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2024
Forward Looking Statements
and Risk Factors:
About Silex Systems Limited
(ASX: SLX) (OTCQX: SILXY)
Silex Systems Limited ABN 69 003 372
067 (Silex, the Company) is a technology
commercialisation company whose
primary asset is the SILEX laser enrichment
technology, originally developed at the
Company’s technology facility in Sydney,
Australia. The SILEX technology has
been under development for uranium
enrichment jointly with US-based exclusive
licensee Global Laser Enrichment LLC
(GLE) for a number of years. Success of
the SILEX uranium enrichment technology
development program and the proposed
Paducah commercial project remain
subject to a number of factors including
the satisfactory completion of the TRL-6
pilot demonstration program, nuclear fuel
market conditions, industry and government
support, project feasibility and commercial
plant licensing, and therefore remains
subject to associated risks.
Silex is also at various stages of development
of additional commercial applications
of the SILEX technology, including the
production of ‘Quantum Silicon’ for the
emerging technology of silicon-based
quantum computing. The ‘Quantum Silicon’
project remains dependent on the outcomes
of the project as well as the successful
development of silicon quantum computing
technology by third parties, and is therefore
subject to various risks. Silex is also
conducting research activities in its Medical
Isotope Separation Technology (MIST)
Project, which is early-stage and subject
to numerous risks. The commercial future
of the SILEX technology in application to
uranium, silicon, medical and other isotopes
is therefore uncertain and any plans for
commercial deployment are speculative.
Forward Looking Statements
The commercial potential of the
abovementioned technologies and activities
is currently unknown. Accordingly, no
guarantees as to the future performance
of these technologies can be made. The
nature of the statements in this report
regarding the future of the SILEX technology
as applied to uranium enrichment,
Quantum Silicon production, medical and
other isotope separation projects, and
any associated commercial prospects
are forward-looking and are subject to
a number of variables, including but not
limited to, known and unknown risks,
contingencies and assumptions which may
be beyond the control of Silex, its directors
and management. You should not place
reliance on any forward-looking statements
as actual results could be materially
different from those expressed or implied
by such forward-looking statements as a
result of various risk factors. Further, the
forward-looking statements contained in
this report involve subjective judgement and
analysis and are subject to change due to
management’s analysis of Silex’s business
(including project outcomes), changes in
industry trends, government policies and
any new or unforeseen circumstances.
The Company’s management believes that
there are reasonable grounds to make such
statements as at the date of this report.
Silex does not intend, and is not obligated,
to update the forward-looking statements
except to the extent required by law or the
ASX Listing Rules.
Risk Factors
Risk factors that could affect future
results and commercial prospects of
Silex include, but are not limited to:
ongoing economic and social uncertainty,
including in relation to global economic
stresses such as interest rates and
inflation; geopolitical risks, in particular
relating to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
and tensions between China and Taiwan
which may impact global supply chains;
uncertainties related to the effects of
climate change and mitigation efforts;
the results of the GLE/SILEX uranium
enrichment pilot demonstration (TRL-6)
program; the market demand for natural
uranium and enriched uranium; the
outcome of the project for the production
of Quantum Silicon for the emerging
technology of silicon-based quantum
computing; the outcome of the MIST
program; the potential development
of, or competition from alternative
technologies; the potential for third
party claims against the Company’s
ownership of Intellectual Property; the
potential impact of prevailing laws
or government regulations or policies
in the USA, Australia or elsewhere;
actions taken by the Company’s
commercialisation partners and other
stakeholders that could adversely affect
the technology development programs
and commercialisation strategies; and
the outcomes of various strategies and
projects undertaken by the Company.
2
Highlights and Progress
3
Our ESG Commitment
4
Chair’s Report
6
CEO’s Review
10 About Silex
20 Directors’ Report
47 Auditor’s Independence Declaration
48 Corporate Governance Statement
49 Financial Report
88 Consolidated Entity Disclosure
Statement
89 Directors’ Declaration
90 Independent Auditor’s Report
94 Shareholder Information
96 Corporate Directory
Contents
IMPORTANT
NOTICE
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
Silex Systems Limited (Silex) is an
Australian technology company focused
on the commercialisation of its innovative
SILEX laser-based enrichment technology for
application to three key global markets:
Our strategy is focused on extracting maximum value
from our core SILEX technology and expertise
Silicon
enrichment
(silicon quantum
computing)
Uranium production
and enrichment
(nuclear power)
Medical isotope
enrichment
(new cancer
therapies)
Page 10
Page 18
Page 19
1
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
The SILEX Laser Uranium Enrichment
Technology:
» The Company continued to make substantial
progress in its various enrichment technology
projects, with a primary focus on supporting the
continued execution of the commercialisation
program for the SILEX laser-based uranium
enrichment technology with exclusive licensee
Global Laser Enrichment LLC (GLE) in the US;
» Silex and GLE have constructed, integrated,
and commissioned full-scale pilot equipment in
GLE’s Test Loop facility in Wilmington, NC, with
the aim of completing technology demonstration
(TRL-6)1 of the SILEX technology by the end of
2024, subject to an independent assessment
and report. If successfully completed in 2024,
the TRL-6 demonstration would be achieved
up to 12 months earlier than originally planned.
The required period of demonstration testing,
and the timing of the assessment report, are
at the discretion of the independent assessor;
» GLE has commenced loading the UF6 inventory
into the Test Loop pilot facility in preparation for
the commencement of enrichment testing;
» GLE, the jointly-controlled venture between Silex
and Cameco Corporation, is uniquely positioned
to address the ‘Triple Opportunity’ that is emerging
today in the global nuclear fuel supply chain.
This is being driven by global climate change
and associated net-zero targets, the increasing
need for stable baseload power for emerging
industrial uses, including Artificial Intelligence
(AI), data centres, and electric vehicles, and
geopolitical factors, which are providing a
catalyst for energy security measures around
the world. The ‘Triple Opportunity’ consists of:
1) production of natural grade uranium (Unat)
in the form of converted UF6;
2) production of low enriched uranium (LEU) for
conventional nuclear power plants;
3) production of high assay LEU (HALEU) for
next-generation advanced reactors, including
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)2;
» GLE’s owners agreed to a plan and budget
for CY2024 that continues the support of
activities in the technology commercialisation
project for the SILEX uranium enrichment
technology, including: i) completion of GLE’s
new headquarters facility in Wilmington, NC,
which provides significant additional space for
the continued growth of the GLE team and
the establishment of in-house manufacturing
capability; ii) land acquisition activities for
the first planned commercial production
plant in Paducah, KY; and iii) preparation
of an application to the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) for the commercial plant
construction and operating licence;
» GLE intends to participate in the bidding process
for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) LEU
Enrichment Acquisition Request for Proposal
(RFP), issued in July 2024, with bids due for
submission by 9 September 2024. The RFP
provides up to US$2.7bn to support the US
domestic nuclear fuel cycle.
Other Highlights:
» The design and construction of the first full-scale
Quantum Silicon (Q-Si) Production Plant
continues at the Company’s Lucas Heights
facility, with $5.1m in funding support from
the Federal Government’s Defence Trailblazer
program and a further $4.35m cash contribution
from longstanding offtake partner, Silicon
Quantum Computing (SQC);
» In December 2023, the Company announced
the successful completion of Stage 1 of the
Medical Isotope Separation Technology (MIST)
Project with proof-of-concept achieved to
produce enriched Ytterbium-176 (Yb-176),
which is the precursor isotope required for
Lutetium-177 (Lu-177), a breakthrough
development for the diagnosis and treatment
of aggressive metastatic cancers. Work
continues on Stage 2 of the Project which aims
to achieve technology validation through a
prototype demonstration system.
Highlights and
Progress
1. Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6), as defined by DOE Technology Readiness Assessment Guide (G 413.3-4A)
2. SMRs produce up to 300MWe power
2
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
Health, safety and
wellbeing
Environment
Governance
At the core of our ESG commitment
is the health, safety and wellbeing
of our people, and the safety of our
operations and the communities in
which we operate. We pro-actively
manage our WHS Management
System with in-house and third
party WHS specialists to ensure
risks and hazards in our workplace
are appropriately addressed and
mitigated on a continuous basis.
Furthermore, our workplace ethics
are defined by respect for each
other and embracing diversity and
inclusion. We recognise the benefits
of diversity and promoting equal
opportunities at all times.
We are committed to bringing
innovative technologies to market
that can have a positive impact on
the global environment. In particular,
our SILEX technology is currently
focused on:
improving efficiencies and reliability
in nuclear fuel production for the
generation of zero-emissions
electricity from nuclear power and
contributing to climate change
mitigation efforts;
developing sovereign capability
for production of isotopically
engineered materials that are
key to enabling next-generation
quantum computing and nuclear
medicine technologies, potentially
providing humanity with disruptive
tools to solve global-scale
environmental and social issues.
At the same time, we are committed
to protecting the environment in
which we operate by mitigating
any potential risks or impacts of our
activities.
Silex is committed to demonstrating
the highest standards of corporate
governance. The Board’s focus
is on enhancing the interests
of shareholders and other key
stakeholders while ensuring the
Company is operating responsibly
so that risks are effectively managed
or mitigated and our operations
are consistent with our ESG
commitments at all times.
Sustainability is core to our mission and values, and is achieved by prioritising the health and
safety of our people and ensuring environmental responsibility in everything we do.
We are focused on delivering value through the
responsible development and commercialisation
of our technology and by continually addressing
any potential social and environmental impacts
of our operations.
At Silex, we have a well-defined ESG commitment
with three focus areas:
1. Health, safety and wellbeing of our people
2. Environmental responsibility
3. Strong corporate governance
Our ESG
Commitment
3
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
This year has been pivotal for Silex – our plans to
bring the SILEX uranium enrichment technology
to market have progressed at a pleasing pace.
We continue to de-risk and optimise the path to
market through a focus on technology maturation,
completion of commercialisation objectives and
solidifying key government and industry stakeholder
relationships. We are working tirelessly to maximise
the long-term value for you.
It has been less than four years since we finalised
the restructure of exclusive licensee of the SILEX
uranium enrichment technology, Global Laser
Enrichment LLC (GLE). In that short time, the global
nuclear fuel industry has undergone fundamental
change. Demand has significantly increased in the
face of climate change imperatives and potential
supply disruptions driven by geopolitical events.
As a consequence, the GLE joint venture, jointly
controlled by Silex and Cameco Corporation,
continues to execute its commercialisation plans
in order to position GLE to address the ‘Triple
Opportunity’ that is emerging in the global
nuclear fuel supply chain. The primary focus for
the remainder of CY2024 is the full-scale pilot
demonstration project for the SILEX laser-based
uranium enrichment technology. Success in this
project would largely de-risk the technology and
enable GLE and its owners to focus on taking the
technology to market over the next few years.
The ’Triple Opportunity’ could involve the
production of three different grades of nuclear
fuel – all via the deployment of the SILEX
uranium enrichment technology, at the planned
Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF) in
Kentucky, US. The Triple Opportunity and the
PLEF is underpinned by the 2016 agreement
between GLE and the US Department of Energy
for the acquisition of legacy depleted uranium
inventories. The PLEF has the potential to
equate to a ‘Tier 1’ uranium mine, producing up
to 5 million pounds U3O8 equivalent per year
for approximately 30 years – ranking in the
top 10 of today’s uranium mines. Importantly,
GLE’s depleted uranium feed and natural grade
output from the PLEF is in the form of UF6 and
therefore includes the value of conversion, a
critical component of the nuclear fuel supply
chain, and one that is also facing significant
supply constraints.
Importantly, we have also executed a set of
agreements that provide GLE with an option
to purchase land, situated adjacent to the
US Department of Energy’s (DOE) former
first-generation Paducah Gaseous Diffusion
Plant, at which the legacy depleted uranium
inventories (PLEF feedstock) are located.
We have also commenced commercial plant
licensing preparations for the PLEF, another
key activity on GLE’s commercialisation path.
Chair’s
Report
4
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CRAIG ROY
CHAIR
The PLEF is a large, multi-decade project that could
enable the SILEX technology to become the ‘go to’
technology for the production of all three grades of
nuclear fuel required for today’s conventional nuclear
power reactors and for next-generation advanced
reactors, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
currently under development. It is strategically
located in Paducah, Kentucky, enabling GLE to
position itself to become a reliable domestic supplier
to the US nuclear industry – currently the largest
nuclear power and fuel market in the world.
During the year, we were pleased to see the
enactment of various pieces of US legislation
that are intended to provide pivotal support for
America’s nuclear industry. The legislation had
strong bipartisan support and included the Nuclear
Fuel Security Act, which is providing US$2.7bn
for new US domestic enrichment capacity. We
were pleased to see the DOE move promptly to
issue the Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Enrichment
Acquisition Request for Proposals (RFP) in July for
the appropriated US$2.7bn, and GLE intends to
participate in the bidding process, with bids due
for submission to the DOE by 9 September 2024.
The potential increase in support from government
for the nuclear industry is positive for GLE. In
addition, GLE now has in place four Letters of Intent
(LOIs) with key US utilities, reflecting the strong
support of the US nuclear industry to establish
greater diversification in the production of nuclear
fuel. This support reflects a robust outlook for nuclear
power, attributable to its increasingly important role
in the supply of carbon-free, baseload electricity.
This is resulting in renewed demand for nuclear
power, driving market conditions and opportunities
for nuclear fuel that have not previously been seen
in the nuclear industry.
The commercialisation of our innovative SILEX
laser enrichment technology across multiple global
markets remains our focus. The first priority is
GLE’s commercialisation activities to help provide
a reliable and sustainable supply of nuclear fuel
for the global nuclear power industry. Our second
priority is the Quantum Silicon (Q-Si) Production
Project to commercially deploy the SILEX technology
for the production of ultra-pure enriched materials
for next-generation silicon quantum computing,
with the third priority being our project for the
potential production of medical isotopes. We
achieved numerous key milestones across our
projects this year, advancing technology de-risking
and commercial deployment plans for the SILEX
technology in all three fields, including strong
engagement with our various commercialisation
partners and potential customers.
We are committed to building a sustainable future
for Silex and to delivering long-term value to you,
our shareholders. We are also wholly committed
to our core values, no more so than in the highest
prioritisation of the health and safety of our
people in everything we do. We place a premium
on environmental responsibility and undivided
attention on risk management and prudent
governance. I am delighted to lead an astute
Board and wish to thank my fellow directors for
their commitment to the Company, and for their
leadership and governance. Our progress and
achievements during the year are also testament
to the relentless dedication of our CEO, Michael
Goldsworthy, our executives and the hard working
Silex and GLE teams.
Finally, thank you to you – our shareholders.
We appreciate your ongoing support as we work
towards delivering the SILEX laser-based enrichment
technology and building the future of Silex.
I look forward to updating you again at our Annual
General Meeting later this year.
Mr C A Roy
Chair
29 August 2024
We continue with our primary
focus on the execution of GLE’s
commercialisation program for
the SILEX uranium enrichment
technology, and on supporting the
de-risking of GLE’s path to market
through technology maturation,
and maximum engagement with
key government and industry
stakeholders in order to achieve
commercialisation in the shortest
possible timeframe.
5
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CHAIR’S
REPORT
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
The past year has seen a series of impactful events
which have bolstered the nuclear renaissance
in the Western world. In view of climate change
decarbonisation priorities and in response to
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, four major legislative
measures have been passed by the US Congress.
Put simply, the US has moved decisively to
re-establish itself as the global leader in the nuclear
power industry. US-based Global Laser Enrichment
(GLE), the exclusive licensee of our SILEX laser
uranium enrichment technology, could benefit
materially from these measures as it progresses
its commercialisation plans in conjunction with
its joint venture owners, Silex (51%) and Cameco
Corporation (49%).
With this in mind, I am very pleased to report
that Silex is making substantive progress
advancing the commercialisation steps for our
unique third-generation laser isotope separation
technology, not only with the primary application
for uranium enrichment, but also with additional
applications for the production of enriched silicon
for use in silicon-based quantum computers, and
enriched Ytterbium for use in nuclear medicine
cancer therapies.
GLE’s owners, Silex and Cameco, continue to
support a plan and budget to accelerate CY2024
activities for the full-scale pilot demonstration
project, with the aim of completing this pivotal
commercialisation step for the technology by the
end of 2024, subject to a report by an independent
engineering contractor that will oversee the
assessment on behalf of GLE’s owners. Achievement
of this important milestone would potentially trigger
a significant inflexion point in the valuation of the
SILEX technology and GLE. This may also enable
GLE to leverage the ‘Triple Opportunity’ that is
emerging in the global nuclear fuel supply chain,
underpinned by the strong fundamentals for nuclear
power as a reliable, baseload source of electricity
for the world’s clean energy needs, coupled with
the abovementioned recent geopolitical events
that threaten long-term disruptions in the Western
nuclear fuel supply chain. The commercialisation
of our SILEX laser-based uranium enrichment
technology at GLE’s planned Paducah Laser
Enrichment Facility (PLEF) will continue to be our
key focus over the next few years.
During FY2024, we also continued to strengthen and
diversify the business case for the SILEX technology,
including progressing the development of the SILEX
technology for the production of Quantum Silicon
products, based on the successful demonstration
of production technology for high-purity Zero-Spin
Silicon, and with the advancement of the Medical
Isotope Separation Technology (MIST) into the
second stage of the project – technology validation
at prototype scale.
CEO’s
Review
6
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DR MICHAEL GOLDSWORTHY
CEO/MANAGING DIRECTOR
CEO’S
REVIEW
SILEX Uranium Enrichment and the
Triple Opportunity
Events over the past two years have had a
profound effect on nuclear fuel markets. In
response to geopolitical concerns and the climate
crisis, many countries are prioritising government
energy policy initiatives to achieve urgent
decarbonisation targets and to ensure energy
security through sovereign energy platforms. These
factors, coupled with potential disruptions in the
Western nuclear fuel supply chain precipitated by
the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have resulted in
market conditions and opportunities that have not
previously been seen in the nuclear industry.
With Russia currently providing the global nuclear
industry with ~14% of its uranium requirements,
~22% of its conversion services, and ~44% of
enrichment capacity, Western governments and
utilities are seeking to establish secure nuclear
fuel production capabilities free of Russian (and
Chinese) influence, particularly in light of the recent
ban on imports of Russian-sourced enriched
uranium under the Prohibiting Russian Uranium
Imports Act, which was passed by the US Congress
in May 2024 (albeit with limited waivers until the
end of 2027). We believe Western nuclear fuel
markets will undergo a fundamental realignment
over the next few years towards a more resilient
and sustainable footing, with the aim of becoming
less dependent on Russian and other state-owned
nuclear fuel suppliers.
This realignment could endure for decades, given
the renewed focus on long-term energy security.
As the nuclear industry bifurcates under the
impending sanctions on Russian-sourced uranium
and enriched nuclear fuel, Western governments
and utilities are moving as quickly as possible to
establish secure and resilient supply chains.
In this context, commercialisation of the SILEX
uranium enrichment technology in the US provides
GLE with the unique opportunity to produce all three
grades of nuclear fuel required for current and future
nuclear plants at the proposed PLEF Production
Plant, which we call the ‘Triple Opportunity’:
1) production of natural grade uranium in the form
of converted UF6;
2) production of low enriched uranium (LEU/LEU+)
for existing and future nuclear power plants; and
3) production of high assay LEU (HALEU) fuel for
next-generation advanced reactors, including
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Subject to various factors, including the successful
completion of pilot demonstration, industry and
government support, a feasibility study for the PLEF,
and continued supportive market conditions, GLE will
continue to advance its commercialisation activities
in order to support the potential commencement
of commercial operations at the PLEF ahead of the
original plan of 2030. Most importantly, successful
completion of the pilot demonstration project in
CY2024 would result in the technology reaching
TRL-6 level – a key milestone in the de-risking of the
technology and a pre-requisite for the transition of
our focus to the PLEF commercial plant opportunity,
including the feasibility study and design and
construction of the first commercial SILEX uranium
enrichment plant.
Support for GLE’s commercialisation activities
from both industry and government is growing. We
are pleased that GLE now has non-binding LOIs
with four of the largest US nuclear utilities, with an
unnamed utility signing the latest LOI earlier this
year. This follows three similar LOIs signed with
Constellation Energy Generation, Duke Energy
and Dominion Energy. We are also pleased to see
decisive bipartisan legislative measures from the
US Government that will support the establishment
of new nuclear fuel production capacity in the
US, including US$700m in funding for the HALEU
Availability Program under the Inflation Reduction
Act, passed in August 2022, and a further US$2.7bn
in funding under the Nuclear Fuel Security Act
(NFSA), passed in December 2023 – primarily
targeting the building of new US domestic
enrichment capacity.
The Triple
Opportunity
UF6
Natural Grade
Uranium
(as UF6)
LEU
Low Enriched
Uranium
HALEU
High Assay
LEU
7
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CEO’S
REVIEW
In relation to the NFSA, the US Department of
Energy released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for
LEU Enrichment Acquisition in June 2024, and
GLE intends to participate and submit a bid by the
submission deadline of 9 September 2024.
We believe the SILEX technology, the only
third-generation laser-based uranium enrichment
technology known to be in the advanced stages
of commercial development today, could make
the production of nuclear fuel more efficient and
cost-effective compared to existing methods, and
ultimately help the nuclear renaissance provide
advanced technologies and solutions for resilient,
affordable and sustainable carbon-free base load
electricity generation.
Quantum Silicon Production Project
In April 2023, Silex announced successful
completion of the Zero-Spin Silicon (ZS-Si) Project,
resulting in pilot-scale demonstration of production
of ZS-Si in the form of highly enriched silicon-28
and verification of a path to production scalability.
Attention then turned to a new project for the
design and construction of the first Quantum Silicon
(Q-Si) Production Plant. The new Q-Si Production
Project, is being undertaken in conjunction with
partners Silicon Quantum Computing Pty Ltd
(SQC) and UNSW Sydney. In August 2023, Silex
announced that the Q-Si Production Project had
received a $5.1m funding grant from the Defence
Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability
Program, and in January 2024 we announced a
broadened commercial relationship with SQC which
resulted in further funding contribution of $4.35m,
bringing in nearly $9.5m of third party funding for
the 3.5 year Project.
The objective of the Q-Si Production Project is
to establish the first Quantum Silicon Production
Plant and to develop the skills and capability to
manufacture commercial Q-Si products, based on
ZS-Si, in multiple product forms at commercial scale.
This Project continues to have strategic importance
for Australia, given most of the world’s current supply
of enriched silicon has been sourced from Russia.
Trade sanctions have translated into increased
interest in our activities and greater urgency to
commercialise this important technology.
Medical Isotope Separation Technology
(MIST) Project
The MIST Project is focused on enrichment of
Ytterbium-176, a stable isotope required for the
manufacture of the unstable Lutetium-177 isotope,
which is approved and in use for front-line treatment
for advanced neuroendocrine cancers in the US,
Europe and UK. This therapy, more broadly called
‘targeted beta therapy’, is also in clinical trials in
various jurisdictions around the world for prostate,
breast and other cancers.
Solid progress has been made in the MIST Project
over the past year, with the current focus of Stage
2 work on demonstrating the isotope separation
process at prototype scale. Proof-of-concept
demonstration (Stage 1) of the basic process at
laboratory bench-top scale was completed at
the end of 2023. If the current work is successful,
the Project may move forward into Stage 3, the
aim of which is to demonstrate the technology at
pilot-scale (TRL-6).
We believe the SILEX technology,
the only third-generation
laser-based uranium enrichment
technology known to be in the
advanced stages of commercial
development today, could make
the production of nuclear fuel
more efficient and cost-effective
compared to existing methods
8
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CEO’S
REVIEW
Prioritising Health and Safety, ESG
Core to our operations and values is prioritisation
of the health, safety and wellbeing of our team.
During the year, we reported no lost time injuries
or reportable incidents across all sites.
Silex has strong Environmental, Social and
Governance (ESG) credentials, and our activities at
all times support our mission to be environmentally
responsible. Our focus on environmental sustainability
is underpinned by our aspirations in the nuclear
fuel industry, which will help make zero-emissions
nuclear energy more affordable and potentially
lead to greater uptake. Furthermore, our focus on
social responsibility is leveraged through our Q-Si
Production Project for silicon-based quantum
computers, an emerging technology that will drive
innovation and solutions to many of society’s
intractable problems such as climate change, and
more affordable medical treatment.
The Silex and GLE Teams
Our exceptionally talented teams at Silex and GLE
are the essence of our business, and at the core
of our activities and achievements. Collectively we
are focused on harnessing creativity and excellence
in technology innovation. We recruit carefully
and strategically to ensure that we have the right
people and expertise to deliver on our priorities and
ultimately to create value for shareholders. We have
expanded our teams rapidly over the past year and
are gratified with the talent we have been able to
welcome into the Company.
I would like to thank the Silex and GLE teams for
their commitment and tenacity, and our Board
of Directors for their continued support of the
Company’s strategy. I would also like to take this
opportunity to thank you, our shareholders, for your
ongoing support. With the strongest tailwinds ever
seen for the nuclear fuel markets and the execution
of the SILEX uranium enrichment project with GLE,
the outlook for Silex is very positive. Furthermore,
the potential to supply unique high value isotopes
for the quantum computing and nuclear medicine
fields represents a key opportunity for Silex to deliver
additional long-term value for shareholders.
I look forward to providing a further update at the
Annual General Meeting later this year.
Dr Michael Goldsworthy
CEO/Managing Director
29 August 2024
9
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CEO’S
REVIEW
The SILEX Laser Uranium Enrichment Technology
was invented by Silex Systems scientists
Dr Michael Goldsworthy (our CEO) and Dr Horst
Struve (retired), in the 1990s at Lucas Heights,
Sydney. In order to facilitate the potential
commercial deployment of the technology in the
United States, an Agreement for Cooperation
between the governments of the United States
and Australia was signed in May 2000. In June
2001, the technology was officially Classified by
the United States and Australian governments,
bringing the SILEX technology commercialisation
project formally under the strict nuclear safeguards,
security and regulatory protocols of each country.
Since 2006, the development and commercialisation
program for the SILEX uranium enrichment
technology is being undertaken jointly by Silex (at its
Lucas Heights, Sydney facility) and US-based Global
Laser Enrichment (GLE) – the exclusive licensee and
commercialisation vehicle for the SILEX uranium
enrichment technology (in Wilmington, North
Carolina). GLE is a jointly-controlled venture
between Silex and Canadian-based Cameco
Corporation, one of the world’s leading uranium
producers and nuclear fuel suppliers, with 51%
and 49% ownership interest respectively.
The Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain
Uranium production, conversion and enrichment
are the key value drivers of the nuclear fuel
supply chain, accounting for nearly 85% of
the value of a reactor fuel bundle. Importantly,
successful commercialisation of the SILEX
uranium enrichment technology through licensee
GLE could create leverage into all three of
these nuclear fuel supply chain sectors and
could enable the SILEX technology to become
a unique, nuclear fuel production platform
for existing and emerging nuclear power
generation systems.
SILEX Laser Uranium
Enrichment Technology
invented in Australia
About Silex
URANIUM
PRODUCTION
CONVERSION
ENRICHMENT
FUEL
FABRICATION
NUCLEAR
POWER PLANTS
The Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain
SILEX/GLE OPPORTUNITIES
ZERO-
EMISSIONS
ELECTRICITY
10
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
ABOUT
SILEX
Uranium Enrichment
Naturally occurring uranium is dominated by two
isotopes, U235 and U238. Nuclear energy is produced
by the splitting (or ‘fission’) of the U235 atoms.
Natural uranium is made up of ~0.7% of the ‘active’
U235 isotope with the balance (~99.3%) made up
of the inactive U238 isotope. Uranium enrichment
is the process of concentrating or enriching the
U235 isotope for use as fuel in a conventional nuclear
power reactor. Enrichment is a technically difficult
process and accounts for around 30% of the cost
of nuclear fuel and approximately 5% of the total
cost of the electricity generated by nuclear power.
The Separation of Isotopes by Laser EXcitation
(SILEX) process is the only third-generation
enrichment technology known to be in the
advanced stages of commercial development
today. The SILEX technology can effectively enrich
uranium through highly selective laser excitation
of the 235UF6 isotopic molecule to produce ‘reactor
fuel grade’ uranium which contains an assay of U235
of around 5%. UF6 is the fluorinated gaseous form
of uranium, which is made via chemical conversion
from the uranium oxide produced by miners.
The two methods of uranium enrichment used to
date are Gas Diffusion (first generation – obsolete)
and Gas Centrifuge (second generation). Silex’s third
generation laser-based process provides much
higher enrichment process efficiency compared to
these earlier methods, potentially offering lower
overall costs.
Key Features of the SILEX Uranium
Enrichment Technology
The SILEX technology is a unique laser-based
process that has the potential to economically
separate uranium isotopes (as well as other
commercially valuable isotopes).
It has a number of advantages over other uranium
enrichment processes, including:
» Inherently higher efficiency and throughput,
resulting in lower enrichment costs;
» Smaller environmental footprint than centrifuge
and diffusion plants;
» Greater flexibility in producing fuels for
advanced reactors, including Small Modular
Reactors (SMRs); and
» Anticipated lowest capital costs.
Evolution of Enrichment Technology
11
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
ABOUT
SILEX
The ‘Triple Opportunity’ for GLE and
SILEX Technology
The ‘Triple Opportunity’ for nuclear fuel production
is emerging as a result of international developments
which are driving a transformation of the global
nuclear fuel supply chain:
» the growing shift towards utilisation of nuclear
power by many countries around the world in
response to heightened concerns over global
climate change and the need to establish
emissions-free electrical energy systems
» the significant increase in global demand
for electricity, driven by population and
economic growth factors, including substantial
investments into, and uptake of, AI, data
centres, and electric vehicles
» the impact of geopolitical developments
on global energy security, principally Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine, resulting in the bifurcation
of the international nuclear fuel market.
The ‘Triple Opportunity’ could involve production
of three different grades of nuclear fuel – all via
the deployment of the SILEX laser-based uranium
enrichment technology in the US, including:
PLEF
NUF6
PRODUCTION
Production of natural grade UF6
(with U-235 assay of 0.7%)
via processing of depleted tails
(U-235 assays of 0.25% to 0.5%)
with the SILEX technology, which
would come in the form of already
converted uranium, thereby also
helping to alleviate UF6 conversion
supply pressure
PLEF
LEU
PRODUCTION
Production of LEU
(U-235 assays up to 5%) and
LEU+ (assays from 5% to 10%) from
natural grade UF6 with additional
SILEX enrichment capacity – to
supply fuel for existing reactors
PLEF
HALEU
PRODUCTION
Production of HALEU
(U-235 assays up to ~20%)
via enrichment with the SILEX
technology to supply fuel for next
generation advanced reactors,
including SMRs
PLEF Commercial Plant Opportunities
The PLEF commercial opportunities are underpinned
by the 2016 agreement between GLE and the DOE,
which, through the acquisition of over 200,000 metric
tonnes of depleted uranium tails owned by the DOE,
provides the feedstock for the production of natural
grade uranium hexafluoride (UF6) over three decades.
The output of the proposed plant would be sold
into the global uranium market at an expected
production rate equivalent to a uranium mine with
an annual output of up to 5 million pounds of
uranium oxide, which would rank in the top 10 of
today’s uranium mines. Importantly, GLE’s depleted
uranium feed and natural grade output from the
PLEF is in the form of UF6 and therefore includes
the value of conversion, a critical component of
the nuclear fuel supply chain, and one which is also
facing significant supply constraints.
PLEF Feedstock: DOE Depleted Uranium Tails, Paducah, KY
12
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
ABOUT
SILEX
Source: GLE, PLEF Commercial Plant (conceptual).
PLEF Commercial Plant Opportunities (conceptual)
6 MSWU
LEU/LEU+
~2,000 MTU
NUF6
~15 MTU
HALEU
POTENTIAL
FUTURE
EXPANSION
(LEU/LEU+)
13
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
ABOUT
SILEX
GLE HQ Facility – Wilmington, NC
GLE is the exclusive licensee of the SILEX uranium
enrichment technology. GLE is a jointly-controlled
venture between Silex (51%) and global uranium and
nuclear fuel provider, Cameco Corporation (49%).
GLE’s exclusive worldwide licence to commercialise
the SILEX technology for uranium enrichment is
founded on the 2006 Technology Commercialisation
and Licence Agreement, amended in 2021. The
technology commercialisation project is being
conducted jointly at GLE’s Wilmington, North
Carolina (NC) facility and at Silex’s Sydney facility.
Today, the GLE joint venture continues to
accelerate activities in the full-scale pilot
demonstration project for the SILEX uranium
enrichment technology, with the aim of completing
the Pilot Demonstration Program (TRL-6) by the
end of CY2024 (subject to an assessment and
report by an independent engineering contractor).
The TRL index is a globally accepted
benchmarking tool for tracking progress in the
development and maturation of a new technology
through the early-stage blue sky research (TRL-1)
to actual system operation over the full range
of expected conditions and ready for scaled
commercial operations (TRL-9). In general terms,
TRL-6 represents the pivotal demonstration of
full engineering-scale systems in a pilot plant
facility. The reference document used by GLE is
the US Department of Energy (DOE) Technology
Readiness Assessment Guide (G 413.3-4A).
GLE – the SILEX laser-based
uranium enrichment technology
commercialisation vehicle
2021
USG approves GLE
restructure (Silex 51%
and Cameco 49%)
2016
GLE/DOE
Tails Agreement
2019
Silex and Cameco
initiate restructure
of GLE
2022
‘Triple Opportunity’
emerges
2024
TRL-6 Technology
Demonstration1
GLE Recent and Upcoming Milestones
1. Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) as defined by DOE Technology Readiness Assessment Guide (G 413.3-4A).
14
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
ABOUT
SILEX
The SILEX Technology Commercialisation
and Licence Agreement with GLE
The Technology Commercialisation and Licence
Agreement between Silex and GLE is an exclusive
worldwide licence for exploitation of the SILEX
technology for uranium enrichment. The Licence
Agreement is independent of Silex’s 51% equity
interest in GLE and related commercial benefits
flowing from that equity interest. The Licence
Agreement includes royalty revenues and milestone
payments to Silex as follows:
A US$5m milestone payment is due to be received
by Silex following achievement of TRL-6 pilot
demonstration.
The Cameco Option
Silex and Cameco have also agreed terms for an
option for Cameco to purchase from Silex, at fair
market value, an additional 26% interest in GLE,
potentially increasing Cameco’s interest to 75%
(subject to US Government approvals). This option
opened in February 2023 and can be exercised
by Cameco up until the date 30 months after the
technology achieves TRL-6 pilot demonstration.
GLE’s Commercialisation Activities
Key to progressing GLE’s commercialisation activities
is the successful TRL-6 demonstration of the SILEX
technology. Achievement of TRL-6 demonstration
by December 2024 would result in the completion
of this key milestone up to 12 months ahead of the
original schedule.
GLE has also been progressing other key
commercialisation efforts, including several activities
related to the planned PLEF:
Subject to various factors, including the successful
completion of TRL-6 pilot demonstration, industry
and government support, a feasibility study
for the PLEF, and continued supportive market
conditions, GLE will continue to advance these
commercialisation activities in order to support the
potential commencement of commercial operations
at the PLEF ahead of the original plan of 2030.
Licence Agreement Royalty Revenues and
Milestone Payments
US$20M
in Milestone
Payments
TRIGGERED BY COMMERCIAL
DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES
7%+
Perpetual
Royalty
MINIMUM ROYALTY OF
7% ON GLE’S ENRICHMENT
SWU REVENUES FROM USE
OF THE SILEX TECHNOLOGY
ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY
MATURATION AND MANUFACTURING
ACTIVITIES
(TRL-7+ and MRL-7+)
GLE’S NEW CORPORATE AND
IN-HOUSE MANUFACTURING FACILITY,
WILMINGTON, NC
(Occupancy taken up in June 2024)
PLEF SITE ACQUISITION
ACTIVITIES
(Located adjacent to the DOE site and
legacy depleted uranium inventories)
PREPARATIONS FOR THE US
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
(NRC) COMMERCIAL PLANT LICENCE
FOR THE PLEF
15
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
ABOUT
SILEX
Strategic Engagement with Government
and Industry Organisations
GLE’s strategy includes active engagement with
government and industry organisations, aimed
at attracting strategic support and developing
opportunities to help expedite and de-risk the
commercialisation program for the SILEX uranium
enrichment technology.
US Nuclear Utility Support
GLE continues to receive support from leading
US nuclear generators, with four Letters of Intent
(LOIs) now in place between GLE and Constellation
Energy Generation, Duke Energy, Dominion Energy
Services Inc, and another undisclosed entity. The
LOIs reflect the strong support of the US nuclear
industry to establish greater diversification in the
supply of nuclear fuel. GLE engages extensively
and proactively with the US nuclear industry,
including as a member of the Uranium Producers
of America (UPA), to explore opportunities to
partner with stakeholders to obtain support for its
commercialisation strategy and the planned PLEF.
US Government Initiatives
In response to evolving geopolitical developments,
energy security concerns, and the need for
reliable, low-cost, carbon-free baseload electricity
generation, the US Congress enacted pivotal
legislation with strong bipartisan support through the
year to incentivise the establishment of new nuclear
fuel production capacity in the US, as well as to
reassert America’s global nuclear industry leadership.
The various laws demonstrate the bipartisan US
Government support for the nuclear industry,
from which GLE potentially stands to benefit, and
included the passing into law of the Nuclear Fuel
Security Act, which provides US$2.7bn for new US
domestic enrichment capacity. The DOE moved
promptly to issue the LEU Enrichment Acquisition
Request for Proposals (RFP) in July 2024 for the
appropriated US$2.7bn, and at the time of writing,
GLE was intending to participate in the bidding
process for the RFP, with bids due for submission by
9 September 2024.
GLE continues to explore opportunities to participate
in US Government programs and industry initiatives
as they evolve.
Nuclear Power Outlook
Nuclear power is the second-largest source of
low-carbon electricity globally after hydropower and
plays an increasingly important role in the supply of
carbon-free, baseload electricity. It is anticipated to
play a much greater role in the global energy mix as
countries around the world adopt policies to meet
more urgent net-zero carbon emissions targets. At
COP28 in late 2023, 25 countries pledged to triple
nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
According to the World Nuclear Association,
there are currently 439 operable nuclear reactors
globally, with significant growth in nuclear power
expected from the additional 64 reactors under
construction and the hundreds more that are
planned. Notwithstanding large nuclear construction
programs in China, India, and the Middle East, the
US remains the world’s largest producer of nuclear
power, with 94 operable reactors. The US currently
accounts for more than 30% of worldwide nuclear
generation of electricity and is expected to remain
the largest nuclear power generator for years to
come. In addition, several US states and utilities are
undertaking studies to assess the potential restart of
shutdown reactors.
Growth in demand for nuclear power also is evident
in the granting of life extensions for existing reactors.
In the US, nearly all of the operable reactors have
been granted operating licence extensions from
40 to 60 years, with some potentially planning
to operate for 80 years or more. In addition, the
retirement of a number of reactors is being delayed,
or in some cases, reversed.
Source: World Nuclear Association, July 2024
USA
94
CHINA
56
FRANCE
56
RUSSIA
36
JAPAN
33
STH KOREA
26
INDIA
23
CANADA
19
UKRAINE
15
UK
9
Total Operable Reactor Units (Top 10)
16
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
ABOUT
SILEX
Furthermore, there is growing interest and significant
international investment in the development of
next-generation advanced reactor technologies,
including SMRs. A number of advanced reactors are
being designed to operate with HALEU fuel, while
other more near-term designs will use conventional
LEU fuel or, in some cases, LEU+ fuel.
With significant growth forecast in nuclear power
generation around the world and the ever-increasing
awareness of the potential contribution of nuclear
energy to mitigate the adverse effects of climate
change, as well as to power AI, data centres, and
electric vehicles, among other industrial uses of
electricity, we remain encouraged by the various
opportunities for the SILEX uranium enrichment
technology and GLE.
Fuel Market Update
The expectation that we will see nuclear power
form a more meaningful part of the energy mix
for a growing number of countries is resulting in
market conditions and opportunities for nuclear fuel
that have not previously been seen before in the
nuclear industry.
For many years, global nuclear fuel markets have
been highly dependent on Russian supply, as
summarised in the table below. The shift away from
Russian-sourced material in the wake of its February
2022 invasion of Ukraine has created urgency
in establishing alternative supply sources for the
medium to long term.
With Russia currently providing the European
Union ~30% and the US ~27% of their enriched
nuclear fuel requirements, Western governments
and utilities are seeking to establish secure nuclear
fuel production capabilities to free themselves of
Russian influence. Importantly, the recently enacted
US ban on the importation of Russian uranium (LEU)
also prohibits the import of unirradiated LEU that
has been swapped (‘washed’) for prohibited Russian
uranium (LEU) or otherwise obtained in a manner
designed to circumvent the ban’s restrictions.
As a consequence of the above-mentioned
compounding issues, the global markets for uranium,
conversion services, and enrichment services have
continued to tighten, with price increases being
witnessed across all components of the fuel cycle.
Since February 2022, when the term price of
uranium traded at ~US$42 per pound, the term
price of uranium has rallied to ~US$80 per pound.
Term conversion prices have increased from ~US$18/
kg to ~US$39/kg, and term enrichment prices
from ~US$65/SWU to ~US$163/SWU over the
same period.
We believe global nuclear fuel markets will continue
to undergo fundamental realignment and move
towards a more resilient and sustainable footing,
with the aim of becoming less dependent on
Russian and other state-owned nuclear fuel
suppliers. We expect this realignment will endure
for decades, given the renewed focus on long-term
energy security and decarbonisation of electricity
supply systems.
US and EU Nuclear Fuel Requirements Supplied by Russia
RUSSIAN
SHARE OF
GLOBAL
PRODUCTION
CAPACITY1
EU
NUCLEAR FUEL
SUPPLIED
BY RUSSIA2
US
NUCLEAR FUEL
SUPPLIED
BY RUSSIA1,3
Uranium U3O8
~14%
~17%
~12%
Conversion
~22%
~22%
~18%
Enrichment (SWU)
~44%
~30%
~27%
1. UxC, various sources 2024.
2. Euratom Supply Agency Annual Report 2022, published January 2024.
3. EIA, 2023 Uranium Marketing Annual Report, June 2024.
17
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
ABOUT
SILEX
The Project’s objective is to establish the first Q-Si
Production Plant and to develop the skills and
capability to manufacture Q-Si products, produced
from Zero-Spin Silicon (ZS-Si) halosilane, in multiple
product forms at commercial scale.
In January 2024, Silex announced the expansion
of its commercial arrangements with longstanding
partner, SQC, in support of the Q-Si Production
Project. This included an increase to SQC’s product
offtake commitment for Q-Si products and additional
funding arrangements that will result in a cash
contribution of $4.35m to the Project. The 3.5-year
Project is also supported with $5.1m in funding from
the Federal Government’s Defence Trailblazer for
Concept to Sovereign Capability Program, a strategic
partnership between The University of Adelaide and
UNSW, via the Department of Education’s Trailblazer
Universities Program.
During the year, Silex made substantial progress on
the design and construction of the Q-Si Production
Plant, including in-house laser and plant component
manufacture, and significantly expanded its chemistry
and engineering team capability. It is anticipated
that the Plant will produce up to 20kg annually of
ZS-Si, which will be converted to Q-Si product forms
(gaseous and solid) required by potential customers
in the global silicon-based quantum computing
industry. A key benefit of the SILEX laser isotope
separation technology is its modular nature, allowing
for the Production Plant to be scaled-up with more
production modules over time, based on market
demand and other factors.
Silex also continued to engage with silicon-based
quantum computing developers and other potential
industrial users of Q-Si to develop a customer base
for the Company’s products. Silex will retain 100%
ownership of the Q-Si production technology and
related IP developed through the Project.
Quantum Computing and Q-Si Outlook
Australia has been at the forefront of global efforts
to develop and commercialise quantum computing
and associated quantum technologies, which
have the potential to underpin transformational
technological advancements in many fields,
including AI, robotics, advanced communications,
and sensing, and in complex global industries, such
as defence and aerospace, finance, biomedical
science, chemicals, and logistics. UNSW and its
commercial spin out, SQC, are world leaders in
developing silicon-based quantum computing
technology, which, if successful, will allow Australia
to establish sovereign capability in a key strategic
technology that will advance the country’s
future defence, national security, and economic
competitiveness in the emerging quantum
technology era.
Many other countries around the world are also
investing heavily in the development of quantum
computing technology, with governments and key
corporates (such as Intel, IBM, Google, Microsoft,
Amazon, and others) vying for leadership in this
emerging strategic industry.
Silicon-based quantum computing technology is
reliant on the production of enriched silicon-28
(Q-Si). Current methods for production of Q-Si are
limited and costly, with only small quantities produced
annually, mostly using gas centrifuge technology in
Russia. Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this
fragile supply chain has been disrupted, threatening
the commercial viability and technical feasibility of
silicon-based quantum computing.
Quantum Silicon (Q-Si)
for Quantum Computing
Processor Chips
18
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
ABOUT
SILEX
The Project is initially focusing on the development
and demonstration of a process to economically
produce enriched Ytterbium (Yb-176), which is the
precursor isotope required for Lutetium (Lu-177)
production. The Lu-177 radioisotope has enabled
a breakthrough development, called targeted
beta therapy, for the diagnosis and treatment of a
number of types of aggressive metastatic cancers.
It has been approved for use in several applications
in the US, Europe, and the UK, and is under trial in
Australia. Enriched Yb-176 previously was almost
entirely sourced from Russia, with supply disrupted
by the War in Ukraine and the shift away from
Russian nuclear market services.
In December 2023, Stage 1 of the Project
(proof-of-concept) was successfully completed.
Proof-of-concept was achieved with a Silex
custom-built test system in our Lucas Heights
facility. The Stage 1 results involved the
demonstration of an isotopic enrichment effect
for the Yb-176 isotope, and cleared the path to
proceed to Stage 2 (Technology Validation). Silex
is currently undertaking Stage 2 of the Project and
is completing a series of activities to validate the
process at prototype scale, representing a significant
level of scale-up. This includes the design and
construction of a prototype demonstration system,
as well as preliminary enrichment testing. As at the
time of writing, enrichment testing continues to
produce encouraging results.
Medical Isotope
Separation Technology
(MIST) Project
19
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
ABOUT
SILEX
Directors’
Report
Your directors present their report on the
consolidated entity consisting of Silex Systems
Limited (Silex or the Company) and the entities it
controlled at the end of, or during the year ended
30 June 2024.
1. Directors
The following persons were directors of Silex Systems
Limited during the whole of the financial year and up
to the date of this report:
» Mr C A Roy
» Dr M P Goldsworthy
» Ms H G Cook
» Mr C D Wilks
Company Secretary
Ms J E Russell BBus, CA, MBA (Exec), GAICD was
appointed to the position of Company Secretary in
2010. Before joining Silex, Ms Russell held a senior
finance position in the Construction industry in the
Middle East and prior to that worked as a Senior
Associate with a Chartered Accounting Practice.
2. Principal activities
Silex is primarily focused on the commercialisation
of its innovative SILEX laser enrichment technology
across multiple global markets, with a priority focus
on contributing to the reliable and sustainable
supply of nuclear fuel for the global nuclear power
industry, a vital part of the world’s clean energy
needs. The development and commercialisation
program for the SILEX uranium enrichment
technology is being undertaken jointly by Silex (at
its Lucas Heights, Sydney facility) and by Global
Laser Enrichment LLC (GLE) (in Wilmington,
North Carolina). GLE is the exclusive licensee and
commercialisation vehicle for the SILEX uranium
enrichment technology and is a jointly-controlled
venture between Silex and global uranium and
nuclear fuel provider Cameco Corporation, with
51% and 49% ownership interest respectively.
Silex is also progressing the commercial deployment
of the SILEX technology for the production of Q-Si
products based on Zero-Spin Silicon (ZS-Si) – a
key enabling material required for silicon quantum
computer chip fabrication, and to further leveraging
and exploiting Silex’s core capabilities, through the
potential production of medical isotopes, initially
focusing on enrichment of Yb-176 – a key enabling
material for breakthrough nuclear medicine
cancer treatment.
3. Dividend
No dividend payments were made during the year.
No dividend has been recommended or declared by
the Board.
4. Operating and Financial Review
The review contains the following sections:
a) Overview of Operations
b) Financial Result
c) Financial Position
d) Business Strategy, Future Prospects and
Key Business Risks
20
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
a) Overview of Operations
Silex is an Australian listed company focused
on commercialising the innovative SILEX laser
enrichment technology for application to various
global industries:
i) Uranium production and enrichment for the
production of nuclear fuel for the nuclear power
industry;
ii) Silicon enrichment for the production of
‘Quantum Silicon’ used in the emerging silicon
quantum computing industry; and
iii) Medical isotope enrichment for nuclear medicine
cancer treatment.
Highlights
» The Company continued to make substantial
progress in its various enrichment technology
projects, with a primary focus on supporting the
continued execution of the commercialisation
program for the SILEX laser-based uranium
enrichment technology with exclusive licensee
GLE in the US;
» Silex and GLE have constructed, integrated, and
commissioned full-scale pilot equipment in GLE’s
Test Loop facility in Wilmington, NC, with the
aim of completing technology demonstration
(TRL-6) of the SILEX technology by the end of
2024, subject to an independent assessment
and report. If successfully completed in 2024, the
TRL-6 demonstration would be achieved up to
12 months earlier than originally planned. The
required period of demonstration testing, and
the timing of the assessment report, are at the
discretion of the independent assessor;
» GLE has commenced loading the UF6 inventory
into the Test Loop pilot facility in preparation for
the commencement of enrichment testing;
» GLE, the jointly-controlled venture between Silex
and Cameco Corporation, is uniquely positioned
to address the ‘Triple Opportunity’ that is emerging
today in the global nuclear fuel supply chain.
This is being driven by global climate change and
associated net-zero targets, the increasing need
for stable baseload power for emerging industrial
uses, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), data
centres, and electric vehicles, and geopolitical
factors, which are providing a catalyst for energy
security measures around the world.
» GLE’s owners agreed to a plan and budget
for CY2024 that continues the support of
activities in the technology commercialisation
project for the SILEX uranium enrichment
technology, including: i) completion of GLE’s
new headquarters facility in Wilmington, NC,
which provides significant additional space for
the continued growth of the GLE team and
the establishment of in-house manufacturing
capability; ii) land acquisition activities for
the first planned commercial production
plant in Paducah, KY; and iii) preparation
of an application to the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) for the commercial plant
construction and operating licence;
» GLE intends to participate in the bidding
process for the Department of Energy’s (DOE)
LEU Enrichment Acquisition Request for
Proposal (RFP), issued in July 2024, with bids
due for submission by 9 September 2024.
The RFP provides up to US$2.7bn to support
the US domestic nuclear fuel cycle.
» The design and construction of the first full-scale
Quantum Silicon (Q-Si) Production Plant
continues at the Company’s Lucas Heights facility,
with $5.1m in funding support from the Federal
Government’s Defence Trailblazer program
and a further $4.35m cash contribution from
longstanding offtake partner, Silicon Quantum
Computing (SQC);
» In December 2023, the Company announced
the successful completion of Stage 1 of the
Medical Isotope Separation Technology (MIST)
Project with proof-of-concept achieved to
produce enriched Ytterbium-176 (Yb-176),
which is the precursor isotope required for
Lutetium-177 (Lu-177), a breakthrough
development for the diagnosis and treatment
of aggressive metastatic cancers. Work
continues on Stage 2 of the Project which aims
to achieve technology validation through a
prototype demonstration system;
» Silex reported no lost time injuries or reportable
incidents in our project sites during the last year.
The Company has recently adopted a new
Workplace Health and Safety framework with
additional policies, procedures and systems to
reflect the growth in the Company’s operations.
21
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
SILEX Uranium Enrichment
The development and commercialisation program
for the SILEX uranium enrichment technology is
being undertaken by Silex (at its Lucas Heights,
Sydney facility) and by GLE (in Wilmington,
North Carolina). GLE is the exclusive licensee and
commercialisation vehicle for the SILEX uranium
enrichment technology. GLE is a jointly-controlled
venture between Silex and Cameco Corporation,
with 51% and 49% ownership interest respectively.
Cameco holds an option to purchase from Silex
at fair market value, an additional 26% interest in
GLE, potentially increasing their interest to 75%
(subject to US Government approvals). This option
can be exercised by Cameco up until the date that
is 30 months after the technology is satisfactorily
demonstrated at TRL-6 pilot scale. Subject to
various factors, including the successful completion
of TRL-6 pilot demonstration, availability of
industry and government support, the successful
completion of a feasibility study for the Paducah
Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF), and suitable market
conditions, the SILEX technology could become
a major contributor to nuclear fuel production
for the world’s current and future nuclear reactor
fleet, through the production of uranium in several
different forms, including natural grade uranium
(Unat) as UF6, low enriched uranium (LEU) and LEU+,
and high assay LEU (HALEU).
Quantum Silicon Production
Silex’s 3.5-year Quantum Silicon (Q-Si) Production
Project which commenced in August 2023, is being
undertaken in conjunction with partners, SQC and
UNSW Sydney (UNSW). The Project’s objective is
to establish the first Q-Si Production Plant and to
develop the skills and capability to manufacture
Q-Si products, produced from Zero-Spin Silicon
(ZS-Si) halosilane. It is anticipated that the
Plant, which is currently being constructed at the
Company’s Lucas Heights facility, will produce up
to 20kg annually of ZS-Si, which will be converted
to Q-Si product forms (gaseous and solid) required
by potential customers in the global silicon-based
quantum computing industry.
Medical Isotope Separation Technology (MIST)
In February 2023, Silex announced the MIST
opportunity and the commencement of its MIST
Project. The Project is initially focusing on the
development and demonstration of a process to
economically produce enriched Ytterbium (Yb-176),
which is the precursor isotope required for Lutetium
(Lu-177) production. The Lu-177 radioisotope
has enabled a breakthrough development, called
targeted beta therapy, for the diagnosis and
treatment of a number of types of aggressive
metastatic cancers. The 3-year MIST Project has
the aim of verifying the enrichment of Yb-176
in a commercially-scalable process, through the
development and demonstration of a commercial
pilot-scale production module to be constructed at
the Company’s Lucas Heights facility.
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SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
b) Financial Result
A summary of consolidated revenue and the financial result is set out below:
2024
$
2023
$
Revenue from continuing operations
12,910,491
9,235,424
Other income
4,329,429
2,828,484
(Loss) before tax
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
Income tax expense
-
-
Net (loss) from continuing operations
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
Net (loss) for the year
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
Net (loss) is attributable to:
Owners of Silex Systems Limited
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
The net loss from ordinary activities was $22.7m compared to $17.4m in the prior year. The increase in net loss
from ordinary activities is mainly attributable to the continued increase in GLE’s operating budget to support
GLE’s commercialisation program for the SILEX uranium enrichment technology. Silex’s 51% share of the GLE
loss increased by $7.1m in the current year to $23.2m (reported as share of net loss of associates and joint
ventures accounted for using the equity method).
Revenue from continuing operations increased by $3.7m to $12.9m in the current year, primarily due to the
increase in Interest revenue of $3.6m compared to the prior period, due to the increase in average cash and term
deposit holdings during the year.
Employee benefits expense and Research and development materials were also higher in the current year, with
increases of $1.6m and $1.0m respectively to the prior period, as the Company’s headcount and project activities
increased.
Further details on the Company’s financial result can be found in the Annual financial report that follows.
c) Financial Position
A summary of our consolidated balance sheet is set out below:
30 JUNE 2024
$
30 JUNE 2023
$
ASSETS
Total current assets
126,734,075
147,527,345
Total non-current assets
14,827,216
4,672,199
Total assets
141,561,291
152,199,544
LIABILITIES
Total current liabilities
8,623,765
2,880,384
Total non-current liabilities
999,186
629,968
Total liabilities
9,622,951
3,510,352
Net assets
131,938,340
148,689,192
EQUITY
Total equity
131,938,340
148,689,192
The Company’s net assets as at 30 June 2024 of $131.9m decreased by 11% compared with the previous year,
which is consistent with, and largely attributable to the current year’s net loss from ordinary activities. Significant
assets include cash holdings of $113.1m (cash and term deposits) and Investment accounted for using the equity
method (investment in GLE) of $13.3m. The Company holds no corporate debt.
23
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
d) Business Strategy, Future Prospects
and Key Business Risks
Silex’s Business Strategy
Silex is committed to the commercialisation of its
innovative SILEX laser enrichment technology across
multiple global markets, with a priority focus on
contributing to the reliable and sustainable supply
of nuclear fuel for the global nuclear power industry,
a vital part of the world’s clean energy needs. The
execution of our strategy is being pursued through
the following activities:
» Pursuit of the ‘Triple Opportunity’ in the global
nuclear fuel supply chain for the SILEX uranium
enrichment technology, through our ownership of
a 51% interest in exclusive uranium technology
licensee, GLE;
» Commercial deployment of the SILEX technology
for the production of Q-Si products based on
Zero Spin Silicon (ZS-Si) – a key enabling material
required for silicon quantum computer chip
fabrication; and
» Further leveraging and exploiting Silex’s core
capabilities, including through the potential
production of medical isotopes, initially focusing
on enrichment of Yb-176 – a key enabling
material for breakthrough nuclear medicine
cancer treatment.
SILEX Uranium Enrichment for Nuclear Fuel
Production – Overview and Future Prospects
The SILEX technology is the only third-generation
laser-based uranium enrichment technology
known to be in the advanced stages of commercial
development today. Subject to various factors,
including the successful completion of TRL-6
pilot demonstration, availability of industry and
government support, the successful completion of
a feasibility study for the PLEF, and suitable market
conditions, the SILEX technology could become
a major contributor to nuclear fuel production for
the world’s current and future nuclear reactor fleet
through the ‘Triple Opportunity’ which could involve
the production of three different grades of nuclear
fuel, including:
» Natural Grade Uranium (Unat) as UF6: via
enrichment of DOE owned inventories of depleted
UF6 tails at the proposed PLEF to produce
uranium (in the form of converted UF6) at natural
U235 assay of ~0.7%;
» Low Enriched Uranium (LEU/LEU+): for use as
fuel in today’s conventional large-scale nuclear
power reactors – which require fuel with U235
assays of up to 5%, and potentially LEU+, a new
grade of fuel with U235 assays between 5% and
10% being considered by several utilities for use
in current and future nuclear reactors to improve
economic performance; and
» High Assay LEU (HALEU): a customised fuel for
next generation advanced reactors, including
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) currently under
development – many of which require fuel with
U235 assays of between 10% and 20%.
Uranium production, conversion and enrichment
are the key value drivers of the nuclear fuel supply
chain, accounting for nearly 85% of the value of a
reactor fuel bundle. Importantly, commercialisation
of the SILEX uranium enrichment technology through
exclusive licensee, GLE, could create leverage into
all three of these nuclear fuel supply chain sectors
and could enable the SILEX technology to become a
unique nuclear fuel production platform for existing
and emerging nuclear power generation systems.
Status of Nuclear Fuel Markets
With many countries prioritising government policy
initiatives to address the compounding issues of
climate change, transport electrification, and
geopolitical disruptions to energy markets triggering
a new focus on sovereign energy security, we expect
to see nuclear power form a more meaningful
part of the energy mix for a growing number of
countries. This is resulting in market conditions
and opportunities for nuclear fuel that have not
previously been seen before in the nuclear industry.
According to the World Nuclear Association,
there are currently 439 operable nuclear reactors
globally, with significant growth in nuclear power
expected from the additional 64 reactors under
construction and the hundreds more that are
planned. Notwithstanding large nuclear construction
programs in China, India, and the Middle East, the
US remains the world’s largest producer of nuclear
power, with 94 operable reactors. The US currently
accounts for more than 30% of worldwide nuclear
generation of electricity and is expected to remain
the largest nuclear power generator for years to
come. In addition, several US states and utilities are
undertaking studies to assess the potential restart of
shutdown reactors.
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SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
Growth in demand for nuclear power is also evident
in the granting of life extensions for existing reactors.
In the US, nearly all of the operable reactors have
been granted operating licence extensions from
40 to 60 years, with some potentially planning
to operate for 80 years or more. In addition, the
retirement of a number of reactors is being delayed,
or in some cases reversed. Furthermore, there
is growing interest and significant international
investment in the development of next-generation
advanced reactor technologies, including SMRs.
A number of advanced reactors are being designed
to operate with HALEU fuel, while other more
near-term designs will use conventional LEU fuel or,
in some cases, LEU+ fuel.
For many years, global nuclear fuel markets have
been highly dependent on Russian nuclear fuel
supply. With Russia currently providing the European
Union ~30% and the US ~27% of their enriched
nuclear fuel requirements, Western governments
and utilities are seeking to establish secure nuclear
fuel production capabilities to free themselves of
Russian influence. Importantly, the recently enacted
US ban on the importation of Russian uranium (LEU)
also prohibits the import of unirradiated LEU that
has been swapped (‘washed’) for prohibited Russian
uranium (LEU) or otherwise obtained in a manner
designed to circumvent the ban’s restrictions. As a
consequence of the abovementioned compounding
issues, the global markets for uranium, conversion
services, and enrichment services have continued to
tighten, with price increases being witnessed across
all components of the fuel cycle. Since February
2022, when the term price of uranium traded at
~US$42 per pound, the term price of uranium has
rallied to ~US$80 per pound. Term conversion prices
have increased from ~US$18/kg to ~US$39/kg
and term enrichment prices from ~US$65/SWU to
~US$163/SWU over the same period.
The global nuclear fuel markets are expected to
continue to undergo fundamental realignment and
move towards a more resilient and sustainable
footing, with the aim of becoming less dependent
on Russian and other state-owned nuclear fuel
suppliers. Given this and the renewed focus on
long-term energy security, and decarbonisation of
electricity supply systems, we remain encouraged
by the opportunities that are evolving for the SILEX
technology and GLE in the global nuclear industry.
Strategic Engagement with Industry and
Government Organisations
GLE’s strategy includes active engagement with
government and industry organisations, aimed
at attracting strategic support and developing
opportunities to help expedite and de-risk the
commercialisation program for the SILEX uranium
enrichment technology.
GLE continues to receive support from leading
US nuclear generators, with four Letters of Intent
(LOIs) now in place between GLE and Constellation
Energy Generation, Duke Energy, Dominion Energy
Services Inc, and another undisclosed entity. The
LOIs reflect the strong support of the US nuclear
industry to establish greater diversification in the
supply of nuclear fuel. GLE engages extensively and
proactively with the US nuclear industry to explore
opportunities to partner with stakeholders to obtain
support for its commercialisation strategy and the
planned PLEF.
In response to evolving geopolitical developments,
energy security concerns, and the need for
reliable, low-cost, carbon-free baseload electricity
generation, the US Congress enacted pivotal
legislation with strong bipartisan support through the
year to incentivise the establishment of new nuclear
fuel production capacity in the US, as well as to
reassert America’s global nuclear industry leadership.
Of most significance to GLE was the March 2024
passing into law of the FY2024 Energy and Water
Appropriations Act, which provided authorisation for
the release of US$2.7bn for new US domestic LEU
and HALEU capacity. In July 2024, the DOE issued
its LEU Enrichment Acquisition RFP in respect to
the US$2.7bn of available funding. GLE intends to
participate in the bidding process for the RFP, with
bids due for submission by 9 September 2024.
GLE continues to explore opportunities to participate
in US Government programs and industry initiatives
as they evolve.
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SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
GLE’s Commercialisation Activities
Key to progressing GLE’s commercialisation
activities is the successful TRL-6 demonstration
of the SILEX technology. Achievement of TRL-6
demonstration by December 2024 would result in
completion of this key milestone up to 12 months
ahead of the original schedule.
GLE’s CY2024 plan and budget provides for progress
in other key commercialisation efforts, including
several activities related to the planned PLEF:
» advancing technology maturation (i.e., TRL-7
and 8) and manufacturing activities (i.e., MRL-7
and 8) in preparation for commercial deployment;
» fitout and occupation of GLE’s new facility in
Wilmington (occupancy taken up in June 2024),
which provides significant additional space for
continued growth of the GLE team, and in-house
manufacturing capability to support GLE’s
commercialisation program;
» Paducah, KY site acquisition activities, with GLE
executing a set of agreements in June 2024
that provide GLE with an option to purchase
a ~650-acre parcel of land for the planned
PLEF - situated adjacent to the DOE’s former
first-generation Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant,
at which the legacy depleted uranium inventories
(PLEF feedstock) are located; and
» preparations for the NRC commercial plant
licence for the PLEF, including the deployment
of a highly experienced regulatory team to
support the required safety and environmental
assessments and licence application
documentation.
Subject to various factors, including the successful
completion of TRL-6 pilot demonstration, industry
and government support, a feasibility study
for the PLEF, and continued supportive market
conditions, GLE will continue to advance these
commercialisation activities in order to support the
potential commencement of commercial operations
at the PLEF ahead of the original plan of 2030.
The PLEF project opportunities are underpinned by
the 2016 agreement between GLE and the DOE,
which through the acquisition of over 200,000 metric
tonnes of depleted tails owned by the DOE, provides
the feedstock for the production of natural grade
uranium hexafluoride (UF6) over three decades. The
output of the proposed plant would be sold into the
global uranium market at an expected production
rate equivalent to a uranium mine with an annual
output of up to 5 million pounds of uranium oxide,
which would rank in the top 10 of today’s uranium
mines. Preliminary analysis by Silex of PLEF UF6
production indicates it could rank equal to a ‘Tier
1’ uranium mine based on current estimates of
longevity and its potentially low cost of production.
SILEX Technology Commercialisation and
Licence Agreement with GLE
The Technology Commercialisation and Licence
Agreement signed between Silex and GLE in 2006
is an exclusive worldwide licence for exploitation
of the SILEX technology for uranium enrichment.
The Licence Agreement is independent of Silex’s
51% equity interest in GLE and related commercial
benefits flowing from that equity interest.
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SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
The Licence Agreement includes royalty revenues
and milestone payments to Silex as follows:
» Perpetual royalty of a minimum of 7% on GLE’s
enrichment SWU revenues from use of the SILEX
technology
» US$20 million in milestone payments payable
to Silex, triggered by commercial development
milestones
The first US$5 million milestone payment is due
to be received by Silex following achievement
of TRL-6 pilot demonstration. Given the various
risks related to the commercialisation program,
including the business risks outlined below, the
receipt of milestone payments and royalties and the
associated timing remains uncertain.
The joint owners of GLE continue to take a considered
approach to the SILEX technology commercialisation
program in line with current market conditions
and opportunities. Ultimately, the future of the
technology and likelihood of success in the remaining
commercialisation program is dependent on the
continued growth in the global markets for natural
and enriched uranium. Commercialisation of the
SILEX uranium enrichment technology therefore
remains subject to these and other risks.
Quantum Silicon (Q-Si) for Quantum Computing
Processor Chips – Overview and Future Prospects
The 3.5-year Q-Si Production Project was
announced in 17 August 2023 and is being
undertaken in conjunction with partners, SQC and
UNSW. The Project’s objective is to establish the first
Q-Si Production Plant and to develop the skills and
capability to manufacture Q-Si products, produced
from Zero-Spin Silicon (ZS-Si) halosilane, in multiple
product forms at commercial scale.
In January 2024, Silex announced the expansion
of its commercial arrangements with longstanding
partner, SQC, in support of the Q-Si Production
Project. This included an increase to SQC’s
product offtake commitment for Q-Si products
and additional funding arrangements that will
result in a cash contribution of $4.35m to the Q-Si
Project. The 3.5-year Project is also supported with
$5.1m of funding from the Federal Government’s
Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign
Capability Program, a strategic partnership
between The University of Adelaide and UNSW,
via the Department of Education’s Trailblazer
Universities Program.
The aim of the Project is to design and construct
the first module of the Q-Si Production Plant at the
Company’s Lucas Heights facility. It is anticipated
that the Plant will produce up to 20kg annually
of ZS-Si, which will be converted to Q-Si product
forms (gaseous and solid) required by potential
customers in the global silicon-based quantum
computing industry.
A key benefit of the SILEX laser isotope separation
technology is its modular nature, allowing for
the Production Plant to be scaled-up with more
production modules over time, based on market
demand and other factors.
Australia has been at the forefront of global efforts to
develop and commercialise quantum computing and
associated quantum technologies, which have the
potential to underpin transformational technological
advancements in many fields, including AI, robotics,
advanced communications, and sensing, and in
complex global industries, such as defence and
aerospace, finance, biomedical science, chemicals,
and logistics. UNSW and its commercial spin out,
SQC, are world leaders in developing silicon-based
quantum computing technology, which, if successful,
will allow Australia to establish sovereign capability
in a key strategic technology that will advance the
country’s future defence, national security, and
economic competitiveness in the emerging quantum
technology era.
In parallel with the design and construction of the
initial commercial module of the Q-Si Production
Plant a full economic assessment of the Quantum
Silicon business case will be completed. The Q-Si
Project remains dependent on the outcomes of the
latest development Project and the viability of silicon
quantum computing and therefore continues to carry
inherent risks.
Medical Isotope Separation Technology (MIST)
Project – Overview and Future Prospects
In February 2023, Silex announced the MIST
opportunity and the commencement of its MIST
Project. The Project is initially focusing on the
development and demonstration of a process to
economically produce enriched Yb-176, which
is the precursor isotope required for Lu-177
production. The Lu-177 radioisotope has enabled
a breakthrough development, called targeted
beta therapy, for the diagnosis and treatment of a
number of types of aggressive metastatic cancers.
It has been approved for use in several applications
in the US, Europe, and the UK, and is under trial in
Australia. Enriched Yb-176 previously was almost
entirely sourced from Russia, with supply disrupted
by the War in Ukraine and the shift away from
Russian nuclear market services.
27
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
In December 2023, Stage 1 of the Project
(proof-of-concept) was successfully completed.
Proof-of-concept was achieved with a Silex
custom-built test system in our Lucas Heights
facility. The Stage 1 results involved the
demonstration of an isotopic enrichment effect
for the Yb-176 isotope, and cleared the path to
proceed to Stage 2 (Technology Validation).
Silex is currently undertaking Stage 2 of the Project
and is completing a series of activities to validate
the process at prototype scale, representing a
significant level of scale-up. This includes the design
and construction of a prototype demonstration
system, as well as preliminary enrichment testing.
At the time of writing, enrichment testing continue
to produce encouraging results.
The MIST platform has potential application to
other high-value medical and industrial isotopes,
with the technology and all associated IP wholly
owned by Silex. However, the MIST Project is
dependent on the outcomes of the Stage 2
prototype demonstration project and is therefore
subject to various risks. The commercial future of
the SILEX technology in application to medical
isotopes separation is uncertain and any plans for
commercial deployment are speculative.
Silex’s Key Business Risks
The key business risks facing the Company include,
but are not limited to:
(a) Decreases in the market prices or decreasing
demand for nuclear fuel
Decreases in the market prices of the components
of nuclear fuel or in the demand for uranium
(measured in pounds of uranium oxide or
‘yellowcake’), conversion (measured in kilograms
of uranium), enrichment (measured in Separative
Work Units (SWUs)) or other forms of uranium
including LEU, LEU+, HALEU or enriched uranium
product (EUP) could affect the ability of GLE and
Silex to commercialise the SILEX technology. The
prices and demand for the various components of
nuclear fuel remain sensitive to a number of factors
that are beyond the control of the Company,
including economic and political factors, growth in
nuclear power generation and the resulting supply
and demand of nuclear fuel components. The
Company cannot provide assurances with regard
to factors that are beyond its control and that
may impact the commercialisation plans of Silex
and GLE.
(b) Nuclear Industry contractions
If the SILEX laser-based uranium enrichment
technology is ultimately commercially deployed,
the quantum of income in the form of milestone
payments, revenues, and/or royalties could be
impacted by any decline in the size of the world
nuclear industry. Examples of factors which may
constrain growth in the nuclear industry include:
» concerns over the economics of nuclear power;
» concerns over the safety of the nuclear industry;
» concerns over nuclear proliferation; and
» concerns over the safe disposal of nuclear waste.
(c) Government and Regulatory Risks
The activities of the Company and GLE are subject
to extensive laws and regulations. Various permits
and licences are required for operations today
and into the future. Adherence to legislation and
regulations, and obtaining permits and licences,
may cause restrictions, additional cost and potential
delays to GLE’s commercialisation.
In January 2021, GLE became 100% non-US owned
with Silex holding a 51% ownership interest and
Cameco Corporation holding a 49% interest in GLE.
Silex and Cameco are subject to certain regulations
and directives relating to the mitigation of Foreign
Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) over GLE, as
mandated by the US Government. These regulations
and directives are administered on behalf of the
US Government by the US NRC and the US DOE.
While the regulations and directives are generally
supportive to GLE’s business activities and strategies,
there may be situations in which the interests of the
US Government with respect to FOCI mitigation
are not fully aligned with the business interests of
GLE or its owners, Silex and Cameco. This may
cause frustrations or delays with respect to the
execution of GLE’s business strategies, which could
ultimately impact the economic value of GLE and its
commercial projects.
(d) Contractual Risks
Silex signed an agreement, effective January 2021,
with Cameco as joint venture partner in GLE relating
to the governance and conduct of GLE’s business,
and the formulation of commercial priorities and
strategies that are developed for GLE. While Silex
and Cameco are generally highly aligned in their
business aspirations and priorities for GLE, there
may be situations in which Silex and Cameco
may not be fully aligned and which may lead to
disagreements between Silex and Cameco. While
there are provisions in the agreement between Silex
and Cameco to resolve such disagreements, some
matters may not be easily resolved and may impact
GLE’s economic value and commercial prospects.
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SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
In 2016, an agreement was signed between GLE
and the US DOE which facilitates the future purchase
of hundreds of thousands of metric tons of depleted
uranium hexafluoride (DUF6) inventories (also known
as depleted ‘tails’) owned by the US Government.
This agreement relates primarily to the inventories
which are located at the DOE reserve in Paducah,
Kentucky. This agreement, which was amended in
2020 to align it with then current market conditions
and US Government priorities, underpins GLE’s
key commercial project at the planned PLEF.
Issues arising with respect to the agreement may
compromise GLE’s commercialisation program.
(e) Technology commercialisation program
execution
The Company is currently undertaking the
commercialisation of the SILEX laser-based uranium
enrichment technology together with GLE, and
additionally the Q-Si Production Project and the
MIST Project. Changes in scope or delays to our
various technology commercialisation programs
may occur due to multiple factors including:
resource prioritisation and allocation; interproject
dependencies; actions taken by the Company’s
commercialisation partners and other stakeholders
that could adversely affect the programs and
commercialisation strategies; macro-economic and
geopolitical factors that may impact commercial
opportunities and/or the demand for the Company’s
products; resource availability and cost; competition
from alternative technologies; and impacts from
potential third party claims against the Company’s
ownership of intellectual property.
(f) Intellectual property
As with any intellectual property, potential exists for
a third party to dispute the Silex’s rights to the SILEX
technology or any other technologies it develops,
uses or relies upon. Furthermore, application of the
SILEX technology to uranium enrichment has been
classified by the Australian and US governments, and
as a consequence, the Company is not permitted to
apply for patent protection for uranium enrichment
technology and any similar variant of the SILEX
technology applied to fields beyond uranium, to the
extent there is overlap in such intellectual property.
The SILEX technology is therefore protected
proactively by government-mandated trade-secret
protocols and strict security controls. These include,
but are not limited to, high security infrastructure
including security fencing and multiple-layered
access control, 24/7 CCTV surveillance and armed
guard patrols, an extensive cybersecurity program
and security clearances required for all staff. While
the Company believes its protection of intellectual
property is at a very high standard, there are always
risks associated with breaches of security and
information leaks which could adversely impact the
value of the Company’s intellectual property.
(g) Reliance on key staff and retention
The ability to retain specialist team members
who are integral to the execution and delivery of
our technology commercialisation programs is
imperative. This includes the CEO/MD and founder
of Silex, who is highly experienced in both technology
development and company management, and
remains fundamental to the success of Silex. Silex
may be adversely affected if the CEO/MD is unable
to remain actively involved in the business. In
addition, Silex relies heavily on the knowledge and
expertise of several long-serving senior technology
experts and corporate personnel. The loss of any of
these specialists may have an impact on progress
in the Company’s various projects and is a key focus
of the Company’s succession planning and staff
development activities.
(h) Health and Safety
Silex conducts its activities to the highest standards
of workplace health and safety (WHS) and has
systems in place for the management of WHS risks.
Laser technology and operating within the nuclear
fuel industry carries inherent risks with little margin
for error. The Company also utilises potentially
harmful gases, materials and equipment in its
operations. Silex executes its WHS strategy and
manages its WHS obligations with strong internal
controls, including extensive technical controls,
process safety, a focus on continuous improvement
of our WHS management system, and on the
auditing and monitoring of our operations by both
internal and external experts.
(i) Climate change and environment
The Company has a responsibility to ensure its
operations have the lowest possible impact on the
environment. Climate change presents an evolving
set of risks and opportunities. This includes risks and
opportunities associated with:
» the transition to low carbon-emissions power
generating technologies; and
» risks arising from an increase in weather events
and adverse weather patterns due to climate
change.
Furthermore, the increased regulation of greenhouse
gas emissions could adversely affect the Company’s
and GLE’s future cost of operations as a result of
increased energy costs and the cost of production
at the PLEF. Regulatory change by governments
in response to climate change may also result in
increased compliance costs.
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SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
5. Significant changes in state of affairs
On 19 February 2024, GLE’s owners agreed to
a plan and budget for CY2024 that enabled
the continuation of accelerated activities in the
technology demonstration project for the SILEX
uranium enrichment technology, and allowed GLE
to progress other key commercialisation activities
noted above. The CY2024 plan and budget
involves an approximate doubling of GLE’s project
expenditures compared to CY2023.
6. Matters subsequent to the end of the
financial year
The consolidated entity is not aware of any matters
or circumstances which are not otherwise dealt with
in the financial statements that have significantly,
or may significantly, affect the operations of the
consolidated entity, the results of its operations or the
state of the consolidated entity in subsequent years
other than those referred to in this Directors’ Report.
7. Information on Directors
The following information is current as at the date
of this report:
Mr Craig Roy
MBA, MSc, FAICD
Chair – Independent non-executive director
Experience and expertise
» Independent non-executive director and Chair
since January 2019
» Former Deputy CEO of the CSIRO
» Extensive experience as a company director and
is currently a Non-executive Director of Sydney
Water and Australian Composites Manufacturing
CRC Limited, and Chair of the Australian
Research Data Commons
Other current listed company directorships
» None
Former listed company directorships in last 3 years
» None
Special responsibilities
» Chair of the Board
» Member of Audit Committee
» Chair of Remuneration & Nomination Committee
» Member of Global Laser Enrichment Holdings LLC
(Chair until 31/12/2023)
Interests in shares, options and rights
» Number of ordinary shares
259,507
» Number of options
Nil
» Number of rights
Nil
30
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
Dr Michael Goldsworthy
BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, FAIP, GAICD
Chief Executive Officer/
Managing Director
Experience and expertise
» CEO/MD for thirty-two years
(since 1992)
» Founder of the Company and
co-inventor of the SILEX laser
isotope separation technology
» Dr Goldsworthy has been
the driving force behind the
commercialisation program for
the SILEX technology
Other current listed company
directorships
» None
Former listed company
directorships in last 3 years
» None
Special responsibilities
» Chief Executive Officer/
Managing Director
» Director of Global Laser
Enrichment Holdings LLC
Interests in shares, options
and rights
» Number of ordinary
shares
6,314,993
» Number of options
900,000
» Number of rights
487,500
Ms Helen Cook
LLM, LLB (Hons), BA
Independent non-executive
director
Experience and expertise
» Independent non-executive
director since October 2021
» Commercial lawyer and
international nuclear law
specialist
» Principal of GNE Advisory
Pty Ltd, a law practice
dedicated to the global civil
nuclear energy sector
Other current listed company
directorships
» None
Former listed company
directorships in last 3 years
» None
Special responsibilities
» Member of Audit Committee
» Member of Remuneration &
Nomination Committee
Interests in shares, options
and rights
» Number of ordinary
shares
12,000
» Number of options
Nil
» Number of rights
Nil
Mr Christopher Wilks
BCom, FAICD
Non-executive director
Experience and expertise
» Non-executive director
since 1988
» Finance director and CFO
of Sonic Healthcare Limited
» Various directorships of public
companies held over the years
Other current listed company
directorships
» Executive director of Sonic
Healthcare Limited since 1989
(Finance director since 1993)
Former listed company
directorships in last 3 years
» None
Special responsibilities
» Chair of Audit Committee
» Member of Remuneration &
Nomination Committee
Interests in shares, options
and rights
» Number of ordinary
shares
2,833,716
» Number of options
Nil
» Number of rights
Nil
8. Meetings
The numbers of meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors and of each Board Committee held during the
financial year, and the numbers of meetings attended by each director were:
DIRECTORS’
MEETINGS
AUDIT
COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
REMUNERATION &
NOMINATION COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
DIRECTOR’S NAME
NUMBER
HELD
NUMBER
ATTENDED
NUMBER
HELD
NUMBER
ATTENDED
NUMBER
HELD
NUMBER
ATTENDED
Mr C A Roy
8
8
3
3
2
2
Mr M P Goldsworthy
8
8
▲
▲
▲
▲
Ms H G Cook
8
8
3
3
2
2
Mr C D Wilks
8
8
3
3
2
2
▲ Not a member of the relevant committee at the time the scheduled meetings were held.
31
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
9. Remuneration Report
Letter to Shareholders from the Chair of the
Remuneration & Nomination Committee
On behalf of the Remuneration & Nomination
Committee and the Board, I am pleased to present
the FY2024 Remuneration Report. The Remuneration
Report provides information on the remuneration
arrangements for our executive Key Management
Personnel (KMP) which includes our CEO/MD,
CFO/Company Secretary and non-executive directors
of the Company.
Company Performance
In FY2024, Silex continued to execute on our
strategic priorities, with our executive KMP leading
these efforts. This included the ongoing support
of activities in the technology commercialisation
project for the SILEX uranium enrichment
technology together with GLE. Importantly, we
have been focussed on the completion of the TRL-6
pilot demonstration project – successful completion
of which is a pivotal milestone in the de-risking
of the SILEX uranium enrichment technology for
commercial deployment. The construction and
testing of full-scale technology components in
preparation for TRL-6 pilot demonstration has been
completed and at the time of writing, preparations
continue for the commencement of enrichment
testing. Efforts also continue to position GLE in the
market for the potential commercial production of
nuclear fuel later this decade.
Progress with the commercial deployment of the
SILEX technology for the production of Q-Si products
based on Silex’s Zero-Spin Silicon (ZS-Si) product also
continued during the year, together with the securing
of third party contributions totalling ~$9.5m, including
$5.1m from the Defence Trailblazer program. The
design and construction of the first full-scale Q-Si
(enriched silicon) commercial production module
progressed at the Company’s Lucas Heights facility
during the year. The Company also continued
to further leverage core capabilities through the
development of the Medical Isotope Separation
Technology (MIST), advancing the MIST project from
proof-of-concept through to the current design and
construction of a prototype demonstration system.
Our progress and achievements during the year are
testament to the leadership of our CEO/MD, Michael
Goldsworthy, our executives and the Silex and
GLE teams.
Remuneration Outcomes for FY2024
As detailed in the Remuneration Report, a
significant proportion of the compensation for
our CEO/MD and CFO/Company Secretary is
at-risk, equity-based and is intrinsically linked to
performance. Multi-year, equity-based incentives
for our CEO/MD (as approved by shareholders
at the 2021 AGM) and for our CFO/Company
Secretary are in place with clear key performance
indicators (KPIs) and objectives that are
intended to align their interests with those of
our shareholders, and to drive positive outcomes in
the longer term.
The Committee and the Board assessed the
performance of executive KMP against their
respective KPIs and objectives. Section d) of the
Remuneration Report details the FY2024 Short-term
Incentive (STI) payments and includes a summary of
the assessment of the KPIs and the final STI payable.
The assessment of the STI KPIs and objectives for the
CEO/MD and CFO/Company Secretary reflect the
strong Company performance for FY2024. Details
of the FY2024 Extended Long-term Incentive (LTI)
outcome for the CFO/Company Secretary can also
be found in Section d). We believe that our executive
remuneration programs have been appropriately set
and create alignment between our executive KMP
and the long-term success of the Company and
our shareholders.
Independent Remuneration Review
The Committee and the Board is committed to
regularly evaluating the Company’s remuneration
strategy, objectives and programs to ensure the
alignment of remuneration to the achievement of
strategic and business objectives and to the interests
of Silex shareholders and other stakeholders.
We endeavour to ensure that at all times our
remuneration practices reflect strong governance,
and are aligned to market and incorporate best
practice guidelines to ensure our decisions with
respect to KMP remuneration are appropriate in
relation to the Company’s performance.
The Company recently commenced an
engagement to complete an independent
remuneration benchmarking and design review
of the remuneration framework for Company
executives and of non-executive directors’ fees.
As this review is ongoing, the remuneration for our
CEO/MD and CFO/Company Secretary, and our
non-executive directors has been frozen pending
completion of the assessment. The outcomes of the
remuneration review engagement will be considered
for implementation from 1 July 2024 and will be
reported in our FY2025 Remuneration Report.
We invite you to review the full Remuneration Report
and we look forward to answering any questions you
may have at our AGM later this year.
Mr C A Roy
Chair,
Remuneration & Nomination Committee
32
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
The directors present the Remuneration Report
for the year ended 30 June 2024, outlining key
aspects of our remuneration policy and framework,
and remuneration awarded for the Company’s
non-executive directors, executive directors and
other executive Key Management Personnel (KMP).
The report contains the following sections:
a) Directors and KMP disclosed in this report
b) Remuneration governance
c) Linking remuneration structure to Company
performance
d) Elements of executive KMP remuneration
e) Link between FY2024 remuneration and
performance
f) Contractual arrangements with executive KMPs
g) Non-executive directors’ remuneration
arrangements
h) Directors’ and KMP remuneration
i) Performance-based remuneration granted and
forfeited during the year
j) Terms and conditions of the equity-based
payment arrangements
k) Reconciliation of options, rights and ordinary
shares held by executive KMP
l) Voting at the Company’s 2023 Annual General
Meeting
a) Directors and KMP disclosed in this
report
The 2024 Remuneration Report forms part of the
Directors’ Report and has been prepared and
audited in accordance with the requirements of
section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The
Remuneration Report has been prepared in respect
of the KMP of the Company. KMP are defined as
those persons who have authority and responsibility
for planning, directing and controlling the activities
of the Company.
The KMP covered in this report are as follows:
NAME
POSITION
Non-executive and executive directors
Mr C A Roy
Chair and
Non-executive director
Dr M P Goldsworthy
CEO/Managing Director –
Executive director
Ms H G Cook
Non-executive director
Mr C D Wilks
Non-executive director
Other executive KMP
Ms J E Russell
CFO/Company Secretary
b) Remuneration governance
Board oversight
The Silex Board is ultimately responsible for ensuring
that the Company’s remuneration structure is fit for
purpose and reflects the Company’s values, strategic
objectives and risk appetite, and aligned with the
long-term interests of shareholders. The Board and
its advisors are independent of Management when
making decisions affecting employee remuneration.
Remuneration & Nomination Committee structure
The Remuneration & Nomination Committee is a
committee of the Board comprised of a majority of
independent non-executive directors. The Chair of
the Committee is also an independent non-executive
director. Its role is to make recommendations to
the Board regarding the Company’s remuneration
policies and practices, including those applicable
to the Company’s KMP and to perform a range of
nomination responsibilities including addressing
the selection, appointment and review of Directors.
Members of the Remuneration & Nomination
Committee as at 30 June 2024 were as follows:
Committee members
Mr C A Roy | Chair
Ms H G Cook
Mr C D Wilks
Committee secretary
Ms E J Wells
(from 19 February 2024)
Ms J E Russell
(to 19 February 2024)
Number of meetings in FY2024
2
Other individuals who regularly
attended meetings
Dr M P Goldsworthy
CEO/MD
Remuneration
Report
33
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
The role of the Remuneration & Nomination
Committee with respect to remuneration is as follows:
» Review and recommend to the Board appropriate
remuneration policies and practices that are
competitive and reasonable for the Company,
and that will attract and retain key talent;
» To make specific recommendations in relation
to executive KMP compensation and senior
executives, as well as the general application to
all employees;
» Determine and recommend remuneration levels
of non-executive directors, the CEO/MD, and the
CFO/Company Secretary for Board approval; and
» Manage the incentive plans which apply to
executive KMP and senior executives and
management, including performance objectives
and the assessment of those objectives.
The role and responsibilities of the Remuneration
& Nomination Committee are set out in the
Committee’s Charter, which is available on the
Company’s website at: www.silex.com.au/corporate/
corporate-governance/.
The Company recently commenced an
engagement to complete an independent
remuneration benchmarking and design review
of the remuneration framework for Company
executives and of non-executive directors’ fees.
Once completed, the outcomes of the engagement
will be considered for implementation during
FY2025.
c) Linking remuneration structure to
Company performance
Remuneration strategy, policy and framework
In determining executive KMP remuneration, the
Board’s policy is based on the principle of aligning
remuneration outcomes with the successful delivery
of strategy whilst ensuring our remuneration
practices are designed to attract, motivate and
retain highly qualified and specialised personnel.
High regard for contemporary market practice,
good governance and alignment to changing
business circumstances is maintained at all times.
The Company aims to reward executive KMP with
a level and mix of remuneration commensurate
with their position and responsibilities within the
Company that is competitive within the market.
Remuneration for executive KMP is reviewed
annually and considers market data, insights
into remuneration trends, the performance of the
Company and the individual, and the broader
economic and operating environment.
Following a review of the Company’s executive KMP
incentive programs during FY2021, a multi-year
incentive program was developed, involving the
issue of Short-term Incentives (STIs), Long-term
Incentives (LTIs) and an Extended LTI using a
variety of equity-based awards and therefore
aligned with the creation of shareholder value over
the long-term. These equity-based incentives for
our CEO/MD were approved by shareholders at
the 2021 AGM.
The executive KMP remuneration framework
comprises of two components:
» Total fixed remuneration; and
» At-risk incentives.
34
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
Remuneration structure
ELEMENT
PURPOSE
PERFORMANCE METRICS
STRUCTURE
VALUE
Total Fixed
Remuneration
(TFR)
Provide competitive
market salary,
including
superannuation and
non-monetary benefits
Nil
Base remuneration
Positioned at
median market
rate and with
reference to role
experience
AT-RISK INCENTIVES
STI*
Reward for in-year
performance, retention
via 2-year escrow
period applied to any
equity incentive award
Performance may
be linked to financial
metrics such as cash
flow management
and to non-financial
measures, such
as commercial
deliverables, and other
specific operational and
strategic deliverables
for the Company.
CEO: FY2024 - 75,000
Performance Rights**
(Nb. FY2022 to FY2025 – award
of 75,000 Performance Rights per
annum. Underlying performance
criteria to be set by the Board at the
commencement of each financial year)
Potential value:
$192,150
A gross cash performance
payment of $75,000 was
awarded to the CEO for FY2024
in recognition of Company
achievements, sustained efforts
and performance, and FY2024
STI assessment.
Value:
$75,000
CFO: FY2024 - 70,000
Performance Rights
(Nb. FY2022 to FY2024 – award
of 70,000 Performance Rights per
annum. Underlying performance
criteria to be set by the Board at the
commencement of each financial year)
Potential value:
$171,570
A gross cash performance
payment of $60,000 was
awarded to the CFO for FY2024
in recognition of Company
achievements, sustained efforts
and performance, and FY2024
STI assessment.
Value:
$60,000
LTI*
Alignment to long-
term shareholder
value, retention via
2-year escrow period
applied to any equity
incentive award
Performance linked
to contribution to the
creation of shareholder
value over the longer
term.
CEO: FY2024 – 150,000 Options
(Nb. 750,000 options** granted
14 October 2021***, representing
150,000 options per annum for FY2021
through to and including FY2025)
Potential value:
$577,470
Expensed over
FY2021 to FY2027
CFO: FY2024 – 100,000 Options
(Nb. 300,000 options granted 26 July
2021***, representing 100,000 options
per annum for FY2022 through to and
including FY2024)
Potential value:
$139,390
Expensed over
FY2022 to FY2026
Extended
LTI*
Alignment to long-
term shareholder
value, retention via
2-year escrow period
applied to any equity
incentive award
Performance linked
to scale-up of the
unique SILEX uranium
enrichment technology
(i.e., TRL-6 pilot
demonstration) by no
later than 31 December
2025.
Performance linked to
long-term shareholder
value.
CEO: 412,500 Performance
Rights**
(to cover 5.5 performance years
commencing 1 July 2020 and ending
31 December 2025)
Potential value:
$466,950
Expensed over
FY2021 to FY2026
CFO: 300,000 Performance
Rights
(to cover 5 performance years
commencing 1 July 2021 and ending
30 June 2026)
Potential value:
$239,550
Expensed over
FY2022 to FY2026
*
At risk remuneration. At all times the Board has the discretion to make a final determination based on Company performance or other
factors. Incentive awards may be clawed back or cancelled if the relevant executive acts fraudulently or dishonestly or breaches their
obligations to the Company
** Approved by shareholders at the 2021 AGM
*** Option exercise price of $0.94, based on the 10-trading day VWAP preceding 25 June 2021
35
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
TFR is comprised of base salary and superannuation.
TFR is reviewed annually, or on promotion. It is
benchmarked against market data for comparable
roles in companies in a similar industry and with
similar market capitalisation. The Committee aims
to position executives at or near the median, with
flexibility to take into account capability, experience,
and value to the organisation and performance of
the individual. The Board approved a TFR increase
of 4% effective from 1 July 2023 for our CEO/MD
and CFO/Company Secretary following careful
consideration of performance, market data and
conditions.
At-risk incentives are equity-based and structured
to drive performance over the longer-term. A multi-
year equity-based incentive program remained in
place for FY2024, comprising Short-term Incentives
(STIs), Long-term Incentives (LTIs) and Extended
LTIs for the CEO/MD and CFO/Company Secretary.
Annual STIs and LTIs were set through to the end of
FY2024 for the CFO and to FY2025 for the CEO,
in order to drive performance and talent retention.
STIs have a 12-month performance period and the
underlying performance objectives are set annually.
LTIs are assessed over a 3-year period and are
designed to promote long-term stability in share
price appreciation.
The CEO’s Extended LTI has performance criteria
specifically tailored to outcomes relating to the
scale-up of the unique SILEX uranium enrichment
technology and will be assessed over a performance
period ending no later than 31 December 2025.
Achievement of the CEO’s Extended LTI will be
subject to independent Board verification. The
Extended LTI for the CFO has performance criteria
tailored to growth in long-term shareholder value
and will be assessed over a performance period
ending 30 June 2026.
Assessing performance and claw-back of
remuneration
The Remuneration & Nomination Committee is
responsible for assessing performance against
KPIs and determining the incentive awards to be
paid to all senior executives and management. To
assist in this assessment, the Committee receives
detailed reports on performance from Management
which are based on independently verifiable data
such as financial measures, market information
and data from independently run surveys. At all
times, the Board has the discretion to make a final
determination.
In the unlikely event of serious misconduct or a
material misstatement in the Company’s financial
statements the Board can cancel or defer
performance-based remuneration and may also
claw back performance-based remuneration paid
in previous financial years.
36
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
d) Elements of executive KMP remuneration
The executive KMP remuneration for FY2024 comprised the following elements:
CEO/MD
CFO/COMPANY SECRETARY
Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR)
Composition
Base salary and superannuation
Base salary and superannuation
Assessment
Based on responsibilities, performance and
market data
Based on responsibilities, performance and
market data
At risk
No
No
Short-Term Incentives
Composition
An equity-based STI may be granted
annually at the discretion of the Board. As per
shareholder approval at the 2021 AGM, the
current STI comprises an annual grant of 75,000
Performance Rights through to FY2025.
An equity-based STI may be granted annually at
the discretion of the Board. The STI is intended to
comprise an annual grant of 70,000 Performance
Rights through to FY2024.
Opportunity
75,000 Performance Rights
70,000 Performance Rights
Assessment
KPIs were stretch targets and focussed on
delivering priorities associated with increasing
shareholder value, including:
–Commercial deliverables related to GLE: 65%
–Q-Si/MIST commercial and technical
deliverables: 20%
–Corporate and individual performance: 15%
KPIs were stretch targets and focussed on
delivering priorities associated with increasing
shareholder value, including:
–Commercial deliverables related to GLE: 40%
–Q-Si/MIST commercial and technical
deliverables: 15%
–Company organisation design and
resourcing: 15%
–Corporate and individual performance: 30%
Assessment: 93.5% of the Performance Rights
will vest subject to completion of an underlying
service-condition ending 31 July 2024. 70,125
shares are pending for issue to the CEO. The
shares to be issued are subject to a 2-year
trading restriction from the date of issue.
Assessment: 98% of the Performance Rights
will vest subject to completion of an underlying
service-condition ending 31 July 2024. 68,600
shares are pending for issue to the CFO. The
shares to be issued will be subject to a 2-year
trading restriction from the date of issue.
Cash STI
A gross cash performance payment of $75,000
was awarded in recognition of individual and
Company achievements, sustained efforts and
performance, and in accordance with strong
FY2024 STI assessment as outlined above.
A gross cash performance payment of $60,000
was awarded in recognition of individual and
Company achievements, sustained efforts and
performance, and in accordance with strong
FY2024 STI assessment as outlined above.
Board
discretion
The Board has discretion to adjust remuneration
outcomes up or down to prevent any
inappropriate reward outcomes, including
reducing (down to zero, if appropriate) any
STI award.
The Board has discretion to adjust remuneration
outcomes up or down to prevent any
inappropriate reward outcomes, including
reducing (down to zero, if appropriate) any
STI award.
Long-Term Incentives
Composition
As per shareholder approval at the 2021 AGM,
an equity-based LTI to cover five performance
years (i.e., FY2021 through to and including
FY2025) was granted. The multi-year incentive,
equivalent to an annual grant of 150,000
options, was granted on 14 October 2021 for the
five years ending 30 June 2025.
An equity-based LTI to cover three performance
years has been granted (i.e., FY2022 through to
and including FY2024). The multi-year incentive,
equivalent to an annual grant of 100,000
options, was granted on 26 July 2021 for three
years ending 30 June 2024.
Opportunity
Issue of 750,000 options (i.e., 150,000 options
attributable to each year from FY2021 to
FY2025)
Issue of 300,000 options (i.e., 100,000 options
attributable to each year from FY2022 to
FY2024)
Assessment
The equity-based LTI have vesting periods that
end from 25 June 2024 to 30 June 2027. In the
event the options are eligible to be exercised,
any resulting allotment of Silex Systems Limited
shares will be subject to a further escrow period
of 2 years.
The equity-based LTI have vesting periods that
end from 30 June 2024 to 30 June 2026. In the
event the options are eligible to be exercised,
any resulting allotment of Silex Systems Limited
shares will be subject to a further escrow period
of 2 years.
37
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
CEO/MD
CFO/COMPANY SECRETARY
Exercise price
In accordance with shareholder approval, the
options’ exercise price is $0.94. This exercise price
was determined based on the volume weighted
average price at which the Company’s shares
were traded on the Australian Stock Exchange for
the 10-trading days preceding 25 June 2021.
The options’ exercise price of $0.94 was
determined based on the volume weighted
average price at which the Company’s shares are
traded on the Australian Stock Exchange for the
10-trading days preceding the 25 June 2021.
Forfeiture and
termination
Options will lapse if vesting conditions are not
met. Options will be forfeited on cessation
of employment unless the Board determines
otherwise.
Options will lapse if vesting conditions are not
met. Options will be forfeited on cessation
of employment unless the Board determines
otherwise.
Board
discretion
The Board has discretion to adjust remuneration
outcomes up or down to prevent any
inappropriate reward outcomes, including
reducing (down to zero, if appropriate) any
LTI award.
The Board has discretion to adjust remuneration
outcomes up or down to prevent any
inappropriate reward outcomes, including
reducing (down to zero, if appropriate) any LTI
award.
Extended Long-Term Incentives
Composition
As per shareholder approval at the 2021 AGM,
the equity-based Extended LTI is a multi-year
incentive equivalent to 412,500 Performance
Rights for a 5.5 year performance period ending
31 December 2025.
An equity-based Extended LTI is a multi-year
incentive equivalent to 300,000 Performance
Rights for a 5-year performance period ending
30 June 2026.
Opportunity
Issue of 412,500 Performance Rights
Issue of 300,000 Performance Rights
Assessment
The performance period of the Extended
LTI commenced on 1 July 2020 and ends
31 December 2025. The performance criteria
are linked to specifically tailored outcomes
relating to the scale-up of the unique SILEX
uranium enrichment technology (i.e., TRL-6
pilot demonstration) and will be assessed over
a performance period ending no later than
31 December 2025. Achievement will be subject
to independent Board verification and the
Extended LTI may be subject to early-vesting. In
the event the performance and vesting criteria
are achieved, any resulting allotment of Silex
Systems Limited shares will be subject to a
further escrow period of 2 years.
The performance period of the Extended
LTI commenced on 1 July 2021 and ends
30 June 2026. The Extended LTI is subject to
service-based and performance-based criteria
linked to increased shareholder value. In the
event the performance and vesting criteria
are achieved, any resulting allotment of Silex
Systems Limited shares will be subject to a
further escrow period of 2 years.
Assessment: N/A
Assessment: With respect to performance-
based and service-based criteria for the 3-year
period ending 30 June 2024, it was assessed
that 75,000 Performance Rights have vested.
75,000 shares are pending for issue to the CFO.
The shares to be issued are subject to a 2-year
trading restriction from the date of issue.
Forfeiture and
termination
Performance Rights will lapse if performance
conditions are not met. Rights will be forfeited
on cessation of employment unless the Board
determines otherwise.
Performance Rights will lapse if performance
conditions are not met. Rights will be forfeited
on cessation of employment unless the Board
determines otherwise.
Board
discretion
The Board has discretion to adjust remuneration
outcomes up or down to prevent any
inappropriate reward outcomes, including
reducing (down to zero, if appropriate) any
Extended LTI award.
The Board has discretion to adjust remuneration
outcomes up or down to prevent any
inappropriate reward outcomes, including
reducing (down to zero, if appropriate) any
Extended LTI award.
38
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
e) Link between FY2024 remuneration
and performance
FY2024 performance and impact
on remuneration
In FY2024, the Company continued to execute
on its strategic priorities. This included the
ongoing support of activities in the technology
commercialisation project for the SILEX uranium
enrichment technology together with GLE. A key
focus has been on the completion of the TRL-6
pilot demonstration project – a pivotal milestone
in the de-risking of the SILEX uranium enrichment
technology for commercial deployment. The
construction, integration and commissioning of
full-scale technology components in preparation
for TRL-6 pilot demonstration has been
completed and preparations continue for the
commencement of the TRL-6 testing program.
Efforts also continued to position GLE in the
market for potential commercial production
later this decade. Other SILEX technology
commercialisation activities progressed in parallel
with the Q-Si Production Project advanced
during the year together with the securing of third
party contributions totalling ~$9.5m, including
$5.1m from the Defence Trailblazer program.
The Company also continued to further leverage
core capabilities through the development of the
Medical Isotope Separation Technology (MIST),
advancing the MIST project from proof-of-concept
through to the current design and construction of a
prototype demonstration system.
The remuneration framework has been designed
to reward executive KMP for their contribution to
the performance of the Company, and to support
alignment between the remuneration of our CEO/
MD and CFO/Company Secretary and shareholder
returns. The Company’s performance for FY2024
was reflected in the continued appreciation of the
Silex share price, which increased ~35% during the
year ended 30 June 2024, and ~600% over the
4-years ended 30 June 2024.
For further information on the Company’s
performance during the year, refer to the
Operating and Financial Review in Section 4 of
this Directors’ Report.
As a result of these positive achievements, the Board
assessed the CEO/MD at 93.5% achievement and
the CFO/Company Secretary at 98% achievement
of the FY2024 STI (via Performance Rights - subject
to completion of the service-condition ending
31 July 2024) and the award of a cash performance
payment of $75,000 and $60,000 to the CEO/
MD and CFO/Company Secretary respectively. In
addition, the Board’s implementation of multi-year
equity-based incentives for the Company’s executive
KMP is intended to retain KMP and to provide longer
term benefits if key service and performance criteria
are met together with sustained appreciation in
shareholder value.
Statutory performance indicators
We aim to align executive KMP remuneration to our
strategic and business objectives and the creation of
shareholder wealth. The below table shows measures
of the Company’s financial performance over the last
five years as required by the Corporations Act 2001.
However, as a pre-revenue company, the below
measures are generally not the measures used in
determining the variable amounts of remuneration
to be awarded to KMPs. As a consequence, there
is only a partial correlation between the statutory
key performance measures and the variable
remuneration awarded.
YEAR ENDED
30 JUNE
EARNINGS
PER SHARE
CENTS
TOTAL
STI AWARDS
TO KMP
$
SHARE PRICE
AT 30 JUNE
$
2020
(4.5)
61,600
0.78
2021
(4.0)
62,935
0.90
2022
(4.8)
228,601
2.10
2023
(8.1)
466,751
3.94
2024
(9.6)
482,192
5.33
39
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
f) Contractual arrangements with executive KMPs
COMPONENT
CEO/MD
CFO/COMPANY SECRETARY
Total Fixed Remuneration
$624,000
$364,000
Contract duration
Ongoing Common Law Contract
Ongoing Common Law Contract
Notice by the individual
or Company
6 months
6 months
Termination of
employment (without
cause)
Partial payment for pro-rata STI, if
applicable, may be at Board discretion
Unvested LTI and Extended LTI may remain
on foot subject to achievement of the
performance criteria at the original date
of testing
Payment of Long Service Leave accrued
prior to 31 December 2014 at pre-1 January
2015 TFR of $800,000. Long Service
Leave accrued after 1 January 2015 will be
payable as per statutory requirements
Partial payment for pro-rata STI, if
applicable, may be at Board discretion
Unvested LTI and Extended LTI may remain
on foot subject to achievement of the
performance criteria at the original date
of testing
Termination of
employment (with cause)
or by the individual
STI is not awarded and all unvested LTI
and Extended LTI will lapse. Vested and
unexercised LTI may be exercised following
termination at Board discretion
STI is not awarded, and all unvested LTI
and Extended LTI will lapse. Vested and
unexercised LTI may be exercised following
termination at Board discretion
g) Non-executive directors’ remuneration arrangements
The remuneration of Non-executive directors is set to ensure that the Company can attract and retain the
services of highly qualified and experienced non-executive directors. Non-executive directors receive a directors’
fee and a fee for chairing or participating on Board committees. They do not receive performance-based pay or
retirement allowances. The fees are exclusive of superannuation.
Directors’ fees are reviewed annually by the Board. The current base fees were reviewed with effect from 1 July
2023 taking into account a range of factors including, market data for similar sized companies and the complexity
of our operations. It was resolved that base directors’ fees be increased with effect from 1 July 2023, as per
the table below. A review of directors’ fees for FY2025 is on hold pending the completion of the remuneration
consultant assessment that is currently underway.
Additional fees may be payable to non-executive directors should they undertake specific consulting projects for
the Company in the areas of their expertise. No additional fees were paid for additional services and consulting
rendered during FY2024.
The maximum annual aggregate directors’ fee pool limit is $750,000 and was approved by shareholders at the
2011 AGM.
All non-executive directors enter into a written agreement with the Company in the form of a letter appointment.
Annual directors’ fees:
YEAR ENDED
30 JUNE
2024
Base fees
Chair
140,000
Other Non-executive directors
90,000
Committee fees
Audit Committee – Chair
10,000
Audit Committee – Member
8,000
Remuneration & Nomination Committee – Chair
10,000
Remuneration & Nomination Committee – Member
8,000
Other
Global Laser Enrichment Holdings LLC – Chair1
20,000
Global Laser Enrichment Holdings LLC – Director2
10,000
1. Payable from 1 January 2021 for the 3 years ending 31 December 2023. Payable 50% in cash and 50% via the issue of Silex shares, as
approved by shareholders at the 2021 AGM.
2. Fee of $20,000 p.a. payable from 1 January 2024, in cash.
40
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
h) Directors’ and KMP remuneration
The table below has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and
relevant accounting standards in Australia. This table details the remuneration for the Company’s KMP for the
current and previous financial year.
FIXED REMUNERATION
VARIABLE REMUNERATION
PERFORMANCE
RELATED
CASH SALARY
AND FEES1
NON–
MONETARY
BENEFITS –
SHARES2
ANNUAL
AND LONG
SERVICE
LEAVE3
POST-
EMPLOY-
MENT
BENEFITS
PERF.
PAYMENTS
(CASH)1
PERF.
RIGHTS
(DEFERRED
SHARES)4
OPTIONS
TOTAL
NAME
YEAR
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
%
Executive directors
Dr M P
Goldsworthy
2024
596,601
-
16,848
27,399
75,000 370,824
147,932
1,234,604
48%
2023
572,516
-
8,057
27,484
75,000
257,728
156,646
1,097,431
45%
Non-executive directors
Mr C A Roy
2024
197,580
18,803
-
-
-
-
-
216,383
–
2023
174,590
37,606
-
-
-
-
-
212,196
-
Ms H G Cook
2024
106,000
-
-
11,660
-
-
-
117,660
-
2023
96,000
-
-
10,080
-
-
-
106,080
-
Mr C D Wilks
2024
116,910
-
-
2,970
-
-
-
119,880
-
2023
98,000
-
-
10,290
-
-
-
108,290
-
Other key management personnel and group executives
Ms J E Russell
2024
336,601
-
(20,406)
27,399
60,000 216,132
73,682
693,408
50%
2023
324,716
-
(2,275)
25,284
60,000
237,507
81,378
726,610
52%
Total
executive
directors and
other KMP
2024
933,202
-
(3,558)
54,798
135,000 586,956 221,614
1,928,012
2023
897,232
-
5,782
52,768
135,000 495,235 238,024
1,824,041
Total NED
remuneration
2024
420,490
18,803
-
14,630
-
-
-
453,923
2023
368,590
37,606
-
20,370
-
-
-
426,566
Total KMP
remuneration
expensed
2024
1,353,692
18,803
(3,558)
69,428
135,000 586,956 221,614
2,381,935
2023
1,265,822
37,606
5,782
73,138
135,000 495,235 238,024
2,250,607
1. Short-term benefits as per Corporations Regulations 2M 3.03(1) Item 6.
2. The Company commenced payment of directors’ fees for to Mr C A Roy for Global Laser Enrichment Holdings LLC directorships from
1 January 2021. Refer to Section g) for further details.
3. Other long-term benefits as per Corporations Regulations 2M 3.03(1) Item 8. The amounts disclosed in this column represent the increase/
(decrease) in the associated provisions.
4. Equity-settled share-based payments as per Corporations Regulations 2M.3.03(1) Item 11. With regard to the group’s executives, this
includes STI (via Performance Rights), LTI (via Options) and Extended LTI (via Performance Rights).
41
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
i) Performance-based remuneration granted and forfeited during the year
A summary of the performance-based remuneration granted and forfeited to executive KMP during FY2024:
STI (RIGHTS)
STI (CASH)
LTI (OPTIONS)
EXTENDED LTI (RIGHTS)
TOTAL
OPPORTUNITY
AWARDED1
FORFEITED
TOTAL
OPPORTUNITY
AWARDED
FORFEITED
VALUE
GRANTED
VALUE
EXERCISED
VALUE
GRANTED
AWARDED2
FORFEITED
NAME
$
%
%
$
%
%
$
$
$
%
%
Dr M P Goldsworthy
192,150
93.50% 6.50%
75,000
100%
0%
-
-
-
-
-
Ms J E Russell
171,570
98.00% 2.00%
60,000
100%
0%
-
180,850
- 25.00%
-
1. STI (Rights) Awards subject to completion of service-based condition ending 31 July 2024.
2. For the CFO/Company Secretary, the Extended LTI comprises 300,000 Performance Rights to cover 5 performance years commencing
1 July 2021 and ending 30 June 2026. The Award for FY2024 of 75,000 rights is with respect to the 3-year performance and service period
ending 30 June 2024. Shares are pending for issue. The Extended LTI was granted on 21 June 2022. The value at grant date is calculated
in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payment.
j) Terms and conditions of the equity-based payment arrangements
STI – Performance Rights
Commencing FY2021, an annual STI in the form of Performance Rights is to be granted to executive KMP. The
rights vest at the end of a 12-month performance period subject to the achievement of individually tailored KPIs.
Each right that vests is converted into one ordinary share. The rights carry no dividend or voting rights.
The fair value of the rights is determined based on the market price of the Company’s shares at the grant date
or for those rights which are subject to a market condition, with reference to a Monte Carlo simulation taking into
account the volatility of the Company’s shares and other factors.
GRANT DATE
VESTING
DATE
VALUE PER RIGHT
AT GRANT DATE
$
PERFORMANCE
ACHIEVED
%
VESTED
%
30/08/2022
31/07/2023
$1.770
100%
100%
30/08/2022
31/07/2023
$2.764
91%
91%
21/08/2023
31/07/2024
$1.193
100%1
-
21/08/2023
31/07/2024
$2.673
95%1
-
1. Award subject to completion of service-based condition ending 31 July 2024.
LTI – Options
The number of options over ordinary shares in the Company provided as remuneration to executive KMP is shown
below. The options carry no dividend or voting rights. The options are subject to a service-based condition which
must be satisfied for the options to vest.
When exercisable, each option is convertible into one ordinary share of Silex Systems Limited. The exercise price
of options is based on the volume weighted average price at which the Company’s shares are traded on the
Australian Stock Exchange for the 10-trading days before the options are granted or for the 10-trading days
preceding a Board resolution to grant options. Details of options vested during the year are shown below.
42
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
The terms and conditions of each grant of options affecting remuneration in the current or a future reporting
period are as follows:
GRANT DATE
VESTING
DATE
EXPIRY
DATE
EXERCISE
PRICE
VALUE
PER OPTION
AT GRANT
DATE
PERFORMANCE
ACHIEVED
%
VESTED
%
24/03/2021
24/03/2024
23/03/2026
$1.20
$0.6709
100%
100%
26/07/2021
30/06/2024
28/10/2026
$0.94
$0.4321
100%
100%
26/07/2021
30/06/2025
30/06/2027
$0.94
$0.4714
To be determined
To be determined
26/07/2021
30/06/2026
30/06/2028
$0.94
$0.4904
To be determined
To be determined
14/10/2021
25/06/2024
28/10/2026
$0.94
$0.7249
100%
100%
14/10/2021
30/06/2024
28/10/2026
$0.94
$0.7249
100%
100%
14/10/2021
30/06/2025
28/10/2027
$0.94
$0.7727
To be determined
To be determined
14/10/2021
30/06/2026
28/10/2028
$0.94
$0.7965
To be determined
To be determined
14/10/2021
30/06/2027
28/10/2029
$0.94
$0.8308
To be determined
To be determined
Extended LTI – Performance Rights
Extended LTIs in the form of Performance Rights have been granted to executive KMP. The rights vest at the end
of multi-year performance periods subject to the achievement of individually tailored objectives. Each right that
vests is converted into one ordinary share. The rights carry no dividend or voting rights.
The fair value of the rights is determined based on the market price of the Company’s shares at the grant date
or for those rights which are subject to a market condition, with reference to a Monte Carlo simulation taking into
account the volatility of the Company’s shares and other factors.
GRANT DATE
VESTING
DATE
VALUE
PER RIGHT
AT GRANT
DATE
PERFORMANCE
ACHIEVED
%
VESTED
%
14/10/2021
No later than 31/12/2025
$1.132
To be determined
To be determined
21/06/2022
30/06/2024
$0.808
100%
100%
21/06/2022
30/06/2025
$0.809
To be determined
To be determined
21/06/2022
30/06/2026
$0.835
To be determined
To be determined
k) Reconciliation of options, rights and ordinary shares held by executive KMP
Options held by KMP
The table below shows a reconciliation of options held by each executive KMP from the beginning to the end of
FY2024.
NAME AND GRANT DATE
BALANCE
AT THE
START OF
THE YEAR
GRANTED AS
COMPENSATION
VESTED
EXERCISED
OTHER
CHARGES
BALANCE AT END OF YEAR
NUMBER
%
VESTED AND
EXERCISED
UNVESTED
Dr M P Goldsworthy
23/11/2020
150,000
-
150,000
100%
-
-
150,000
-
14/10/2021
750,000
-
300,000
40%
-
-
300,000
450,000
900,000
–
450,000
–
–
450,000
450,000
Ms J E Russell
24/03/2021
200,000
- 200,000
100%
45,000
-
155,000
-
26/07/2021
300,000
-
100,000
33%
-
-
100,000
200,000
500,000
-
300,000
45,000
-
255,000
200,000
43
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
Rights held by KMP
The table below shows a reconciliation of rights held by each KMP from the beginning to the end of FY2024.
NAME AND GRANT DATE
BALANCE
AT THE
START OF
THE YEAR
GRANTED AS
COMPENSATION
VESTED
FORFEITED
BALANCE AT
END OF YEAR
UNVESTED
NUMBER
%
NUMBER
%
Dr M P Goldsworthy
14/10/2021
412,500
-
-
-
-
-
412,500
30/08/2022
75,000
-
67,688
90%
7,312
10%
-
21/08/20231
-
75,000
-
-
-
-
75,000
487,500
75,000
67,688
7,312
487,500
Ms J E Russell
21/06/20222
225,000
-
75,000
33%
-
-
150,000
30/08/2022
70,000
65,800
94%
4,200
6%
-
21/08/20233
-
70,000
-
-
-
-
70,000
295,000
70,000
140,800
4,200
220,000
1. 93.5% of the Performance Rights will vest subject to completion of an underlying service-condition on 31 July 2024.
2. 75,000 rights vested with respect to the 3-year performance and service period ending 30 June 2024. Shares are pending for issue.
3. 98% of the Performance Rights will vest subject to completion of an underlying service-condition on 31 July 2024.
Shares held by KMP
The below table shows the number of ordinary shares in the Company that were held during the financial year by
KMP of the Company, including by entities related to them:
NAME
BALANCE
AT THE START
OF THE YEAR
RECEIVED
DURING THE
YEAR ON THE
EXERCISE OF
OPTIONS
RECEIVED
ON VESTING
OF RIGHTS TO
SHARES
OTHER
CHANGES
DURING THE
YEAR
BALANCE
AT THE END
OF THE YEAR
Directors of Silex Systems Limited
Mr C A Roy
259,507
-
-
-
259,507
Dr M P Goldsworthy
6,247,305
-
67,688
-
6,314,993
Ms H G Cook
12,000
-
-
-
12,000
Mr C D Wilks
2,833,716
-
-
-
2,833,716
Total
9,352,528
-
67,688
-
9,420,216
Other executive KMP
Ms J E Russell
311,166
45,000
140,800
(142,500)
354,466
Total
311,166
45,000
140,800
(142,500)
354,466
Securities Trading Policy
The Silex Securities Trading Policy applies to all staff including KMP. It prohibits staff from buying or selling Silex
securities at times when they are in possession of inside information. In addition, staff are only permitted to trade
in Silex securities during certain open periods. The Silex Securities Trading Policy is available on the Company’s
website at https://www.silex.com.au/corporate/corporate-governance/.
l) Voting at the Company’s 2023 Annual General Meeting
Silex Systems Limited received more than 99% of “yes” votes on its Remuneration Report for the 2023 financial year.
44
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
10. Shares under option
Unissued ordinary shares of Silex Systems Limited under option at the date of this report are as follows:
DATE OPTIONS GRANTED1
EXPIRY DATE
ISSUE PRICE
OF SHARES
NUMBER
UNDER OPTION
01/04/2020
31/03/2025
$0.21
148,000
23/11/2020
22/11/2025
$0.57
150,000
24/03/2021
23/03/2026
$1.20
515,750
26/07/2021
Various
$0.94
300,000
14/10/2021
Various
$0.94
750,000
18/03/2022
17/03/2027
$1.19
600,000
25/08/2022
25/08/2025
$3.19
50,000
17/04/2023
16/04/2028
$3.77
650,000
19/12/2023
18/12/2026
$3.47
50,000
23/04/2024
22/04/2029
$5.00
650,000
1. The options granted include issues to eligible employees in accordance with the Silex Systems Limited Employee Incentive Plan and
includes options granted as remuneration to KMP.
No option holder has any right under the options to participate in any other share issue of the Company or any
other entity. No options were granted since the end of the financial year.
11. Indemnification and insurance of directors
The Company has entered into Deeds to indemnify the directors and executive officers of the Company against
all liabilities to persons (other than the Company or related body corporate) which arise out of the performance
of their normal duties as directors or executive officers unless the liability relates to conduct involving lack of good
faith. The Company has agreed to indemnify the directors and executive officers against all costs and expenses
incurred in defending an action that falls within the scope of the indemnity.
The Directors’ & Officers’ Liability Insurance provides cover against all costs and expenses involved in defending
legal actions and any resulting payments arising from a liability to persons (other than the Company) incurred in
their position as a director or executive officer unless the conduct involves a wilful breach of duty or an improper
use of inside information or position to gain advantage. The insurance policy does not allow specific disclosure of
the nature of the liabilities insured against or the premium paid under the policy.
12. Indemnity of auditors
To the extent permitted by law, Silex has agreed to indemnify its auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, to the extent
permitted by law, as part of the terms of its audit engagement agreement against claims by third parties arising
from the audit (for an unspecified amount). No payment has been made to PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia
(PwC) by the Company pursuant to this indemnify, either during or since the end of the financial year.
13. Environmental regulation
Silex seeks to be compliant with all environmental laws and regulations relevant to its operations. The Company
monitors compliance on a regular basis. The Audit Committee has oversight of environmental risks and
compliance.
The Company is subject to the environmental and health and safety regulations applicable to tenants of the
Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre. The Company is also bound by the rules and regulations set out
in the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act, 1998, and is a licensee under the Act.
To the best of the Directors’ knowledge, all environmental and health and safety regulatory requirements
have been met and there have been no claims made, prosecutions commenced or fines incurred during the
financial year.
45
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
14. Audit and non-audit services
Details of the amounts paid or payable to the auditor (PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia) for audit and non-audit
services during the year are disclosed in note 20 Remuneration of auditors.
The Company may decide to employ the auditor on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where
the auditor’s expertise and experience with the Company and/or the consolidated entity are important.
The Board of Directors, in accordance with advice provided by the Audit Committee, is satisfied that the provision
of non-audit services is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the
Corporations Act 2001. The directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services by the auditor did not
compromise the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:
» all non-audit services have been reviewed by the Audit Committee to ensure they do not impact the
impartiality and objectivity of the auditor, and
» none of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 110
Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.
15. Auditors’ independence declaration
A copy of the auditors’ independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is
set out on page 47.
16. Rounding of amounts
The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Legislative Instrument 2016/191, relating to the ‘rounding off’ of
amounts in the Directors’ Report. Amounts in the Directors’ Report have been rounded off in accordance with the
instrument to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar.
This report is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.
Dr M P Goldsworthy
CEO/MD
Mr C A Roy
Chair
Sydney, 29 August 2024
46
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo NSW 2000, GPO BOX 2650 Sydney NSW 2001
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au
Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124
T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Auditor’s Independence Declaration
As lead auditor for the audit of Silex Systems Limited for the year ended 30 June 2024, I declare that
to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:
(a) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in
relation to the audit; and
(b) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.
This declaration is in respect of Silex Systems Limited and the entities it controlled during the period.
Aishwarya Chandran
Sydney
Partner
PricewaterhouseCoopers
29 August 2024
47
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE
DECLARATION
Corporate governance
statement
Silex Systems Limited (the Company) and
the Board are committed to achieving and
demonstrating the highest standards of corporate
governance. The Company has reviewed
its corporate governance practices against
the Corporate Governance Principles and
Recommendations (4th Edition) published by the
ASX Corporate Governance Council.
The 2024 Corporate Governance Statement
reflects the corporate governance practices in
place throughout the 2024 financial year. The
2024 Corporate Governance Statement was
approved by the Board and lodged with the ASX
Appendix 4G on 29 August 2024. A description
of the Company’s current corporate governance
practices is set out in the Company’s Corporate
Governance Statement which can be viewed at
www.silex.com.au/corporate/corporate-governance.
48
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
STATEMENT
Silex Systems Limited
ABN 69 003 372 067
Annual Financial Report
for the year ended 30 June 2024
Consolidated financial statements
Consolidated income statement
50
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
51
Consolidated balance sheet
52
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
53
Consolidated statement of cash flows
54
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Consolidated entity disclosure statement
88
Directors’ declaration
89
Independent auditor’s report
90
1
Significant changes in the current
reporting period
55
How numbers are calculated
2
Segment information
55
3
Revenue from continuing operations
57
4
Other income
57
5
Expenses
58
6
Income tax expense
58
7
Assets
59
8
Liabilities
62
9
Leases
64
10
Equity
66
11
Cash flow information
68
Risk
12
Critical accounting estimates and judgements
68
13
Financial risk management
69
14
Climate Change
72
Group structure
15
Interests in other entities
73
Additional notes to the financial statements
16
Commitments for expenditure and guarantees
75
17
Events occurring after the reporting date
75
18
Related party transactions
75
19
Share-based payments
76
20
Remuneration of auditors
80
21
Earnings per share
81
22
Parent entity financial information
82
23
Summary of other potentially material
accounting policies
83
This financial report covers the consolidated entity
consisting of Silex Systems Limited and its subsidiaries.
A list of subsidiaries in included in note 15. The financial
report is presented in the Australian currency.
Silex Systems Limited is a company limited by its shares,
incorporated and domiciled in Australia. Its registered
office and principal place of business is:
Silex Systems Limited
Building 64
Lucas Heights Science & Technology Centre
New Illawarra Road
Lucas Heights NSW 2234
Australia
The financial report was authorised for issue by the
Directors on 29 August 2024. The Directors have the
power to amend and reissue the financial report.
All announcements, financial reports and other information
are available on our website: www.silex.com.au
49
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FINANCIAL
REPORT
NOTES
2024
$
2023
$
Revenue from contracts with customers
3
6,868,445
6,838,804
Interest revenue
3
6,042,046
2,396,620
Revenue from continuing operations
12,910,491
9,235,424
Other income
4
4,329,429
2,828,484
Research and development materials
(3,733,967)
(2,783,000)
Finance costs
5
(40,602)
(50,632)
Depreciation and amortisation expense
5
(428,997)
(382,104)
Employee benefits expense
(9,177,288)
(7,612,483)
Consultants and professional fees
(1,051,272)
(1,015,091)
Printing, postage, freight, stationery and communications
(69,405)
(54,305)
Property outgoings
(163,637)
(79,419)
Net foreign exchange losses
(492,008)
(447,701)
Share of net loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for
using the equity method
15(b)
(23,224,478)
(16,147,128)
Other expenses from continuing activities
(1,592,374)
(853,337)
(Loss) before income tax expense
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
Income tax expense
6
-
-
Net (loss) from continuing operations
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
Net (loss) for the year
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
Net (loss) is attributable to:
Owners of Silex Systems Limited
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
NOTES
2024
CENTS
2023
CENTS
Earnings per share (loss) from continuing operations
attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company:
Basic earnings per share
21
(9.6)
(8.1)
Diluted earnings per share
21
(9.6)
(8.1)
Earnings per share (loss) attributable to
the ordinary equity holders of the Company:
Basic earnings per share
21
(9.6)
(8.1)
Diluted earnings per share
21
(9.6)
(8.1)
The above consolidated income statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 30 June 2024
50
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES
2024
$
2023
$
Net (loss) for the year
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
(228,076)
378,837
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Changes in the fair value of equity investments at fair value through
other comprehensive income
7(e)
1,242,068
(1,473,684)
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax
1,013,992
(1,094,847)
Total comprehensive income for the year
(21,720,116)
(18,456,139)
Attributable to:
Owners of Silex Systems Limited
(21,720,116)
(18,456,139)
Total comprehensive income for the year
(21,720,116)
(18,456,139)
The above consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 30 June 2024
51
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES
2024
$
2023
$
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
7(a)
18,889,379
2,859,572
Other financial assets at amortised cost - term deposits
7(b)
94,200,000
135,200,000
Trade and other receivables
7(c)
8,608,979
5,964,296
Other current assets
7(d)
1,129,775
827,096
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
7(e)
3,905,942
2,676,381
Total current assets
126,734,075
147,527,345
Non-current assets
Investments accounted for using the equity method
15(b)
13,269,215
3,630,471
Right-of-use assets
9(a)
1,131,403
755,489
Property, plant and equipment
7(f)
426,598
286,239
Total non-current assets
14,827,216
4,672,199
Total assets
141,561,291
152,199,544
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
8(a)
7,468,970
1,813,167
Lease liabilities
9(a)
267,499
233,011
Provisions
8(b)
887,296
834,206
Total current liabilities
8,623,765
2,880,384
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
9(a)
914,475
539,127
Provisions
8(b)
84,711
90,841
Total non-current liabilities
999,186
629,968
Total liabilities
9,622,951
3,510,352
Net assets
131,938,340
148,689,192
Equity
Contributed equity
10(a)
390,665,622
386,753,717
Reserves
10(b)
13,408,671
11,337,320
Accumulated losses
10(c)
(272,135,953)
(249,401,845)
Total equity
131,938,340
148,689,192
The above consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
Consolidated balance sheet
as at 30 June 2024
52
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF SILEX SYSTEMS LIMITED
CONTRIBUTED
EQUITY
$
RESERVES
$
ACCUMULATED
LOSSES
$
TOTAL
$
Balance at 30 June 2022
271,543,434
11,043,273
(232,040,553)
50,546,154
Net (loss) for the year
-
-
(17,361,292)
(17,361,292)
Other comprehensive income
-
(1,094,847)
-
(1,094,847)
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
(1,094,847)
(17,361,292)
(18,456,139)
Transactions with owners in their capacity
as owners
Contributions of equity net of transaction costs
114,779,236
-
-
114,779,236
Share-based payments - value of services
1,819,941
-
1,819,941
Transfer from share-based payments reserve
431,047
(431,047)
-
-
115,210,283
1,388,894
-
116,599,177
Balance at 30 June 2023
386,753,717
11,337,320
(249,401,845)
148,689,192
Net (loss) for the year
–
-
(22,734,108)
(22,734,108)
Other comprehensive income
-
1,013,992
-
1,013,992
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
1,013,992
(22,734,108)
(21,720,116)
Transactions with owners in their capacity
as owners
Contributions of equity net of transaction costs
2,590,247
-
-
2,590,247
Share-based payments - value of services
-
2,379,017
-
2,379,017
Transfer from share-based payments reserve
1,321,658
(1,321,658)
-
-
3,911,905
1,057,359
-
4,969,264
Balance at 30 June 2024
390,665,622
13,408,671
(272,135,953)
131,938,340
The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 30 June 2024
53
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES
2024
$
2023
$
Cash flows from operating activities
Receipts from customers and government grants (inclusive of GST)
19,502,308
8,247,014
Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)
(18,614,474)
(11,288,581)
Interest received
5,291,483
751,328
Interest paid
(40,602)
(50,632)
Net cash inflows/(outflows) from operating activities
11(a)
6,138,715
(2,340,871)
Cash flows from investing activities
Payment for investments accounted for using the equity method
(33,170,953)
(16,601,924)
Payments for financial assets at amortised cost - term deposits
(73,000,000)
(131,003,993)
Proceeds from other financial assets at amortised cost - term deposits
114,000,000
33,303,993
Payments for property, plant and equipment
7(f)
(285,395)
(94,071)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
15,036
-
Net cash inflows/(outflows) from investing activities
7,558,688
(114,395,995)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares, net of transaction costs
10(a)
2,590,247
114,779,236
Repayment of principal elements of leases
(249,974)
(228,834)
Net cash inflows from financing activities
2,340,273
114,550,402
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
16,037,676
(2,186,464)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year
2,859,572
5,036,333
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash
(7,869)
9,703
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year1
18,889,379
2,859,572
Non-cash financing and investing activities
11(b)
1. Term deposits excluded from Cash and cash equivalents
94,200,000
135,200,000
The above consolidated statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 30 June 2024
54
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1
Significant changes in the current reporting period
On 19 February 2024, GLE’s owners agreed to a plan and budget for CY2024 that enabled the continuation of accelerated
activities in the technology demonstration project for the SILEX uranium enrichment technology, and allowed GLE to
progress other key commercialisation activities. The CY2024 plan and budget involves an approximate doubling of GLE’s
project expenditures compared to CY2023.
Note 2
Segment information
(a) Description of segments
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating
decision maker. The chief operating decision maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance
of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors. Management has determined that there are
three operating segments based on the reports reviewed by Management and the Board of Directors to make strategic
decisions. These segments are Silex Systems, Translucent and Silex USA. Silex Systems is based in New South Wales and
Translucent and Silex USA are based in North Carolina. The Silex USA segment includes the share of loss from GLE.
(b) Segment information provided to Management and the Board of Directors
The segment information provided to Management and the Board of Directors for the reportable segments for the year
ended 30 June 2024 is as follows:
2024
SILEX SYSTEMS
$
TRANSLUCENT
$
SILEX USA
$
TOTAL
$
Total segment revenue
6,155,128
2,250,248
-
8,405,376
Inter-segment revenue
(48,799)
(1,488,132)
-
(1,536,931)
Revenue from external customers
6,106,329
762,116
-
6,868,445
Interest revenue
6,042,046
-
-
6,042,046
Revenue from continuing operations
12,148,375
762,116
-
12,910,491
Segment result
(210,446)
462,167
(22,985,829)
(22,734,108)
Other profit and loss disclosures
Depreciation and amortisation
428,997
-
-
428,997
Interest expense
40,602
-
-
40,602
Income tax expense
-
-
-
-
Share of net loss of joint venture using
the equity method
-
-
23,224,478
23,224,478
Total segment assets
121,362,832
6,880,403
13,318,056
141,561,291
Total assets include:
Additions to non-current assets (other than deferred
tax and investments in joint ventures)
945,205
-
-
945,205
Amount invested in joint ventures accounted for
using the equity method
-
-
33,170,953
33,170,953
Total segment liabilities
9,577,685
14,837
30,429
9,622,951
55
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2
Segment information (continued)
2023
SILEX SYSTEMS
$
TRANSLUCENT
$
SILEX USA
$
TOTAL
$
Total segment revenue
6,158,978
1,953,028
-
8,112,006
Inter-segment revenue
(38,357)
(1,234,845)
-
(1,273,202)
Revenue from external customers
6,120,621
718,183
-
6,838,804
Interest revenue
2,396,620
-
-
2,396,620
Revenue from continuing operations
8,517,241
718,183
-
9,235,424
Segment result
(1,876,145)
712,370
(16,197,517)
(17,361,292)
Other profit and loss disclosures
Depreciation and amortisation
382,104
-
-
382,104
Interest expense
50,632
-
-
50,632
Income tax expense
-
-
-
-
Share of net loss of joint venture using
the equity method
-
-
16,147,128
16,147,128
Total segment assets
143,305,162
5,043,047
3,851,335
152,199,544
Total assets include:
Additions to non-current assets (other than deferred
tax and investments in joint ventures)
112,541
-
-
112,541
Amount invested in joint ventures accounted for
using the equity method
-
-
16,601,924
16,601,924
Total segment liabilities
3,495,406
14,946
-
3,510,352
(c) Other segment information
(i) Segment revenue
Sales between Silex entities are carried out at arm’s length and are eliminated on consolidation.
Silex is domiciled in Australia. Translucent and Silex USA are domiciled in the United States. Segment revenues are
allocated based on the country in which the customer is located. The amount of the Company’s revenue from external
customers in the United States is $6,106,329 (2023: $6,120,621) and the total segment revenue from external customers
in Wales, United Kingdom is $762,116 (2023: $718,183).
(ii) Segment result
The Board of Directors assess the performance of the operating segments based on results that excludes exchange gains
and losses on intercompany loans which eliminate on consolidation. The segment result agrees to the Net (loss) from
continuing operations in both years.
(iii) Segment assets
Assets which eliminate on consolidation such as investments in controlled entities and intercompany receivables are
excluded from segment assets. Segment assets agree to the consolidated balance sheet for both periods.
The total of non-current assets located in Australia is $1,469,370 (2023: $1,041,728) and the total of these non-current
assets located in the United States is $13,357,846 (2023: $3,630,471).
(iv) Segment liabilities
Reportable segment liabilities exclude intercompany loans, income tax payable and deferred tax liabilities. Segment
liabilities agree to the consolidated balance sheet for both periods.
56
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 3
Revenue from continuing operations
2024
$
2023
$
Recoverable project costs
6,106,329
6,120,621
Royalty revenue - sale of cREO® technology
762,116
718,183
6,868,445
6,838,804
Interest revenue
6,042,046
2,396,620
12,910,491
9,235,424
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.
(a) Revenue is recognised for the following business activities:
(i) Recoverable project costs
Project costs recoverable from GLE for the Company’s costs incurred for the SILEX uranium enrichment development
program is recorded as Revenue when the related costs are incurred. Revenues of $6,106,329 (2023: $6,120,621) were
derived from GLE for Recoverable project costs on the uranium enrichment project. GLE is based in the United States.
Revenue recognised in advance is recognised as accrued income. Revenue is recognised at a point in time.
(ii) Royalty revenue - sale of intellectual property – cREO® technology – accounting policy and
significant judgements
Variable consideration from the sale of Translucent’s cREO® technology is required to be estimated in accordance with
AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The variable consideration in the form of royalties relating to the sale of
the cREO® technology is calculated using the most likely amount method. Royalty revenue of $762,116 was recognised
during the year (2023: $718,183). IQE Plc is based in Wales, United Kingdom. The revenue is currently recognised at a
point in time and estimated at each reporting date.
(iii) Interest revenue
Interest revenue is recognised on a time proportion basis using the effective interest method. Interest revenue was derived
from the investment of the Company’s cash reserves in Australia.
Note 4
Other income
2024
$
2023
$
Research and development tax incentive
2,803,950
2,338,667
Government grants
1,006,143
249,360
Other income - project subsidies
504,300
240,457
Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment
15,036
-
4,329,429
2,828,484
With respect to the Research and development tax incentive and Government grants, Other income is recognised when
there is reasonable assurance that the incentive/grant will be received and the amount can be reliably calculated.
(i) Research and development tax incentive
Research and development tax incentive income of $2,803,950 (2023: $2,338,667) was recognised as Other income by
the Company during the year. There are no unfulfilled conditions or other contingencies attaching to the incentive.
(ii) Government Grants
Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability Program income of $1,006,143 was recognised during the year.
The Company has met the conditions of the grant. The prior year income recognised was $249,360 and relates to the
Cooperative Research Centres Project Grant that is now complete. The Company had met the conditions of the grant.
57
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 5
Expenses
2024
$
2023
$
Net (loss) from continuing operations before income tax includes the following expenses:
Depreciation of plant and equipment – refer note 7(f)
145,101
128,634
Depreciation on right-of-use assets – refer note 9(b)
283,896
253,470
Total depreciation and amortisation
428,997
382,104
Finance costs
Interest and finance charges paid/payable
40,602
50,632
Finance costs expensed
40,602
50,632
Defined contribution superannuation expense
417,148
332,228
Foreign exchange losses (net)
492,008
447,701
Note 6
Income tax expense
(a) Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable
2024
$
2023
$
(Loss) before income tax expense
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
Income tax calculated @ 25.0%
(5,683,527)
(4,340,323)
Tax effect of amounts which are not deductible (taxable) in calculating taxable income:
Share based payments
599,455
464,387
Research and development tax incentive
966,448
739,471
Sundry items
3,250
2,500
(4,114,374)
(3,133,965)
Net deferred tax asset not recognised
3,776,520
2,901,688
Difference in overseas tax rates
337,854
232,277
Income tax expense
-
-
(b) Tax losses
2024
$
2023
$
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised
206,321,241
210,911,358
Potential tax benefit at tax rate
48,991,112
50,205,724
A deferred tax asset has not been recognised as the consolidated entity has a history of tax losses.
The benefit of a deferred tax asset will only be obtained if:
(i) the consolidated entity derives future assessable income of a nature and of an amount sufficient to enable the benefit
from the deductions for the losses to be realised;
(ii) the consolidated entity continues to comply with the conditions for deductibility imposed by tax legislation; and
(iii) no changes in tax legislation adversely affect the consolidated entity in realising the benefit from the deductions for
the losses.
58
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 7
Assets
This note provides information about the Company’s assets.
Note 7(a) Current assets - Cash and cash equivalents
2024
$
2023
$
Cash at bank
18,889,379
2,859,572
Cash and cash equivalents include deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short term, highly liquid
investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and
which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, and bank overdrafts.
Additional information on the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk is discussed in note 13.
Note 7(b) Current assets - Other financial assets at amortised cost - Term deposits
2024
$
2023
$
Bank deposits
94,200,000
135,200,000
Other financial assets at amortised cost are assets held to collect the contractual cash flows and the contractual terms
give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest. Other financial assets at amortised cost are
included in current assets as all have maturities less than 12 months from the end of the reporting period.
The bank deposits at 30 June 2024 earn interest at between 4.81% and 5.55% (2023: between 3.7% and 5.5%).
Note 7(c) Trade and other receivables
2024
$
2023
$
Trade receivables from contracts with customers
2,890,220
1,028,345
Accrued income – other
5,709,311
4,872,300
Other receivables
9,448
63,651
Bank deposits
8,608,979
5,964,296
(i) Accrued income - other
Accrued income includes accrued research and development tax incentive, accrued interest and accrued project subsidy
income.
(ii) Impairment of receivables
Information about the impairment of receivables can be found in note 13(c).
(iii) Foreign exchange and interest rate risk
Information concerning the Company’s exposure to foreign currency in relation to trade and other receivables is provided
in note 13.
(iv) Fair value and credit risk
Due to the short-term nature of these receivables, their carrying value is assumed to approximate their fair value. Refer
to note 13 for information on credit risk.
59
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 7
Assets (continued)
Note 7(d) Current assets - Other current assets
2024
$
2023
$
Prepayments
1,129,775
827,096
Note 7(e) Current assets - Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
2024
$
2023
$
Level 11
Listed securities
Equity securities – shares in IQE Plc
3,905,942
2,676,381
1. Level 1: The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as publicly traded derivatives and equity securities) is based
on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Company is the
current bid price.
(i) Classification and measurement of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
The Company irrevocably elected to value its shares in IQE at 30 June 2019 as financial assets at fair value through other
comprehensive income. This election was made so that large movements in the value of the shares do not significantly
impact the consolidated income statement. The shares are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. There were no
dividends received during the current or prior years.
For an analysis of the sensitivity of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income to foreign exchange
rate and price risk, refer to note 13(b).
(ii) Amounts recognised in Other comprehensive income
During the year, the following losses were recognised in Other comprehensive income:
2024
$
2023
$
Profits/(losses) recognised in Other comprehensive income (refer note 10(b))
1,242,068
(1,473,684)
60
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 7
Assets (continued)
Note 7(f) Non-current assets - Property, plant and equipment
PLANT AND
EQUIPMENT
$
MOTOR
VEHICLES
$
TOTAL
$
At 30 June 2022
Cost
1,456,166
58,087
1,514,253
Accumulated depreciation
(1,142,886)
(50,565)
(1,193,451)
Net book amount
313,280
7,522
320,802
Year ended 30 June 2023
Opening net book amount
313,280
7,522
320,802
Additions
94,071
-
94,071
Disposals
-
-
-
Depreciation charge
(125,700)
(2,934)
(128,634)
Closing net book value
281,651
4,588
286,239
At 30 June 2023
Cost
1,550,237
59,737
1,609,974
Accumulated depreciation
(1,268,586)
(55,149)
(1,323,735)
Net book amount
281,651
4,588
286,239
Year ended 30 June 2024
Opening net book amount
281,651
4,588
286,239
Additions
197,167
88,228
285,395
Disposals
-
-
-
Depreciation charge
(125,883)
(19,218)
(145,101)
Exchange differences
-
65
65
Closing net book value
352,935
73,663
426,598
At 30 June 2024
Cost
1,545,988
102,844
1,648,832
Accumulated depreciation
(1,193,053)
(29,181)
(1,222,234)
Net book amount
352,935
73,663
426,598
Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only
when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the
item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the consolidated income statement
during the financial period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost or revalued amounts of the assets, net of
their residual values, over their estimated useful lives, as follows:
• Plant and equipment
1-10 years
• Motor Vehicles
3-5 years
The asset’s residual value and useful life are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.
An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater
than its estimated recoverable amount (refer note 23(g)).
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. These are included in the
consolidated income statement. When revalued assets are sold, it is Company policy to transfer the amounts included in
other reserves in respect of those assets to retained earnings.
61
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 7
Assets (continued)
Note 7(g) Deferred tax assets
2024
$
2023
$
The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:
Amounts recognised in profit or loss
Provision for employee entitlements, warranties, restructuring and decommissioning
243,002
231,262
Payables and other provisions
1,289,554
1,621,015
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
185,019
479,144
Lease liabilities
295,494
193,035
Depreciation and amortisation
204,487
-
Credit losses
88,082
7,965
Tax losses
48,991,112
50,205,724
51,296,750
52,738,145
Set-off deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions
(4,573,973)
(4,602,668)
Net deferred tax assets not recognised
(46,722,777)
(48,135,477)
Net deferred tax assets
-
-
A deferred tax asset has not been recognised as the consolidated entity has a history of tax losses.
Note 8
Liabilities
This note provides information about the Company’s liabilities.
Note 8(a) Trade and other payables
2024
$
2023
$
Trade creditors
2,350,887
502,891
Unearned income
4,446,036
900,000
Derivative financial instruments - forward exchange contracts
218,618
8,589
Other payables
453,429
401,687
7,468,970
1,813,167
These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Company prior to the end of the financial
year which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured. Trade creditors are usually paid within 45 days of recognition. Trade
creditors, derivative financial instruments and other payables are presented as current liabilities unless payment is not
due within 12 months from the reporting date.
(i) Amounts not expected to be settled within the next 12 months
Other payables include accruals for annual leave. The entire annual leave obligation is presented as current, since the
Company does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement. However, based on past experience, the Company
does not expect all employees to take the full amount of accrued annual leave or require payment within the next 12
months. The following amounts reflect leave that is not to be expected to be taken or paid within the next 12 months:
2024
$
2023
$
Current annual leave obligations expected to be settled after 12 months
55,119
36,232
(ii) Risk exposure
Information about the Company’s exposure to foreign exchange risk is provided in note 13.
62
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 8
Liabilities (continued)
Note 8(b) Provisions
2024
2023
CURRENT
$
NON-CURRENT
$
TOTAL
$
CURRENT
$
NON-CURRENT
$
TOTAL
$
Employee benefits –
long service leave
741,215
44,711
785,926
688,125
50,841
738,966
Other
146,081
40,000
186,081
146,081
40,000
186,081
887,296
84,711
972,007
834,206
90,841
925,047
(i) Amounts not expected to be settled within the next 12 months
The current provision for long service leave includes all unconditional entitlements where employees have completed the
required period of service and also those where employees are entitled to pro-rata payments in certain circumstances.
The entire amount is presented as current, since the Company does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement.
However, based on past experience, the Company does not expect all employees to take the full amount of accrued long
service leave or require payment within the next 12 months. The following amounts reflect leave that is not to be expected
to be taken or paid within the next 12 months.
2024
$
2023
$
Current long service leave obligations expected to be settled after 12 months
684,338
634,144
Movements in each class of provision during the financial year, other than long service leave, are set out below:
OTHER
$
Carrying amount at start of the year
186,081
Carrying amount at end of the year
186,081
Provision is made for the estimated warranty claims in respect of solar panels that were previously sold by the Company.
The claims may be settled in the next financial year and this may be extended into future years. The Company is also
required to restore its leased premises under the terms of the lease contract. A provision has been recognised for the
present value of the estimated expenditure required to meet these obligations.
Note 8(c) Non-current liabilities - Deferred tax liabilities
2024
$
2023
$
The balance comprising temporary differences attributable to:
Foreign currency cash balances and loans
3,509,044
3,778,347
Depreciation and amortisation
-
48,590
Right-of-use assets
282,851
188,872
Accrued income
782,078
586,859
4,573,973
4,602,668
Set off deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions
(4,573,973)
(4,602,668)
Net deferred tax liabilities
-
-
63
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 9
Leases
This note provides information for leases where the Company is a lessee.
Note 9(a) Amounts recognised in the consolidated balance sheet
The consolidated balance sheet shows the following amounts relating to leases:
2024
$
2023
$
Right-of-use assets
Buildings
1,131,403
755,489
Lease liabilities
Current
267,499
233,011
Non-current
914,475
539,127
1,181,974
772,138
Additions to the right-of-use assets during the current year were $66,987 (2023: $18,470). Increases to right-of-use
assets as a result of lease modifications were $592,823 (2023: $nil).
Note 9(b) Amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement
The consolidated balance sheet shows the following amounts relating to leases:
2024
$
2023
$
Depreciation charge on right-of-use assets
Buildings
283,896
251,829
Equipment
-
1,641
Current
283,896
253,470
Interest expense (included in finance costs)
40,602
50,632
The total cash outflow for leases during the current year was $290,576 (2023: $279,466).
64
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 9
Leases (continued)
Note 9(c) The Company’s leasing activities and how these are accounted for
The Company leases buildings and equipment. Rental contracts are generally for fixed periods of 1 year to 5 years but
may have extension options. Leases are recognised as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability at the date at
which the leased asset is available for use by the Company.
Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net
present value of the following lease payments:
» fixed payments less any lease incentive receivable;
» variable lease payments that are based on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the
commencement date;
» amounts expected to be payable by the Company under residual value guarantees;
» the exercise price of a purchase option if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and
» payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Company exercising that option
Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the measurement of
the liability.
The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be readily determined,
the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow
the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with
similar terms, security and conditions.
Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance costs are charged to profit or loss over the
lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period.
Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following:
» the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability;
» any lease payments made before the commencement date less any lease incentives received; and
» any initial direct costs.
Right-of-use assets are generally depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-
line basis. If the Company is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use asset is depreciated over
the underlying asset’s useful life.
65
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 10
Equity
The note provides information about the Company’s equity.
Note 10(a) Contributed equity
(i) Share capital
PARENT ENTITY
PARENT ENTITY
2024
SHARES
2023
SHARES
2024
$
2023
$
Ordinary shares
Fully paid
236,875,501
235,423,937
390,665,622
386,753,717
(ii) Movements in ordinary share capital
DATE
DETAILS
NUMBER
OF SHARES
$
30 June 2022
Balance
204,974,961
271,543,434
26 August 2022
Issue of shares - performance rights
331,897
376,884
7 March 2023
Issue of shares - capital raise
29,629,630
120,000,021
21 April 2023
Issue of shares - share purchase plan
116,468
471,608
Various
Issue of shares - options exercise
370,981
78,490
Various
Transfer from share-based payments reserve - options
-
54,163
235,423,937
392,524,600
Less: Transaction costs arising on share issues
-
(5,770,883)
30 June 2023
Balance
235,423,937
386,753,717
23 August 2023
Issue of shares - performance rights
395,138
980,710
29 February 2024
Issue of shares
395,507
2,000,000
Various
Issue of shares - options exercise
660,919
612,893
Various
Transfer from share-based payments reserve - options
-
340,948
236,875,501
390,688,268
Less: Transaction costs arising on share issues
-
(22,646)
30 June 2024
Balance
236,875,501
390,665,622
(iii) Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds
on winding up of the Company in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. On a show of hands
every holder of ordinary shares present at a meeting in person or by proxy, is entitled to one vote, and upon a poll each
share is entitled to one vote.
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax,
from the proceeds. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options, or for the acquisition of a
business, are not included in the cost of the acquisition as part of the purchase consideration.
The ordinary shares have no par value. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may issue new
shares. The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard their ability to continue as a going concern
and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.
(iv) Options
Information relating to the Silex Systems Limited Employee Incentive Plan, including details of options issued, exercised
and lapsed during the financial year and options outstanding at the end of the financial year, is set out in note 19(b).
(v) Performance Rights
Information relating to the Silex Systems Limited Employee Incentive Plan, including details of Performance Rights issued,
vested, forfeited and lapsed during the financial year and rights outstanding at the end of the financial year, is set out in
note 19(c).
66
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 10
Equity (continued)
Note 10(b) Reserves
2024
$
2023
$
Foreign currency translation reserve
110,672
338,748
Revaluation - Fair value through other comprehensive income
(1,995,182)
(3,237,250)
Transactions with non-controlling interests
(2,906,913)
(2,906,913)
Share-based payments reserve
18,200,094
17,142,735
13,408,671
11,337,320
Movements in reserves:
2024
$
2023
$
Foreign currency translation reserve
Balance at the beginning of the financial year
338,748
(40,089)
Net exchange differences on translation of foreign controlled entity
(228,076)
378,837
Balance at the end of the financial year
110,672
338,748
Revaluation - Fair value through other comprehensive income
Balance at the beginning of the financial year
(3,237,250)
(1,763,566)
Differences on revaluation
1,242,068
(1,473,684)
Balance at the end of the financial year
(1,995,182)
(3,237,250)
Transactions with non-controlling interests
Balance at the beginning of the financial year
(2,906,913)
(2,906,913)
Balance at the end of the financial year
(2,906,913)
(2,906,913)
Share-based payments reserve
Balance at the beginning of the financial year
17,142,735
15,753,841
Share-based payment expense
2,379,017
1,819,941
Transfer to share capital
(1,321,658)
(431,047)
Balance at the end of the financial year
18,200,094
17,142,735
Nature and purpose of reserves:
(i) Foreign currency translation reserve
Exchange differences arising on translation of the foreign controlled entity are taken to the foreign currency translation
reserve, as described in note 23(c). The reserve is recognised in profit and loss when the net investment is disposed of.
(ii) Revaluation – Fair value through other comprehensive income
Changes in the fair value of investments that are classified as fair value through other comprehensive income are
recognised in Other comprehensive income and accumulated in a separate reserve within equity. Amounts are not
reclassified to profit or loss when the associated assets are sold or impaired.
(iii) Transactions with non-controlling interests
This reserve is used to record the differences described in note 23(b) which may arise as a result of transactions with non-
controlling interests that do not result in a loss of control.
(iv) Share-based payments reserve
The Share-based payments reserve is used to recognise:
» the grant date fair value of options issued to employees and consultants but, not exercised;
» the grant date fair value of deferred shares (i.e., Performance Rights) granted to employees but, not yet vested; and
» the grant date fair value of shares to be issued.
67
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 10
Equity (continued)
Note 10(c) Accumulated losses
2024
$
2023
$
Accumulated losses at the beginning of the financial year
(249,401,845)
(232,040,553)
Net (loss) attributable to members of Silex Systems Limited
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
Accumulated losses at the end of the financial year
(272,135,593)
(249,401,845)
Note 11
Cash flow information
(a) Reconciliation of net (loss) after income tax to net cash inflows/(outflows) from operating activities
2024
$
2023
$
Net (loss) after income tax
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation
428,997
382,104
Non cash benefits expense – share-based payments
2,397,820
1,857,547
Net exchange differences
66,127
125,565
Share of net losses of joint ventures
23,224,478
16,147,128
(Increase) in prepayments and other current assets
(302,679)
(494,877)
(Increase) in trade and other debtors
(1,807,672)
(419,161)
(Increase) in accrued income - other
(837,011)
(2,727,896)
Increase in trade and other creditors
5,655,803
95,401
Increase in provisions
46,960
54,610
Net cash inflows/(outflows) from operating activities
6,138,715
(2,340,871)
(b) Non-cash investing and financing activities
Details regarding Non-cash investing and financing activities are disclosed in other notes. The acquisition of right-of-
use assets is detailed in note 9 and options and rights issued under the Silex Systems Limited Employee Incentive Plan in
note 19.
Note 12
Critical accounting estimates and judgements
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including
expectations of future events that may have a financial impact on the entity and that are believed to be reasonable under
the circumstances.
The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by
definition, seldom equal the related actual results.
An area involving significant estimates or judgements is the recognition of variable consideration (in the form of revenue
royalties) from the sale of the cREO® technology (note 3).
68
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 13
Financial risk management
The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks; market risk (including foreign exchange risk, interest
rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Company’s overall risk management program focuses on the
unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the
Company. The Company uses different methods to measure different types of risk to which it is exposed. These methods
include sensitivity analysis in the case of interest rate and foreign exchange risk.
Risk management is carried out by senior management under policies approved by the Board of Directors. Senior
management identifies, evaluates and manages financial risks. The Board provides principles for overall risk management,
as well as policies covering specific areas, such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and credit risk and investing
excess liquidity.
(a) Derivatives
Foreign exchange contracts are used to manage foreign exchange risk. The Company may enter into forward exchange
contracts which are economic hedges for foreign currencies to be traded at a future date but do not satisfy the
requirements for hedge accounting. These contracts are fair valued by comparing the contracted rate to the current
market rate for a contract with the same remaining period to maturity. Any changes in fair values are taken to the income
statement immediately.
The Company’s policy is to hedge a proportion of its anticipated cash flows in USD. At year end, the Company held
US$4,900,000 forward exchange contracts with contractual dates up to December 2024 (2023: US$4,100,000 of forward
exchange up to December 2023) to purchase USD as part of its strategy to minimise the financial effects of foreign
currency fluctuations. The Board monitors the Company’s hedging strategy on a continuing basis. The fair value of
derivative contracts outstanding at year end totals $216,618 and is recorded in Trade and other payables (2023: $8,589
in Trade and other payables).
(b) Market risk
(i) Foreign exchange risk
The Company operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from currency exposures, primarily
with respect to the USD.
Foreign exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities are denominated
in a currency that is not the Company’s functional currency. The risk is measured using sensitivity analysis and cash flow
forecasting.
The Company’s exposure to USD foreign currency risk at the reporting date, expressed in Australian dollars, was as follows:
2024
AUD
2023
AUD
Cash and cash equivalents
787,791
512,686
Trade and other receivables
1,179,851
916,734
Forward exchange contracts - buy foreign currency
7,565,055
6,184,469
Profit or loss is sensitive to the value of the AUD compared to the USD.
IMPACT ON
POST-TAX PROFIT
IMPACT ON OTHER
COMPONENTS OF EQUITY
2024
$
2023
$
2024
$
2023
$
AUD/USD - increase by 15%
(1,214,880)
(991,996)
(1,214,880)
(991,996)
AUD/USD - decrease by 15%
1,643,661
1,342,112
1,643,661
1,342,112
The Company also owns shares in IQE Plc, a UK based company, resulting from the 2015 Option, License and Assignment
Agreement. IQE’s shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange (GBP currency) (AIM: IQE). The impact of an increase
or decrease in the AUD/GBP would not impact post-tax profits as it is accounted for in Other comprehensive income. The
impact of a 15% increase in the AUD/GBP would decrease other components of equity by $509,471 (2023: $349,093)
and a 15% decrease in the AUD/GBP would increase other components of equity by $689,284 (2023: $472,303).
69
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 13
Financial risk management (continued)
(ii) Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk
As the Company has interest-bearing assets, the Company’s income and operating cash flows are influenced by changes
in market interest rates. Company policy is to maintain the majority of cash and cash equivalents at fixed rates by the
use of term deposits.
The Company manages its cash flow interest rate risk by having a spread of maturity dates with different institutions.
As at the reporting date, the Company had the following variable interest rate cash and cash equivalents:
30 JUNE 2024
30 JUNE 2023
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
%
BALANCE
$
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
%
BALANCE
$
Cash and cash equivalents
4.57%
7,914,918
4.39%
1,175,722
Profit or loss is sensitive to higher / lower interest income from cash and cash equivalents as a result of changes in interest
rates.
IMPACT ON
POST-TAX PROFIT
IMPACT ON OTHER
COMPONENTS OF EQUITY
2024
$
2023
$
2024
$
2023
$
Interest rates - increase by 1.00%
56,592
88,832
56,592
88,832
Interest rates - decrease by 1.00%
(56,592)
(88,832)
(56,592)
(88,832)
(iii) Price risk
The Company’s exposure to equity securities price risk arises from the Company’s shares in IQE Plc, which are classified in
the consolidated balance sheet as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income.
The impact of an increase or decrease in the IQE share price would not impact post-tax profits as it is accounted for in
Other comprehensive income. The impact of a 10% increase in IQE’s share price would increase other components of
equity by $390,594 (2023: $267,638) and a 10% decrease in IQE’s share price would reduce other components of equity
by $390,594 (2023: $267,638). The impact of a 20% increase in IQE’s share price would increase other components of
equity by $781,188 (2023: $535,276) and a 20% decrease in IQE’s share price would reduce other components of equity
by $781,188 (2023: $535,276).
(c) Credit risk
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and receivables. The Company has a concentration of
credit risk with its main receipts coming from GLE for Recoverable project costs, banks (interest income), government
(Research and development tax incentive and Defence Trailblazer Grant), and IQE Plc (in relation to the sale of the cREO®
technology).
The Company has policies in place to ensure that transactions are with entities with an appropriate credit history. For
banks and financial institutions, only independently rated parties with a minimum rating as approved by the Board are
accepted. Cash transactions are limited to high credit quality financial institutions. The Company has policies that limit
the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution.
The credit quality of customers, banks and governments can be assessed by reference to external credit ratings (if
available). If they are independently rated, these ratings are used. Otherwise, if there is no independent rating, the
Company assesses the credit quality by taking into account the financial position, past experience and other factors.
As the Company holds a 51% interest in GLE, the credit risk with respect to Recoverable project costs is mitigated.
70
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 13
Financial risk management (continued)
Impairment of financial assets
While cash and cash equivalents are subject to the impairment requirements of AASB 9, the identified impairment loss
was immaterial. All of the Company’s term deposits (disclosed under AASB 9 as Other financial assets at amortised cost)
are considered to have low credit risk given the credit ratings of the bank where the deposits are held. The Company
has reviewed the credit ratings and corporate default rates of the various banks by credit rating agencies. Applying the
expected credit loss model, the identified impairment loss was immaterial at 30 June 2024 (and at 30 June 2023).
2024
$
2023
$
Cash and cash equivalents and other financial assets at amortised cost - term deposits
ANZ Banking Group Limited
33,114,918
45,375,722
Westpac Banking Corporation
50,000,000
42,000,000
National Australia Bank
27,000,000
49,000,000
Bank of America
2,974,461
1,683,850
113,089,379
138,059,572
Trade and other receivables are also subject to the expected credit loss model. Trade receivables include $374,818
(2023: $677,840) for royalties from the sale of the Company’s cREO® technology. Impairment losses for Trade and other
receivables were immaterial at 30 June 2024 (and at 30 June 2023).
(d) Liquidity risk
Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities, the availability of
funding through an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. The
Company manages liquidity by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and matching the maturity
profiles of financial assets and liabilities.
Financing arrangements
The Company had access to the following undrawn borrowing facilities at the reporting date:
2024
$
2023
$
Floating rate
Expiring within one year (documentary credit facility and visa facility)
200,000
200,000
200,000
200,000
The borrowing facilities are a documentary credit facility and visa facility that may be drawn at any time and is subject
to annual review.
71
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 13
Financial risk management (continued)
Maturities of financial liabilities
The tables below analyse the Company’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining
period at the reporting date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the tables are the contractual
undiscounted cash flows.
LESS THAN
6 MONTHS
$
6-12
MONTHS
$
BETWEEN
1 AND 2
YEARS
$
BETWEEN
2 AND 5
YEARS
$
OVER 5
YEARS
$
TOTAL
CONTRACTUAL
CASH FLOW
$
CARRYING
AMOUNTS
(ASSETS)/
LIABILITIES
$
At 30 June 2024
Non-derivatives
Non-interest bearing
2,372,887
-
-
-
-
2,372,887
2,372,887
Lease liabilities
178,927
179,079
337,595
711,019
-
1,406,620
1,181,974
Total non-derivatives
2,551,814
179,079
337,595
711,019
-
3,779,507
3,554,861
At 30 June 2023
Non-derivatives
Non-interest bearing
524,891
-
-
-
-
524,891
524,891
Lease liabilities
117,449
140,939
288,925
296,148
-
843,461
772,138
Total non-derivatives
642,340
140,939
288,925
296,148
-
1,368,352
1,297,029
(e) Fair value estimation
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement or for
disclosure purposes.
The carrying value less impairment provision of trade receivables and payables are assumed to approximate their
fair values due to their short-term nature. The fair value of financial liabilities for disclosure purposes is estimated by
discounting the future contractual values at the current market interest rates that is available to the Company for similar
instruments.
Note 14
Climate Change
In preparing these consolidated financial statements the group has considered the impact of climate change risks on the
assets and liabilities recognised and presented within the consolidated financial statements. There is no material impact
on the value of assets and liabilities at 30 June 2024 as a result of climate change risks. The Company is continuing to
develop its assessment of the impact of climate change in line with emerging industry and regulatory guidance.
72
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 15
Interests in other entities
(a) Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the following subsidiaries in
accordance with the accounting policy described in note 23(b).
NAME OF ENTITY
PLACE OF
BUSINESS/
COUNTRY OF
INCORPORATION
CLASS OF
SHARES
2024
%
2023
%
Translucent Inc
US
Ordinary
100%
100%
Total
100%
100%
Silex USA LLC
US
Interest
100%
100%
Total
100%
100%
(b) Interests in joint ventures
Set out below are details of the Global Laser Enrichment Holdings LLC (GLE Holdco) joint venture as at 30 June 2024,
which is material to the Company:
NAME OF ENTITY
PLACE OF
BUSINESS/
COUNTRY OF
INCORPORATION
% OF
OWNERSHIP
INTEREST
2024
% OF
OWNERSHIP
INTEREST
2023
NATURE OF
RELATIONSHIP
MEASURE-
MENT
METHOD
CARRYING
AMOUNT
2024
CARRYING
AMOUNT
2023
Global Laser
Enrichment Holdings
LLC
US
51%
51%
Joint
venture
Equity
method
13,269,215
3,630,471
GLE Holdco acquired Global Laser Enrichment LLC (GLE) on 31 January 2021. GLE holds the exclusive worldwide licence
to commercialise the SILEX technology for uranium enrichment. Cameco Corporation indirectly owns the remaining 49%
of GLE Holdco.
(i) Significant judgement: existence of joint control
In accordance with the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of GLE Holdco, decisions of the
Governing Board are based on the voting of percentage of interests held by the GLE Holdco Governing Board Members.
Silex’s Governing Board Members hold a 51% interest and the Cameco Governing Board Members hold a 49% interest.
The affirmative vote of Governing Board members representing greater than 51% of the total percentage interests is
required for an affirmative vote. Therefore, Silex has joint control of GLE Holdco with Cameco.
(ii) Commitments and contingent liabilities in respect of the GLE Holdco joint venture
2024
$
2023
$
Commitments - joint ventures
Commitment to provide funding for joint venture’s capital commitments, if called
18,351,100
9,986,850
Contingent liabilities - joint venture
Share of joint venture's contingent liabilities
4,576,836
-
On 28 July 2023, GLE entered into a lease for a new facility in Wilmington, NC. A parent company guarantee was required
to be provided by the Company and Cameco Corporation in relation to the rent and other lease related obligations
associated with the premises tenanted by GLE. The guarantee will reduce over the term of the lease.
73
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 15
Interests in other entities (continued)
(iii) Summarised financial information for GLE Holdco joint venture
The tables below provide summarised financial information for the GLE Holdco joint venture. The information disclosed
reflects the amounts presented in the financial statements of GLE Holdco and not Silex’s share of those amounts. The
information has been amended to reflect adjustments made by the Company when using the equity method, including
fair value adjustments and modifications for differences in accounting policy.
Summarised balance sheet
2024
$
2023
$
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
23,910,812
11,021,801
Other current assets
3,582,704
2,267,678
Total current assets
27,493,516
13,289,479
Non-current assets
20,875,288
7,010,303
Total assets
48,368,804
20,299,782
Current liabilities
Lease liabilities
1,127,366
953,423
Other current liabilities
9,395,711
4,561,577
Total current liabilities
10,523,077
5,515,000
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
5,933,810
2,741,832
Other non-current liabilities
5,893,848
4,924,380
Total non-current liabilities
11,827,658
7,666,212
Total liabilities
22,350,735
13,181,212
Net assets
26,018,069
7,118,570
2024
$
2023
$
Reconciliation to carrying amounts
Opening net assets
7,118,570
6,121,171
Additional capital contributed
65,041,084
32,552,792
(Loss) for the period
(45,538,193)
(31,662,507)
Other comprehensive income
(603,392)
107,114
Closing net assets
26,018,069
7,118,570
Company's share in %
51%
51%
Company's share in $
13,269,215
3,630,471
Carrying amount
13,269,215
3,630,471
74
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 15
Interests in other entities (continued)
Summarised statement of comprehensive income
2024
$
2023
$
Revenue
-
-
Interest income
662,477
63,839
Depreciation and amortisation
(1,934,794)
(1,398,774)
Interest expense
(474,605)
(134,876)
Income tax expense
-
-
(Loss) from continuing operations
(45,538,193)
(31,662,507)
(Loss) for the period
(45,538,193)
(31,662,507)
Other comprehensive income
(603,392)
107,114
Total comprehensive income
(46,141,585)
(31,555,393)
Note 16
Commitments for expenditure and guarantees
The Company did not have any Capital expenditure contracted at the reporting date that was not recognised as a
liability (2023: $nil).
On 28 July 2023, GLE entered into a lease for a new facility in Wilmington, NC. A parent company guarantee was required
to be provided by the Company and Cameco Corporation in relation to the rent and other lease related obligations
associated with the premises tenanted by GLE. As at 30 June 2024, the Company’s 51% share of the parent company
guarantee was $4,576,836 (2023: $nil), The guarantee will reduce over the term of the lease.
Note 17
Events occurring after the reporting date
The consolidated entity is not aware of any matters or circumstances which are not otherwise dealt with in the financial
statements that have significantly or may significantly, affect the operations of the consolidated entity, the results of its
operations or the state of the consolidated entity in subsequent years other than those referred to in this report.
Note 18
Related party transactions
(a) Subsidiaries
Interests in subsidiaries are set out in note 15(a).
(b) Key management personnel compensation
2024
$
2023
$
Short-term employee benefits
1,488,692
1,400,822
Post-employment benefits
69,428
73,138
Long-term benefits
(3,558)
5,782
Share-based payments
827,373
770,865
2,381,935
2,250,607
(c) Transactions with other related parties
The following transactions occurred with related parties:
2024
$
2023
$
Contributions to superannuation funds on behalf of employees
440,948
349,558
75
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 19
Share-based payments
(a) Silex Systems Limited Employee Incentive Plan
The Silex Systems Limited Employee Incentive Plan (the Plan) was established in May 2019 by a resolution of the Silex
Board. Shareholder approval of the Plan was renewed at the 2022 Annual General Meeting. All full-time and part-time
staff and executive directors of the consolidated entity are eligible to participate in the Plan. The Company established
the Plan to encourage employees to share in the ownership of the Company and to promote the long-term success of
the Company as a goal shared by all employees. In accordance with the Plan, an award of options, performance rights
or exempt share awards may be granted.
Participation in the Plan is at the Board’s discretion and no individual has a contractual right to participate in the Plan or
to receive any guaranteed benefits.
(b) Options
Under the Plan, options issued were granted for no consideration. The options granted to staff are for a five-year period
and become exercisable after three years of the date of the grant. The options granted to executive KMP in the year
ended 30 June 2022 are with respect to multi-year performance periods that end between 25 June 2024 and 30 June
2027 for the CEO/MD, and between 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2026 for the CFO/Company Secretary. The options expire
approximately two years following expiry of the various performance periods. The options lapse if the holder ceases to be
an eligible employee other than by reason of death or permanent disablement, unless the Board determines otherwise in
its absolute discretion. Options granted under the plan carry no dividend or voting rights.
When exercisable, each option is convertible into one ordinary share. The exercise price of options is based on the volume
weighted average price at which the Company’s shares are traded on the Australian Stock Exchange for the 10-trading
days before the options are granted or for the 10-trading days preceding a Board resolution to grant options. Amounts
received on the exercise of options are recognised as share capital.
Set out below are summaries of options granted under the Plan including the options outstanding at the end of the year:
Consolidated and parent entity – 2024
GRANT DATE
EXPIRY
DATE
EXERCISE
PRICE
(CENTS)
BALANCE
AT START
OF YEAR
(NUMBER)
ISSUED
DURING
THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
LAPSED/
FORFEITED
DURING
THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
EXERCISED
DURING
THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
BALANCE
AT THE END
OF THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
EXERCISED
AT THE END
OF THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
21/05/2019
20/05/2024
35
120,000
-
-
(120,000)
-
-
01/04/2020
31/03/2025
21
227,000
-
-
(79,000)
148,000
148,000
23/11/2020
22/11/2025
57
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
150,000
24/03/2021
23/03/2026
120
1,000,000
-
(22,331)
(461,919)
515,750
515,750
26/07/2021
28/10/2026
94
100,000
-
-
-
100,000
100,000
26/07/2021
30/06/2027
94
100,000
-
-
-
100,000
-
26/07/2021
30/06/2028
94
100,000
-
-
-
100,000
-
14/10/2021
28/10/2026
94
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
150,000
14/10/2021
28/10/2026
94
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
150,000
14/10/2021
28/10/2027
94
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
-
14/10/2021
28/10/2028
94
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
-
14/10/2021
28/10/2029
94
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
-
18/03/2022
17/03/2027
119
600,000
-
-
-
600,000
-
17/04/2023
16/04/2028
377
650,000
-
-
-
650,000
-
23/04/2024
22/04/2029
500
-
650,000
-
-
650,000
-
3,797,000
650,000
(22,331)
(660,919)
3,763,750
1,213,750
Weighted average exercise price
$1.46
$5.00
$1.20
$0.93
$2.16
$0.92
76
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 19
Share-based payments (continued)
Consolidated and parent entity – 2023
GRANT DATE
EXPIRY
DATE
EXERCISE
PRICE
(CENTS)
BALANCE
AT START
OF YEAR
(NUMBER)
ISSUED
DURING
THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
LAPSED/
FORFEITED
DURING
THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
EXERCISED
DURING
THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
BALANCE
AT THE END
OF THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
EXERCISED
AT THE END
OF THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
21/05/2019
20/05/2024
35
140,000
-
(15,831)
(4,169)
120,000
120,000
01/04/2020
31/03/2025
21
660,000
-
(66,188)
(366,812)
227,000
227,000
23/11/2020
22/11/2025
57
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
150,000
24/03/2021
23/03/2026
120
1,000,000
-
-
-
1,000,000
-
26/07/2021
28/10/2026
94
100,000
-
-
-
100,000
-
26/07/2021
30/06/2027
94
100,000
-
-
-
100,000
-
26/07/2021
30/06/2028
94
100,000
-
-
-
100,000
-
14/10/2021
28/10/2026
94
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
-
14/10/2021
28/10/2026
94
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
-
14/10/2021
28/10/2027
94
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
-
14/10/2021
28/10/2028
94
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
-
14/10/2021
28/10/2029
94
150,000
-
-
-
150,000
-
18/03/2022
17/03/2027
119
600,000
-
-
-
600,000
-
17/04/2023
16/04/2028
377
-
650,000
-
-
650,000
-
3,600,000
650,000
(82,019)
(370,981)
3,797,000
497,000
Weighted average exercise price
$0.88
$3.77
$0.24
$0.21
$1.46
$0.35
The market price of shares under option at 30 June 2024 was $5.33 (2023: $3.94). The weighted average remaining
contractual life of share options outstanding at the end of the period was 3.2 years (2023: 3.6 years).
Fair value of options granted
The assessed fair value at grant date of options granted during the year ended 30 June 2024 was determined using a
Binomial option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of dilution,
the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the
risk-free interest rate for the term of the options.
Set out below is a summary of options granted under the Plan, together with the model inputs applied to assess the fair
value of options at grant date:
FAIR VALUE
(CENTS)
GRANT
DATE
VESTING
DATE
EXERCISE
PRICE
(CENTS)
EXPIRY
DATE
SHARE
PRICE
AT GRANT
DATE
(CENTS)
EXPECTED
VOLATILITY
EXPECTED
DIVIDEND
YIELD
RISK-FREE
INTEREST
RATE
DAYS TO
EXPIRATION
248.47
23/04/2024 23/04/2027
500
22/04/2029
483
72%
-
3.92%
1,280
The assessed fair value of options at grant date and the model inputs for options issued in the prior year included the
following:
FAIR VALUE
(CENTS)
GRANT
DATE
VESTING
DATE
EXERCISE
PRICE
(CENTS)
EXPIRY
DATE
SHARE
PRICE
AT GRANT
DATE
(CENTS)
EXPECTED
VOLATILITY
EXPECTED
DIVIDEND
YIELD
RISK-FREE
INTEREST
RATE
DAYS TO
EXPIRATION
192.85
17/04/2023 17/04/2026
377
16/04/2028
345
77%
-
3.20%
1,460
148.491
17/04/2023 17/04/2026
377
16/04/2028
345
77%
-
3.20%
1,460
1. A discount of 23.0% for lack of marketability was applied to these options granted 17 April 2023, as these options have a 2-year
restriction on trading from the date of exercise.
The expected price volatility is based on the historical volatility adjusted for any expected changes to future volatility due
to publicly available information.
77
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 19
Share-based payments (continued)
(c) Performance Rights
The rights issued under the Plan were subject to performance-based and service-based vesting conditions. Rights convert
into one ordinary share each on vesting at an exercise price of $nil, subject to the satisfaction of vesting conditions. If an
employee ceases to be employed by the Company during the vesting period, the rights will be forfeited, except in limited
circumstances that are at the discretion of the Board.
Set out below is a summary of Performance Rights granted under the Plan:
Consolidated and parent entity – 2024
GRANT DATE
EXERCISE
PRICE
BALANCE
AT START
OF YEAR
(NUMBER)
ISSUED
DURING
THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
LAPSED/
FORFEITED
DURING
THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
EXERCISED
DURING
THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
BALANCE
AT THE END
OF THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
14/10/2021
nil
412,500
-
-
-
412,500
21/06/2022
nil
300,000
-
-
(75,000)
225,000
26/08/2022
nil
200,000
-
(36,163)
(163,837)
-
30/08/2022
nil
145,000
-
(11,512)
(133,488)
-
21/11/2022
nil
25,000
-
(2,187)
(22,813)
-
21/08/2023
nil
-
185,000
-
-
185,000
29/09/2023
nil
-
300,000
-
-
300,000
1,082,500
485,000
(49,862)
(395,138)
1,122,500
Consolidated and parent entity – 2023
GRANT DATE
EXERCISE
PRICE
BALANCE
AT START
OF YEAR
(NUMBER)
ISSUED
DURING
THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
LAPSED/
FORFEITED
DURING
THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
EXERCISED
DURING
THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
BALANCE
AT THE END
OF THE YEAR
(NUMBER)
26/07/2021
nil
70,000
-
(3,500)
(66,500)
-
14/10/2021
nil
487,500
-
(3,750)
(71,250)
412,500
25/10/2021
nil
250,000
-
(55,853)
(194,147)
-
21/06/2022
nil
-
300,000
-
-
300,000
26/08/2022
nil
-
200,000
-
-
200,000
30/08/2022
nil
-
145,000
-
-
145,000
21/11/2022
nil
-
25,000
-
-
25,000
807,500
670,000
(63,103)
(331,897)
1,082,500
The model inputs for the rights granted during the year ended 30 June 2024 (with the 21 August 2023 issue listed first
and the 29 September 2023 next – unless advised otherwise) included the following, and for those rights that had market
conditions, additional inputs were applied to the Monte Carlo simulation that used to value these rights:
(i) Rights granted for no consideration
(ii) Exercise price: $nil
(iii) Grant date: 21 August 2023 and 29 September 2023 (2023: 26 August 2022, 30 August 2022 and 21 November 2022)
(iv) Vesting date: 31 July 2024 for all issues (2023: 31 July 2023 for all issues)
(v) Share price at grant date: $3.26 and $3.50 (2023: $3.58, $3.59, and $3.13)
(vi) Expected dividend yield: nil for all issues in the current and prior year
The fair value of rights granted on 21 August 2023 that did not have market conditions was $2.673, and the fair value of
rights granted on 29 September 2023 was $3.185. An 18% discount for lack of marketability was applied to the rights
granted on 21 August 2023, as the rights have a 2-year restriction on trading following conversion of vested rights to
ordinary shares. A 9% discount for lack of marketability was applied to the rights granted on 29 September 2023 as the
rights have a 1-year restriction on trading following conversion of the vested rights to ordinary shares.
Some of the rights granted on 21 August 2023 had market conditions and a Monte Carlo simulation approach was used
to value these rights. Additional inputs included: expected volatility of 60%; a risk-free rate of 4.0%; and a discount for
lack of marketability of 18%. The fair value of rights granted on 21 August 2023 that have market conditions was $1.193.
The fair values were estimated taking the market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date and noting that no
dividends were expected to be received during the vesting period.
78
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 19
Share-based payments (continued)
With respect to rights issued in the prior year, the fair value of rights granted on 26 August 2022 was $3.177 and the fair
value of rights granted on 21 November 2022 was $2.426. An 11.25% discount for lack of marketability was applied to
the rights granted on 26 August 2022, as the rights have a 1-year restriction on trading following conversion of vested
rights to ordinary shares. A 22.5% discount for lack of marketability was applied to the rights granted on 21 November
2022 as the rights have a 2-year restriction on trading following conversion of the vested rights to ordinary shares.
Some of the rights granted on 30 August 2022 had market conditions and a Monte Carlo simulation approach was used
to value these rights. Additional inputs included: expected volatility of 80%; a risk-free rate of 1.55%; and a discount for
lack of marketability of 23%. The fair value of rights granted on 30 August 2022 that have market conditions was $1.770
and the fair value of rights granted on 30 August 2022 that do not have market conditions was $2.764. The fair values
were estimated taking the market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date and noting that no dividends were
expected to be received during the vesting period.
With respect to the fair value of the 300,000 Extended LTI rights that were granted to the CFO/Company Secretary on
21 June 2022, a Monte Carlo simulation approach was used to value the rights. 300,000 rights with market conditions
(i.e., 4 tranches of 75,000 rights with vesting dates of 30 June 2023, 30 June 2024, 30 June 2025 and 30 June 2026) were
granted to the CFO/Company Secretary for no consideration and have an exercise price of $nil. Additional inputs include:
share price at grant date of $1.865; expected volatility of 75%; and expected risk-free interest rates between 2.87% and
3.69%. A 22.5% discount for lack of marketability was applied. The fair value has been calculated at $0.742, $0.808,
$0.809 and $0.835.
(d) Shares granted to the Chair (as approved at the 2021 AGM)
The Silex Chair also serves as the Chair of the GLE Holdco Governing Board until 31 December 2023. In view of the
additional work load and responsibility associated with the role of GLE Chair, it was resolved to pay additional directors’
fees from 1 January 2021. As per shareholder approval granted at the 2021 AGM, 50% of the annual fees for the 3-year
tenure have been paid via the issue of Silex shares. 84,507 shares at the 10-trading day volume weighted average price
at which the Company’s shares traded on the Australian Stock Exchange preceding 17 December 2020, being $0.71,
were issued on 8 November 2021. A proportion of the shares vested annually in line with the completion of each year of
service through to 31 December 2023. 28,169 shares vested on 31 December 2021, a further 28,169 shares vested on
31 December 2022, and the final 28,169 shares vested on 31 December 2023. The assessed fair value of the shares was
based on the share price on 8 November 2021 of $1.335.
(e) Options issued to consultants
A total of 100,000 options are currently on issue to a consultant of the Company.
50,000 options were granted to a consultant on 19 December 2023. The assessed fair value at grant date of 178.14 cents
was determined using a Binomial option pricing model. Inputs included: an exercise price of 347 cents; share price at
grant date of 419 cents; volatility of 60%; a risk-free interest rate of 3.87%; and 730 days to expiration. 37,500 options
were exercisable at 30 June 2024. No options were exercised during the year and therefore the balance of options as at
30 June 2024 was 50,000.
In the prior year, 50,000 options were granted to a consultant on 25 August 2022. The assessed fair value at grant date
of 182 cents was determined using a Binomial option pricing model. Inputs included: an exercise price of 319 cents; share
price at grant date of 371 cents; volatility of 80%; a risk-free interest rate of 3.15%; and 730 days to expiration. The
50,000 options were exercisable at 30 June 2024. No options were exercised during the year and therefore the balance
of options as at 30 June 2024 was 50,000.
(f) Expenses arising from share-based transactions
Total expenses arising from share-based payment transactions recognised during the period as part of remuneration
expense were as follows:
2024
$
2023
$
Options granted and to be granted
1,076,788
732,986
Performance rights granted and to be granted
1,302,229
1,086,955
Shares granted in lieu of directors’ fees
18,803
37,606
2,397,820
1,857,547
79
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 20
Remuneration of auditors
During the year the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia (PwC)
as auditor of the parent entity, Silex Systems Limited, its related practices and non-audit firms:
2024
$
2023
$
(a) Auditors of the Company - PwC
Audit and review of financial reports
Company
113,420
124,000
Total remuneration for audit services
113,420
124,000
Other assurance services
Audit of CRC-P Grant
-
32,400
Total remuneration for other assurance services
-
32,400
Total remuneration for audit and assurance services
113,420
156,400
(b) Other services
Consulting services
62,500
277,578
Total services provided by PwC
175,920
433,978
80
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 21
Earnings per share
(a) Basic earnings per share
2024
CENTS
2023
CENTS
Total basic earnings per share attributable to the
ordinary equity holders of the Company
(9.6)
(8.1)
Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into account
the after-income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares, and
the weighted average number of shares assumed to have been issued for no consideration in relation to dilutive potential
ordinary shares.
(c) Reconciliation of earnings used in calculating earnings per share
2024
$
2023
$
Basic earnings per share
(Loss) attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company
used in calculating basic earnings per share
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
Diluted earnings per share
(Loss) attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company
used in calculating diluted earnings per share
(22,734,108)
(17,361,292)
(d) Weighted average number of shares used in the denominator
2024
NUMBER
2023
NUMBER
Weighted average number of ordinary shares on issue used
in the calculation of basic earnings per share
236,105,418
214,689,478
Weighted average number of ordinary shares on issue used
in the calculation of diluted earnings per share
236,105,418
214,689,478
(e) Information concerning the classification of securities
Options and performance rights granted in the current and prior years were not included in the calculation of diluted
earnings per share as they are anti-dilutive for the year ended 30 June 2024. The options and performance rights could
potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future.
Further information about options and performance rights is included in note 19.
81
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 22
Parent entity financial information
(a) Summary financial information
The individual financial statements for the parent entity show the following aggregate amounts:
2024
$
2023
$
Balance Sheet
Current assets
119,805,033
142,264,690
Total assets
121,322,550
143,307,488
Current liabilities
8,578,499
2,865,438
Total liabilities
9,577,685
3,495,406
Net assets
111,744,865
139,812,082
Shareholders' equity
Issued capital
390,665,622
386,753,717
Reserves
Share based payments
18,005,220
16,947,861
Accumulated losses
(296,925,977)
(263,889,496)
Total equity
111,744,865
139,812,082
Net (loss) for the period
(33,036,481)
(19,852,816)
Total comprehensive income
(33,036,481)
(19,852,816)
The Net (loss) for the period above differs from the segment result disclosed in note 2 as the segment result excludes
exchange gains and losses on intercompany loans (which eliminate on consolidation), write-downs of intercompany
loans (which eliminate on consolidation) and impairment charges for investments in subsidiaries (which eliminate on
consolidation).
(b) Guarantees entered into by the parent company
On 28 July 2023, GLE entered into a lease for a new facility in Wilmington, NC. A parent company guarantee was required
to be provided by the Company and Cameco Corporation in relation to the rent and other lease related obligations
associated with the premises tenanted by GLE. As at 30 June 2024, the Company’s 51% share of the parent company
guarantee was $4,576,836 (2023: $nil). The guarantee will reduce over the term of the lease.
(c) Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant or equipment
As at 30 June 2024 (and 30 June 2023), the parent entity did not have any contractual commitments for the acquisition
of property, plant or equipment.
(d) Basis of preparation
This parent entity financial information has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements
except as set out below:
Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture entities
Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture entities are accounted for at cost in the financial statements of
Silex Systems Limited. Dividends received from associates are recognised in the parent entity’s profit or loss, rather than
being deducted from the carrying amount of these investments.
82
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
This note provides a list of the other potentially material
accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these
consolidated financial statements to the extent that they
have not already been disclosed in the other notes above.
These policies have been consistently applied to all the
years presented, unless otherwise stated. The financial
statements are for the group consisting of Silex Systems
Limited and its subsidiaries.
(a) Basis of preparation
These general purpose financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting
Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian
Accounting Standards Board and the Corporations Act
2001. Silex Systems Limited is a for-profit entity for the
purposes of preparing the financial statements.
(i) Compliance with IFRS
The consolidated financial statements of the Silex Systems
Limited group also comply with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
(ii) Historical cost convention
These financial statements have been prepared on a
historical cost basis, except for Financial assets at fair
value through other comprehensive income which are
measured at fair value.
(iii) New and amended standards adopted by
the Company
The Company has applied the following standard and
amendment for the first time for its annual reporting
period commencing 1 July 2023:
» AASB 2021-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standards – Disclosure of Accounting Policies Definitions
of Accounting Estimates (AASB 7, AASB 108, AASB 1034
and AASB Practice Statement 2);
The amendment did not have any impact on the amounts
recognised in prior periods and are not expected to
significantly affect the current or future periods.
(iv) New standards and interpretations not yet
adopted by the Company
Certain amendments to accounting standards have
been published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2024
reporting periods and have not been adopted early by the
Company. These amendments are not expected to have
a material impact on the entity in the current or future
reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.
(b) Principles of consolidation and equity
accounting
(i) Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the
assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of Silex Systems
Limited (the parent entity) as at 30 June 2024 and the
results of all subsidiaries for the year then ended. Silex
Systems Limited and its subsidiaries together are referred
to in this financial report as the Company, Silex, the
consolidated entity or the group.
Subsidiaries are all those entities over which the
Company has control, being the power to govern
the financial and operating policies, generally
accompanying a shareholding of more than one
half of the voting rights. The existence and effect of
potential voting rights that are currently exercisable
or convertible are considered when assessing whether
the Company controls another entity. Subsidiaries are
fully consolidated from the date on which control is
transferred to the Company. They are deconsolidated
from the date that control ceases. The acquisition
method of accounting is used to account for business
combinations by the Company.
Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised
gains on transactions between group companies are
eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless
the transaction provides evidence of the impairment of
the asset transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries
have been changed where necessary to ensure
consistency with the policies adopted by the Company.
Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of
subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated
income statement, consolidated statement of
comprehensive income, consolidated statement of
changes in equity and consolidated balance sheet
respectively.
(ii) Joint arrangements
Under AASB 11 Joint Arrangements investments in joint
arrangements are classified as either joint operations
or joint ventures. The classification depends on the
contractual rights and obligations of each investor, rather
than the legal structure of the joint arrangement. The
Company’s investment in GLE Holdco is a joint venture.
Interests in joint ventures are accounted for using the
equity method, after initially being recognised at cost in
the consolidated balance sheet.
(iii) Equity method of accounting for joint ventures
Under the equity method of accounting, the investments
are initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to
recognise the Company’s share of the post-acquisition
profits or losses of the investee in profit or loss, and the
Company’s share of movements in Other comprehensive
income of the investee in Other comprehensive income.
Dividends received or receivable from joint ventures are
recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the
investment.
Where the Company’s share of losses in an equity-
accounted investment equals or exceeds its interest in
the entity, including any other unsecured long-term
receivables, the Company does not recognise further
losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made
payments on behalf of the other entity.
Note 23
Summary of other potentially material accounting policies
83
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unrealised gains on transactions between the Company
and its joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the
Company’s interest in these entities. Unrealised losses are
also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence
of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting
policies of equity-accounted investees have been
changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the
policies adopted by the Company.
The carrying amount of equity-accounted investments
is tested for impairment in accordance with the policy
described in note 23(g).
(iv) Changes in ownership interests
The Company treats transactions with non-controlling
interests that do not result in a loss of control, as
transactions with equity owners of the Company. A
change in ownership interest results in an adjustment
between the carrying amounts of the controlling and
non-controlling interests to reflect their relative interests
in the subsidiary. Any difference between the amount
of the adjustment to non-controlling interests and any
consideration paid or received is recognised in a separate
reserve within equity attributable to owners of Silex
Systems Limited.
When the Company ceases to consolidate or equity
account for an investment because of a loss of control,
joint control or significant influence, any retained interest
in the entity is remeasured to its fair value with the
change in carrying amount recognised in profit or loss.
This fair value becomes the initial carrying amount for
the purposes of subsequently accounting for the retained
interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset.
In addition, any amounts previously recognised in Other
comprehensive income in respect of that entity are
accounted for as if the Company had directly disposed
of the related assets or liabilities. This may mean that
amounts previously recognised in Other comprehensive
income are reclassified to profit or loss.
If the ownership interest in a joint venture or an associate
is reduced but joint control or significant influence is
retained, only a proportionate share of the amounts
previously recognised in Other comprehensive income
are reclassified to profit or loss where appropriate.
(c) Foreign currency translation
(i) Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the
Company’s entities are measured using the currency of
the primary economic environment in which the entity
operates (the functional currency). The consolidated
financial statements are presented in Australian
dollars, which is Silex Systems Limited’s functional and
presentation currency.
(ii) Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the
functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing
at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange
gains and losses resulting from the settlement of
such transactions and from the translation at year
end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in
the consolidated income statement.
(iii) Group companies
The results and financial position of all the group entities
(none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary
economy) that have a functional currency different
from the presentation currency are translated into the
presentation currency as follows:
» assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented
are translated at the closing rate at the date of that
balance sheet;
» income and expenses for each income statement and
statement of comprehensive income are translated at
average exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable
approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates
prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case
income and expenses are translated at the dates of the
transactions); and
» all resulting exchange differences are recognised in
Other comprehensive income.
On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the
translation of any net investment in foreign entities, and
of borrowings, are recognised in Other comprehensive
income. The Company’s funding of its investment in its
subsidiaries has been deemed part of its net investment.
When a foreign operation is sold or borrowings forming
part of the net investment are repaid, a proportionate
share of such exchange differences are recognised in the
consolidated income statement as part of the gain or
loss on sale.
(d) Revenue recognition
The accounting policies for the Company’s revenue from
contracts with customers are explained in note 3.
(e) Government grants and Research and
development tax incentive income
Grants from the government are recognised at their
fair value where there is a reasonable assurance
that the grant will be received and the Company will
comply with all attached conditions. Note 4 provides
further information on how the Company accounts
for government grants. Research and development
tax incentive income is based on eligible activities in
the period.
Note 23
Summary of other potentially material accounting policies (continued)
84
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(f) Income tax
The income tax expense or credit for the period is the tax
payable on the current period’s taxable income based
on the applicable income tax rate for each jurisdiction
adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities
attributable to temporary differences and to unused
tax losses.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised for
temporary differences at the tax rates expected to apply
when the assets are recovered or liabilities are settled,
based on those tax rates which are enacted for each
jurisdiction. The relevant tax rates are applied to the
cumulative amounts of deductible and taxable temporary
differences to measure the deferred tax asset or liability.
An exception is made for certain temporary differences
arising from the initial recognition of an asset or a
liability. No deferred tax asset or liability is recognised
in relation to these temporary differences if they arose
in a transaction, other than a business combination,
that at the time of the transaction did not affect either
accounting profit or taxable profit or loss.
Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible
temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it is
probable that future taxable amounts will be available to
utilise those temporary differences and losses.
Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for
temporary differences between the carrying amount and
tax bases of investments in controlled entities where the
parent entity is able to control the timing of the reversal
of the temporary differences and it is probable that the
differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Current and deferred tax balances attributable to
amounts recognised directly in equity are also recognised
directly in equity.
(g) Impairment of assets
Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite
useful life are not subject to amortisation and are
tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if
events or changes in circumstances indicate they might
be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An
impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the
asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.
The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair
value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes
of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest
levels for which there are separately identifiable cash
flows (cash generating units). Non-financial assets other
than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed
for possible reversal of the impairment at the end of each
reporting period.
(h) Investments and other financial assets
(i) Classification
The Company classifies its financial assets in the
following categories:
» those to be measured subsequently at fair value
(either through Other comprehensive income (OCI)
or through profit or loss); and
» those to be at amortised cost.
The classification depends on the Company’s business
model for managing the financial assets and the
contractual terms of the cash flows.
For assets measured at fair value, gains and losses will
either be recorded in profit or loss or OCI. For investments
in equity instruments that are not held for trading, this
will depend on whether the Company has made an
irrevocable election at the time of initial recognition to
account for the equity investment at fair value through
other comprehensive income (FVOCI).
The Company reclassifies debt investments when and
only when its business model for managing those assets
changes.
(ii) Recognition and derecognition
Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are
recognised on trade date, being the date on which the
Company commits to purchase or sell the asset. Financial
assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash
flows from the financial assets have expired or have
been transferred and the Company has transferred
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.
(iii) Measurement
At initial recognition, the Company measures a financial
asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset
not at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL), transaction
costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the
financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets at fair
value through profit or loss are expensed in profit or loss.
Debt instruments
Subsequent measurement of debt instruments depends
on the Company’s business model for managing the asset
and the cash flow characteristics of the asset. There are
three measurement categories into which the Company
classifies its debt instruments:
(a) Amortised cost: Assets that are held for collection
of contractual cash flows where those cash flows
represent solely payments of principal and interest
are measured at amortised cost. Interest revenue from
these financial assets is included in revenue using the
effective interest rate method. Any gain or loss arising
on derecognition is recognised directly in profit or loss
and presented in other gains/(losses) together with
foreign exchange gains and losses. Impairment losses
are presented as separate line item in the statement of
profit or loss.
Note 23
Summary of other potentially material accounting policies (continued)
85
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(b) FVOCI: Assets that are held for collection of
contractual cash flows and for selling the financial
assets, where the assets’ cash flows represent solely
payments of principal and interest, are measured
at FVOCI. Movements in the carrying amount
are taken through OCI, except for the recognition
of impairment gains or losses, interest income
and foreign exchange gains and losses which are
recognised in profit or loss. When the financial
asset is derecognised, the cumulative gain or loss
previously recognised in OCI is reclassified from
equity to profit or loss and recognised in other
gains/(losses). Interest income from these financial
assets is included in finance income using the
effective interest rate method. Foreign exchange
gains and losses are presented in other gains/(losses)
and impairment expenses are presented as a
separate line item in the statement of profit or loss.
(c) FVPL: Assets that do not meet the criteria for
amortised cost or FVOCI are measured at FVPL.
A gain or loss on a debt investment that is
subsequently measured at FVPL is recognised
in profit or loss and presented net within other
gains/(losses) in the period in which it arises.
Equity instruments
The Company subsequently measures all equity
investments at fair value. Where the Company’s
Management has elected to present fair value gains
and losses on equity investments in OCI, there is no
subsequent reclassification of fair value gains and
losses to profit or loss following the derecognition of the
investment. Dividends from such investments is recognised
in profit or loss as other income when the group’s right to
receive payments is established.
Changes in the fair value of financial assets at FVPL
are recognised in other gains/(losses) in the statement
of profit or loss as applicable. Impairment losses (and
reversal of impairment losses) on equity investments
measured at FVOCI are not reported separately from
other changes in fair value.
(iv) Impairment
The Company assesses on a forward-looking basis,
the expected credit losses associated with its debt
instruments carried at amortised cost and FVOCI. The
impairment methodology applied depends on whether
there has been a significant increase in credit risk.
Refer note 13(c) for further details.
(i) Measurement and fair value estimation
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
must be estimated for recognition and measurement or
for disclosure purposes.
The fair value of financial instruments traded in active
markets (such as publicly traded derivatives, and trading
and available for sale securities) is based on quoted
market prices at the balance sheet date.
The fair value of financial instruments that are not
traded in an active market (for example, over the counter
derivatives) is determined using valuation techniques.
The Company uses a variety of methods and makes
assumptions that are based on market conditions existing
at each balance date. Quoted market prices or dealer
quotes for similar instruments are used for long term debt
instruments held. Other techniques, such as estimated
discounted cash flows, are used to determine fair value
for the remaining financial instruments. The fair value of
forward exchange contracts is determined using forward
exchange market rates at the balance sheet date.
The nominal value less estimated credit adjustments
of trade receivables and payables are assumed to
approximate their fair values. The fair value of financial
liabilities for disclosure purposes is estimated by
discounting the future contractual cash flows at the
current market interest rate that is available to the
Company for similar financial instruments.
(j) Employee benefits
(i) Wages and salaries, annual leave and
personal leave
Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non
monetary benefits and annual leave are recognised in
other payables in respect of employees’ services up to
the reporting date and are measured at the amounts
expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.
Liabilities for non accumulating personal leave are
recognised when the leave is taken and measured at the
rates paid or payable.
(ii) Long service leave
The liability for long service leave is recognised in the
provision for employee benefits and measured as the
present value of expected future payments to be made
in respect of services provided by employees up to the
reporting date using the projected unit credit method.
Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary
levels, experience of employee departures and periods
of service. Expected future payments are discounted
using market yields at the reporting date on national
government bonds with terms to maturity and currency
that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future
cash outflows.
(iii) Retirement benefit obligations
Employees of the Company are entitled to benefits on
retirement, disability or death from the Company’s defined
contribution retirement plans. The fund receives fixed
contributions from the Company and the Company’s legal
or constructive obligation is limited to these contributions.
Contributions to the defined contribution fund are
recognised as an expense as they become payable.
(iv) Share based payments
Share based compensation benefits have been provided
to employees via the Silex Systems Limited Employee
Incentive Plan (the Plan) which was established in May
2019. Information relating to the Plan is set out in note 19.
Note 23
Summary of other potentially material accounting policies (continued)
86
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Options
The fair value of options granted under the Plan are
recognised as an employee benefit expense with a
corresponding increase in equity in the share-based
payments reserve. The fair value is measured at grant
date and recognised over the period during which
the employees become unconditionally entitled to
the options.
The fair value at grant date is determined using a
Binomial option pricing model that takes into account
the exercise price, the term of the option, the vesting
and performance criteria, the impact of dilution, the non
tradeable nature of the option, the share price at grant
date and expected price volatility of the underlying
share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free
interest rate for the term of the option.
The fair value of the options granted excludes the impact
of any non-market vesting conditions. Non-market
vesting conditions are included in assumptions about
the number of options that are expected to become
exercisable. At each balance sheet date, the Company
revises its estimate of the number of options that are
expected to become exercisable. The employee benefit
expense recognised each period takes into account the
most recent estimate.
Upon the exercise of options, the relevant balance of
the share based payments reserve is transferred to
share capital.
Performance Rights
Performance Rights granted under the Plan are a right
to acquire fully paid ordinary shares in the Company
for $nil consideration, subject to meeting certain
pre-determined key performance indicators and vesting
conditions. These may be used as a short-term or
long-term incentive vehicle. For Performance Rights
with non-market vesting conditions, the estimated
number of rights that will vest are revised at the end of
each reporting period and adjustments are recognised
in profit or loss and the share-based payments reserve.
For Performance Rights with market vesting conditions,
the fair value at grant date is calculated using a Monte
Carlo simulation and recognised in profit or loss. No
adjustment is made for the estimated number of rights
that will vest at each reporting date as this has already
been factored into the grant date fair value of the rights.
The fair value is recognised over the relevant service
period.
Shares in lieu of cash for directors’ fees
Shares may be granted to directors in lieu of cash for
services performed (subject to shareholder approval). The
fair value of the shares is calculated on the grant date.
The expense is recognised in the profit or loss over the
service period to which the issue of shares relates to. The
amount relating to future periods (unearned amount) is
included in Trade and other receivables.
(v) Termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable when employment is
terminated before the normal retirement date, or when
an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange
for these benefits. The Company recognises termination
benefits when it is demonstrably committed to either
terminating the employment of current employees
according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of
withdrawal or to providing termination benefits as a result
of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy.
(k) Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the
amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not
recoverable from the taxation authority. In this case it is
recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset
or as part of the expense.
Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the
amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount
of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation
authority is included with other receivables or payables
in the consolidated balance sheet.
Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST
components of cash flows arising from investing or
financing activities which are recoverable from, or
payable to the taxation authority, are presented as
operating cash flow.
(l) Research and development costs
Expenditure on research activities, undertaken with
the prospect of obtaining new scientific or technical
knowledge and understanding, is recognised in the
consolidated income statement as an expense when it
is incurred.
Costs incurred on development projects relating to the
design and testing of new or improved products are
recognised as intangible assets when it is probable that
the project will be a success considering its commercial
and technical feasibility and its costs can be measured
reliably. Other expenditure that does not meet these
expenditure criteria are recognised as an expense
as incurred. Given the stage of development of the
Company’s technologies, research and development
costs are currently expensed as incurred.
(m) Contributed equity
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental
costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or
options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax,
from the proceeds.
Note 23
Summary of other potentially material accounting policies (continued)
87
SILEX
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated entity disclosure statement
As at 30 June 2024
AS AT 30 JUNE 2024
NAME OF ENTITY
TYPE OF ENTITY
TRUSTEE,
PARTNER OR
PARTICIPANT
IN JV
% OF
SHARE
CAPITAL
PLACE OF
BUSINESS/
COUNTRY OF
INCORPORATION
AUSTRALIAN
RESIDENT
OR FOREIGN
RESIDENT
FOREIGN
JURISDICTION(S)
OF FOREIGN
RESIDENTS
Sylex Systems Limited
Body corporate
-
n/a
Australia
Australian
n/a
Translucent Inc1
Body corporate
-
100
US
Australian
n/a
Silex USA LLC2
Body corporate
-
100
US
n/a
n/a
1 Translucent Inc is also a tax resident in its country of incorporation.
2 Silex USA LLC is 100% owned by Translucent Inc and is treated as a disregarded entity for US Federal tax purposes. Therefore, its taxable
income and expenses are reflected in Translucent Inc’s tax return.
88
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ANNUAL REPORT
2024
CONSOLIDATED ENTITY
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Directors’ declaration
In the directors’ opinion:
(a) the financial statements and notes set out on pages 49 to 87 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001,
including:
(i) complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional
reporting requirements; and
(ii) giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2024 and of its
performance for the financial year ended on that date;
(b) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become
due and payable; and
(c) the consolidated entity disclosure statement on page 88 is true and correct.
Note 23(a) confirms that the financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
The directors have been given the declarations by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by
section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001.
This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the directors.
Dr M P Goldsworthy
CEO/MD
Mr C A Roy
Chair
Sydney
29 August 2024
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DIRECTORS’
DECLARATION
PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 2001
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Independent auditor’s report
To the members of Silex Systems Limited
Report on the audit of the financial report
Our opinion
In our opinion:
The accompanying financial report of Silex Systems Limited (the Company) and its controlled entities
(together the Group) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
(a)
giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 30 June 2024 and of its
financial performance for the year then ended
(b)
complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.
What we have audited
The financial report comprises:
•
the consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2024
•
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended
•
the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended
•
the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended
•
the consolidated income statement for the year then ended
•
the notes to the consolidated financial statements, including material accounting policy
information and other explanatory information
•
the consolidated entity disclosure statement as at 30 June 2024
•
the directors’ declaration.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial
report section of our report.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our opinion.
Independence
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the
Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional & Ethical
Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence
Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.
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Our audit approach
An audit is designed to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from
material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of
users taken on the basis of the financial report.
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an
opinion on the financial report as a whole, taking into account the geographic and management
structure of the Group, its accounting processes and controls and the industry in which it operates.
Audit Scope
Our audit focused on where the Group made subjective judgements; for example, significant
accounting estimates involving assumptions and inherently uncertain future events.
The Group’s operational and financial processes are managed by a corporate function in Sydney,
where all of our audit procedures are performed.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in
our audit of the financial report for the current period. The key audit matters were addressed in the
context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do
not provide a separate opinion on these matters. Further, any commentary on the outcomes of a
particular audit procedure is made in that context. We communicated the key audit matters to the Audit
Committee.
Key audit matter
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Recoverable project costs
Refer to note 3
Costs incurred by Silex Systems Limited in relation to
the Uranium Enrichment Project (“UEP”) are recharged
to Global Laser Enrichment LLC (“GLE”).
We considered this matter a key audit matter due to the
magnitude of the revenue, and the judgemental nature
of determining which expenses can be recharged.
Our audit procedures included:
•
considering the Group’s accounting policy in
line with the Australian Accounting Standards
•
developing an understanding and, evaluating
the design and implementation of key controls
over the revenue to receivables business
process;
•
for a sample of revenue transactions,
obtaining source documents, evidencing cash
receipts, assessing that the costs incurred
were recognised in the right period and
eligible to be recharged;
•
assessing reasonableness of the related
financial statement disclosures for consistency
with Australian Accounting Standards
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Key audit matter
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Investment accounted for using the equity method
Refer to note 15b
Silex Systems Limited holds a 51% equity interest in
Global Laser Enrichment Holdings LLC (GLEH). The
share of net loss of GLEH is recognised within the
Group’s consolidated income statement and the
carrying value of investment in GLEH is recognised
within the consolidated balance sheet.
We considered this matter a key audit matter due to the
financial significance of GLEH to the Group’s financial
report.
Our audit procedures included:
•
agreeing the loss incurred for GLEH to
underlying financial records
•
agreeing capital contributions to bank
statements
•
assessing the recoverability of the carrying
value of the GLEH investment
•
testing the mathematical accuracy of the
Group’s share in GLEH and the share of net
loss recognised
•
assessing reasonableness of the related
financial statement disclosures for consistency
with Australian Accounting Standards
Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the
information included in the annual report for the year ended 30 June 2024, but does not include the
financial report and our auditor’s report thereon.
Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon through our opinion on the financial report. We
have issued a separate opinion on the remuneration report.
In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial
report or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
If, based on the work we have performed on the other information that we obtained prior to the date of
this auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are
required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Responsibilities of the directors for the financial report
The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report in accordance
with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001, including giving a true and fair
view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of
the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group to
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
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Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that
an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material
if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic
decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial report.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the Auditing
and Assurance Standards Board website at:
https://www.auasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/ar1_2020.pdf. This description forms part of our
auditor's report.
Report on the remuneration report
Our opinion on the remuneration report
We have audited the remuneration report included in the directors’ report for the year ended 30 June
2024.
In our opinion, the remuneration report of Silex Systems Limited for the year ended 30 June 2024
complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.
Responsibilities
The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the
remuneration report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with
Australian Auditing Standards.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Aishwarya Chandran
Sydney
Partner
29 August 2024
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Shareholder information
Information relating to shareholders as at 16 August 2024
(a) Distribution of equity securities
HOLDING
CLASS OF EQUITY SECURITY: ORDINARY
SHARES
OPTIONS
PERFORMANCE RIGHTS
NO. OF
HOLDERS
% OF
SHARES
NO. OF
HOLDERS
% OF
OPTIONS
NO. OF
HOLDERS
% OF
RIGHTS
1 - 1,000
3,089
0.60%
-
-
-
-
1,001 - 5,000
2,803
3.10%
1
0.13%
-
-
5,001 - 10,000
864
2.81%
-
-
16
11.85%
10,001 - 100,000
675
4.67%
28
33.28%
10
18.44%
100,001 and over
637
88.81%
11
66.59%
2
69.71%
Total number of holders
8,068
100.00%
40
100.00%
28
100.00%
There were 549 holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares.
(b) Names of twenty largest quoted equity security holders as at 16 August 2024
NAME
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
PERCENTAGE
HELD
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
30,721,743
12.97%
Jardvan Pty Ltd
29,801,030
12.58%
JP Morgan Nominees Australia Pty Limited
16,976,422
7.17%
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
7,895,945
3.33%
Majenta Holdings Pty Ltd
5,703,923
2.41%
Hillboi Nominees Pty Ltd
4,369,317
1.84%
Pure Gold Pty Ltd
3,951,944
1.67%
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd
3,614,225
1.53%
BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd
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