an 
impairment charge of US$15.8 million at 31 December 2020. 

To make payment of principal and interest due under the Loan Notes, MLPL is dependent on Eroton making dividend payments 
to Martwestern which in turn makes dividend payments to MLPL. MLPL will use the receipt of dividends to make Loan Notes 
payments to San Leon. There are various undertakings, guarantees and security in place with Eroton, Martwestern and Midwestern 
with regard to the Loan Notes, as more fully described below, in the event that MLPL is not in a position to pay the Loan Notes 
from dividends received. 

The Loan Notes have been secured with undertakings by both Eroton and Martwestern, including not to take any action within 
their control which would result in default by MLPL, and to act honestly and in good faith. In addition, to the extent practicable and 
subject to law, use commercially reasonable efforts to declare dividends in order that MLPL can satisfy its obligations under the 
Loan Notes instrument. 

The shares held by MLPL in Martwestern have also been pledged as security to the obligations under the Loan Notes. 

Midwestern and Mart Resources Limited jointly and severally guaranteed the payment of the Loan Notes following a default and 
to make immediate payment and performance of all obligations to holders of the Loan Notes. 

While San Leon is also a beneficiary of any dividends that will be paid by MLPL as a 40% shareholder in MLPL, the Loan Notes 
repayments must take priority over dividend payments made by MLPL to shareholders with a minimum 65% cash sweep of 
available funds for a period of four years in order to redeem the Loan Notes.

106     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

31. Related party transactions continued 

There are shareholders agreements which govern the relationship between Midwestern and San Leon, and Bilton and 
Martwestern regulating the rights and obligations with respect to MLPL, Martwestern and Eroton. These agreements cover the 
appointment of Directors and unanimous approval for major decisions. 

A Master Services Agreement exists which entitles San Leon Energy Nigeria B.V. to provide specific services to Eroton and 
Midwestern for their activities. 

During 2018 San Leon entered into an agreement with Eroton for the provision of subsurface technical and management services 
with estimated consideration for the services of US$6.0 million until the end of 2022. 

Further extensive details can be found on the Company’s website which contains a copy of the Admission Document at: 
http://www.sanleonenergy.com/media/2491705/admission_document_2016.pdf 

2017 
As a consequence of MLPL not being in receipt of dividends in 2017, MLPL had to enter into a loan during 2017 and subsequently 
in order to be able to meet its obligations under the Loan Notes and make payments to San Leon. During 2017 San Leon received 
total payments under the Loan Notes totalling US$39.6 million. All payments during 2017 were received by the due date and in 
accordance with the terms of the Loan Notes. 

2018 
During 2018 San Leon received total payments under the Loan Notes totalling US$66.2 million. MLPL also entered into loan 
agreements with third parties to enable it to make the repayments during 2018. 

2019 
During 2019 San Leon received total payments under the Loan Notes totalling US$43.2 million. MLPL used loan agreements 
similar to those entered into in 2018 to continue to make the repayments during 2019. 

2020 
During 2020 San Leon received total payments under the Loan Notes totalling US$46.5 million. MLPL used loan agreements 
similar to those entered into in 2019 to continue to make the repayments during 2020. 

Key management 
Key management is deemed to comprise the Board of Directors. The total remuneration paid to key management was as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

Salary and emoluments                                                                                                                                                   2,678                    2,579 

Bonuses                                                                                                                                                                              1,172                       637 

Social welfare costs                                                                                                                                                              282                       289 

Fees and consulting services                                                                                                                                              607                       593 

Termination payments                                                                                                                                                             –                       128 

Pension                                                                                                                                                                                    99                       102 

Benefits                                                                                                                                                                                    44                         33 

Share-based payment charge on repricing of options issued to Directors                                                                     –                       116 

Share-based payment expense                                                                                                                                         418                       492 

                                                                                                                                                                                             5,300                    4,969

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020    107

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

31. Related party transactions continued 

Company 
Transactions with subsidiaries and associates 
The Company has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries and associates. The Company and its subsidiaries and 
associates, in the ordinary course of business, enter into various sales, purchase and service transactions with joint operations in 
which the Group has a material interest. These transactions are under terms that are no less favourable to the Group than those 
arranged with third parties. 

At 31 December 2020, the Company is owed US$122.4 million (2019: US$103.2 million) by its subsidiaries in respect of funds 
advanced to them and expenses discharged by the Company on their behalf. An impairment provision of US$104.2 million (2019: 
US$100.1 million) against these debts has been provided as at the year end. The credit-impaired balances relate to the funding of 
historical investments in subsidiaries to hold assets and businesses which have been abandoned or discontinued in prior periods 
and from which no economic value is expected. The expected credit loss on remaining loans to subsidiaries is not considered 
material. The Company owes US$2.4 million (2019: US$2.4 million) to subsidiaries in respect of funds received by and services 
provided to the Company. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       US$’000 

Loss allowance at 31 December 2019                                                                                                                                                    100,059 

Expected credit losses released                                                                                                                                                                   4,181 

Loss allowance at 31 December 2020                                                                                                                                                       104,240 

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management 

The Group and Company’s principal financial instruments comprise trade receivables, other financial assets, trade payables and 
cash and cash equivalents. 

The main purpose of these financial instruments is to provide finance for the Group and Company’s operations. 

The Group and Company’s financial assets and liabilities are classified as: 

•

Financial liabilities: Amortised costs – trade and other payables and loans as described in Note 21; 

•

Financial assets: Amortised cost – Financial assets as described in Note 17 and Trade and other receivables as described in Note 19; 

•

Financial assets: FVTPL – net profit interest as described in Note 17; and 

•

Financial assets: FVOCI – equity instrument – unquoted investments and quoted investments as described in Note 17. 

The main risks arising from the Group and Company’s financial instruments are foreign currency risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, 
interest rate risk and capital management. Management reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks in a 
non-speculative manner which are summarised below. 

(a) Currency risk 
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on transactions denominated in a currency other than the relevant functional 
currency of the entities of the Group which consist of US Dollars, Euro, Sterling, Polish Zloty, and Moroccan Dirhams. The US Dollar 
is the presentation currency for financial reporting and budgeting. The Group manages its exposure by matching receipts and 
payments in the same currency and monitoring the residual net cash position. During the years ended 31 December 2020 and 
2019, the Group did not utilise either forward currency contracts or other derivatives to manage foreign currency risk.

108     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued 

At 31 December 2020, the Group’s principal exposure to foreign currency risk was as follows: 

                                                                                                           Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated  
                                                                                                                      in GBP£                       in EUR€                         in PLN                         in CAD                        in MAD 
                                                                                                                     US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Trade and other receivables                                                     810                       261                         30                            –                            – 

Trade and other payables                                                        (427)                  (1,861)                       (27)                           –                            – 

Provisions                                                                                         –                        (56)                           –                            –                            – 

Cash and cash equivalents                                                    1,332                       208                       115                            –                            1 

Total 2020                                                                                  1,715                    (1,448)                       118                             –                             1 

At 31 December 2019, the Group’s principal exposure to foreign currency risk was as follows: 

                                                                                                           Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated  
                                                                                                                      in GBP£                         in US$                         in PLN                         in CAD                        in MAD 
                                                                                                                     US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Trade and other receivables                                                     585                       350                         52                            –                            – 

Trade and other payables                                                        (553)                  (2,666)                       (33)                          (6)                     (250) 

Provisions                                                                                         –                        (56)                           –                            –                            – 

Cash and cash equivalents                                                       481                         95                       264                            –                            1 

Total 2019                                                                                   513                   (2,277)                      283                           (6)                     (249) 

At 31 December 2020, the Company’s principal exposure to foreign currency risk was as follows: 

                                                                                                           Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated  
                                                                                                                      in GBP£                       in EUR€                         in PLN                         in CAD                        in MAD 
                                                                                                                     US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Trade and other receivables                                                     808                    3,398                            –                            –                            – 

Trade and other payables                                                        (225)                  (2,908)                           –                            –                            – 

Cash and cash equivalents                                                    1,134                       172                            –                            –                            1 

Total 2020                                                                                  1,717                        662                             –                             –                             1 

At 31 December 2019, the Company’s principal exposure to foreign currency risk was as follows: 

                                                                                                           Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated  
                                                                                                                      in GBP£                         in US$                         in PLN                         in CAD                        in MAD 
                                                                                                                     US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Trade and other receivables                                                     695                    3,373                            –                            –                            – 

Trade and other payables                                                        (369)                  (3,125)                           –                           (6)                           – 

Cash and cash equivalents                                                       471                         86                            –                            –                            1 

Total 2019                                                                                   797                       334                            –                           (6)                           1

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020    109

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued 

The euro exchange rates used in the preparation of the financial statements were as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                         2020                                                                2019 

                                                                                                                                                 Average rate               Closing rate              Average rate                Closing rate 

Sterling                                                                                                             0.778085              0.732646             0.784092             0.757344 

Euro                                                                                                                  0.873668              0.814930             0.893276             0.890155 

Polish Zloty                                                                                                      3.887568              3.715834             3.838961             3.789211 

Canadian Dollars                                                                                            1.338696              1.273979             1.326942             1.299448 

Moroccan Dirhams                                                                                         9.237400              8.910443             9.564350             9.534350 

Sensitivity analysis 
If the US Dollar increased by 1% in value against the above currencies, the Group’s loss for the year would increase and equity at 
year end would decrease by US$3,773. If the US Dollar decreased by 1% in value against the above currencies, the Group’s loss 
for the year would decrease and equity at year end would increase by US$3,810. 

If the US Dollar increased by 1% in value against the above currencies, the Company’s loss for the year would increase and equity 
at year end would decrease by US$23,560. If the US Dollar decreased by 1% in value against the above currencies, the Company’s 
loss for the year would decrease and equity at year end would increase by US$23,795. 

(b) Credit risk 
Credit risk refers to the risk that any counter-party will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. 

The Group and Company’s financial assets excluding ‘Financial assets – Net Profit Interest’, see (f) ‘Fair values’ comprise trade and 
other receivables, cash and cash equivalents OML 18 and ELI. 

The maximum financial exposure due to credit risk on the Group’s financial assets not subject to impairment of IFRS 9, 
representing the sum of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and other current assets, as at 31 December 2020 
was US$20.6 million (2019: US$37.9 million). 

Trade and other receivables 
Within trade and other receivables there is no significant exposure to credit risk. The credit risk on amounts receivable from joint 
operating partners is managed by agreeing budgets in advance with partners and where appropriate collecting any material share 
of exploration costs from partners in advance of completing the exploration work programme. Amounts in trade and other 
receivables impaired during 2020 are explained in Note 19 and management believes that the existing sums are still collectable. 

OML 18 
The OML 18 transaction comprised the US$174.5 million Loan Notes as detailed in Note 17. The credit risk is managed via various 
undertakings, guarantees, a pledge over shares and the mechanism whereby MLPL prioritises payment of sums due under the Loan 
Notes. Given the size and quality of the OML 18 oil and gas asset the main credit risk is regarded as the timing of payments by MLPL 
which is dependent on dividend distributions by Eroton rather than being unable to pay the total quantum due under the Loan 
Notes. To date Eroton have been unable to make a dividend distribution. Consequently, MLPL had to enter into a loan in 2017 and 
further loan subsequently, in order to be able to meet its obligations under the Loan Notes and make payments to San Leon. 

The credit risk associated with the MLPL Loan Notes is not regarded as low and despite quarterly payments being largely received 
previously to date, however not always on time, and given other considerations, this has led the Company to determine that 
providing for a loss over the lifetime of the loan is appropriate. Establishing an expected credit loss over the lifetime of the loan for 
a single receivable requires significant judgement, as there is limited relevant historical data in the Company, and no obvious 
reliable market data to benchmark. The factors that were considered in coming to the conclusion of a lifetime expected credit loss 
provision are explained as follows. 

The credit risk of the instrument needs to be evaluated without consideration of collateral. Financial instruments are not 
considered to have low credit risk because that risk is mitigated by collateral.

110     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued 

MLPL is expected to repay all interest and principal due under the loan agreement, however it is currently experiencing short term 
cash flow issues which makes it challenging to predict when repayments will be made. The increase in credit risk is due to the 
uncertainty in timing of when Loan Note repayments are received. It does not change the prevailing expectation that the loan will 
be recovered in full. 

In addition, the Directors have reviewed the counterparty credit risk associated with measurement of the credit impairment. 
This risk has previously been assessed as having increased significantly since initial recognition, and is considered to have 
increased further during the year ended 31 December 2020. 

As the asset is determined to be credit-impaired, the lifetime expected credit loss has been presented net against the gross 
carrying value of the Loan Notes balance on the Statement of Financial Position and remeasured at each reporting date. 
The MLPL loan asset will continue to be held using the effective interest rate method. 

The consideration of credit impairment for this asset is set out in Note 17. 

The Directors have considered the impact of Covid-19, the impact on oil price and demand and short term production issues on 
the Loan Notes and associated credit risk, all of which are tied to the performance of the OML 18 asset. The short term production 
issues are expected to delay Eroton’s ability to return to full production and benefit from the recovery in the oil price, with the 
overall effect likely to be short term cash flow issues resulting in a delay in receiving distributions from Eroton via MLPL. The 
Directors have therefore concluded that the risk profile of the Loan Notes has increased. 

In the opinion of the Directors there is currently no difference between the carrying amount of the MLPL loan net of the provision 
and its fair value. 

The following table provides information about the exposure to credit risk and expected credit losses of the OML 18 Loan Notes 
as at 31 December 2020. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                         Gross               Impairment  
                                                                                                                                                            Weighted                      carrying                              loss  
                                                                                                                                                               average                       amount                   allowance                          Credit  
Equivalent to Moody’s credit rating                                                                           loss rate                        US$000                        US$000                     impaired 

Lower than BBB                                                                                                 18.17%                   84,234                   15,309                        Yes 

The following table provides information about the exposure to credit risk and expected credit losses of the OML 18 Loan Notes 
as at 31 December 2019. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Gross                Impairment  
                                                                                                                                                       Weighted                      carrying                              loss  
                                                                                                                                                          average                      amount                   allowance                          Credit  
Equivalent to Moody’s credit rating                                                                           loss rate                      US$000                      US$000                     impaired 

Lower than BBB                                                                                                   1.75%                114,254                    2,002                         No 

ELI 
The ELI transaction comprises a US$15.0 million shareholder loan as detailed in Note 17. The credit risk is managed via various 
undertakings, such as representations, warranties and covenants and the ability for a preferential distribution should some 
warranties be breached. Given the nature and stage of the asset the main credit risk is regarded as the timing of payments by ELI 
Malta which is dependent on dividend distributions by ELI Nigeria rather than being unable to pay the total quantum due under 
the Loan Notes. Currently the Loan Notes are in good standing with the first repayment due on 31 July 2021. 

The credit risk associated with the ELI Loan Notes is regarded as low which has led the Company to determine that providing for a 
loss over the following 12-month period is appropriate. Establishing an expected credit loss over the following 12-months of the 
loan for a single receivable requires significant judgement, as there is limited relevant historical data in the Company, and no 
obvious reliable market data to benchmark. The factors that were considered in coming to the conclusion of a 12-month expected 
credit loss provision are explained as follows.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020    111

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued 

The credit risk of the instrument needs to be evaluated without consideration of collateral. Financial instruments are not 
considered to have low credit risk because that risk is mitigated by collateral. 

ELI is not considered to be in financial difficulty and is expected to repay all interest and principal due under the loan agreement. 

In addition, the Directors have reviewed the counterparty credit risk associated with measurement of the expected credit loss and, 
this has been assessed as having not increased significantly since initial recognition. 

As the asset is not credit-impaired, the 12-month expected credit loss is recorded as a separate provision on the Statement of 
Financial Position and remeasured at each reporting date. The ELI loan asset will continue to be held using the effective interest 
rate method. 

The consideration of expected credit losses for this asset is set out in Note 17. 

The Directors have considered the impact of Covid-19 on the Loan Notes and associated credit risk, and although this has slightly 
delayed the completion of the pipeline, the Directors do not expect a material effect on the risk profile of the Loan Notes. 

In the opinion of the Directors there is no difference between the carrying amount of the MLPL loan and its fair value. 

The following table provides information about the exposure to credit risk and expected credit losses of the ELI Loan Notes as at 
31 December 2020. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                         Gross               Impairment  
                                                                                                                                                            Weighted                      carrying                              loss  
                                                                                                                                                               average                       amount                   allowance                          Credit  
Equivalent to Moody’s credit rating                                                                           loss rate                        US$000                        US$000                     impaired 

Lower than BBB                                                                                                      2.51%                   15,353                        385                         No 

Cash and cash equivalents 
The credit risk on cash and cash equivalents held in the Group’s bank accounts is considered limited because the counterparties 
are banks with high credit-ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies. The Group also holds limited funds for day to 
day operational purposes with Irish banking institutions which are subject to guarantee by the Irish government. The Group and 
Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents in its consolidated and 
Company statement of financial position. The Group does not expect any counterparty to fail to meet its obligations. 

Details of cash deposits, which are all for terms of one month or less are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                       Group                                                           Company 

                                                                                                                                                               2020                           2019                            2020                           2019 
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Euro                                                                                                                            208                         95                       172                         86 

Sterling                                                                                                                    1,332                       481                    1,134                       471 

US Dollar                                                                                                              16,855                  35,856                  16,838                  35,830 

Polish Zloty                                                                                                                114                       264                            –                            – 

Moroccan Dirhams                                                                                                       1                            1                            1                            1 

                                                                                                                              18,510                  36,697                  18,145                  36,388

112     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued 

(c) Liquidity risk management 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not have sufficient funds to meet liabilities as they fall due. The Group manages liquidity 
risk by maintaining adequate cash reserves and by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and matching the 
maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities. Cash forecasts are produced to identify the liquidity requirements of the Group. 
Surplus cash is placed on deposit in accordance with limits and counterparties agreed by the Board, with the objective to maximise 
return on funds whilst ensuring that the short-term cash requirements of the Group are maintained. 

All cash and cash equivalents held in the Group’s bank accounts are due on demand. All trade and other receivables and trade 
and other payables are due within one month. 

The financial liabilities at 31 December 2020 are as follows: 

                                                                                                                   Less than                        One to                        Two to              Greater than 
                                                                                                                    one year                   two years                    five years                    five years                            Total 
Group                                                                                                       US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Trade and other payables, excluding leases (Note 21)        3,298                            –                            –                            –                    3,298 

Operating leases (Note 28)                                                       369                       369                    1,103                    1,718                    3,559 

Derivative (Note 22)                                                                        9                            –                            –                            –                            9 

                                                                                                   3,676                        369                     1,103                     1,718                     6,866 

                                                                                                                   Less than                        One to                        Two to              Greater than 
                                                                                                                    one year                   two years                    five years                    five years                            Total 
Company                                                                                               US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Trade and other payables, excluding lease (Note 21)         3,304                            –                            –                            –                    3,304 

Operating leases (Note 28)                                                       369                       369                    1,103                    1,718                    3,559 

Derivative (Note 22)                                                                        9                            –                            –                            –                            9 

                                                                                                   3,682                        369                     1,103                     1,718                     6,872 

The financial liabilities at 31 December 2019 are as follows: 

                                                                                                                   Less than                        One to                        Two to              Greater than 
                                                                                                                    one year                   two years                    five years                    five years                            Total 
Group                                                                                                       US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Trade and other payables, excluding leases (Note 21)        5,073                            –                            –                            –                    5,073 

Operating leases (Note 28)                                                       340                       337                    1,011                    1,910                    3,598 

Derivative (Note 22)                                                                      57                         71                            –                            –                       128 

                                                                                                   5,470                       408                    1,011                    1,910                    8,799 

                                                                                                                   Less than                        One to                        Two to              Greater than 
                                                                                                                    one year                   two years                    five years                    five years                            Total 
Company                                                                                               US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Trade and other payables, excluding lease (Note 21)         4,261                            –                            –                            –                    4,261 

Operating leases (Note 28)                                                       337                       337                    1,011                    1,910                    3,595 

Derivative (Note 22)                                                                      57                         71                            –                            –                       128 

                                                                                                   4,655                       408                    1,011                    1,910                    7,984

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020    113

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued 

The contractual cash flows are equal to the carrying value for trade and other payables. Contractual cash flows from operating 
leases once discounted at the incremental borrowing rate (Note 30) will then equate the carrying value. 

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the volatility in oil prices and demand, OPEC quotas, and recent operational challenges 
being experienced by OML 18 could potentially have an impact on the Company’s indirect interest in OML 18 and receipt of Loan 
Note repayments. However, San Leon is still confident in the operational potential of OML 18 and ultimately recovering the full 
amount of the outstanding Loan Notes. Any impact on the Company’s liquidity risk is expected to be short term and mitigated by 
the receipt of cash from other sources, such as Loan Note repayments from ELI and services income. 

(d) Interest rate risk 
The Group and Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Group and Company’s 
holdings of cash and short-term deposits. 

It is the Group and Company’s policy to place surplus funds on short term deposit in order to maximise interest earned whilst 
maintaining adequate short-term liquidity for operational requirements. 

The Loan Notes referred to in Note 17 attract a 17% fixed rate of contractual interest and as a consequence there is no interest 
rate exposure. 

(e) Capital management risk 
The Group and Company manage its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while 
maximising the return to shareholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The Group and Company 
manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain or adjust its 
capital structure, the Group may adjust or issue new shares or raise debt. In 2019 the Company obtained local statutory approval 
to cancel all the Deferred Shares of €0.0001 each, resulting in the release of Share Capital of US$144.9 million, Share Premium of 
US$459.7 million, a required Special Reserve of US$5.0 million and an increase in retained earnings of US$599.0 million. This 
enabled the Company to buyback shares to the value of US$30.5 million in that year. See Note 24 for further details. The capital 
structure of the Group consists of equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and 
retained losses as disclosed in the consolidated statement of changes in equity. 

The Group net debt and equity, and the net debt to equity ratio at 31 December 2020 was as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2020                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                  (Restated*) 

Total liabilities                                                                                                                                                                    6,642                    8,091 

Less: cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                   18,510                  36,697 

Adjusted net debt                                                                                                                                                         (11,868)                (28,606) 

Total equity                                                                                                                                                                    152,060                195,848 

Adjusted net debt to equity ratio                                                                                                                                  (0.08)                    (0.15) 

* See Note 13 for details on restated amounts.

114     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued 

(f) Financial assets and liabilities by category 
The following table sets out the carrying value of all the financial assets and liabilities held at 31 December 2020: 

                                                                                                                                                              Carrying 
                                                                                                                      Fair value                       amount                         Level 1                         Level 2                      Level 3^ 
                                                                                                               31 December            31 December            31 December            31 December            31 December 
                                                                                                                                2020                             2020                             2020                             2020                             2020 
Group                                                                                                       US$’000                       US$’000                       US$’000                       US$’000                       US$’000 

Financial assets 

OML 18# (Note 17)                                                               68,925                   68,925                             –                             –                   68,925 

ELI (Note 17)                                                                          14,968                   14,968                             –                             –                   14,968 

Barryroe NPI (Note 17)                                                           6,842                     6,842                             –                             –                     6,842 

Unquoted shares (Note 17)                                                           –                             –                             –                             –                             – 

Trade receivables * (Note 19)                                                        2                             2                             –                             –                             – 

Cash and cash equivalents * (Note 20)                              18,510                   18,510                             –                             –                             – 

Other debtors * (Note 19)                                                         732                        732                             –                             –                             – 

Financial liabilities 

Trade payables * (Note 21)                                                       (719)                      (719)                            –                             –                             – 

Other creditors * (Note 21)                                                        (36)                        (36)                            –                             –                             – 

Derivative (Note 22)                                                                       (9)                          (9)                            –                             –                           (9) 

At 31 December 2020                                                       109,215                109,215                             –                             –                   90,726 

# The credit risk of the OML 18 loan has been assessed as having significantly increased since initial recognition, affecting the underlying determination of the fair value. 

Therefore, the carrying amount arising from the application of the effective interest rate method is greater than the fair value. 

* The Group has not disclosed the fair value of financial instruments such as short-term receivables and payables, as it is considered that their carrying amounts are a 

reasonable approximation of their fair values. 

^ For detailed disclosures on the valuation techniques of level 3 disclosures see the note referenced above. 

                                                                                                                                                              Carrying 
                                                                                                                      Fair value                       amount                         Level 1                         Level 2                      Level 3^ 
                                                                                                               31 December            31 December            31 December            31 December            31 December 
                                                                                                                                2019                             2019                             2019                             2019                             2019 
Company                                                                                               US$’000                       US$’000                       US$’000                       US$’000                       US$’000 

Financial assets 

OML 18# (Note 17)                                                               68,925                   68,925                             –                             –                   68,925 

Barryroe NPI (Note 17)                                                           6,842                     6,842                             –                             –                     6,842 

Cash and cash equivalents * (Note 20)                              18,145                   18,145                             –                             –                             – 

Other debtors * (Note 19)                                                         726                        726                             –                             –                             – 

Financial liabilities 

Trade payables * (Note 21)                                                       (187)                      (187)                            –                             –                             – 

Other creditors * (Note 21)                                                           (2)                          (2)                            –                             –                             – 

Derivative (Note 22)                                                                       (9)                          (9)                            –                             –                           (9) 

At 31 December 2020                                                           94,440                   94,440                             –                             –                   75,758 

# There has been no change to the assumptions underlying the determination of fair value of the OML 18 loan since initial recognition. Therefore, the carrying amount 

arising from the application of the effective interest rate method approximates to the fair value. 

* The Group has not disclosed the fair value of financial instruments such as short-term receivables and payables, as it is considered that their carrying amounts are a 

reasonable approximation of their fair values. 

^ For detailed disclosures on the valuation techniques of level 3 disclosures see the note referenced above.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020    115

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued 

During the period ended 31 December 2020, there were no significant changes in the business or economic circumstances that 
affect the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, no reclassifications and no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy 
used in measuring the fair value of the financial instruments. 

The following table sets out the carrying value of all the financial assets and liabilities held at 31 December 2019: 

                                                                                                                                                                Carrying 
                                                                                                                        Fair value                        amount                         Level 1                         Level 2                       Level 3^ 
                                                                                                                31 December              31 December              31 December              31 December              31 December 
                                                                                                                                2019                             2019                             2019                             2019                             2019 
Group                                                                                                       US$’000                       US$’000                       US$’000                       US$’000                       US$’000 

Financial assets 

OML 18 (Note 17)                                                               111,323                112,252                            –                            –                112,252 

Barryroe NPI (Note 17)                                                           2,769                    2,769                            –                            –                    2,769 

Unquoted shares (Note 17)                                                      194                       194                            –                            –                       194 

Trade receivables* (Note 19)                                                        2                            2                            –                            –                            – 

Cash and cash equivalents* (Note 20)                              36,697                  36,697                            –                            –                            – 

Other debtors* (Note 19)                                                         710                       710                            –                            –                            – 

Financial liabilities 

Trade payables* (Note 21)                                                    (1,608)                  (1,608)                           –                            –                            – 

Other creditors* (Note 21)                                                      (158)                     (158)                           –                            –                            – 

Derivative (Note 22)                                                                  (128)                     (128)                           –                            –                      (128) 

At 31 December 2019                                                       149,801                150,730                            –                            –                115,087 

* The Group has not disclosed the fair value of financial instruments such as short-term receivables and payables, as it is considered that their carrying amounts are 

a reasonable approximation of their fair values. 

^ For detailed disclosures on the valuation techniques of level 3 disclosures see the note referenced above. 

                                                                                                                                                                Carrying 
                                                                                                                        Fair value                        amount                         Level 1                         Level 2                       Level 3^ 
                                                                                                                31 December              31 December              31 December              31 December              31 December 
                                                                                                                                2019                             2019                             2019                             2019                             2019 
Company                                                                                               US$’000                       US$’000                       US$’000                       US$’000                       US$’000 

Financial assets 

OML 18 (Note 17)                                                               111,323                112,252                            –                            –                112,252 

Barryroe NPI (Note 17)                                                           2,769                    2,769                            –                            –                    2,769 

Cash and cash equivalents* (Note 20)                              36,388                  36,388                            –                            –                            – 

Other debtors* (Note 19)                                                         696                       696                            –                            –                            – 

Financial liabilities 

Trade payables* (Note 21)                                                       (329)                     (329)                           –                            –                            – 

Other creditors* (Note 21)                                                         (71)                       (71)                           –                            –                            – 

Derivative (Note 22)                                                                  (128)                     (128)                           –                            –                      (128) 

At 31 December 2019                                                       150,648                151,577                            –                            –                114,893 

* The Group has not disclosed the fair value of financial instruments such as short-term receivables and payables, as it is considered that their carrying amounts are a 

reasonable approximation of their fair values. 

^ For detailed disclosures on the valuation techniques of level 3 disclosures see the note referenced above.

116     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued 

During the period ended 31 December 2019, there were no significant changes in the business or economic circumstances that 
affect the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, no reclassifications and no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy 
used in measuring the fair value of the financial instruments. 

(g) Hedging 
At 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019, the Group and Company had no outstanding contracts designated as hedges. 

33. Subsequent events 

MLPL Loan Note 
The Company has received US$0.8 million in Loan Note repayments since 31 December 2020. 

Barryroe NPI 
On 22 April 2021, Providence Resources plc announced that the farmout agreement with SpotOn Energy for the Barryroe Licence 
had been terminated due to SpotOn Energy’s inability to secure financing. Providence are now progressing arrangements for an 
alternative funding package to finance 100% of the costs for the early development scheme of the Barryroe Licence. 

Since this announcement the share price of Providence has materially reduced compared to the price quoted at 31 December 
2020 which was used as a key input in the valuation of the Company’s 4.5% NPI in Barryroe. Should the share price remain 
materially lower than at half year reporting, the carrying value of the Barryroe NPI will likely be impaired. 

Appointment of new Director 
On 7 May 2021, John Brown was appointed to the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director. 

Resignation of Director 
On 7 May 2021, Alan Campbell stepped down from the Board as an Executive Director. 

Property owned by Mr. Oisín Fanning 
In June 2021, the Company signed a licence with Mr. Oisín Fanning to use the property previously disclosed in Note 31 for office 
space. The monthly rent payable is on average US$32,000. 

ELI – additional investment 
On 24 June 2021, the Company announced a conditional investment of US$2.0 million and an option to conditionally invest a 
further US$6.5 million in the equity of ELI. The equity being conditionally purchased and the equity that may be purchased via the 
option are existing equity interests in ELI owned by Walstrand (Malta) Limited, ELI’s largest shareholder. 

Proposed transactions and Suspension of San Leon shares 
On 24 June 2021, the Company announced that it was is in preliminary discussions with Midwestern about acquiring Midwestern’s 
interest in the OML 18 oil and gas block located onshore in Nigeria. At this date, heads of terms for the transaction had not been 
agreed. The transaction would involve San Leon acquiring the outstanding shares not already owned by San Leon in relation to MLPL. 
San Leon is not contemplating acquiring Midwestern. San Leon currently owns 40% of MLPL with Midwestern owning the other 60%. 

In addition, the Company is considering making further debt and equity investments in ELI.  

Elements of the above transactions would constitute a reverse takeover under rule 14 of the AIM Rules for Companies.  

San Leon and Midwestern are in discussions for the Company to acquire the remaining 60% equity interest in MLPL from 
Midwestern. The consideration for this would be satisfied by the issuance of a substantial number of new ordinary shares in 
San Leon to Midwestern such that Midwestern would become the majority shareholder of San Leon.

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020    117

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 – continued

33. Subsequent events continued 

The proposed transaction is at a very early stage and will therefore be subject to a number of factors, including, inter alia, the 
completion of due diligence, negotiation of transaction documentation, regulatory approvals, a “whitewash” under the Irish 
Takeover Rules and shareholder approval. As such, there is no certainty that the transaction will proceed nor any certainty 
regarding the terms on which they would proceed.  

Related party 
Midwestern currently holds more than 10% of the Company’s ordinary shares. Accordingly, Midwestern is classified as a related 
party under the AIM Rules and the transactions above in which Midwestern has an interest will therefore be treated as 
transactions with a related party pursuant to rule 13 of the AIM Rules.  

Suspension of trading 
As the transactions would constitute a reverse takeover under rule 14 of the AIM Rules, these will be subject, inter alia, to the 
approval of San Leon’s shareholders. As such, a further announcement including, inter alia, full details of the transactions will be 
issued at the appropriate time once binding contracts are entered into and an AIM admission document published and sent to 
San Leon’s shareholders with a notice of general meeting. 

In accordance with rule 14 of the AIM Rules, the Company's ordinary shares were suspended from trading on AIM on 24 June 
2021. The Company's ordinary shares will remain suspended until such time as either an AIM admission document is published 
or an announcement is released confirming that the relevant transactions are not proceeding. 

34. Approval of financial statements 

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board on 28 June 2021.

118     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Alternative performance measures

The Group monitors the par value of the Loan Notes, which is a non-IFRS measure. 

The Group believes that the disclosure of the par value of the Loan Notes will assist investors in evaluating the performance of the 
underlying Loan Notes. Given that these cash metrics are used by management, they also give the investor an insight into how 
the Group management review and monitor the Loan Notes on an ongoing basis. 

A reconciliation from the value of the OML 18 Loan Notes under IFRS 9, excluding expected credit losses, and the par value is 
provided below: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  IFRS 9 
                                                                                                                                                                                          Amortised                          IFRS 9  
                                                                                                                                                                                                     Cost                Adjustment                    Par value 
                                                                                                                                                                                              US$’000                    US$’000*                      US$’000 

Loan Notes at 31 December 2019                                                                                              114,254                    4,494             118,748# 

Interest accrued on Loan Notes (1 January 2020 to 6 April 2020)                                              6,783                   (1,886)                   4,897 

Cash receipts (1 January 2020 to 6 April 2020)                                                                           (41,500)                           –                 (41,500) 

Loan Notes at 6 April 2020                                                                                                              79,537                    2,608                  82,145 

Interest accrued on Loan Notes (7 April 2020 to 31 December 2020)                                       9,697                       595                  10,292 

Cash receipts (7 April 2020 to 31 December 2020)                                                                      (5,000)                           –                   (5,000) 

Loan Notes at 31 December 2020                                                                                                   84,234                     3,203                87,437^ 

Interest accrued on Loan Notes (1 January 2021 to 18 June 2021)                                            8,961                   (2,496)                   6,465 

Cash receipts (1 January 2021 to 18 June 2021)                                                                              (750)                           –                      (750) 

Loan Notes at 18 June 2021                                                                                                              92,445                        707                   93,152 

* The effective interest rate is 25% and the coupon rate is 17% (Note 17). 

# Made up of capital balance of US$108.4 million and accrued interest of US$10.3 million. 

^ Made up of capital balance of US$82.1 million and accrued interest of US$5.3 million. 

A reconciliation from the value of the ELI Loan Notes under IFRS 9, excluding expected credit losses, and the par value is 
provided below: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  IFRS 9 
                                                                                                                                                                                          Amortised                          IFRS 9  
                                                                                                                                                                                                     Cost                Adjustment                    Par value 
                                                                                                                                                                                              US$’000                    US$’000*                      US$’000 

Loan Notes at 31 December 2020                                                                                                 15,353                       399                15,752^ 

Interest accrued on Loan Notes (1 January 2021 to 18 June 2021)                                            1,092                      (120)                      972 

Cash receipts (1 January 2021 to 18 June 2021)                                                                                    –                            –                            – 

Loan Notes at 18 June 2021                                                                                                              16,445                        279                   16,724 

* The effective interest rate is 16% and the coupon rate is 14% (Note 17) 

^ Made up of capital balance of US$15.0 million and accrued interest of US$0.8 million

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020    119

 
 
 
 
Registrars 

Computershare Investor Services 
(Ireland) Limited  
3100 Lake Drive 
Citywest Business Campus 
Dublin 24 

Public Relations 

Tavistock 
1 Cornhill 
London EC3V 3ND 

Plunkett Communications 
62b York Road 
Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin 

Registered Number 

237825

Corporate information

Directors 

Mutiu Sunmonu (Non-Executive Chairman) 

Oisín Fanning (Chief Executive Officer)  

Joel Price (Chief Operating Officer) 

Alan Campbell (Commercial and Business 
Development Director) resigned 7 May 2021 

Lisa Mitchell (Chief Financial Officer) 

Mark Phillips (Non-Executive Director) 
resigned 29 June 2020 

Linda Beal (Non-Executive Director) 
resigned 8 December 2020 

Bill Higgs (Non-Executive Director) 
resigned 18 May 2020 

Adekolapo Ademola (Non-Executive 
Director) appointed 7 April 2020 

John Brown (Non-Executive Director) 
appointed 7 May 2021 

Registered Office 

2 Shelbourne Buildings  
Crampton Avenue  
Shelbourne Road 
Ballsbridge  
Dublin 4 

Secretary 

Alan Campbell 

Auditor 

KPMG 
Chartered Accountants, 
Statutory Audit Firm  
1 Stokes Place 
St Stephen’s Green 
Dublin 2

Principal Bankers 

Barclays Bank plc 
Leicester 
Leicestershire LE87 2BB 
United Kingdom 

Solicitors 

Whitney Moore Solicitors 
2 Shelbourne Buildings 
Crampton Avenue 
Shelbourne Road 
Ballsbridge 
Dublin 4 

David M Turner & Co Solicitors 
32 Lower Abbey Street 
Dublin 1 

Fieldfisher LLP 
2 Swan Lane 
London EC4R 3TT 
England 

Alius Law 
12 Melcombe Place 
London NW1 6JJ 
England 

Nominated Adviser 
and Joint Broker 

Allenby Capital Limited 
1 Churchill Place 
5 St Helen’s Place  
London EC3A 6AB 

Joint Stockbrokers 

Panmure Gordon & Co 
1 New Change 
London EC4M 9AF 

Brandon Hill Capital 
1 Tudor Street 
London EC4Y 0AH

120     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Glossary

2C                                                  Best estimate of Contingent Resources 

1P                                                  Proven Reserves 

2P                                                  Proven plus Probable Reserves 

3P                                                  Proven plus Probable plus Possible Reserves 

AIM                                               The London Stock Exchange’s AIM market 

AIM Rules                                    AIM Rules for Companies 

BCF or bcf                                    Billion cubic feet 

Bilton                                            Bilton Energy Limited 

B.V.                                                Dutch private limited company 

BVI                                                British Virgin Islands 

CPR                                               Competent Person’s Report 

Eroton                                          Eroton Exploration and Production Company Limited 

US$’000                                        United States Dollars, thousands 

ESM                                               European Stability Mechanism 

FSO                                               Floating Storage and Offloading 

Group                                           San Leon and its subsidiaries 

LLP                                                Limited liability partnership 

Loan Notes                                 $174.5 million principal amount of 17% fixed rate loan notes acquired by San Leon pursuant to the 
                                                      amended and restated loan note instrument dated September 30, 2016 executed and issued by 
                                                      Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited 

Ltd or limited                              A private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, Scotland, certain 
                                                      Commonwealth countries and Ireland 

m                                                   Metres 

‘m                                                  Millions 

Martwestern                              Martwestern Energy Limited 

Midwestern                                Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited 

MLPL                                            Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited 

MSA                                              Master Services Agreement 

mmbbL                                        Million barrels 

Nomad                                         A company that has been approved as a nominated advisor for AIM by the London Stock Exchange 

NNPC                                            Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation 

NPI                                                Net Profit Interest 

PLC                                                A publicly held company 

San Leon or the Company       San Leon Energy PLC 

SEDA                                             Standby Equity Distribution Agreement 

Sp. z o.o.                                      Polish limited liability company 

Sp. z o.o. sp.k                              Polish LLP 

SPV                                                Special purpose vehicle

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                                                                                                                                                                                           SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020    121

 
 
 
 
Conversion

The following table sets forth certain standard conversions from Standard Imperial Units to the International System of Units 
(or metric units). 

To convert from                                                                       To                                                                                     Multiply by 

mcf                                                                           Cubic metres                                                  28.174 

Cubic metres                                                          Cubic feet                                                        35.494 

bbls                                                                          Cubic metres                                                  0.159 

Cubic metres                                                          bbls                                                                  6.290 

Feet                                                                          Metres                                                             0.305 

Metres                                                                     Feet                                                                  3.281 

Miles                                                                         Kilometres                                                       1.609 

Kilometres                                                               Miles                                                                0.621 

Acres                                                                        Hectares                                                          0.405 

Hectares                                                                  Acres                                                                2.471 

122     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Corporate statement

San Leon Energy plc (“San Leon” or the “Company”) is a publicly listed 
energy company focused on Nigeria.  The Company currently holds 
a 10.58% initial indirect economic interest in Oil Mining Lease 18 
(“OML 18”), a producing asset located onshore Nigeria; and during 
2020 acquired a 10% interest in Energy Link Infrastructure (Malta) Ltd 
(“ELI”). ELI’s sole asset is the proposed new Alternative Crude Oil 
Evacuation System (“ACOES”) constructed to provide a dedicated oil 
export route from the OML 18 asset. 

The Company is aiming to use its interest in OML 18 as a platform to become a 
leading independent production and exploration company focused on Nigeria 
and West Africa – by securing and developing further high potential asset 
opportunities that yield value to our shareholders. 

Overview 

Highlights 

San Leon at a glance  

Our strategy  

1

2

4

5

Financial statements  

46

Independent Auditor’s report 

52 Consolidated income statement  

53 Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income 

Overview / Corporate structure  

54 Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

Strategic report 

6

8

Chairman’s statement  

Four expected cash flow sources 

10 Chief Executive’s statement 

Corporate governance  

14 Board of Directors 

16 Corporate governance statement 

24

27

Audit and Risk Committee report 

Remuneration Committee report  

30 Nomination Committee report  

31 Health and Safety Committee report 

32 Directors’ report  

39 Corporate Responsibility 

44

Statement of Director’s responsibilities 

56 Company statement of changes in equity  

58 Consolidated statement of financial position 

59 Company statement of financial position 

60 Consolidated statement of cash flows  

61 Company statement of cash flows 

62 Notes to the financial statements 

Other information 

119 Alternative performance measures 

120 Corporate information 

121 Glossary 

122 Conversion  

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San Leon Energy plc 

Head Office  
3300 Lake Drive  
Citywest Business Campus  
Dublin 24 
Ireland 

Registered address  
2 Shelbourne Buildings 
Crampton Avenue 
Shelbourne Road 
Ballsbridge 
Dublin 4 
Ireland 

sanleonenergy.com

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An independent 
oil and gas company

Annual Report 2020