Quarterlytics / Basic Materials / Gold / Southern Gold

Southern Gold

sau · ASX Basic Materials
Claim this profile
Ticker sau
Exchange ASX
Sector Basic Materials
Industry Gold
Employees 11-50
← All annual reports
FY2023 Annual Report · Southern Gold
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Annual Report  
2022/23  

 
    
   
Corporate Information 

Solicitor 

Piper Alderman 
Level 16, 70 Franklin Street 
Adelaide SA 5000 

GPO Box 65, Adelaide SA 5001 

T +61 8 8205 3333 
F +61 8 8205 3300  

Auditor 

Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd. 
Level 3  170 Frome Street 
Adelaide SA 5000  

T +61 (0)8 8 372 6666 
F +61 (0)8 8 83726677 

Share Registry 

Automic Pty Ltd 
Level 2, 267 Georges Terrace 
Perth WA 6000 

T 1300 288 664 (within Australia) 
T +61 (0) 2 9698 5414 (International) 

automicgroup.com.au 

Southern Gold Ltd. 
ACN 107 424 519 

ABN 30 107 424 519 

Directors 

Michael McNeilly 
Non-Executive Chairman 

Robert Smillie 
Managing Director 

Peter Bamford 
Non-Executive Director 

Douglas Kirwin 
Non-Executive Director 

Beejay Kim 
Non-Executive Director 

Company Secretary 
Ray Ridge 

Corporate Governance Statement 
Southern Gold’s Corporate Governance  
Statement can be found at the Company’s 
website: 

southerngold.com.au/corporate-governance 

Registered and Principal Address 
6 The Parade  
Norwood, SA 5067  

PO Box 255 
Kent Town SA 5071 

T +61 (0)8 8368 8888 

southerngold.com.au 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contents 

The Chairmans Letter to Shareholders ..................................................................................................................... 3 

Directors’ Report .......................................................................................................................................................... 6 

Remuneration Report (audited) ............................................................................................................................... 18 

Auditors Independence Declaration ........................................................................................................................ 25 

Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income ......................................................................... 26 

Statement of Financial Position ............................................................................................................................... 27 

Statement of Changes in Equity .............................................................................................................................. 28 

Statement of Cash Flows .......................................................................................................................................... 29 

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2023 .............................................. 31 

Directors’ Declaration ................................................................................................................................................ 59 

Independent Audit Report to the Members ............................................................................................................ 60 

Shareholders Information .......................................................................................................................................... 64 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

2 

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Chairmans Letter to Shareholders  

Dear Fellow Southern Gold Shareholders 

It has been a transformative 12 months for Southern Gold Limited (ASX: SAU), and I am pleased to share with you the 
pivotal milestones that have shaped the company, advancing us towards an exciting future. With the acquisition of 
battery technology developer Iondrive Technologies, along with our commitment to critical minerals exploration in 
South Korea, we are dedicated to participating in a sustainable future. 

Following thoughtful deliberation, the acquisition of Iondrive Technologies Pty Ltd (IDT) marked a substantial 
advancement for us with the demand for sustainable energy solutions continuing to grow. This acquisition presents an 
appealing opportunity within the expanding global energy storage market. Additionally, it adds a layer of diversity to 
our exploration business while building upon Southern Gold's existing foundation. We remain committed to progress 
and innovation, and this acquisition exemplifies our dedication to playing a significant role in sustainable energy's 
future. 

IDT’s partnership with the University of Adelaide is led two distinguished Laureate Professors and provides access to 
the impressive research facilities in the Advanced Materials division of the School of Chemical Engineering. I am also 
pleased to welcome Dr. JC Tan as IDT’s General Manager. An international business strategist with extensive 
experience in business development and technology commercialisation across Australia, China, and the APAC region, 
he brings a proven record of successful deals within renewable industries. 

The significance of our industry partnership with the University of Adelaide in ARC's Battery Recycling Training Centre 
cannot be understated. The collaboration comes with substantial government support, accelerating the advancement 
of our Battery Recycling solutions with a proportion of the contributed funding directed towards the 
commercialisation of our Direct Solvent Extraction (DES) battery recycling technology. 

Mr. John Rock joined Southern Gold as a Non-Executive Director and brings extensive experience in leadership, 
entrepreneurship, and commercialisation. He has been involved with the IDT business from its inception. 
Furthermore, Mr. Jeff Ritoe has assumed the role of Strategic Advisor to IDT, adding invaluable insights from his 15 
years in the energy sector. His wealth of experience in commercial agreements and strategic advisory work enhances 
our initiatives. 

We are pleased with our exploration efforts in South Korea, particularly the promising potential for commercial 
deposits of rare earth elements (REE) and lithium. South Korea boasts a substantial manufacturing sector, with a focus 
on various industries including semiconductors, machinery, vehicles, and TVs, yet no mining of these important 
materials. Notably, China has recently imposed export bans on several critical raw materials, prompting the need for 
alternative sourcing. 

Our balance sheet remains well funded to achieve our goals, following a capital raising of $2 million in November 
2022, another $2.5 million in May 2023 and the agreement to sell the remainder of our shareholding in LSE listed 
Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited post year end.  I would like to thank our shareholders for your support, in 
particular those which participated in Southern Gold’s capital raise, and I welcome new shareholders to our register.  

I would also take this opportunity to thank our Board, management team and staff led by Managing Director, Robert 
Smillie. All have contributed to positioning Southern Gold Limited for an exciting phase in the next 12 months and 
beyond. With a busy period ahead for the Company, we look forward to further growing our business over the year 
ahead and look forward to you continuing to share the journey with us. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our former Chairman, Peter Bamford for his valuable contributions 
to the Company. Peter’s dedication, insights, and commitment have been instrumental in guiding our organisation. 

Yours sincerely 

Michael McNeilly 
Chairman

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tenement Schedule 

The following tenements are held by a 100% owned South Korean subsidiary, Southern Gold Korea Ltd, as at 15 
September 2023. 

Project Name 

Hampyeong 

Aphae 

Deokon 

Dokcheon 

Janghwal 

Daedeok 

Goseong 

Tenement Info 

Register Info 

Korean 

English 

Block ID 

No. 

Type 

Date of Granting 

나주 

무안 

전주 
전주 
전주 

영암 

해남 

충무 

충무 

삼천포 

삼천포 

삼천포 

삼천포 

충무 

Naju 

Muan 

Jeonju 

Jeonju 

Jeonju 

Yeongam 

Haenam 

Chungmu 

Chungmu 

Chungmu 

Samcheonpo 

Samcheonpo 

Samcheonpo 

Samcheonpo 

136 

200970 

Exploration 

11/01/2018 

99 

70 

80 

60 

116 

139 

136 

131 

142 

2 

3 

12 

13 

201136 

Exploration 

201041 

201040 

201218 

Exploration 

Exploration 

Exploration 

201143 

Exploration 

26/03/2019 

31/07/2018 

31/07/2018 

17/12/2019 

12/04/2019 

201302 

Exploration 

20/08/2021 

201414 

Exploration 

22/11/2022 

201414 

Exploration 

18/05/2023 

201439 

Exploration 

19/05/2023 

201440 

Exploration 

03/01/2023 

201422 

Exploration 

03/01/2023 

201423 

Exploration 

03/01/2023 

201424 

Exploration 

03/01/2023 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

The directors present their report of Southern Gold Limited (the Company or Southern Gold) and its controlled entities 
(Consolidated Group or Group) for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. 

Principal Activities 
The principal continuing activity of the group in the year was the exploration for gold, silver, and other economic 
mineral deposits. 

Financial Results 
The net result of operations for the group for the year was a loss after income tax of ($8,044,850) (2022: loss of 
$11,517,522). 

Dividends 
No dividends were declared in relation to the current financial year ended 30 June 2023, and the directors do not 
recommend the payment of dividends in respect of the financial year. 

Review of Operations 
The year ended 30 June 2023 was a pivotal year for Southern Gold with shareholder approval received on 28 June 
2023 to proceed with the acquisition of battery technology company Iondrive Technologies Pty Ltd (IDT) and the 
South Korean exploration business expanding its portfolio to include Rare Earth Elements (REE) and Lithium projects.   

Iondrive Technologies Pty Ltd (IDT) Proposed Acquisition 
In May 2023, Southern Gold announced the proposed acquisition of acquisition of 100% of the issued capital of IDT for 
$1.2 million payable through the issue of Southern Gold fully paid ordinary shares, subject to shareholder approval 
and the successful completion of a capital raise of $2 million. The acquisition was formally completed subsequent to 
the end of the financial year, on 4 July 2023. 

Acquiring IDT was deemed strategic as it held the first right to acquire or enter the three exclusive world-wide licences 
across patent protected battery technologies developed by the University of Adelaide (the “University”). Subsequent 
to the announcement of the proposed acquisition, IDT progressed to formally exercise its right to exclusively license 
the three battery related technologies and appointed Dr JC Tan as its General Manager. 

The three battery related technologies are detailed below: 

Enhanced performance non-flammable lithium-ion batteries 
Lithium-based batteries are currently the most efficient method to store energy on scale today and until better 
options reach the market, new developments are needed to improve the safety and longevity of lithium cells. Under 
this project, the University of Adelaide has developed three innovative technologies relating to the cathode, anode 
and electrolyte components of lithium-ion batteries. Together, these components create an improved battery system 
that has a very high energy density, long cycle life, and is safer due to being non-flammable. 

Lithium battery recycling 
The global push for improved battery recycling is increasing significantly as batteries are depleted and stockpiled, 
creating environmental issues. The University of Adelaide has developed an environmentally friendly, highly selective, 
re-useable deep eutectic solvent (DES) that can be used to extract lithium, manganese, nickel and cobalt from spent 
cathode material to produce precursor or cathode material for commercial purposes. Laboratory testing to date has 
achieved recoveries of over 90% for these metals. The application of the DES can significantly simplify the critical 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
metal recovery process, lower energy consumption and selectively separate each critical metal, and uses low-cost, and 
environmentally friendly leaching solvents that are re-usable multiple times before replenishment is required. 

Aqueous based batteries 
Aqueous batteries are much cheaper to produce than lithium-ion batteries due to the use of readily available inputs, 
albeit at a lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries. They also provide much longer cycle life, making them ideal 
for large scale grid energy storage. The historic technical challenge with water-based batteries has been to increase 
energy density while maintaining a water-based batteries’ long cycle life. Applied research conducted by the 
University of Adelaide led to development of a water-based battery that uses proprietary technology involving the 
application of a patented novel layer on the cathode, a titanium compound-based anode, and a sodium chloride-
based electrolyte. The performance of this new battery technology has provided highly promising results that have 
exceeded all known published research. 

REE and Lithium Exploration 
Southern Gold commissioned an independent and comprehensive desk-top prospectivity study assessing the 
exploration opportunities for lithium and REEs in South Korea with the view to complementing its existing in-country 
precious metals exploration program. The study was completed in September 2022 by international geology 
consulting group RSC Mining and Mineral Exploration Ltd, JORC-compliant experts in the field of critical minerals 
targeting and exploration, who adopted the internationally recognised “minerals system analysis” approach for this 
study. 

The RSC study was highly successful in identifying areas that have positive potential to host lithium and REE deposits. 
The most promising areas were identified and ranked based on several key factors, including proximity to known 
deposits or occurrences, permissive host rocks, and anomalous values of pathfinder elements from regional stream 
sediment data, grab samples, and airborne radiometrics. 

Southern Gold geologists and consultant Michael Gazley from international geology consulting group RSC completed 
reconnaissance site visits of priority REE and LCT Li target regions in November 2022 to assist in planning and 
prioritising fieldwork. These target regions were generated from a desktop prospectivity study completed in 
September by RSC, experts in critical minerals targeting and exploration. The study identified and ranked several 
targeted regions based on geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and proximity to known mineralisation and historical 
deposits. 

After reconnaissance site visits in November 2022, regional exploration at the priority REE and LCT Li target regions 
commenced in December 2022, ahead of the scheduled post-winter start date of February 2023.  

REE Projects 
After preliminary reconnaissance fieldwork, Southern Gold submitted exploration licence applications over areas 
surrounding the two well-known and unmined REE deposits (see ASX release 8 March 2023). 

The Chungju REE Project includes 25 exploration licence applications covering an area of 68.7km2 and is adjacent to 
the well-documented Eorae San REE deposit, a NE–SW striking, ~2km long, faulted REE mineralised body held by a 
third party, which formed from an alkaline intrusion. Geological maps, produced by KIGAM and georeferenced by 
Southern Gold geologists, indicate the western extent of the Eorae San REE mineralisation extending into one of 
Southern Gold’s licence applications. 

The Jangnam REE Project includes 64 exploration licence applications covering an area of 174km2, adjacent to the 
Hongcheon REE carbonatite deposit held by a third party. This includes 11 new highly prospective licence areas lodged 
in May 2023 by Southern Gold that borders the Hongcheon carbonatite deposit as well as along strike of the 
Hongcheon Fault. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Jangnam REE Project application areas are just ~1 km north and ~1.7 km west of the Hongcheon REE carbonatite 
and cover the crustal-scale Hongcheon Fault, and accordingly are highly prospective for further REE discoveries along 
strike. The Hongcheon REE mineralised carbonatite dykes have up to 19.75% TREO in a rock sample collected by 
KIGAM at the southern outcrop. Anomalous thorium (up to 160 counts per second) were returned in the project area 
from government 1986 geophysical survey. detailed historical KIGAM reports obtained by Southern Gold are currently 
being interpreted to assist in further exploration planning. 

Reconnaissance exploration across these two REE project areas commenced in early March 2023 with field support 
from RSC consulting group. Exploration activity comprised of stream sediment sampling, geological mapping and rock 
chip sampling. In addition, detailed historical KIGAM reports obtained by Southern Gold are currently being 
interpreted to assist in further exploration planning. 

In June 2023, significant REE rock-chip results were returned from carbonatite outcrop over a 700m long zone within 
Southern Gold’s Jangnam REE Project (Figure 1). Results returned up to 2.7% TREO with seven samples above 1% 
TREO and up to 22% MREO. This discovery was an extension of the Hongcheon REE carbonatite deposit that outcrops 
800m to the northeast outside of Southern Gold’s ground.  

Additional rock-chip samples reported in August 2023 extended the discovery zone, revealing REE-enriched ironstones 
and fenite associated with carbonatite. Notably, carbonatite south of the Hongcheon deposit exhibited REE grades of 
3.27% TREO. Regional exploration outlined a 21-km corridor with potential REE carbonatite mineralization and 
anomalous stream-sediment samples. REE-mineralized samples showed low levels of deleterious elements, enhancing 
beneficiation feasibility. 

In addition, wide-scale fenitisation (Na wall-rock alteration and brecciation proximal to carbonatite) as well as 
ironstone, was mapped along a N-S extension length of ~700 m. Carbonatite float is present in the creeks between the 
steep hills in this area and is indicative of further subcropping REE mineralisation. Furthermore, the carbonatite 
samples assayed are comparable in mineralogy and texture to the Hongcheon orebody, and collectively the evidence 
indicates that that this new carbonatite discovery is a southern extension of the Hongcheon carbonatite. The area to 
the south of the alteration trend is subject to ongoing fieldwork. One expedited breccia sample (KRS511488) was 
collected from outcrop on a creek ~6 km south of Hongcheon along the Hongcheon Fault. 

The Company is excited to have such a prospective discovery in a country that is a large importer of RRE and is actively 
focussed on securing and de-risking its REE supply chain. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 1: Map of SAU’s South Korean Projects 

Lithium Projects 
In April 2023, Southern Gold applied for exploration licences over five project areas covering a total area of 454 km2 
with lithium anomalies. The Projects are at greenfields stage, with limited prior exploration and no drilling however 
prospective geology across the projects includes pegmatites and granites mapped by KIGAM.  

The Samguen Project includes five exploration licences covering an area of 13.7km2, in the northern region of 
Gyeongsangbuk-do. Geology comprises Precambrian metasediment and gneiss intruded by pegmatites, aplites and 
felsic dykes. This project area contains anomalous Li from the KIGAM stream sediment sampling survey with the 
highest value between 121 and 361 ppm Li. The project is 2km northwest of historical Boam Mine which produced Li 
from 1945– 1963.  

The Seobyeok Li Project comprises of 36 exploration licence applications covering 98.8km2, in northern 
Gyeongsangbuk-do. The application area comprises Precambrian schists, gneiss, and limestone, with pegmatites 
mapped by KIGAM located throughout the Southern Gold exploration licence applications. Stream sediment sampling 
from the historical KIGAM survey returned high values between 163 and 409 ppm Li. The project is ~10 km northeast 
of mapped Jurassic granite, which could be a potential source granite for the Li pegmatites.  

The Cheongsong Li Project comprises 34 exploration licence applications that cover 94.4km2, in the southern region of 
Gyeongsangbuk-do. The application area comprises Cretaceous and Jurassic granite and Cretaceous volcanics and 
sedimentary rocks. Stream-sediment sampling from the historical KIGAM survey returned values between 121 and 
361 ppm Li. This project area lies about 7-9 km south to southwest of mapped Jurassic granite, which may be the 
potential source for Li pegmatites.  

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Yeongdong Li Project comprises 26 exploration licence applications that cover 72.2km2, in the southern region of 
Chungcheongbuk-do. The application area is situated on the crustal-scale, NNE trending, Gwangju strike-slip fault. The 
NW region of the Gwangju Fault is dominated by Cretaceous and Jurassic granite while the SW region is dominated by 
Precambrian gneiss. The NW region of the project area returned highest Li value between 178 and 574 ppm from 
historical stream-sediment sampling by KIGAM.  

The Buyeo Li Project comprises 63 exploration licence applications cover 174.8km2, in the southern region of 
Chungcheongnam-do. The geology of the application area is dominated by Jurassic Daebo granite and Precambrian 
gneiss and schist. Large-scale ENE-trending faults separate two plutons of Daebo granite, creating a potential 
structural pathway for the migration of melts and/or hydrothermal fluids. Elevated Li concentrations in the KIGAM 
stream-sediment survey occur in the western part of the application area. 

There are currently no producing Li mines in South Korea despite South Korea being a major global player in Li battery 
manufacturing. In February this year, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy released a new strategy to secure a 
stable supply of critical minerals, listing Li among the top 10 given that South Korea is heavily reliant on mineral 
imports to support its battery, electric vehicle and clean energy technology sectors. The strategy outlines new 
incentives to encourage participation by private companies in exploration and mining, including in research and 
development projects. Given the government and industry push for these critical elements, Southern Gold plans to 
advance their REE and Lithium projects to meet this demand. 

Gold-Silver-Copper Exploration 
During the year, Southern Gold shifted is exploration focus from project generation work in the Haenam, Jinan and 
Gyeongsang basins to more detailed exploration on higher priority projects to delineate drill targets planned for Q3 
FY23. 25 new licence applications were lodged in September 2022 over the part of the historic Goseong copper-gold-
silver mining district following the return of significant assay results (see ASX release dated 17 October 2022). 
Goseong mining district was South Korea’s main copper producing region from 1915-1945 and 1970-1992 with some 
11 small-scale producing underground mines. Historic production records are incomplete, and part of the mining 
district is held by other companies. 

The 25 applications submitted covered approximately 70km2 and are over 3 main historic mines comprising veins 
systems up to a metre wide and up to 800 metres long, as well as northern and southern licence extensions to the 
district acquired through reconnaissance exploration. Korea Institute of Geology and Mining (KIGAM) completed a 
drone aeromagnetic survey covering 17km2 in the NW region of the project in December 2022, with results currently 
undergoing processing to assist in refining drill targets and to provide key structural and lithological information. A soil 
sampling program was completed over an area of extensive quartz-magnetitepyrite stockwork veining outcropping 
over an area of 450m by 150m before going under cover. 

Jinan Basin  
Diamond drilling commenced in February 2023 at the Deokon Au-Ag project, with four holes for 800m designed to test 
extensions at the Deokon Main Mine and Golden Surprise Trend (see ASX Release 23rd February 2023). A geophysical 
gravity survey completed by KIGAM was used to assist in the design the drill program.  

Two holes for 500m were targeted at the Main Deokon Mine which was mined between 1958 and 1980 with an 
indicated minimum production of 37,706 oz of gold and 2,358,045 oz of silver. Underground sampling returned very 
high Au-Ag grades up to 59.3 g/t Au and 9,708 g/t Ag. The Main Mine reportedly comprises at least six sub-parallel 
quartz-sulphide veins, mined over a strike length of approximately 350 metres on nine production levels over some 
240 vertical metres. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diamond drillholes DKDD014 (187.4m) and DKDD015 (331.4m) were drilled in March and April 2023 to test SW and SE 
shoot extensions of the Main Deokon Mine. Both drillholes intersected the targeted main fault structure that hosts 
the Deokon Main Mine vein, marked by a sharp lithological change to a distinct bedded volcaniclastic unit in the 
footwall, however mineralised quartz lode extensions of the mine vein were not encountered in drilling. 

Elevated silver and gold grades were returned in the hanging wall intercepts of DKDD015, including 1.1m @ 5.83 g/t 
Au and 27.6 g/t Ag, 1m @ 1.3 g/t Au and 5.5 g/t Ag, and 1m @ 0.2 g/t Au and 49.2 g/t Ag together with strong silica-
illite-pyrite alteration and network veining downhole. These results highlight the extent and silver-rich nature of the 
Deokon epithermal system, and the geologic potential for Au-Ag mineralisation to be discovered along strike in the 
hanging wall, and in quartz lode shoots along the main structure. Detailed interpretation and review of drill core and 
assay results are in progress.  

DKD0016 was completed at the Thorn-Nettle target for 204.2 metres on April 26. Multiple zones of strong pyrite 
replacement were logged in volcaniclastic and carbonaceous sediments, but no significant veining was intercepted, or 
significant assay results returned. Surface outcrops are high grade but narrow and pinch out. Future work at Deokon 
will focus on finding high-grade Au-Ag shoots along the Deokon Main Vein Zone. 

Gyeongsang Basin  
Detailed prospect-scale geological mapping was completed at Goseong by consultant Nick Tate, including within the 
area covered by the drone magnetic survey which contains the historic Goseong, Won-Geum and 150m East and West 
mine and workings. Locations of previously reported workings and quartz veins have subsequently been updated into 
a revised geological map (see ASX Release dated 28 November 2022).  

Drilling commenced at the Goseong Cu-Au-Ag project with three diamond drill holes for 685.3m completed. A fourth 
planned diamond drill hole at Daedok target was not drilled due to early onset of the wet season. All assay results 
have been returned from the Goseong drill programme with wide zones of alteration and low-grade mineralisation 
intercepted in all three holes. 

GSDD001 (175.4m) targeted the Goseong Vein beneath historical workings that were mined over 1.7km strike length 
on several levels. The target was intercepted as a polymictic breccia with quartz sulphide infill from 116m-118 and 
122m-126m either side of an andesite dike, and strong alteration and zones of replacement or veins were logged in 
both the footwall and hanging wall. 

GSDD002 (304.4m) was drilled at the Bupo target, targeting a co-incident magnetic and Au-Cu soil anomaly. Strong 
quartz-magnetite veining and alteration with pyrite (1%-5%)-epidote-chlorite overprint and minor chalcopyrite was 
logged associated with brecciated porphyry dikes intruding andesite volcanics.  

GSDD003 (205.3m) was also drilled at the Bupo target from the same site as GSDD002 and offset to the north by 
about 330m downhole. The hole was logged entirely in feldspar rich porphyritic andesite with potassic feldspar 
alteration and albite-sericite-epidote-pyrite overprint. Veining was minor and increased at the top of and bottom of 
the hole. Pyrite with minor chalcopyrite was logged as disseminated aggregates throughout with chalcopyrite-
molybdenite logged in veining near the end of hole. 

Two additional exploration licences at Goseong, Chungmu 131 and 142, were converted to granted status. 

Haenam Basin  
Exploration at Dokcheon Au-Ag project in the Haenam Basin continued with work focussing in the central-western 
portion of the project area locating historic mine workings and veins. A soil sampling program was completed in the 
southern portion of the project area in December that contains previously reported anomalous gold results and 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
multiple-bladed to chalcedonic vein float and subcrop associated with silica-alunite altered rhyolite flow domes and 
historical clay mining pits. 

Assay results from soil and rock chip sampling returned from the Dokcheon Au-Ag project were evaluated, and 
together with additional geologic mapping in the southern and northern part of the project, will be used to generate 
targets for drill testing. 

Exploration was also carried out at the Aphae Au-Ag project, following a major geologic review of previous work 
conducted by Southern Gold and development of new geologic interpretations. Field work included geologic mapping, 
soil and rock chip sampling, with new targets for drill testing, potentially after drilling at Goseong, currently being 
generated by the team. 

Corporate 

Capital Raising 
On 16 November 2022, the Southern Gold announced that it had received binding commitments from sophisticated 
and institutional investors in respect of a placement of 86,956,523 ordinary shares in the Company at $0.023 per 
share to raise $2 million.  The Placement was completed in two tranches: Tranche 1 of the placement comprising 
53,332,120 Ordinary Shares was completed on 21 November 2022, raising $1.2 million in cash; and Tranche 2 was 
completed on 12 January 2023, following shareholder approval, through the issue of 33,624,403 Ordinary Shares, 
raising $0.8 million in cash. 

The Company conducted a further placement in June 2023 to raise a further $2.5 million, with $1.2 million directed 
towards funding IDT’s commercialisation activities and the remainder of the funds going to exploration activities in 
South Korea. The placement raised gross proceeds of approximately $2.5 million through the issue of 126 million fully 
paid ordinary shares at a price of $0.02 cents per share, together with one unlisted option for every 2 shares 
subscribed. The options have an exercise price of $0.027 and an expiry date of 30 December 2024. The Placement was 
managed by Prenzler Group, with participation by Southern Gold’s two largest shareholders: Strata Investment 
Holdings Plc (previously Metal Tiger Plc) and Ilwella Pty Ltd.  

Realising value for BMV Shares held 
During the year ended 30 June 2023 and subsequent, the Company has sold and contracted to sell 149,750,000 of its 
150,000,000 shares that it held in Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited (BMV) at the start of the 2023 financial year.  
1,000,000 BMV shares were sold during the year ended 30 June 2023, with the remainder sold or contracted to sell 
subsequent to year end (refer to Events Subsequent to Reporting Date below).   

Changes in State of Affairs 
During the financial year there was no significant change in the state of affairs of the Group other than that referred 
to in the Review of Operations, or in the financial statements or notes thereto. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Events Subsequent to Reporting Date 
IDT acquisition completion 
As announced on the ASX, on 4 July 2023 Southern Gold completed its acquisition of 100% of the issued capital of 
battery technology company Iondrive Technologies Pty Ltd (IDT). The Company completed its acquisition of IDT for 
consideration of $1.2 million paid through the issue of SAU fully paid ordinary shares.  

Board changes 
In July 2023, Southern Gold announced the appointment of Mr Michael McNeilly as Chair of the Board effective 
immediately. The appointment follows the resignation of Mr Peter Bamford as Chair. Mr Bamford will continue as a 
Non-Executive Director until the next AGM.  

The appointment of Mr McNeilly as Chair of the Board is an interim arrangement whilst the Company undertakes due 
process to identify a new Chair to lead the Company in its strategy to pursue opportunities presented by the global 
transition to clean energy, through its critical minerals exploration and its newly acquired batteries technology 
business.  

Mr McNeilly has been a Non-Executive Director of Southern Gold since June 2020, and is the CEO and a Director of 
Southern Gold’s largest shareholder Strata Investment Holdings Plc (ASX: SRT). Mr McNeilly has a deep understanding 
of the equity capital markets and has extensive experience in listed companies and is currently Non-Executive Director 
of ASX-listed Cobre Limited and sits on several private company boards within the SRT group. Mr Bamford joined the 
Southern Gold Board in 2018.  

Mr John Rock was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Southern Gold on 24 July 2023. Mr Rock brings extensive 
leadership, entrepreneurial and commercialisation experience to the Board and has been directly involved with the 
IDT business since its inception. As part of his engagement, Mr Rock has been granted 3,000,000 unlisted options with 
an exercise price of $0.04 and an expiry date of 23 July 2026. The Options will vest following 12 months of service as a 
Director. The options were approved by shareholders at a General Meeting held on 28 June 2023. 

Commercialisation Strategic Advisor  
Mr Jeff Ritoe was appointed as a strategic advisor to IDT, for a period of 18 months. Mr Ritoe will assist with the global 
commercialisation strategy for IDT’s battery related technologies and will leverage his established contacts in both the 
public and private sector, particularly in the EU and the US.  

Mr Ritoe is an energy professional with more than 15 years of experience in negotiating commercial agreements, 
acquisitions and divestments in the energy industry. He has previous experience with French energy company ENGIE 
in multiple jurisdictions and roles, and currently is working with companies to expand their critical raw materials 
business activities through his company Number Three B.V. In addition to his commercial work within the lithium-ion 
battery supply chain, Mr Ritoe is strategic advisor to Dutch “think tank”, The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies 
(HCSS), through which he advises government and non-government entities on building a European critical minerals 
supply chain.  

As part of his engagement, the Company proposes to grant Mr Ritoe 10,000,000 unlisted options, subject to 
shareholder approval. The proposed options have been structured to retain and incentivise Mr Ritoe.  

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Battery Recycling   
On 15 August 2023, the Company announced that IDT became the key partner organisation in a newly awarded 
Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Battery Recycling in Adelaide, SA. The 
centre is a ground-breaking initiative, led by Professor Shizhang Qiao at The University of Adelaide, which aims to 
revolutionise Australia's battery and resources industry by establishing advanced manufacturing capabilities for 
recycling mixed battery materials, promoting second-life re use, and fostering a battery circular economy. IDT will 
contribute $200,000 cash per year for five years which will be a catalyst for advancements in battery recycling 
technology and practices. In addition, IDT will offer in-kind contributions of $100,000 per year, comprising support for 
research projects, hosting Higher Degree Research students, mentoring and training for researchers, and active 
participation in Centre committees and knowledge sharing activities.  

Divestment of BMV Shares 
Southern Gold sold 26,250,000 BMV shares on market between 14 July 2023 and 2 August 2023 for proceeds of 
£161,250 (approximately $307,000), and on 22 August 2023 Southern Gold announced an agreement with UK based 
Catalyse Capital Ltd, to progressively sell 122,500,000 BMV shares through to 31 December 2023. Under that 
agreement, SAU has already sold 22,500,000 BMV shares late August 2023 for proceeds of £123,750 (approximately 
$236,000), with the remaining 100,000,000 BMV shares are to be sold in four tranches of 25 million each, to be settled 
monthly from September to December 2023.  Each of the four tranches will be priced at 75% of each month’s VWAP 
for BMV shares traded on the LSE, with a floor price of £0.004 per share. As an example, if the pricing formula were 
applied to the last traded price for BMV shares on the LSE of £0.0075 per share on 26 September 2023 (being the last 
practicable date prior to finalisation of the Annual Report), then proceeds for the 100,000,000 BMV shares would be 
£562,500 (approximately $1,069,600).  As a minimum, at the floor price of £0.004 per share, proceeds would be 
£400,000 (approximately $760,600). 

Other than the above, there has not arisen any other matters or circumstances, since the end of the financial year 
which significantly affected or could affect the operations of the Group, the results of those operations, or the state of 
the Group in future years. 

Environmental Regulation and Performance Statement 
Southern Gold’s wholly owned subsidiary in South Korea, Korea Metal Resources (previously Southern Gold Korea), 
carries out exploration activities. Exploration activity is principally regulated at the national level by the Ministry of 
Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) which in turn manages mining and exploration affairs through the Mine 
Registration Office and the Mine Safety Office. 
There have been no known environmental breaches attributed to the Group’s exploration activities to date. 

Options 
At the date of this report, the unissued ordinary shares of Southern Gold Limited under option are as follows: 

Issue Date 

Date of Expiry 

09/09/2021 

29/10/2021 

27/01/2022 

22/02/2022 

30/06/2023 

16/09/2025 

31/10/2025 

10/02/2026 

22/02/2027 

30/12/2024 

Fair Value at  
Grant Date 
$ 

$0.02845 

$0.03259 

$0.02580 

$0.01213 

$0.00000 

Exercise  
Price 
$ 

$0.100 

$0.120 

$0.100 

$0.050 

$0.027 

Number  
under  
Option 

1,630,000  

3,700,000  

400,000  

550,000 

63,000,000 

69,280,000 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option holders do not have any rights to participate in any issues of shares or other interests in the Company or any 
other entity. 

For details of options issued to Directors and Executives as remuneration, refer to the Remuneration Report. 

Performance Rights 
Ausino Drilling Services Pty Ltd (ADS) holds 10 million performance rights at US$0.11 per right for US$1.1 million.  The 
performance rights will vest if, and when, ADS provide drilling services, with 25% of the invoices for drilling services to 
be paid in Southern Gold shares.  There are currently no immediate plans to utilise this facility. 

The Managing Director, Mr Smillie, holds 5,000,000 performance rights. The performance rights vest for nil 
consideration in one trance on the 9 May 2025, and have a minimum vesting condition that the 20-day weighted 
average share price on the vesting date must be greater than $0.10. Where the share price is greater than $0.10, then 
the recipient is vested with 1,000,000 ordinary shares plus 400,000 ordinary shares for each cent that the share price 
exceeds $0.10, up to a maximum of 5,000,000 shares.  The Managing Director must remain in the employment of the 
Company at the vesting date. 

Directors 

The following Directors of the Company at any time during the financial year, or at any time subsequent to the end of 
the financial year through to the date of this report, are as set out below: 

Michael McNeilly (Non-Executive Chair, appointed Chair 31 July 2023) 

Peter Bamford (Non-Executive Director, appointed Chair 27 October 2022, resigned as Chair 31 July 2023) 

Robert Smillie (Managing Director) 

Beejay Kim (Non-Executive Director) 

Douglas Kirwin (Non-Executive Director) 

John Rock (Non-Executive Director, appointed 24 July 2023) 

Greg Boulton AM (retired as Non-Executive Director and Chair on 27 October 2022) 

Details of Directors’ qualifications, experience and special responsibilities of the existing Directors are as follows: 

Michael McNeilly (Non-Executive Chair, appointed Chair 31 July 2023) 
BA (Internal Economics) 

Michael McNeilly is CEO, and Director of AIM/ASX dual listed natural resources investing company Metal Tiger Plc. Mr 
McNeilly has extensive experience in listed companies and is currently Non-Executive Director of ASX-listed Cobre 
Limited. He sits on several private company boards within the Metal Tiger group. 

Past board appointments include MOD Resources Ltd (up to acquisition by Sandfire in November 2019), Metal Capital 
Ltd (until November 2018), Greatland Gold Plc (until October 2017), Arkle Resources Plc (until November 2019). Mr 
McNeilly also has a deep understanding of the equity capital markets having worked at broking house Arden Partners 
Plc and Allenby Capital Ltd where he was part of their corporate finance teams during 2011-2015. 

Mr McNeilly studied Biology at Imperial College London and has a BA in International Economics at the American 
University of Paris. He is fluent in French. 

Mr McNeilly currently holds 600,000 options in Southern Gold Limited. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Peter Bamford (Non-Executive Director, appointed Chair 27 October 2022, resigned as Chair 31 July 2023) (Chair of 
Audit Committee) 
BSc (Eng) Mining, ARSM, MAICD, FAusIMM 

Mr Bamford has 40 years’ experience as mining engineer and corporate executive in the mining industry more 
recently specialising in gold. Following twelve years of operational roles at Mine Isa Mines and Metana/GMA his 
experience includes executive management roles covering merger and acquisitions, feasibility studies, fund raising 
and operations and has served as an executive and non-executive director on various ASX-listed companies. His 
responsibilities have included development, project oversight and operations for three new successful gold mines in 
Australia within the last twenty years.  He also served for nine years on the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy 
Executive Council as well as Chair of the Mines Security Service Committee overseeing security within the WA gold 
industry. 

Mr Bamford currently holds 2,501,171 shares and 1,350,000 options in Southern Gold Limited. 

Robert Smillie (Managing Director) 
MBA, MSc, FSEG, MAusIMM  

Robert Smillie was appointed Managing Director, effective from 9 May 2022. Mr Smillie has been Southern Gold’s 
Exploration Manager in South Korea since 6 September 2021 and has demonstrated outstanding leadership in 
administration and team building of our Korean team while being based in South Korea. 

Mr Smillie is an experienced management and exploration professional, with 32 years of experience, including 
significant epithermal gold exploration and is particularly familiar with Asia and South Korea. Mr Smillie holds a Master 
of Business Administration from Victoria University, New Zealand, and a Master of Science from Otago University 
majoring in Geology. Mr Smillie’s previous senior roles include exploration and Country Management for companies 
such as Ok Tedi Mining in Papua New Guinea, the National Petroleum and Mining Authority in Timor-Leste and Calibre 
Mining in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu and Oceana Gold Ltd at projects in New Zealand and 
the Philippines.  

Mr Smillie currently holds 2,000,000 shares, 5,000,000 performance rights and 1,000,000 options in Southern Gold 
Limited. 

Beejay Kim (Non-Executive Director) 
BA (Business Administration), MBA 

Bong Joo (Beejay) Kim is a professional project manager who has had a long career with Samsung C&T Corporation 
and Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company over 30 years. As a senior executive for Samsung C&T, Mr Kim 
led projects in several countries and regions including the Middle East, Australia and South East Asia. This includes 
more recent positions of Vice President and Regional Representative of Saudi Arabia LLC and Head of MENA Regional 
Headquarters in the UAE for Samsung C&T. Mr Kim’s work has been in leading construction of infrastructure in various 
countries, including 2 years in Australia where he set up Samsung C&T’s Australian office and was heavily involved in 
several project tenders including the successful winning of a major iron ore infrastructure project in Western 
Australia. Mr Kim has formal qualifications in Business Administration, including leadership program’s at UC Berkley 
and Cornell University. He completed an MBA through Hyundai’s Engineering and Construction company business 
school. 

Mr Kim currently holds 800,000 shares and 1,000,000 options in Southern Gold Limited. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Douglas Kirwin (Non-Executive Director) 
MSc, FSEG, FAIG, FAusIMM 

Doug Kirwin is an Australian geologist with over 45 years of international experience. His exploration teams have been 
responsible for several well-known mineral discoveries which are now being mined, the most notable being the Hugo 
Dummett ore body at the giant Oyu Tolgoi gold copper deposit in Mongolia developed by Rio Tinto. He was executive 
vice president of Ivanhoe Mines from 1995 to 2012 during which time Mr Kirwin’s team was responsible for the 
epithermal gold-silver discoveries in South Korea (Eunsan, Moisan and Gasado Island, all of which became mines) 
among others. Mr Kirwin has been keen to more actively explore South Korea ever since. 

Besides Hugo Dummett and the South Korean discoveries, Mr Kirwin’s exploration group was responsible for the 
discovery of the Merlin Mo-Re deposit in Australia, the Ulugtau Au project in Kyrgyz Republic and several gold 
discoveries such as Hill 217 in China and Kerta, Jelai and Seruyung in Indonesia. 

Mr Kirwin is currently an independent consulting geologist. He has an MSc in mineral exploration from James Cook 
University where he is an adjunct professor of geology and was President of the Society of Economic Geologists in 
2019. 

Mr Kirwin currently holds 3,333,334 shares and 600,000 options in Southern Gold Limited. 

John Rock (Non-Executive Director, appointed 24 July 2023) 
BA (Arts) 

John Rock was appointed Non-Executive Director, effective from 24 July 2023.  His appointment coincides closely with 
Southern Golds acquisition of Iondrive Technologies earlier in July.  Mr Rock brings extensive leadership, 
entrepreneurial and commercialisation experience and has been directly involved with the IDT business since its 
inception. 

Mr Rock has ongoing experience in the startup and commercialisation sector. He is a Co-founder and Director of OTB 
Ventures, a company with the specific mandate of finding, nurturing, and commercialising early-stage University 
technologies. In this role, he is responsible for sourcing and evaluating research and its potential commercial 
outcomes. 

With a background in Business, Mr Rock has a broad skill base coupling management, strategy implementation and 
culture. 

Mr Rock currently holds 5,916,667 shares and 3,375,00 options in Southern Gold Limited. 

Company Secretary 

The following person held the position of Company Secretary during the financial year: 

Ray Ridge  
BA (Acc), CA, GIA (cert) 

With over 25 years experience, Mr Ridge has held senior management positions in finance, compliance and commerce 
across a range of industries, including previous appointments as General Manager Commercial & Operations with the 
Utilities, Government and Power Business Group of Parsons Brinckerhoff, CFO of the Merchandise Division of Elders 
Ltd and Senior Audit Manager at Arthur Andersen.  Mr Ridge has recently held, or currently holds, Company Secretary 
roles at four other ASX listed companies. 

Mr Ridge currently holds 1,000,000 shares and 600,000 options in Southern Gold Limited. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration Report (audited) 
The remuneration policy is designed to align Key Management Personnel objectives with shareholder and business 
objectives by providing a fixed remuneration package to Non-executive Directors and time-based remuneration to 
Executive Directors. The Board of Southern Gold believes the policy to be appropriate and effective in attracting and 
retaining the best Directors and Executives to manage and direct the Group, as well as create goal congruence 
between Directors, Executives and shareholders. 

The Company’s policy for determining the nature and amounts of emoluments of board members and other Key 
Management Personnel of the Company is detailed below. 

The Company’s constitution specifies that the total amount of remuneration for Non-Executive Directors shall be fixed 
from time to time by a general meeting. The current maximum aggregate cash remuneration of Non-executive 
Directors has been set at $300,000 per annum. Directors may apportion any amount up to this maximum amount 
amongst the Non-executive Directors as they determine. Directors are also entitled to be paid reasonable travelling, 
accommodation and other expenses incurred in performing their duties as Directors. The remuneration of the 
Managing Director is determined by the Non-executive Directors and approved by the Board as part of the terms and 
conditions of employment which are subject to review from time to time. The remuneration of other executive 
officers and employees is determined by the Managing Director subject to the approval of the Board. 

Non-executive Director remuneration is by way of fees and statutory superannuation contributions where applicable. 
Directors do not participate in schemes designed for remuneration of executives and are not provided with retirement 
benefits. The Group currently has no performance-based remuneration component built into Non-executive Director 
packages.  

The Company’s remuneration structure is based on a number of factors including the particular experience and 
performance of the individual in meeting key objectives of the Company. The Board is responsible for assessing 
relevant employment market conditions and achieving the overall, long-term objective of maximising shareholder 
value, through the retention of high quality personnel. 

The Company has an Employee Share Option Plan approved by shareholders that enables the Board to offer eligible 
employees options to acquire ordinary fully paid shares in the Company. Under the terms of the Plan, options to 
acquire ordinary fully paid shares may be offered to the Company’s eligible employees at no cost unless otherwise 
determined by the Board in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan. The objective of the Plan is to align 
the interests of employees and shareholders by providing employees of the Company with the opportunity to 
participate in the equity of the Company as an incentive to achieve greater success and profitability for the Company 
and to maximise the long-term performance of the Company. 

The employment conditions of the Managing Director are formalised in a contract of employment. The base salary as 
set out in the employment contract is reviewed annually. The Managing Director’s contract may be terminated at any 
time by mutual agreement. The Company may terminate the contract without notice in instances of serious 
misconduct. 

Mr Ridge is not employed by the Company. His services are provided in his capacity as a consultant to act as Company 
Secretary of, and provide accounting services to, Southern Gold. 

During the financial year there were no remuneration consultants engaged by the Company. 

Managing Director’s Remuneration 
The Managing Director has an annual salary of $320,000, inclusive of superannuation. Following the shareholder 
approval on 12 January 2023, the Company granted the Managing Director 5,000,000 non-transferrable performance 
rights to vest and convert into fully paid ordinary shares in one tranche on 9 May 2025, subject to service and share 
price conditions. 

The Company provides accommodation in South Korea for the Managing Director, together with health insurance and 
two return flights to New Zealand per annum. There is no formal relationship between the board policy for 
remuneration of Key Management Personnel and the Company’s performance for the last five years. 

Shares issued on exercise of remuneration options  
No shares were issued to Directors or other Key Management Personnel as a result of the exercise of remuneration 
options during the financial year. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

18 

 
 
 
Directors’ and other Key Management Personnel interests in shares and options  
Directors’ and other Key Management Personnel relevant interests in shares and options of the Company are 
disclosed in section (d) of the Remuneration Report and in Note 4 of the Financial Report. 

Shares and Options granted as remuneration 
Following the shareholder approval on 12 January 2023, the Company granted the Managing Director 5,000,000 non-
transferrable performance rights to vest and convert into fully paid ordinary shares in one tranche on 9 May 2025 
subject to continued employment. The number of performance rights that convert into ordinary shares, for nil 
consideration, is based on the 20-day weighted average SAU share price immediately prior to 9 May 2025. Where that 
weighted average share price is greater than $0.10, then the performance rights convert into 1,000,000 shares plus 
400,000 shares for each cent that the weighted average share price exceeds $0.10, up to a maximum of 5,000,000 
shares. Any unvested performance rights expire 9 May 2025. 

Other than the performance rights, as noted above, no other securities were issued to key management personnel as 
remuneration in the year ended 30 June 2023. 

Shares and options granted and held by Directors & Key Management Personnel are disclosed in section (c). All 
options granted have vested and no options were exercised by Directors & Key Management Personnel in the financial 
year.  

Remuneration of Directors and Key Management Personnel  
This report details the nature and amount of remuneration for each Key Management Person of Southern Gold 
Limited. 

(a)  Directors and Key Management Personnel 

The names and positions held by Directors and Key Management Personnel of the Group during or since the end of 
the financial year are: 

Directors 

M McNeilly 

R Smillie 

P Bamford 

D Kirwin 

J Rock 

B Kim 

G Boulton 

Position 

Chairman – Non-Executive 

Managing Director – Executive 

Director – Non-Executive  

Director – Non-Executive  

Director – Non-Executive  

Director – Non-Executive 

Chairman – Non-Executive (retired 27 October 2022) 

Key Management Personnel 

Position 

R Ridge 

Company Secretary & Chief Financial Officer 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

19 

 
 
 
 
(b)  Remuneration Directors and Key Management Personnel 

2023 

Primary 
Benefits 

Directors 
M McNeilly1 

G C Boulton2 

R Smillie3 

P Bamford4 

D Kirwin6  

B Kim 

Other KMP 

R Ridge 

Short Term Benefits 

Directors’ 
Fees 

Salary and 
Leave 

Cash 
Bonus 

Consulting 
fees 

Share Based  
Payments 
(performance 
rights) 

Post 
Employment 

Super 
Contribution 

Total 

Remuneration 
as share based 

$ 

48,000 

32,000 

$ 

- 

- 

- 

 320,000 

43,439 

48,000 

48,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

219,439 

320,000 

$ 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

$ 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

133,573 

133,573 

$ 

- 

- 

2,252 

- 

- 

- 

- 

$ 

- 

- 

2,562 

4,561 

- 

- 

- 

$ 

48,000 

32,000 

324,814 

48,000 

48,000 

48,000 

133,573 

2,252 

7,123 

682,387 

% 

0% 

0% 

1% 

0% 

0% 

0% 

0% 

0% 

1 Appointed Chair 31 July 2023. 
2 Retired 27 October 2022.  
3 Following the shareholder approval on 12 January 2023, 5,000,000 non-transferrable performance rights were granted to Mr Smillie under 
the Board proposed long term incentive that aligns with shareholder interest, in respect to growth in share price, to incentivise/retain the 
Managing Director. These performance rights convert into ordinary shares for nil consideration in one tranche based on the 20-day weighted 
average SAU share price prior to 9 May 2025, subject to continued employment. Where that weighted average share price is greater than 
$0.10, then the performance rights convert into 1,000,000 shares plus 400,000 shares for each cent that the weighted average share price 
exceeds $0.10, up to a maximum of 5,000,000 shares. Any unvested performance rights expire 9 May 2025. The performance rights were 
valued at $0.027 per right using the Monte Carlo method and are being expensed over the vesting period to 9 May 2025, with. $2,252 
expensed 30 June 2023, and $4,877 and $4,171 to be expensed 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2025 respectively. 
4 Appointed Chair 27 October 2022, resigned as Chair 31 July 2023. 

Remuneration Directors and Key Management Personnel 

2022 

Short Term Benefits 

Primary 
Benefits 

Directors’ 
Fees 

Salary and 
Leave 

Cash 
Bonus1 

Consulting 
fees 

Share Based  
Payments 
(options) 

Post 
Employment 

Super 
Contribution 

Total 

Remuneration 
as share based 

Directors 
G C Boulton6 

S Mitchell1 

R Smillie2,7 

P Bamford6 

D Kirwin6  

M McNeilly6 

B Kim3,6 

Other KMP 
R Ridge4 

D L Hill5,8 

$ 

- 

$ 

- 

197,796 

20,000 

$ 

96,000 

- 

- 

43,636 

48,000 

48,000 

 239,138 

- 

- 

- 

8,000 

227,618 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

$ 

$ 

23,300 

29,331 

$ 

- 

$ 

148,631 

- 

- 

16,800 

- 

- 

- 

15,351 

7,318 

- 

11,200 

228,996 

21,338  

19,554 

19,554 

19,554 

32,590 

- 

2,845 

2,634 

4,364 

- 

- 

263,110 

84,354 

67,554 

67,554 

2,632 

270,840 

- 

- 

15,351 

10,163 

243,636 

664,552 

20,000 

62,769 

144,766 

20,830 

1,156,553 

% 

20% 

0% 

8% 

23% 

29% 

29% 

12% 

0% 

28% 

13% 

1 Resigned 29 October 2021. Short term benefits for the period include a salary of $92,000 for four months of service, $13,796 of annual leave 
paid upon cessation of employment, an agreed termination payment of $92,000 and a $20,000 cash bonus.  The bonus was the final amount 
paid in relation to the 2021 annual bonus which was determined by the Board in July 2021. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

20 

 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 Appointed as Exploration Manager on 6 September 2021 and appointed Managing Director on 9 May 2022.  Remuneration in the above 
table for Mr R Smillie includes the period as Exploration Manager and Managing Director, as both are considered KMP roles. 
3 Resigned as an Executive on 30 April and remains as a Non-executive Director. Short term benefits for Mr Kim include his Executive salary of 
$167,575 through to 30 April 2022, unused annual leave paid of $15,978 and $44,064 severance pay as required by South Korean legislation.  
4 Appointed 19 May 2022.  
5 Resigned 19 May 2022. 
6 Following shareholder approval on 29 October 2021, 3,700,000 unlisted Options were granted to the Directors as follows: 900,000 to Mr 
Boulton, 1,000,000 to Mr Kim, and 600,000 each to Messrs Bamford, Kirwin, and McNeilly.  The options have an exercise price of $0.12, and 
expire on 31 October 2025. These options were valued at $0.03259 per option using the Black-Scholes method.   
7 750,000 unlisted options were granted to Mr Smillie on 17 September 2021 under the Company’s Employee Share Option Plan, following his 
appointment as Exploration Manager.  The options vest immediately, have an exercise price of $0.10, and expire on 16 September 2025. These 
options were valued at $0.02845 per option using the Black-Scholes method. 
8 100,000 unlisted options were granted under the Company’s Employee Share Option Plan on 17 September 2021 to Mr Hill.  The options 
vest immediately, have an exercise price of $0.10, and expire on 16 September 2025. These options were valued at $0.02845 per option using 
the Black-Scholes method.    

(c)  Securities Held by Directors and Key Management Personnel 

The number of ordinary shares held by Directors and Key Management Personnel in Southern Gold Limited during the 
financial year is as follows: 

Balance at  
beginning of  
year 

Acquired/ 
(disposed) on 
market 

Participation 
in Placement2 

Participation 
in Placement3 

Disposed 
(other)1 

Balance at  
end of year 

30 June  
2023 

M McNeilly 

R Smillie 

P Bamford 

D Kirwin 

B Kim 
G C Boulton AM1 
R Ridge 

- 

500,000 

406,667 

333,334 

300,000 

3,778,256 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,000,000 

500,000 

594,504 

- 

1,500,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,000,000 

500,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(3,778,256) 

- 

- 

- 

1,000,000 

- 

- 

2,000,000  

2,501,171 

3,333,334 

800,000 

- 

1,000,000 

9,634,505 

5,318,257 

594,504 

4,500,000 

3,000,000 

(3,778,256) 

1  Balance at the date of retirement, 27 October 2022. 
2  Shares issued on 21 November 2022 at $0.023 per share on the same terms as other placees, following shareholder approval. 
3  Shares issued on 30 June 2023 at $0.020 per share on the same terms as other placees, following shareholder approval. The placement 
included one unlisted option for every two shares subscribed. 

The number of unlisted options over ordinary shares held by Directors and Key Management Personnel in Southern 
Gold Limited during the year is as follows: 

30 June  
2023 

D McNeilly 

R Smillie 

P Bamford 

D Kirwin 

B Kim 

G C Boulton AM1 

R Ridge 

Balance at  
beginning of  
year 

600,000 

750,000 

600,000 

600,000 

1,000,000 

900,000 

100,000 

4,550,000 

Options  
granted2 

Balance at end  
of year 

   Disposed 
(other)1 

  Vested and 
exercisable 

- 

250,000 

750,000 

- 

- 

- 

500,000 

1,500,000 

600,000 

1,000,000 

1,350,000 

600,000 

1,000,000 

900,000 

600,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(900,000) 

- 

6,050,000 

(900,000) 

600,000 

1,000,000 

1,350,000 

600,000 

1,000,000 

- 

600,000 

5,150,000 

1  Balance at the date of retirement, 27 October 2022.  
2   Options granted on 30 June 2023 pursuant to a placement on the basis of one option for every two shares subscribed, on the same terms as 
other placees, following shareholder approval. Exercise price of $0.027, expiring 30 December 2024. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
As at 30 June 2023, Mr Smillie also holds 5,000,000 performance rights, granted on the date of the shareholder 
approval, 12 January 2023. These performance rights have a nil exercise price and expire 9 May 2025. The 
performance rights vest in one trance on the 9 May 2025, and have a minimum vesting condition that the 20-day 
weighted average share price on the vesting date must be greater than $0.10. Where the share price is greater than 
$0.10, then the recipient is vested with 1,000,000 ordinary shares plus 400,000 ordinary shares for each cent that the 
share price exceeds $0.10, up to a maximum of 5,000,000 shares.  The Managing Director must remain in the 
employment of the Company at the vesting date. 

The above balances of securities as at 30 June 2023, may differ from the holdings disclosed in the Directors Report, as 
the Directors Report provides each Directors’ shareholdings as at the date of the Directors report. 

(d)  Service agreements 

Remuneration and other items of employment for the Managing Director, Mr Robert Smillie, are formalised in a 
service agreement approved by the Board.  The major provisions are as follows: 

•  As Managing Director, Mr Smillie receives an annual salary of $320,000, inclusive of any superannuation.  

•  A long-term incentive consisting of 5,000,000 non-transferrable performance rights to vest in one tranche on 

9 May 2025 depending on service and share price conditions noted above. 

• 

• 

Termination without notice in the event that Mr Smillie 

 
 

is guilty of serious or wilful misconduct; or 
fails to remedy a breach of the Agreement within 14 days of receipt of notice to do so. 

Termination without cause by either party with the provision of maximum three calendar months’ notice or 
by agreement in writing by the parties.  

The Company entered into a service agreement with an entity associated with Mr Ridge on 19 February 2015 to 
provide financial services. On 19 May 2022 Mr Ridge was appointed as Company Secretary. The contract is subject to a 
one-month termination without cause. 

(e)  Post-employment/retirement and termination benefits 

There were no post-employment retirement and termination benefits paid or payable to Directors or Key 
Management Personnel, other than as disclosed elsewhere in the Remuneration Report. 

(f)  Amounts payable to Directors and Key Management related entities 

Payable to Bamford Superannuation fund (an entity associated with Peter Bamford)  

Payable to Douglas Kirwin 

Payable to Michael McNeilly 

Payable to Beejay Kim 

Payable to Ray Ridge  

(g)  Voting at 2022 AGM 

2023 

$ 

- 

4,000 

4,000 

4,000 

39,010 

51,010 

2022 

$ 

365 

4,000 

4,000 

4,000 

22,428 

44,017 

Southern Gold Limited received 94.71% of ‘yes’ votes on its remuneration report for the 2022 financial year. The 
Company did not receive any specific feedback at the AGM on its remuneration report. 

End of Remuneration Report 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Meetings of Directors 

The Company held 12 meetings of Directors (including committees of Directors) during the financial year. Attendances 
by each Director during the year were as follows: 

Director Meetings 

Audit Committee Meetings 

Number of  
Meetings Eligible  
to Attend 

Number of  
Meetings  
Attended 

Number of  
Meetings Eligible  
to Attend 

Number of  

Meetings  
Attended 

M McNeilly 
R Smillie 

P Bamford 

B Kim 

D Kirwin 
G C Boulton AM1 

1 Retired 27 October 2022. 

Non-audit services 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

4 

9 

10 

10 

8 

8 

4 

- 

- 

2 

1 

- 

1 

- 

- 

2 

1 

- 

1 

The Board of Directors is satisfied that the provision of the non-audit services is compatible with the general standard 
of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001.  The directors are satisfied that the provision of 
non-audit services, as set out below, did not compromise the audit independence requirement of the Corporations 
Act 2001. 

All non-audit services have been reviewed by the Board to ensure they do not adversely affect the integrity and 
objectivity of the auditor. 

The nature of the services provided do not compromise the general principle relating to auditor independence as set 
out in the APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including independence standards) set by the 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board. 

Non-audit services paid and/or payable to the external auditors during the year ended 30 June 2023 were $2,500 
(2022: $2,800). 

Indemnification and insurance of officers 

Indemnification 

The Company is required to indemnify the Directors and other officers of the Group against any liabilities incurred by 
the Directors and officers that may arise from their position as Directors and officers of the Group. No costs were 
incurred during the year pursuant to this indemnity. 

The Group has entered into deeds of indemnity with each Director whereby, to the extent permitted by the 
Corporations Act 2001, the Group agreed to indemnify each Director against loss and liability as an officer of the 
Group, including all liability in defending any relevant proceedings. 

Insurance Premiums 

Since the end of the previous year the Group has paid insurance premiums in respect of Directors’ and Officers’ 
liability and legal expenses’ insurance contracts. 

The terms of the policies prohibit disclosure of details of the amount of insurance cover, the nature thereof and the 
premium paid. 

Proceedings on behalf of the Company 
No person has applied to the Court for leave to bring proceedings on behalf of the Group or to intervene in any 
proceedings to which the Company is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Company for all 
or part of those proceedings. The Group was not a party to any such proceedings during the year. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor of the Company 
The auditor of the Group for the financial year was Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd. 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
The auditor’s independence declaration as required by section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 for the year ended 
30 June 2023 is set out immediately following the end of the Directors’ report. 

The report of Directors, incorporating the Remuneration Report is signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board 
of Directors: 

R Smillie 
Managing Director 

M McNeilly 
Chairman 

Dated at Adelaide, this 28th day of September 2023. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd 
Grant Thornton House 
Level 3 
170 Frome Street 
Adelaide SA 5000 
GPO Box 1270 
Adelaide SA 5001 

T +61 8 8372 6666 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration  

To the Directors of Southern Gold Limited 

In accordance with the requirements of section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001, as lead auditor for the audit 
of Southern Gold Limited for the year ended 30 June 2023, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, 
there have been: 

a  a no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the 

audit; and 

b  b no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

GRANT THORNTON AUDIT PTY LTD 
Chartered Accountants 

I S Kemp 
Partner – Audit & Assurance  

Adelaide, 28 September 2023 

www.grantthornton.com.au 
ACN-130 913 594 

Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd ACN 130 913 594 a subsidiary or related entity of Grant Thornton Australia Limited ABN 41 127 556 389 ACN 127 556 389. 
‘Grant Thornton’ refers to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms provide assurance, tax and advisory services to their clients and/or 
refers to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton Australia Limited is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). 
GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. GTIL and each member firm is a separate legal entity. Services are delivered by the member 
firms. GTIL does not provide services to clients. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate one another and are not liable for one 
another’s acts or omissions. In the Australian context only, the use of the term ‘Grant Thornton’ may refer to Grant Thornton Australia Limited ABN 41 127 
556 389 ACN 127 556 389 and its Australian subsidiaries and related entities. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards 
Legislation. 

#10336600v2w 

 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income 
for the Year ended 30 June 2023 

Interest income 

Unrealised foreign exchange gain 

Realised foreign exchange loss 

Other income 

Foreign exchange gain on BMV receivable 

Loss on realisation of BMV shares received 

Loss on sale of BMV shares 

Loss on discount to fair value 

Equity accounted share of loss 

Impairment expense 

Transaction costs (divestment of joint ventures) 

Exploration impairment 

Exploration expenses 

Salaries and wages 

Directors fees 

Interest expense 

Shareholder relations 

Other consulting expenses 

Other administrative expenses 

Depreciation 

Loss on sale of plant and equipment 

Share based payments - options 

Share based payments – performance rights  

Profit/(Loss) before income tax 

Income tax (expense)/benefit attributable to profit/(loss) from ordinary activities 

Net Profit/(Loss) for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss: 

Exchange differences on translation 

Items that may not be reclassified to profit or loss: 

Fair value increment on financial assets - FVTOCI 

Total comprehensive income 

Earnings Per Share 

Basic (cents per share) – Profit/(Loss) 

Diluted (cents per share) – Profit/(Loss) 

Consolidated 

2023 
$ 

30,390 

- 

(12,836) 

16,289 

- 

- 

(11,349) 

- 

(287,162) 

2022 
$ 

2,155 

2,781 

(1,636) 

4,524 

538,452 

(2,992,222) 

(815,656) 

(481,864) 

(279,042) 

(3,479,343) 

(2,022,462) 

- 

- 

(2,028) 

(1,700,460) 

(2,341,186) 

(1,695,460) 

(676,107) 

(219,439) 

(1,950) 

(212,555) 

(207,172) 

(511,857) 

(119,654) 

(1,995) 

(6,672) 

(2,252) 

(800,804) 

(245,818) 

(3,504) 

(176,365) 

(168,036) 

(379,387) 

(116,016) 

- 

(184,674) 

- 

(8,044,850) 

(11,517,522) 

- 

- 

(8,044,850)  

(11,517,522) 

13,035 

(111,893)  

- 

(1,498,833) 

(8,031,815) 

(13,128,248) 

(3.08) 

(3.08) 

(5.40) 

(5.40) 

Note 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

10 

22 

22 

3 

2 

24 

24 

The above Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Financial Position 
as at 30 June 2023 

CURRENT ASSETS 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Receivables 

Other assets 

Held for sale assets 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

Right of use asset 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Plant and equipment 

Investments accounted for using the equity method 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

TOTAL ASSETS 

CURRENT LIABILITIES 

Trade and other payables 

Provisions 

Lease liability 

Liability directly associated with held for sale assets   

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 

Provisions 

Lease liability 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

NET ASSETS 

EQUITY 

Issued capital 

Reserves 

Retained losses 

TOTAL EQUITY 

Note 

Consolidated 

2023 
$ 

2022 
$ 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

8 

14 

15 

16 

29 

4,212,502 

4,560,622 

668,216 

95,551 

1,756,071 

263,210 

96,303 

922,703 

6,732,340 

5,842,838 

33,130 

1,694,804 

145,000 

49,350 

993,973 

188,044 

- 

5,554,576 

1,872,934 

6,785,943 

8,605,274 

12,628,781 

627,666 

274,946 

23,376 

- 

424,390 

175,808 

50,490 

481,864 

925,988 

1,132,552 

8,197 

10,147 

18,344 

12,020 

- 

12,020 

944,332 

1,144,572 

7,660,942 

11,484,209 

62,211,401 

58,011,777 

(1,490,946) 

(1,334,411) 

(53,059,513) 

(45,193,157) 

7,660,942 

11,484,209 

The above Consolidated Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Changes in Equity 
for the Year ended 30 June 2023 

Balance at 30 June 2021 

58,011,777 

(34,480,637) 

Issued 
Capital 
$ 

Retained  
Losses 
$ 

Profit or loss 

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

Issue of share capital 

Options lapsed  

Fair value of options issued 

Costs associated with the issue of 
shares 

Total transactions with owners 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(11,517,522) 

- 

(1,498,833) 

(11,517,522) 

(1,498,833) 

- 

805,002 

- 

- 

805,002 

- 

- 

- 

- 

FVTOCI 
Reserve 
$ 

15,437 

- 

Share- 
Based 
Payment 
Reserve 
$ 

976,099 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(805,002) 

184,674  

- 

(620,328) 

Foreign 
Currency 
Translation 
Reserve 
$ 

Total 
$ 

(94,893) 

24,427,783 

- 

(11,517,522) 

(111,893)  

(1,610,726) 

(111,893) 

(13,128,248) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

184,674 

- 

184,674 

Balance at 30 June 2022 

58,011,777 

(45,193,157) 

(1,483,396) 

355,771 

(206,786)  

11,484,209 

Profit or loss 

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

- 

- 

- 

Issue of share capital 

4,520,000 

Options lapsed  

Fair value of options issued 

Share based expense related to 
performance rights 
Costs associated with the issue of 
shares 

- 

- 

- 

(320,376) 

(8,044,850) 

- 

(8,044,850) 

- 

178,494 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(178,494) 

6,672 

2,252 

- 

Total transactions with owners 

4,199,624 

178,494 

(169,570) 

- 

(8,044,850) 

13,035  

13,035 

13,035 

(8,031,815) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

4,520,000 

- 

6,672 

2,252 

(320,376) 

4,208,548 

Balance at 30 June 2023 

62,211,401 

(53,059,513) 

(1,483,396) 

186,201 

(193,751)  

7,660,942 

The above Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Cash Flows 
for the Year ended 30 June 2023 

Cash flows relating to operating activities 

Interest received 

Other income 

Payments to suppliers and employees 

Interest paid 

Net operating cash inflows/(outflows)  (Note (a)) 

Cash flows relating to investing activities 

Payments for mining tenements, exploration and evaluation expenditure 

Proceeds from sale of investments 

Payments to acquire other non-current assets 

Payments for plant and equipment 

Proceeds from the sale of plant and equipment 

Net investing cash inflows/(outflows) 

Cash flows relating to financing activities 

Proceeds from share issues 

Payments for share issue costs 

Repayment of lease liability 

Net financing cash inflows/(outflows) 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash 

Net foreign exchange difference 

Cash at beginning of financial year 

Cash at end of financial year 

Consolidated 

2023 
$ 

30,390 

16,289 

2022 
$ 

2,155 

4,524 

(4,182,303) 

(3,426,194)  

(1,950) 

(3,504) 

(4,137,574) 

(3,423,019)  

(576,729) 

448,654 

(318,103) 

(86,459) 

1,545 

(531,092) 

4,520,000 

(143,168) 

(63,739) 

4,313,093 

(210,171) 

434,394 

- 

(160,929)  

- 

63,294 

- 

- 

(70,313)  

(70,313) 

(355,573) 

(3,430,038) 

7,453  

4,560,622 

4,212,502 

(8,392) 

7,999,052 

4,560,622 

Note 

9(iii) 

5 

5 

The above Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Cash Flows (Continued) 
for the Year ended 30 June 2022 

Note (a): Reconciliation of net loss from ordinary activities to net 

cash flow from operating activities 

Consolidated 

2023 
$ 

2022 
$ 

Profit/(Loss) from ordinary activities after income tax 

(8,044,850) 

(11,517,522) 

Adjustments to reconcile profit before tax to net cash flows 

Share based payments 

Depreciation 

 Unrealised foreign exchange gain 

Exploration written off 

Loss on sale of plant & equipment 

BMV share transactions net loss (Note 2) 

Realised foreign exchange loss on sale of BMV shares 

Changes in assets and liabilities 

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 

(Increase)/decrease in other financial assets 

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 

Increase/(decrease) in provisions 

Net operating cash flows 

8,924 

119,654 

-  

- 

1,995 

184,674 

116,016 

(2,781) 

1,700,460 

- 

3,777,854 

6,054,822 

12,836 

1,636 

(153,446) 

1,710 

(76,099) 

(4,735)  

45,904 

            150,525 

91,845 

(30,015) 

(4,137,574)  

(3,423,019) 

The above Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements for the 
Financial Year Ended 30 June 2023 

1. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
This financial report includes the consolidated financial statements and notes of Southern Gold Limited and controlled 
entities (‘Consolidated Group’ or ‘Group’). 

Basis of Preparation 
The financial report is a general purpose financial report that has been prepared in accordance with Australian 
Accounting Standards, Australian Accounting Interpretations, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian 
Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and the Corporations Act 2001. 

The financial report has been prepared under the assumption that the Group operates on a going concern basis. 

The financial report covers the consolidated group of Southern Gold Limited, a listed public company incorporated 
and domiciled in Australia. 

Australian Accounting Standards set out accounting policies that the AASB has concluded would result in a financial 
report containing relevant and reliable information about transactions, events and conditions to which they apply. 
Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards ensures compliance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards.  Southern Gold Limited is a for-profit entity for the purpose of preparing the financial statements. 

The following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by the Consolidated Group in the preparation 
of the financial report. The accounting policies have been consistently applied, unless otherwise stated. 

These financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based on the historical cost convention 
where applicable, by the measurement at fair value of selected non-current assets, financial assets and financial 
liabilities. 

The accounting policies set out below have been consistently applied to all years presented. 

Two comparative periods are presented for the statement of financial position when the Group: 

• 

Applies an accounting policy retrospectively, 

•  Makes a retrospective restatement of items in its financial statements, or 

• 

Reclassifies items in the financial statements 

The Group has determined that only one comparative period for the statement of financial position was required for 
the current reporting period as the application of the new accounting standards have had no material impact on the 
previously presented primary financial statements that were presented in the prior year financial statements. 

Changes in accounting policies and accounting policies applied for the first time 
The accounting policies adopted by the group are consistent with those of the previous financial year. 

Adoption of New and Revised Accounting Standards (issued but not yet effective) 
At the date of authorisation of the financial statements, the Group has not applied any new and revised Australian 
Accounting Standards, Interpretations and amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective, as they will 
not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group. 

a.  Principles of Consolidation 

The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Parent Company and all of its subsidiaries as of 30 June 
2023.  The Parent controls a subsidiary if it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with 
the subsidiary and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary.  All subsidiaries 
have a reporting date of 30 June. 

All transactions and balances between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation, including unrealised 
gains and losses on transactions between Group companies.  Where unrealised losses on intra-group asset sales 
are reversed on consolidation, the underlying asset is also tested for impairment from a group perspective.  
Amounts reported in the financial statements of subsidiaries have been adjusted where necessary to ensure 
consistency with the accounting policies adopted by the Group. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

31 

 
 
Profit or loss and other comprehensive income of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are 
recognised from the effective date of acquisition, or up to the effective date of disposal, as applicable. 

b. 

Income Tax  

The income tax expense / (benefit) for the year comprises current income tax expense / (income) and deferred 
income tax expense / (income). 

Current income tax expense charged to the profit or loss is the tax payable on taxable income calculated using 
applicable income tax rates enacted at reporting date. 

Deferred income tax expense reflects movements in deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability balances during 
the year as well as unused tax losses. 

Current and deferred income tax (expense)/benefit is charged or credited directly to equity instead of the profit 
and loss when the tax relates to items that are credited or charged directly to equity. 

Deferred tax is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method in respect of temporary differences arising 
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. No 
deferred income tax will be recognised from the initial recognition of an asset or liability, excluding a business 
combination, where there is no effect on accounting or taxable profit or loss.  

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or 
liability is settled. Deferred tax is credited in the Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income 
except where it relates to items that may be credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is adjusted 
directly against equity. 

Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future tax profits will be available 
against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. 

The amount of benefits brought to account or which may be realised in the future is based on the assumption 
that no adverse change will occur in income taxation legislation and the anticipation that the Consolidated Group 
will derive sufficient future assessable income to enable the benefit to be realised and comply with the 
conditions of deductibility imposed by the law. 

Southern Gold Limited and its wholly owned Australian subsidiaries have formed an income tax consolidated 
group under the tax consolidation regime. Each entity in the group recognises its own current and deferred tax 
liabilities, except for any deferred tax liabilities resulting from unused tax losses and tax credits, which are 
immediately assumed by the parent entity. The current tax liability of each group entity is then subsequently 
assumed by the parent entity. The group notified the Australian Tax Office that it had formed an income tax 
consolidated group to apply from 1 July 2006. The tax consolidated group has entered a tax sharing agreement 
whereby each company in the group contributes to the income tax payable in proportion to their contribution to 
the net profit before tax of the tax consolidated group. 

c.  Plant and Equipment 

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

Plant and equipment 

Plant and equipment are measured on a cost basis.  The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed 
annually by directors to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverable amount from these assets. The recoverable 
amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows that will be received from the asset’s 
employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have been discounted to their present values 
in determining recoverable amounts. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation 

The depreciable amount of all fixed assets is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful lives to the 
Consolidated Group commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. Leasehold improvements are 
depreciated over the shorter of either the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the 
improvements. 

The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are: 

Plant and equipment 10–33%   

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at reporting 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. 

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These gains and 
losses are included in the Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.  

d.  Exploration and Evaluation Expenditure 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred is accumulated in respect of each identifiable area of interest. 
These costs are only carried forward to the extent that they are expected to be recouped through the successful 
development of the area or where activities in the area have not yet reached a stage that permits reasonable 
assessment of the existence of economically recoverable reserves.  

Accumulated costs in relation to an abandoned area are written off in full against profit in the year in which the 
decision to abandon the area is made. 

A regular review is undertaken of each area of interest to determine the appropriateness of continuing to carry 
forward costs in relation to that area of interest. 

Costs of site restoration are provided from when exploration commences and are included in the costs of that 
stage. 

Any changes in the estimates for the costs are accounted on a prospective basis. In determining the costs of site 
restoration, there is uncertainty regarding the nature and extent of the restoration due to community 
expectations and future legislation. Accordingly, costs have been determined on the basis that the restoration 
will be completed within one year of abandoning the site. 

e.  Financial Instruments 

Initial recognition and measurement  

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual 
provisions of the financial instrument.  

Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or 
when the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards are transferred. A financial liability is 
derecognised when it is extinguished, discharged, cancelled or expires.  

Classification and initial measurement of financial assets  

Except for those trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component and are measured at the 
transaction price in accordance with IFRS 15, all financial assets are initially measured at fair value adjusted for 
transaction costs (where applicable).  

Financial assets, other than those designated and effective as hedging instruments, are classified into one of the 
following categories: 

• 

• 

• 

amortised cost  

fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), or  

fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI). 

The classification is determined by both:  

• 

the entity’s business model for managing the financial asset, and  

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

33 

 
 
 
• 

the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset. All revenue and expenses relating to financial 
assets that are recognised in profit or loss are presented within finance costs, finance income or other 
financial items, except for impairment of trade receivables which is presented within other expenses. 

Subsequent measurement of financial assets 

Financial assets at amortised cost  

Financial assets are measured at amortised cost if the assets meet the following conditions (and are not 
designated as FVTPL):  

• 

• 

they are held within a business model whose objective is to hold the financial assets and collect its 
contractual cash flows, and  

the contractual terms of the financial assets give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and 
interest on the principal amount outstanding  

After initial recognition, these are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is 
omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income  

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) comprise:  

• 

• 

Equity securities which are not held for trading, and which the group has irrevocably elected at initial 
recognition to recognise in this category. These are strategic investments and the group considers this 
classification to be more relevant.  

Debt securities where the contractual cash flows are solely principal and interest and the objective of the 
group’s business model is achieved both by collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets. 

On disposal of these equity investments, any related balance within the FVOCI reserve is reclassified to retained 
earnings. 

f. 

Impairment of Non-Financial Assets 

At each reporting date, the group reviews the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine 
whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the 
recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is 
compared to the asset’s carrying value. Any excess of the asset’s carrying value over its recoverable amount is 
expensed to the Profit or Loss.  

g. 

Investments in Associates 

Investments in associate companies are recognised in the financial statements by applying the equity method of 
accounting. The equity method of accounting recognises the Group’s share of post-acquisition reserves of its 
associates. 

Where there has been a change recognised directly in an associate’s equity, the Group recognises its share of any 
changes and discloses this in the statement of profit of loss and other comprehensive income.  The reporting 
dates and the associates accounting policies in the associated companies are amended as necessary to conform 
with the Group. 

h.  Held for Sale Assets 

    Non-current assets classified as held for sale are presented separately and measured at the lower of their 

carrying amounts immediately prior to their classification as held for sale and their fair value less costs to sell. 

However, some held for sale assets such as financial assets or deferred tax assets, continue to be measured in 
accordance with the Group’s relevant accounting policy for those assets. Once classified as held for sale, the 
assets are not subject to depreciation or amortisation. Any profit or loss arising from the sale of a discontinued 
operation or its remeasurement to fair value less costs to sell is presented as part of a single line item, profit or 
loss from discontinued operations. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

34 

 
 
 
i. 

Employee Benefits 

Provision is made for the company’s liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees 
to report date. Employee benefits that are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the 
amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled, plus related on-costs. Employee benefits payable later 
than one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for 
those benefits. The cash flows are discounted using market yields on national government bonds with terms to 
maturity that match the expected timing of cash flows. 

In determining the liability, consideration is given to employee wage increases and the probability that the 
employee may satisfy vesting requirements. Those cash flows are discounted using market yields on high quality 
corporate bonds with terms to maturity that match the expected timing of cash flows.   

Share based payments 

The Company has an Employee Share Option Plan where employees may be provided with options to acquire 
shares in the Company. The fair value of the options are measured at grant date and recognised as an expense 
over the vesting period with a corresponding increase in equity. Where market based vesting conditions are 
present, a Monte Carlo pricing model was used to calculate the fair value of options granted. The Black Scholes 
pricing model is used in all other instances. 

j.  Provisions 

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for 
which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflow can be reliably measured. 
Onerous provisions are recognised by the Group for its obligation to deliver goods and services under an existing 
contract and measuring that obligation to reflect the cost of the goods or services it must deliver.  

k.  Cash and Cash Equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid 
investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. 

l. 

Income 

Interest income is recognised on a proportional basis taking into account the interest rates applicable to the 
financial assets. 

m.  Goods and Services Tax (GST)  

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST 
incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Tax Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of 
the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the 
statement of financial position are shown inclusive of GST.  The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable 
to, the Australian Taxation Office is included as a current asset or liability in the statement of financial position. 

Cash flows are presented in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis, except for the GST component of 
investing and financing activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows. 

n.  Trade and other payables 

Trade and other payables represent the liability outstanding at the end of the reporting period for goods and 
services received by the group during the period which remains unpaid. The balance is recognised as a current 
liability with the amount being normally paid within 30 days of recognition of the liability. 

o.  Comparative Figures  

When required by Accounting Standards, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in 
presentation for the current financial year.  

p.  Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements   

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

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimates and judgements – Impairment of Exploration and Evaluation Assets 

The Group assesses impairment at each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific to the Group that may 
lead to impairment of exploration and evaluation assets. Where an impairment trigger exists, the recoverable 
amount of the asset is determined. 

The Group capitalises expenditure relating to exploration and evaluation where it is considered likely to be 
recoverable or where the activities have not reached a stage which permits a reasonable assessment of the 
existence of reserves. While there are certain areas of interest from which no reserves have been extracted, the 
Directors are of the continued belief that such expenditure should not be written off since feasibility studies in 
such areas have not yet concluded. 

Estimates and judgements – Valuation of unlisted options & performance rights 

A key area of judgement, for the year ended 30 June 2023, relates to the calculation of the market value of the 
performance rights issued to the Managing Director as a long-term incentive and unlisted options issued to 
employees under the Company’s employee share option plan.  The market value of the performance rights was 
assessed using the Monte Carlo method and the options were assessed using the Black-Scholes method.  Akey 
assumption in these calculations is the Company’s future share price volatility.  Future volatility was based on the 
historic daily price movements of the Company’s ASX listed shares for the 48 months immediately prior to the 
relevant valuation date for each of the option series.  For further information in relation to the performance 
rights and options issued, refer to Note 22. 

Estimates and judgements – Investment in BMV 

As at 30 June 2023, the Group holds an investment in BMV, being 149,000,000 BMV Shares, represents 22.8% of 
the issued capital of BMV, and as such, under Accounting Standard AASB128 Investments in Associates and Joint 
Ventures the Group is required to equity account for its interest in the financial result of BMV for the period 
through to 30 June 2023. 

At reporting date, the Group assesses all non-financial assets for indicators of impairment. As the fair value of 
the BMV Shares are readily observable (being quoted on the London Stock Exchange (LSE)), the Group has 
recognised an impairment expense of $5,716,069 calculated by reference to the $1,756,071 estimated fair value 
of the 149,000,000 BMV Shares based on 75% of value of the LSE closing price on 30 June 2023 of £0.00825 and 
the GBP:AUD exchange rate of 0.5250 on that same date.  The 75% valuation reflects an estimated discount from 
the market price that would be required to sell large parcels of shares, based on feedback from market 
participants.  For further information in relation to the investment in BMV, refer Note 12. 

q.  Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company, 
excluding any costs of servicing equity other than ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for bonus elements in ordinary shares during the year. 

Diluted earnings per share 

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 and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares 
and the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares that would have been outstanding assuming the 
conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. 

r.  Parent Entity 

The financial information of the parent entity, Southern Gold Limited, disclosed at note 26, has been prepared on 
the same basis, using the same accounting policies as the consolidated financial statements, other than 
investments in controlled entities which are carried at cost, less any provision for impairment. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

36 

 
 
 
 
s.  Foreign Currency Transactions and Balances 

i)  Functional and presentation currency 

The functional currency of each of the Group’s entities is measured using the currency of the primary 
economic environment in which that entity operates. The consolidated financial statements are presented in 
Australian dollars, which is the parent entity’s functional currency. 

ii)  Transactions and balances 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at 
the date of the transaction. Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the year-end exchange rate. 
Non-monetary items measured at historical cost continue to be carried at the exchange rate at the date of 
the transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair value are reported at the exchange rate at the date 
when fair values were determined. 

Exchange differences arising on the translation of monetary items are recognised in profit or loss, except 
where deferred in equity as a qualifying cash flow or net investment hedge. 

Exchange differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items are recognised directly in other 
comprehensive income to the extent that the underlying gain or loss is recognised in other comprehensive 
income; otherwise, the exchange difference is recognised in profit or loss. 

Group companies 

The financial results and position of foreign operations, whose functional currency is different from the Group’s 
presentation currency, are translated as follows: 

• 

• 

• 

assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period; 

income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period; and 

retained earnings are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. 

Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations with functional currencies other than Australian 
dollars are recognised in other comprehensive income and included in the foreign currency translation reserve in 
the statement of financial position. The cumulative amount of these differences is reclassified into profit or loss 
in the period in which the operation is disposed of. 

t. 

Leases 

The Company as Lessee 

At inception of a contract, the Company assesses if the contract contains or is a lease. If there is a lease present, 
a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability are recognised by the Company where the Company is a 
lessee. However, all contracts that are classified as short-term leases (ie a lease with a term of 12 months or less) 
and leases of low-value assets are recognised as operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the term of the 
lease. 

Initially the lease liability is measured at the present value of the lease payments still to be paid at the 
commencement date. The lease payments are discounted at the interest rate implicit in the lease. If this rate 
cannot be readily determined, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate. 

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are as follows: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

fixed lease payments less any lease incentives; 

variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the 
commencement date; 

the amount expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees; 

the exercise price of purchase options, if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise the options; 

lease payments under extension options, if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise the options; and 

•  payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the exercise of an option to 

terminate the lease. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

37 

 
The right-of-use assets comprise the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liability, any lease 
payments made at or before the commencement date and any initial direct costs. The subsequent 
measurement of the right-of-use assets is at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. 

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the lease term or useful life of the underlying asset, whichever is the 
shortest. 

Where a lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the 
Company anticipates to exercise a purchase option, the specific asset is depreciated over the useful life of the 
underlying asset. 

The Company as Lessor 

As the Company has no contracts as a lessor, the provisions of AASB 16 relating accounting for lease contracts 
as a lessor are not applicable. 

The financial report was authorised for issue on 28th September 2023 by the Board of Directors. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

38 

 
 
 
 
2. 

BMV SHARE TRANSACTIONS NET LOSS 
Foreign exchange gain on BMV receivable 

Loss on realisation of BMV shares received 

Loss on sale of BMV shares 

Loss on discount to fair value 

Equity accounted share of loss 

Impairment expense 

Transaction costs (divestment of joint ventures) 

2023 
$ 

2022 
$ 

- 

- 

538,452 

(2,992,222) 

(11,349) 

- 

(287,162) 

(815,656) 

(481,864) 

(279,042) 

(3,479,343) 

(2,022,462) 

- 

(2,028) 

(3,777,854) 

(6,054,822) 

BMV Background 
Southern Gold Ltd, through its wholly owned Singaporean subsidiary, International Gold Private Limited (IGPL), 
held a 50% equity interest in two incorporated joint ventures, Gubong Project Chusik Hoesa and Kochang Project 
Chusik Hoesa, in the Republic of Korea.  The other 50% being held by London Stock Exchange (“LSE”) listed BMV, 
(ticker BMV:LN).  On 28 June 2021, following a disagreement in relation to BMV’s decision to mine for each 
project, Southern Gold and BMV executed a definitive agreement (Completion Agreement) to settle the matter 
through the sale of IGPL’s 50% interest in the two joint ventures to BMV for consideration of US$10,000,000 
(AU$13,870,947) to be settled through 50 million BMV shares and a further 150,000,000 BMV shares or 
US$7,500,000 cash (at BMV’s option).  Southern Gold received 50,000,000 BMV shares on 29 June 2021. 

Transactions in the year ended 30 June 2022 
BMV chose to issue Southern Gold with 150,000,000 BMV shares on 22 December 2021.  Southern Gold 
recognised the 150,000,000 BMV shares at $7,522,288 (refer Note 12), being the closing price of £0.0270 ($0.05) 
for BMV Shares traded on the LSE on 22 December 2021, resulting net loss of A$2,453,769 disclosed in the 
Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income as follows: 

-  $538,452 Foreign exchange gain on BMV receivable being the change in the AUD value of the US$7,500,000 

receivable between 30 June 2021 and the date of settlement on 22 December 2021; and 

- 

($2,992,222) Loss on the value of BMV shares received being the difference between fair value of the BMV 
shares received compared to the AUD value of US$7,500,000 cash receivable at the date of settlement on 22 
December 2021. 

With the resulting balance of 200,000,000 BMV Ordinary Shares at that time representing 32% of the issued 
capital of BMV, the financial asset was reclassified to an investment in an associate, subject to equity accounting, 
from 22 December 2021 (refer Note 12). 

Fair value decrement on financial assets – FVTOCI 
Immediately prior to reclassification to an equity accounted investment, the initial 50,000,000 BMV Shares were 
revalued to a fair value of $2,507,430, being valued at the closing price of £0.0270 ($0.0501) for BMV Shares 
traded on the LSE on 22 December 2021. The resulting revaluation decrement of $1,498,833 was recognised 
through Other Comprehensive Income, as the Group made an irrevocable election at 30 June 2021 to recognise 
its initial holding of 50,000,000 BMV shares, as a financial asset fair valued through Other Comprehensive Income 
(FVTOCI). 

$1,498,833 

On 13 April 2022, Southern Gold agreed to sell 50,000,000 BMV shares at a discounted rate of £0.01 per share, to 
assist in BMV negotiating a funding package to accelerate its move to production.  Total sale proceeds were 
£500,000 or $876,118, using the exchange rate of 0.5707 at 12 April 2022, being the date prior to executing the 
sale agreement.  The sale occurred in two instalments of 25,000,000 BMV Shares, each for £250,000.  The total 
sale proceeds of $876,118 result in a loss of $1,631,312 compared to the carrying value of the 50,000,000 BMV 
Shares of $2,507,430 at that time. The total loss of $1,631,312 was disclosed in the Statement of Profit or Loss as 
follows:  

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-  $815,656 loss on sale of the first tranche of 25,000,000 shares, being the difference between carrying value 
at the date of the agreement of $1,253,715 and sales proceeds of £250,000 or $438,059 using the exchange 
rate of 0.5707 at 12 April 2022; 

-  $333,792 impairment expense on revaluation of the remaining 25,000,000 shares to fair value at date of 
executing the sale agreement on 13 April 2022, based on the previous day’s closing price of BMV shares 
traded on the LSE of £0.0210 and a GBP:AUD exchange rate of 0.5707; and 

-  $481,864 loss on discount to fair value relating to the second tranche of 25,000,000 BMV shares yet to be 
completed at 30 June 2022, being the difference of the fair value of these shares at the date of the sale 
agreement and the agreed price of £0.01 per share (refer Note 8). 

As part of the transaction, the Group agreed to a twelve-month standstill clause on the remaining 150,000,000 
shares, which ceased on 11 April 2023. 

As previously reported, equity accounting was not possible for the year ended 30 June 2022, as the 30 June 2022 
financial statements for BMV were not available at that time.  However, the financial statements of BMV through 
to 30 June 2022 did subsequently become publicly available, which allowed the Group to subsequently calculate 
its 23.5% share of loss for the period ended 30 June 2022 of $279,042 (refer Note 12 for further details). 

The total impairment expense of $2,022,462 comprised the $1,688,670 impairment expense on the 150,000,000 
BMV Shares held at 30 June 2022 (explained below) and the $333,792 impairment expense recognised on the 
25,000,000 BMV shares on the date of execution of the sale agreement (explained above). 

An impairment expense of $1,688,670 was recognised against the $7,243,246 carrying value of the remaining 
150,000,000 BMV shares at 30 June 2022 (refer Note 12).  The impairment expense was calculated by reference 
to the $5,554,576 fair value of these shares based on the LSE closing price on 30 June 2022 of £0.0210 and the 
GBP:AUD exchange rate of 0.5671 on that same date. 

Transactions in the year ended 30 June 2023 
Following the completion of Southern Gold’s escrow conditions on 11 April 2023, SAU sold 1,000,000 million 
BMV shares on market with an initial value at acquisition of $50,148 (refer Note 12), reducing the total number 
of BMV shares held to 149,000,000 as at 30 June 2023. Consideration received was $21,091, being £0.01105 per 
share with a GBP:AUD exchange rate of 0.5239 on the date of the transaction.  A loss on sale of $11,349 was 
recognised, with $9,742 already having been recognised as an impairment expense. 

SAU’s equity accounted share of BMV’s loss for the year ended 30 June 2023 was ($287,162), based on SAU’s 
average ownership interest of 22.8% during that year and BMV’s reported loss of US$848,113 converted at the 
USD:AUD average exchange rate of 0.6734 for that year (refer Note 12). 

The carrying value of investment of the remaining 149,000,000 million BMV shares of $1,756,071, as at 30 June 
2023 (refer Notes 12 and 8), was determined as 75% of the market traded value of BMV shares based on the LSE 
closing price of £0.00825 and the GBP:AUD exchange rate of 0.5250 on that date.  This resulted in an impairment 
expense of $3,479,343. The discount of 75% of the market traded value reflects the Company’s assessed 
discount required to sell such a large proportion of the issued capital of BMV in a reasonable timeframe. 

Transaction subsequent to 30 June 2023 
Between 14 July 2023 and 2 August 2023, Southern Gold sold 26,250,000 BMV Shares on market for an average 
price of £0.0061 for total proceeds of £161,250 (approximately $307,000). 

On 22 August 2023 Southern Gold announced an agreement with UK based Catalyse Capital Ltd, to progressively 
sell 122,500,000 BMV shares through to 31 December 2023. Under the agreement, SAU sold 22,500,000 BMV 
shares at £0.0055 per share with settlement of £123,750 (approximately $236,000) occurring late August 2023. 

The remaining 100 million are to be sold in four tranches of 25 million each, to be settled monthly from 
September to December 2023.  Each of the four tranches will be priced at 75% of each month’s VWAP for BMV 
shares traded on the LSE, with a floor price of £0.004 per share. As an example, if the pricing formula were 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
applied to the last traded price for BMV shares on the LSE of £0.0075 per share on 26 September 2023 (being the 
last practicable date prior to finalisation of the Annual Report), then proceeds for the 100,000,000 BMV shares 
would be £562,500 (approximately $1,069,600). As a minimum, at the floor price of £0.004 per share, proceeds 
would be £400,000 (approximately $760,600). 

3. 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE 
The components of tax benefit comprise: 

Research and development tax concession 

Tax (expense)/benefit 

Income tax (expense)/benefit attributable to loss from ordinary activities 

2023 

$ 

2022 

$ 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

a) 

The prima facie income tax benefit on pre-tax accounting loss reconciles to the 
income tax attributable to operating loss as follows: 

Income tax (expense)/benefit at 25% (2022: 25%) of operating loss 

2,011,213 

2,879,381 

Tax effect of capital raising costs 

Tax effect of Share-based payments expensed 

Tax effect of non-assessable income 

Tax effect of non-deductible expenses 

Timing differences and tax losses not brought to account 

Income tax (expense)/ benefit attributable to loss from ordinary activities 

b) 

Deferred tax assets not brought to account, the benefits of which will only be 
realised if the conditions for deductibility set out in Note 1(b) occur 

 Operating Losses 

c) 

Income tax losses 

Total deferred tax asset arising from carried forward tax losses not recognised as 
meeting probable criteria 

Gross income tax losses 

Capital tax losses 

Total tax losses 

Tax Losses at 25% (2022: 25%) 

- 

- 

(2,231) 

46,169 

- 

- 

(1,767,611) 

(2,551,793) 

(321,465) 

(373,757) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

25,683,357 

24,404,146 

11,404,135 

11,404,135 

37,087,492 

35,808,281 

9,271,873 

8,952,070 

A deferred tax asset is only recognised for the carry forward of unused tax losses to the extent that it is 
considered probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax losses can be 
utilised.  

The taxation benefits of tax losses and timing differences not brought to account will only be obtained if: 

•  assessable income is derived of a nature and amount sufficient to enable the benefit from the deductions to 

be realised; 

•  conditions for deductibility imposed by the law are complied with; and 

•  no changes in tax legislation adversely affect the realisation of the benefit from the deductions. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  4.  KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL REMUNERATION 

Refer to the Remuneration Report contained in the Directors’ Report for details of the remuneration paid or 
payable to each member of the group’s key management personnel for the year ended 30 June 2023. The totals 
of remuneration paid to key management personnel during the year are as follows: 

2023 

$ 

2022 

$ 

Short term employee benefits 

Post-employment benefits 

Termination benefits 

Share-based payments 

5.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

Cash at bank and in hand 

6.  RECEIVABLES 
Current 

GST receivable 

Lease and credit card bonds 

Iondrive Technologies Pty Ltd 1 

Current receivables 

673,012 

7,123 

- 

2,252 

898,957 

20,830 

92,000 

144,766 

682,387 

1,156,553 

4,212,502 

4,560,622 

4,212,502 

4,560,622 

95,631 

254,483 

318,102 

668,216 

31,182 

232,028 

- 

263,210 

1 Short term 3 month interest free loan provided to Iondrive Technologies Pty Ltd. 

Receivables impairment 
Receivables considered past due and/or impaired is nil (2022: nil).  There has been no provision recognised in 
relation to the expected credit loss model, based on outstanding balances at balance date. 

7.  OTHER ASSETS 

Current 

Prepayments 

8.  HELD FOR SALE ASSETS 

Shares held in BMV 

Fair value of asset 

Provision for discount to fair value 

Total closing balance 

95,551 

95,551 

96,303 

96,303 

1,756,071 

922,703 

- 

(481,864) 

1,756,071 

440,839 

The Board of Southern Gold made a decision to sell the remaining 149,000,000 BMV shares within the next 12 
months, the carrying value of $1,756,071 at 30 June 2023 has been reclassified from an investment accounted 
for using the equity method (refer Note 12) to a Held for sale asset. 

30 June 2022 
In the prior year ended 30 June 2022, Southern Gold agreed to sell 50,000,000 of the 200,000,000 BMV shares 
held at that time, at a discounted price of £0.01 per share. The total consideration of £500,000 was transacted in 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
two equal tranches.  The first tranche of 25,000,000 BMV Shares was completed prior to 30 June 2022 (refer 
Note 2), with the second tranche of 25,000,000 BMV Shares for £250,000 (A$440,839) yet to be settled at 30 
June 2022.  This consideration of A$440,839 is presented above as $922,703 fair market value of the second 
tranche of 25,000,000 BMV shares at $0.0368 per share (being based on the LSE closing price of the BMV shares 
of £0.0210 on the day prior to execution of the sale agreement on 13 April 2022, at the exchange rate on that 
date of 0.5707) less a provision for the contracted price, being a discount to fair value of $481,864. 

9.  RIGHT OF USE ASSET 

The Group’s Right of use assets comprise the leased office in Korea, a building to house exploration 
equipment in Korea and accommodation for staff in Korea where this is provided as part of their 
remuneration package.   

Options to extend or terminate 
One of the Company’s leases contains an option to extend.  The extension option is only exercisable by the 
Company.  The extension option is included in the calculation of the lease liability and right to use asset only 
to the extent management are reasonably certain to exercise that option. 

Variable lease payments 
The Group does not have any variable lease payments. 

(i) AASB 16 related amounts recognised in the Statement of Financial 
Position 

Leased buildings 
Less: accumulated depreciation 
Right of Use Asset 

Movements in the Carrying Amount 
Opening balance 
New operating leases 
Depreciation expense 
FX on opening balance 

2023 
$ 

2022 
$ 

46,772 

(13,642) 

33,130 

49,350 

46,593 

(62,902) 

89  

33,130 

145,986 

(96,636) 

49,350 

123,998 

- 

(71,961) 

(2,687) 

49,350 

(ii) AASB 16 related amounts recognised in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income/(Loss) 

Depreciation charge related to right of use asset 
Interest expense on lease liabilities 
Short term lease expense (included in Other administration expenses) 

(62,902)  

(1,950) 

(27,170)  

(71,961) 

(3,504) 

(33,755)  

(iii) Total Full Year cash out flows for leases 

(63,739) 

(70,313)  

- 
- 
- 

- 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2023 
$ 

2022 
$ 

10. 

EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENDITURE 

Costs carried forward in respect of areas of interest: 

Exploration and evaluation phase 

1,694,804 

993,973 

The ultimate recoupment of costs carried forward for exploration and 
evaluation phase is dependent on the successful development and 
commercial exploitation or sale of respective areas. 

(i)  Reconciliation 
A reconciliation of the carrying amount of exploration and evaluation 
phase expenditure is set out below: 
Costs brought forward 

Net foreign exchange translation differences 

Expenditure incurred during the year 

Impairment expense 

993,973 

2,644,068 

23,775 

677,056 

(96,341)  

146,706 

-  

(1,700,460)  

1,694,804 

993,973 

Following the annual review of the Group’s tenements, the Directors have determined that no impairment 
expense is required as at 30 June 2023. 

In the year ended 30 June 2022, an impairment expense of $1,700,460 was recognised related to the 
Beopseongpo and Neungju tenements, which were allowed to expire following the annual review of the 
Group’s tenements. 

11.  PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Plant and equipment at cost 

Less: Accumulated depreciation 

Opening written down value 

Additions 

Net foreign currency exchange differences 

Disposals 

Depreciation 

Closing written down value 

456,007 

673,989 

(311,007) 

(485,945) 

145,000 

188,044 

188,044 

13,969 

3,279 

(3,541) 

73,372 

160,929 

(2,202) 

- 

(56,751)  

(44,055)  

145,000 

188,044 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12. 

INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD 

 Investment in BMV 

 Initial value of Investment on acquisition 

 Disposals 

 Equity accounted share of loss 

 Exchange differences on foreign currency translation 

 Equity accounted value of the investment 

2023 
$ 

2022 
$ 

7,522,288 

7,522,288 

(50,148) 

- 

(287,162) 

(279,042) 

21,425 

136 

7,206,403 

7,243,382 

 Accumulated impairment of Investment (through Statement of Profit or Loss) 

(5,428,907) 

(1,688,670) 

 Accumulated impairment of Investment (through Other Comprehensive Income) 

(21,425) 

(136) 

 Fair value of the Investment 

 Transfer to Held for Sale Asset (Note 8) 

a)  Investment in BMV 

1,756,071 

5,554,576 

(1,756,071) 

- 

- 

5,554,576 

The holding of 150,000,000 BMV Shares at 30 June 2022, represented 23.5% of the issued capital of BMV at 
that time. 

Following the completion of Southern Gold’s escrow conditions on 12 April 2023, SAU sold 1,000,000 million 
BMV shares on market with an initial value at acquisition of $50,148, reducing the total number of BMV 
shares held to 149,000,000 as at 30 June 2023 (refer Note 2). 

As at 30 June 2023, Southern Gold’s 149,000,000 BMV shares represented 21.6% of the issued capital of 
BMV. With this interest being remaining in excess of the 20% threshold for the application of equity 
accounting under Accounting Standard AASB128 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, the interest in 
BMV continues to be subject to equity accounting. 

SAU’s equity accounted share of BMV’s loss for the year ended 30 June 2023 was ($287,162), based on SAU’s 
average ownership interest of 22.8% during that year and BMV’s reported loss of US$848,113 converted at 
the USD:AUD average exchange rate of 0.6734 for that year.  As part of the equity accounting, Southern Gold 
also recognised $21,425 in other comprehensive income section of the Company’s Profit and Loss Statement, 
being its share of the foreign currency translation gain recorded by BMV. 

As previously reported, equity accounting was not possible for the year ended 30 June 2022, as the 30 June 
2022 financial statements for BMV were not available at that time.  However, the financial statements of 
BMV through to 30 June 2022 did subsequently become publicly available, which allowed the Group to 
subsequently calculate its share of loss for the period ended 30 June 2022.  For the six months ended 30 June 
2022, BMV reported a loss of US$853,955 (A$1,186,866), with Southern Gold’s 23.5% ownership interest at 
that time equating to an equity accounted share of BMV’s loss of $279,042.  Comparatives in the above table 
have been amended to retrospectively reflect the $279,042 share of BMV’s loss for the period through to 30 
June 2022 with the impairment expense reduced by the same $279,042 to $1,688,670.  The total expensed 
through the Statement of Profit or Loss for the period ending 30 June 2022 of $1,967,712 remains 
unchanged. 

This leaves a carrying value of $7,206,403 (2022: $7,522,288) as the equity accounted value of the 
investment. 

The carrying value of the investment was adjusted to the assessed fair value of BMV shares of $1,756,071 
(2022: $5,554,576) by reference to the last traded price of BMV shares on the LSE at 30 June (refer Note 2). 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
The Board of Southern Gold made a decision to sell the remaining BMV shares within the next 12 months, 
therefore the carrying value of $1,756,071 at 30 June 2023 has been classified to a Held for Sale Asset (refer 
Note 8). 

b)   Summarised financial information for Bluebird Merchant Ventures Ltd  

Set out below is the summarised unaudited financial information for Bluebird Merchant Ventures Ltd (BMV) 
as at 30 June 2023. The disclosed information reflects the amounts presented in the financial statements of 
BMV, in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards. The following summarised financial information 
reflects the adjustments made by SAU when applying the equity method, including adjustments for any 
differences in accounting policies between two entities. 

Consolidated statement of financial position 

CURRENT ASSETS 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

Mines under development 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

TOTAL ASSETS 

CURRENT LIABILITIES 

Trade and other payables 

Other financial liabilities 

Derivative financial liabilities 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

NET ASSETS 

Consolidated statement of financial performance 
Administrative expenses 

Operating loss 

Finance expense 

(Loss)/profit before taxation 

Income tax expense 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

Exchange difference on translating foreign companies 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

SAU’s Average ownership % over the year 

SAU’s Equity accounted share of total comprehensive income for the 
period 
1 For the full year ended 30 June 2023. 2 For the six months ended 30 June 2022. 

20231 
$ 
(Unaudited) 

20222 
$ 
(Unaudited) 

771,014 

4,500 

775,514 

164,292 

10,519 

174,811 

29,426,920 

27,541,782 

29,426,920 

27,541,782 

30,202,434 

27,716,593 

(211,460)  

(443,471) 

(524,651)  

(1,194,102) 

(400,827)  

(662,042) 

(1,136,938) 

(2,299,615) 

(1,136,938) 

(2,299,615) 

29,065,496 

25,416,978 

(1,110,270) 

(1,110,270) 

(149,179) 

(922,191) 

(922,191) 

(264,695) 

(1,259,449) 

(1,186,886) 

- 

- 

(1,259,449) 

(1,186,886) 

93,966 

580 

(1,165,483) 

(1,186,306) 

22.80% 

23.51% 

(265,737) 

(278,906) 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         
 
 
13. 

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

Trade payables 

Sundry payables and accruals 

Amount payable to Directors and Key Management related entities1 

2023 
$ 

2022 
$ 

344,768 

231,888 

51,010 

627,666 

168,766 

211,607 

44,017 

424,390 

 1 Payable to Bamford Superannuation fund (an entity associated with Peter Bamford) $Nil (2022: $365) 

   Payable to Douglas Kirwin $4,000 (2022: $4,000) 

   Payable to Michael McNeilly $4,000 (2022: $4,000) 

   Payable to Beejay Kim $4,000 ($2022: $4,000) 

   Payable to Ray Ridge $39,010 ($2022: $22,428) 

14. 

PROVISIONS 

The aggregate provisions recognised in and included in the financial 
statements is as follows: 

Current Employee entitlements provision 

Non-Current Employee entitlements provision 

Total Employee entitlement provisions 

15. 

LEASE LIABILITY 

Current Lease liability 

Non-Current Lease liability 

16. 

   ISSUED CAPITAL 
(a) Ordinary Shares 

Issued share capital: 

274,946 

8,197 

283,143 

23,376 

10,147 

33,523 

175,808 

12,020 

187,828 

50,490 

- 

50,490 

62,211,401 

58,011,777 

426,285,279 fully paid ordinary shares (2022: 213,328,756)  

Movement in issued shares for the year: 

No. 

2023 
$ 

No. 

2022 
$ 

Balance at beginning of 2020 financial year 

213,328,756 

58,011,777 

213,328,756 

58,011,777 

Placement of shares (21 Nov 2022) 

53,332,120 

1,226,639 

Placement of shares (12 Jan 2023) 

33,624,403 

773,361 

Placement of shares (30 Jun 2023) 

126,000,000 

2,520,000 

Net costs associated with the issue of shares 

- 

(320,376) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Balance at end of financial year 

426,285,279 

62,211,401 

213,328,756 

58,011,777 

On 16 November 2022, the Southern Gold announced that it had received binding commitments from 
sophisticated and institutional investors in respect of a placement of 86,956,523 ordinary shares in the 
Company at $0.023 per share to raise $2 million. The placement was conducted in two tranches: 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

Tranche 1 being 53,332,120 shares, pursuant to available share placement capacity, issued 21 
November 2022, together raising approximately $1.2 million before costs; and 

Tranche 2 being 33,624,403 shares issued following shareholder approval on 12 January 2023, 
raising approximately $0.8 million. 

On 30 June 2023, the Company completed a further placement of 126,000,000 shares at $0.02 per share, 
raising approximately $2.5 million before costs.  The placement included one unlisted option for every two 
shares subscribed (exercisable at $0.027 per option, expiring 30 December 2024). Funds are to be directed 
towards commercialisation activities within Iondrive Technologies Pty Ltd (pending acquisition, completed 
4 July 2023 – refer Note 28) and exploration activities in South Korea.  

The net costs associated with the issue of shares in the year ended 30 June 2023 were $320,376.  

Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled 
to one vote per share at shareholders’ meetings. 

In the event of winding up of the Company, ordinary shareholders rank after all creditors and are fully 
entitled to any proceeds of liquidation. 

(b)  Options on Issue 
At 30 June 2023, there were 69,280,000 unlisted options outstanding (30 June 2022: 52,044,100), 
comprising 

• 

• 

6,280,000 options held by employees, directors and service providers.  Refer Note 22 for further 
detail and; 

63,000,000 options held by participants in the $2.5m placement completed on 30 June 2023, as 
noted above.  These options were issued following shareholder approval, on the basis of 1 option 
for every 2 shares subscribed and expire 30 December 2024. 

(c)  Capital Management 
The capital of the Group is managed by assessing the financial risks and adjusting the capital structure in 
response to changes in these risks and in the market. The responses include the management of dividends 
to shareholders and share issues. There have been no changes in the strategy adopted by management to 
control the capital during the year. 

The amounts managed as capital by the Group for the reporting periods under review are as follows: 

Debt 

Cash 

Net cash (debt) 

Equity 

Net debt to equity ratio 

17.  REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS 

The auditor of Southern Gold Limited is Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd. 

Amounts received or due and receivable by Grant Thornton for: 

An audit or review of the financial report of the entity and any other entity 
of the group 

Taxation and other services 

2023 
$ 

- 

4,212,502 

4,212,502 

7,682,367 

0% 

2022 
$ 

- 

4,560,622 

4,560,622 

11,484,209 

0% 

2023 
$ 

47,819 

2,500 

50,319 

2022 
$ 

49,147 

2,800 

51,947 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18.  RELATED PARTY AND KEY MANAGEMENT DISCLOSURES 

The terms and conditions of the transactions between related parties are on normal commercial terms and 
conditions no more favourable than those available to other parties unless otherwise stated. 

a)  Equity Interests  

Equity Interests in controlled entities 

Details of the percentage of ordinary shares held in controlled entities are disclosed in Note 25. 

b)  Transactions within wholly owned group 

The wholly owned group includes: 

 
 

The ultimate parent entity in the wholly-owned group; and 
The wholly-owned controlled entities. 

The ultimate parent entity in the wholly owned group is Southern Gold Limited. 

During the financial year, Southern Gold Limited provided accounting and administrative services at no 
cost to the controlled entities and the advancement of interest free loans. 

c)  Related party balances 

Amounts receivable from and payable to Directors and Key Management Personnel and their related 
entities at report date arising from these transactions were as follows: 

Current payables 

Amounts payable to Directors and Key Management Personnel related 
entities (refer Note 13 for further detail). 

There were no amounts receivable from related parties. 

d)  Remuneration of Key Management Personnel (see summary in Note 4) 

2023 
$ 

51,010 

51,010 

2022 
$ 

44,017 

44,017 

19. 

JOINT OPERATIONS  

The consolidated entity had interests in unincorporated joint operations at 30 June as follows: 

  Southern Gold (Asia) Joint Venture (SG Asia) 

Interest  
2023 

  15% 

Interest  
2022 

  15% 

Under the terms of the sale of Southern Gold’s former subsidiary, SG Asia, Southern Gold retains a 15% free 
carried interest in an unincorporated Joint venture with SG Asia based on selected tenements held by SG Asia 
that were re-granted by the Cambodian authorities until the completion of a positive definitive feasibility 
study, together with a 2% gross sales royalty on all products sold from the tenements until US$11 million is 
received, then reverting to a 1% gross sales royalty. 

20. 

COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 

a)  Exploration Expenditure Commitments 

The South Korean tenements have minimum exploration activity requirements, rather than minimum 
expenditure requirements, and includes metrics such as meters drilled and number of assays undertaken. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Financial Risk Management 

The Group’s financial instruments consist mainly of deposits with banks, short-term investments, accounts 
receivable and accounts payable. 

The totals for each category of financial instruments, measured in accordance with AASB 9 as detailed in Note 
1, are as follows: 

Financial Assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Current receivables 

 Financial Liabilities 

 Trade and other payables 

2023 
$ 

2022 
$ 

4,212,502 

4,560,622 

572,585 

232,028 

4,785,087 

4,792,650 

578,951 

402,374 

578,951 

402,374 

(i)  Treasury Risk Management 

The Board of the Consolidated Group meets on a regular basis.  Matters considered at the Board meetings 
include material currency and interest rate exposure, and treasury management strategies in the context 
of the most recent economic conditions and forecasts. 

(ii)  Financial Risks 

The main risks that the Group is exposed to through its financial instruments are liquidity risk, credit risk, 
share price risk, exchange rate risk and interest rate risk. 

Liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk arises from the possibility that the Group might encounter difficulty in settling its debts or 
otherwise meeting its obligations related to financial liabilities. 

The Consolidated Group manages liquidity risk by monitoring forecast cash flows. 

As at 30 June 2023, the Group’s non-derivative financial liabilities have contractual maturities (including 
interest payments where applicable) as summarised below: 

30 June 2023 

Rate 

Current 

Within 6 months 

6 to 12 months 

Non-current 

1 to 5  
years 

Later than  
5years 

Borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Leases 

Total 

5.8% 

- 

578,951 

11,519 

590,470 

- 

- 

11,857 

11,857 

- 

- 

10,147 

10,147 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This compares to the maturity of the Group’s non-derivative financial liabilities in the previous reporting 
period as follows: 

30 June 2022 

Rate 

Current 

Borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Leases 

Total 

Credit risk 

Within 6 months 

6 to 12 months 

- 

402,374 

36,415 

438,789 

- 

- 

14,075 

14,075 

4.9% 

Non-current 

1 to 5  
years 

Later than  
5years 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Credit risk represents the loss that would be recognised if counterparties failed to perform as contracted. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk, excluding the value of any collateral or other security, at report date to 
recognised financial assets, is the carrying amount, net of any provisions for impairment of those assets, as 
disclosed in the statement of financial position and notes to the financial statements. 

Refer Note 6 for further detail. 

No receivables are considered past due and/or impaired at report date. 

BMV Share price risk 

At 30 June 2023, the Group holds 149,000,000 BMV Shares at an assessed fair value of $1,756,071 (refer 
Notes 2 and 12), calculated at 75% of the closing price of BMV shares of £0.00825 pence on the London Stock 
Exchange and a GBP:AUD exchange rate of 0.5250 on that date. The value of this investment is impacted by 
future fluctuations in the price of BMV Shares traded on the London Stock Exchange. 

A 10% increase (decrease) in the BMV Share price from £0.00825 would increase (decrease) the value of the 
BMV Shares held by $175,607, at the 30 June 2023 AUD:GBP exchange rate. 

Refer Note 28, events subsequent to 30 June 2023, relating to the sale of 26,250,000 BMV shares and an 
agreement to sell a further 122,500,000 BMV shares. 

Exchange rate risk - GBP 

Further to the above, the 149,000,000 BMV Shares held at 30 June 2023 is also impacted by fluctuations in 
the GBP:AUD exchange rate. 

As noted above, the mark to market value of the BMV Shares is $1,756,071 as at 30 June 2023. A 10% 
increase in the GBP:AUD exchange rate from 0.5250 would decrease the value of the BMV Shares held by 
$159,643.  Conversely, a 10% decrease in the GBP:AUD exchange rate would increase the value of the BMV 
Shares held by $195,119. 

Exchange rate risk - KRW 

The Southern Gold Group incurs expenditure in Korean Won (KRW) in relation to its activities in the Republic 
of South Korea, while it raises capital, and holds cash, predominantly in AUD to fund those activities. The 
KRW denominated cash expenditure in the year ended 30 June 2023 was KRW 3,453,130,091 or AU 
$3,878,701 translated at the average KRW:AUD exchange for the year of 890.28. A 10% increase in the 
KRW:AUD exchange rate from 890.28 would decrease the AUD required to fund that same KRW denominated 
expenditure by $352,609.  Conversely, a 10% decrease in the KRW:AUD exchange rate would increase the 
AUD required to fund that same KRW denominated expenditure by $430,967. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate risk 

The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk, being the risk, that a financial instrument’s value will fluctuate as a 
result of changes in market interest rates, is contained in the following table which details the exposure to 
interest rate risk at the reporting date. All other financial assets and liabilities are non-interest bearing. 

2023 

 Financial assets 

Cash and deposits 

Receivables 

Less: Payables 

Less: Leases  

Less: Borrowings 

Interest  
Bearing 

Non-interest 
Bearing 

Total 

Floating  
interest rate 

Fixed 
interest rate 

4,212,502 

- 

4,212,502 

1.9% 

- 

- 

(33,523) 

- 

572,585 

572,585 

(578,951) 

(578,951) 

- 

- 

(33,523) 

- 

- 

- 

5.8% 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Net financial assets 

4,178,979 

(6,366) 

4,172,613 

2022 

 Financial assets 

Cash and deposits 

Receivables 

Less: Payables 

Less: Leases 

Less: Borrowings 

Interest  
Bearing 

Non-interest 
Bearing 

Total 

Floating  
interest rate 

Fixed 
interest rate 

4,560,622 

- 

4,560,622 

0.1% 

- 

- 

(50,490) 

- 

232,028 

232,028 

(402,374) 

(402,374) 

- 

- 

(50,490) 

- 

- 

- 

4.9% 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Net financial assets 

4,510,132 

(170,346) 

4,339,786 

Interest rate risk is managed with a mixture of fixed and floating rate cash deposits. At 30 June 2023, none of 
group cash deposits are fixed (2022: nil). 

The Company has not performed a sensitivity analysis relating to its exposure to interest rate risk at reporting 
date as a change in interest rates by 10% is not considered to have a material impact on profit and equity. 

(iii)  Net fair values 

The  carrying  amount  of  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  recorded  in  the  financial  statements 
represents  their  respective  net  fair  values,  determined  in  accordance  with  the  accounting  policies 
disclosed in Note 1 to the financial statements. 

22. 

SHARE BASED PAYMENTS 

Shares 

No costs have been recognised as a share-based payments expense, relating to shares issued to directors, 
employees or service providers, in the year ended 30 June 2023 (2022: Nil). 

Options – Directors and Employees 

The Group has an ownership-based compensation plan for employees.  In accordance with the provisions of 
the Employee Share Option Plan, as approved by shareholders at an Annual General Meeting, Directors may 
issue options to purchase shares in the Company to employees at an issue price determined by the market 
price of ordinary shares at the time the option is granted.  No Directors participate in the Employee Share 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option Plan.  Options to Directors are separately approved by shareholders prior to being issued. 

In accordance with the terms of the Employee Share Option Plan, options vest at grant date and may be 
exercised at any time from the date of their issue to the date of their expiry. Share options are not listed, 
carry no rights to dividends and no voting rights. 

A total of $6,672 was recognised as a share-based payments expense, relating to options issued to directors 
and employees, in the year ended 30 June 2023 (2022: $184,674). For further details refer to the table below. 

The following share-based payment arrangements were in existence at 30 June 2023: 

Options – Series 

Employee Share Option Plan 
Sep-20211 

Jan-20222 
Dec-20223 

Director Options 
Oct-20214 

No. 

Grant Date 

Expiry Date 

Exercise Price 

Fair value at 
grant date 

1,630,000 

17/09/2021 

16/09/2025 

400,000 

550,000 

11/02/2022 

10/02/2026 

22/02/2023 

22/02/2027 

$0.10 

$0.10 

$0.05 

$0.0285 

$0.0258 

$0.01213 

3,700,000 

2/11/2021 

31/10/2025 

$0.12 

$0.0326 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

1,890,000 unlisted options were granted to employees on 17 September 2021, under the Company’s shareholder approved 
Employee Share Option Plan. 750,000 of the options were granted to Mr Smillie as Exploration Manager (prior to his appointment 
as Managing Director on 9 May 2022).  All options vested immediately and are exercisable at $0.10 at any time through to the 
expiry date of 16 September 2025.  The $53,771 fair value of the options was calculated, using the Black Scholes valuation method, 
using a volatility of 74% and an interest rate of 0.43% (the five-year Australian Government bond rate).  30,000 options lapsed due 
to cessation of employment prior to 30 June 2021. Further 230,000 options lapsed due to cessation of employment prior to 30 June 
2023. 

400,000 unlisted options were granted to an employee on 11 February 2022, under the Company’s shareholder approved 
Employee Share Option Plan. The options vested immediately and are exercisable at $0.10 at any time through to the expiry date of 
10 February 2026.  The $10,320 fair value of the options was calculated, using the Black Scholes valuation method, using a volatility 
of 74%, an interest rate of 1.47% (the five-year Australian Government bond rate) and an underlying share price the day prior to 
Board approval of $0.059. 

550,000 unlisted options were granted to an employee on 22 February 2023, under the Company’s shareholder approved 
Employee Share Option Plan. The options vested immediately and are exercisable at $0.05 at any time through to the expiry date of 
22 February 2027.  The $6,672 fair value of the options was calculated, using the Black Scholes valuation method, using a volatility 
of 74%, an interest rate of 3.13% (the five-year Australian Government bond rate) and an underlying share price the day prior to 
Board approval of $0.025. 

3,700,000 options were issued to the Directors on 2 November 2021, following shareholder approval on 29 October 2021.  The 
options vested immediately, and are exercisable at $0.12 at any time through to the expiry date of 31 October 2025.  The $120,583 
fair value of the options was calculated, using the Black Scholes valuation method, using a volatility of 74%, an interest rate of 
1.26% (the five-year Australian Government bond rate) and an underlying share price the day prior to shareholder approval of 
$0.074. 

Historical volatility has been used as the basis for determining expected share price volatility as it is assumed 
that this is indicative of future movements. 

The life of the options is based on the historical exercise patterns, which may not eventuate in the future.  

Other than the above, there were no other options granted to Key Management Personnel. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following reconciles the outstanding share options granted as share based payments at the beginning 
and end of the financial year: 

Options granted as share based 
payments 

2023 

2022 

Number of options 

Weighted average 
exercise price  
$ 

Balance at beginning of financial year  

Granted during the financial year (i) 

Exercised during the financial year  
Lapsed/cancelled during the financial 
year (iii)  
Balance at end of the financial year (iii) 

9,544,100 

550,000 

- 

(3,814,100) 

6,280,000 

$0.134 

$0.050 

- 

$0.167 

$0.107 

Number of 
options 

9,204,100 

5,990,000 

- 

(5,650,000) 

9,544,100 

Weighted average 
exercise price  
$ 

$0.213 

$0.112 

- 

$0.239 

$0.134 

(i)  Options granted 

550,000 options, relating to share-based payments, were granted in the year ended 30 June 2023 (2022: 
5,990,000) under the Employee Share Option Plan. 

(ii)  Options lapsed 

Share based payments relating to 3,814,100 options lapsed during the year ended 30 June 2023. 

(iii)  Options outstanding at end of the financial year 

6,280,000 options, relating to share-based payments, are outstanding at the end of the financial year 
and had an average exercise price of $0.107 (2022: $0.134) and a weighted average remaining 
contractual life of 891 days (2022: 798 days). 

Performance Rights – Managing Director 

Following the shareholder approval on 12 January 2023, 5,000,000 non-transferrable performance rights 
were granted to Mr Smillie under the Board proposed long term incentive that aligns with shareholder 
interest, in respect to growth in share price, to incentivise/retain the Managing Director. These performance 
rights have a nil exercise price and expire 9 May 2025. The performance rights vest in one trance on the 9 
May 2025, and have a minimum vesting condition that the 20-day weighted average share price on the 
vesting date must be greater than $0.10. Where the share price is greater than $0.10, then the recipient is 
vested with 1,000,000 ordinary shares plus 400,000 ordinary shares for each cent that the share price 
exceeds $0.10, up to a maximum of 5,000,000 shares. The Managing Director must remain in the 
employment of the Company at the vesting date.  

The performance rights were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation.  This valuation method simulated the 
share price at the vesting date and the 20-day average share price up to the vesting date, and calculated the 
number of shares likely to be issued to the recipient. The number of shares to be issued is then valued using 
the simulated share price at the vesting date, which is then discounted to a present value, and the average of 
all results is provided as the total value of shares to be vested/issued to the recipient. The performance rights 
were valued at $11,301 or $0.00226 per performance right; $2,252 of which expensed to share-based 
payments 30 June 2023. Other relevant inputs into the valuation model included: 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
The share price volatility of 60.875% is based on the Company’s historical share price movements over the 
last 2 years and it is expected that this volatility will not change significantly over the life of the performance 
rights. 

Consideration: nil 
exercise price: nil; 
grant date: 12 January 2023; 
expiry date: 9 May 2025; 
share price at the grant date: $0.027; 
expected volatility of the Company’s shares: 60.875% 
risk-free interest rate: 3.16%; 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

54 

 
 
 
 
 
Performance Rights – Service Provider 

Ausino Drilling Services Pty Ltd (ADS) holds 10 million performance rights at US$0.11 per right for US$1.1 
million.  The performance rights will vest if, and when, ADS provide drilling services, with 25% of the invoices 
for drilling services to be paid in Southern Gold shares. 

23.  OPERATING SEGMENTS 

Segment Information 

Identification of reportable segments  

AASB 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the consolidated entity that 
are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in order to allocate resources to the segment and to assess its performance. 
The Board have concluded that at this time, there are no separately identifiable operating segments.  The Group operates in one industry 
segment being the exploration for precious metals and operates in one geographic segment being the Republic of Korea (South Korea). 

24. 

EARNINGS PER SHARE 

2023 
Cents per share 

2022 
Cents per share 

Basic (cents per share) – Profit/(Loss) 

(3.08) 

(5.40) 

Basic and Dilutive Earnings per share 
The earnings and weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the 
calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows: 

Net Profit / (Loss) for the year 

Earnings used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share agrees 
directly to net profit/(loss) in the statement of financial performance. 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares – for Basic EPS 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares – for Diluted EPS 

25. 

CONTROLLED ENTITIES CONSOLIDATED 

Name of Entity 

Parent Entity 
Southern Gold Limited 

Controlled Entities 
Challenger West Holdings Pty Ltd 
CMH Resources Pty Ltd 
Gawler Arc Holdings Pty Ltd 
Southern Mining Pty Ltd 
Inferus Resources Pty Ltd 1 
New Southern Mining Pty Ltd 
International Gold Private Limited 
Korea Metal Resources Ltd.2 

Country of 
Incorporation 

Australia 

Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 

Australia 
Australia 
Singapore 

South Korea 

$ 

$ 

(8,044,850) 

(11,517,522) 

No. 

No. 

261,188,818  

213,328,756 

261,188,818  

213,328,756 

Ownership Interest 

2023 
% 

2022 
% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 

1 All shares in Inferus Resources Pty Ltd are held by Southern Mining Pty Ltd. 
2 All shares in Korea Metal Resources Ltd are held by International Gold Private Limited.  Korea Metal Resources Ltd changed its name 
during the year ended 30 June 2022, the previous name being Southern Gold Korea Ltd. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
26. 

SOUTHERN GOLD LIMITED COMPANY INFORMATION 

Assets 

Current assets 

Non-current assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net Assets 

Equity 

Issued capital 

Retained earnings 

Foreign Currency Translation Reserve 

Share based payments reserve 

Financial Performance 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

2023 
$ 

2022 
$ 

4,033,877 

4,860,007 

8,893,884 

1,224,744 

8,197 

1,232,941 

7,660,943 

4,303,764 

7,397,082 

11,700,846 

183,732 

32,907 

216,639 

11,484,207 

62,211,401 

58,011,777 

(54,736,658) 

(46,883,341) 

- 

186,200 

7,660,943 

- 

355,771 

11,484,207 

(8,031,811) 

(13,128,248) 

- 

- 

(8,031,811)  

(13,128,248) 

Guarantees in relation to the debts of subsidiaries 

- 

- 

27.  GOING CONCERN BASIS OF ACCOUNTING 

The financial report has been prepared on the basis of a going concern.  

The consolidated Group incurred a net loss after tax from continuing operations of $8,044,850 for the year 
ended 30 June 2023, and a net cash outflow of $4,668,666 from operating and investing activities. As at 30 
June 2023, the consolidated Group has a cash position of $4,212,502. These conditions give rise to a material 
uncertainty that may cast significant doubt upon the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. 

The Directors believe that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis. The 
Group  raised  sufficient  capital  during  the  year  to  allow  activities  to  progress  its  exploration  activities.  The 
Group’s ability to continue as a going concern is contingent on raising additional capital and/or the successful 
exploration and subsequent exploitation of its areas of interest through sale or development. 

If additional capital is not obtained or successful exploration performed, the going concern basis may not be 
appropriate, with the result that the group may have to realise its assets and extinguish its liabilities, other 
than in the ordinary course of business and at amounts different from those stated in the interim financial 
report.  No allowance for such circumstances has been made in the financial report. 

28. 

EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO REPORTING DATE 

a)  Acquisition of Iondrive Technologies Pty Ltd 

As announced on the ASX on 4 of July 2023, Southern Gold completed its acquisition of 100% of the issued 
capital of battery technology company Iondrive Technologies Pty Ltd (IDT). Southern Gold completed its 
acquisition of IDT for consideration of $1.2 million paid through the issue of SAU fully paid ordinary shares. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
b)  Sale of BMV shares 

Between 14 July 2023 and 2 August 2023, Southern Gold sold 26,250,000 BMV Shares on market for an 
average price of £0.0061 for total proceeds of £161,250 (approximately $307,000). 

On 22 August 2023 Southern Gold announced an agreement with UK based Catalyse Capital Ltd, to 
progressively sell 122,500,000 BMV shares through to 31 December 2023. Under the agreement, SAU sold 
22,500,000 BMV shares at £0.0055 per share with settlement of £123,750 (approximately $236,000) 
occurring late August 2023. 

The remaining 100 million are to be sold in four tranches of 25 million each, to be settled monthly from 
September to December 2023.  Each of the four tranches will be priced at 75% of each month’s VWAP for 
BMV shares traded on the LSE, with a floor price of £0.004 per share. As an example, if the pricing formula 
were applied to the last traded price for BMV shares on the LSE of £0.0075 per share on 26 September 2023 
(being the last practicable date prior to finalisation of the Annual Report), then proceeds for the 100,000,000 
BMV shares would be £562,500 (approximately $1,069,600). As a minimum, at the floor price of £0.004 per 
share, proceeds would be £400,000 (approximately $760,600). 

c)  Board changes 

In July 2023, Southern Gold announced the appointment of Mr Michael McNeilly as Chair of the Board 
effective immediately. The appointment follows the resignation of Mr Peter Bamford as Chair. Mr Bamford 
will continue as a Non-Executive Director until the next AGM.  

Mr John Rock was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Southern Gold on 24 July 2023. Mr Rock brings 
extensive leadership, entrepreneurial and commercialisation experience to the Board and has been directly 
involved with the IDT business since its inception. As part of his engagement, Mr Rock has been granted 
3,000,000 unlisted options with an exercise price of $0.04 and an expiry date of 23 July 2026. The Options will 
vest following 12 months of service as a Director. The options were approved by shareholders at a General 
Meeting held on 28 June 2023. 

d)  Commercialisation Strategic Advisor  

Mr Jeff Ritoe was appointed as a strategic advisor to IDT, for a period of 18 months. Mr Ritoe will assist with 
the global commercialisation strategy for IDT’s battery related technologies and will leverage his established 
contacts in both the public and private sector, particularly in the EU and the US. Mr Ritoe is an energy 
professional with more than 15 years of experience in negotiating commercial agreements, acquisitions and 
divestments in the energy industry. As part of his engagement, the Company proposes to grant Mr Ritoe 
10,000,000 unlisted options, subject to shareholder approval. The proposed options have been structured to 
retain and incentivise Mr Ritoe.  

e)  ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Battery Recycling   

On 15 August 2023, the Company announced that IDT became the key partner organisation in a newly 
awarded Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Battery Recycling in 
Adelaide, SA. The centre is a ground-breaking initiative, led by Professor Shizhang Qiao at The University of 
Adelaide, which aims to revolutionise Australia's battery and resources industry by establishing advanced 
manufacturing capabilities for recycling mixed battery materials, promoting second-life re use, and fostering 
a battery circular economy. IDT will contribute $200,000 cash per year for five years which will be a catalyst 
for advancements in battery recycling technology and practices. In addition, IDT will offer in-kind 
contributions of $100,000 per year, comprising support for research projects, hosting Higher Degree 
Research students, mentoring and training for researchers, and active participation in Centre committees and 
knowledge sharing activities.  

Other than the above, there has not arisen any other matters or circumstances, since the end of the financial 
year which significantly affected or could affect the operations of the Group, the results of those operations, 
or the state of the Group in future years. 

29.  RESERVES 

The share-based payments reserve records items recognised as expenses on valuation of options issued to 
employees or other service providers (refer Note 22). 

The foreign currency translation reserve records foreign currency exchange differences arising on translation 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

57 

 
 
of a foreign controlled subsidiary. 

The FVTOCI reserve records the cumulative change in the fair value of financial assets recognised through 
Other Comprehensive Income.  The financial asset comprised the 50,000,000 shares held in LSE listed BMV at 
30 June 2021.  The fair value of the investment in BMV was determined based on quoted market prices in an 
active market (Level 1).  Refer Note 2. At 30 June 2022 the now 150,000,000 BMV Shares held are classified as 
an equity accounted investment.  

30.  REGISTERED OFFICE AND PRINCIPAL OFFICE 

The registered and principal office of the Company and its controlled entities is: 

6 The Parade, Norwood, South Australia, 5067 

ABN 30 107 424 519 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

58 

 
 
 
Directors’ Declaration 

The Directors of Southern Gold Limited declare that: 

a) 

the financial statements and notes are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, and: 

i.) 

ii.) 

iii.) 

give a true and fair view of the financial position as at 30 June 2023 and of the performance for the year 
ended on that date of the Consolidated Group; and 

comply with Accounting Standards; and 

Southern Gold Limited complies with International Financial Reporting Standards as described in Note 1; 
and 

b) 

the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have declared that: 

i) 

The financial records of the Company for the financial year have been properly maintained in accordance 
with s286 of the Corporations Act 2001; 

ii)  The financial statements and notes for the financial year comply with the Accounting Standards; and 

iii)  The financial statements and notes for the financial year give a true and fair view; 

c) 

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

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors 

Dated at Adelaide this 28th day of September 2023.  

R Smillie 
Managing Director 

M McNeilly 
Chairman 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd 
Grant Thornton House 
Level 3 
170 Frome Street 
Adelaide SA 5000 
GPO Box 1270 
Adelaide SA 5001 

T +61 8 8372 6666 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

To the Members of Southern Gold Limited 

Report on the audit of the financial report 

Qualified Opinion 

We have audited the financial report of Southern Gold Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries (the 
Group), which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2023, the 
consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, consolidated statement of 
changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the 
consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the Directors’ 
declaration.  

In our opinion, except for the effects of the matters described below in the Basis for Qualified Opinion 
section of our report, the accompanying financial report of 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 2023 and of its performance for 

the year ended on that date; and 

b  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

www.grantthornton.com.au 
ACN-130 913 594 

Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd ACN 130 913 594 a subsidiary or related entity of Grant Thornton Australia Limited ABN 41 127 556 389 ACN 127 556 389. 
‘Grant Thornton’ refers to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms provide assurance, tax and advisory services to their clients and/or 
refers to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton Australia Limited is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). 
GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. GTIL and each member firm is a separate legal entity. Services are delivered by the member 
firms. GTIL does not provide services to clients. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate one another and are not liable for one 
another’s acts or omissions. In the Australian context only, the use of the term ‘Grant Thornton’ may refer to Grant Thornton Australia Limited ABN 41 127 
556 389 ACN 127 556 389 and its Australian subsidiaries and related entities. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards 
Legislation. 

w 

 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basis for qualified opinion 

The Group's investment in its associate, Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited, is carried at $1,756,071 on the 
consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2023. The disclosures in Note 12 are based on 
publicly available unaudited financial information of Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited. We have been 
unable to obtain appropriate audit evidence to support the accuracy of these disclosures. As such the 
allocation between “Equity accounted share of loss” of $287,162 and the impairment expense of $3,479,343 
(Note 2) may not be accurate.  Our audit report has been qualified as a result of this limitation of scope. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those 
standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section 
of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements 
of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and 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. 

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

Material uncertainty related to going concern 

We draw attention to Note 27 in the financial statements, which indicates that the Group incurred a loss of 
$8,044,850 for the year ended 30 June 2023 and net cash outflows from operating and investing activities of 
$4,668,666. As stated in Note 27, these events or conditions, along with other matters as set forth in Note 27, 
indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going 
concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter. 

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 of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial 
report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these 
matters.  

In addition to the matter described in the Material Uncertainty related to Going Concern and the Basis for 
Qualified Opinion section we have determined the matters described below to be the key audit matters to be 
communicated in our report. 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Exploration and evaluation assets – Note 10 

At 30 June 2023 the carrying value of exploration 
and evaluation expenditure was $1,694,804.   

In accordance with AASB 6 Exploration for and 
Evaluation of Mineral Resources, the Group is 
required to assess at each reporting date if there are 
any triggers for impairment which may suggest the 
carrying value is in excess of the recoverable value. 

The process undertaken by management to assess 
whether there are any impairment triggers in each 
area of interest involves an element of management 
judgement.  

Our procedures included, amongst others: 

•  Reviewing management’s area of interest 

considerations against AASB 6; 

•  Conducting a detailed review of management’s 

assessment of trigger events prepared in 
accordance with AASB 6, including; 

−  Tracing projects to exploration licenses and 

statutory registers to determine whether a right 
of tenure existed; 

−  Enquiring management regarding their 

intentions to carry out exploration and evaluation 
activity in the relevant exploration area, 
including reviewing management’s budgeted 
expenditure; 

Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd  2 

 
 
 
 
 
Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Exploration and evaluation assets – Note 10 

This area is a key audit matter due to the significant 
judgement involved in determining the existence of 
impairment triggers.   

−  Understanding whether any data exists to 
suggest that the carrying value of these 
exploration and evaluation assets are unlikely to 
be recovered through development or sale; 

•  Evaluating the competence, capabilities and 
objectivity of management’s experts in the 
evaluation of potential impairment triggers; and 

Reviewing the appropriateness of the related financial 
statement disclosures. 

Information other than the financial report and auditor’s report thereon 

The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included 
in the Group’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2023, 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 we do not express any form of 
assurance conclusion thereon.  

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 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, 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 that gives a true and fair 
view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal 
control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true 
and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.  

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

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report  

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

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the Auditing and 
Assurance Standards Board website at: http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar1_2020.pdf.This 
description forms part of our auditor’s report.  

Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd  3 

 
 
 
Report on the remuneration report 

Opinion on the remuneration report 

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in the Directors’ report for the year ended 30 June 
2023.  

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Southern Gold Limited, for the year ended 30 June 2023 
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.  

GRANT THORNTON AUDIT PTY LTD 
Chartered Accountants 

I S Kemp 
Partner – Audit & Assurance  

Adelaide, 28 September 2023 

Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd  4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders Information 

Shareholder Information 

The shareholder information set out below was applicable as at 26 August 2023. 

1. 

Substantial Equity Holders 

There following individual shareholders have a relevant interest of 5% or more in the total ordinary shares on issues as 
at 26 August 2023, as disclosed in the most recent substantial shareholder notices. 

Name of Shareholders 

Date of 

Notified Number 

Notification 

of Shares Held 

Notified 
Percentage 
of Shares on Issue 

ILWELLA PTY LTD 
STRATA INVESTMENT HOLDINGS PLC 

07/07/23 
17/08/23 

72,978,070 
81,402,696 

15.01 
16.74 

2 

Number of Shareholders 

The number of Ordinary Shares on issue at 26 August 2023 is 486,285,279 held by 1,442 shareholders. 

3. 

Distribution of Equity Securities 

Ordinary Shares 

Distribution of holdings: 
1,000 
- 
1 
5,000 
- 
1,001 
10,000 
- 
5,001 
100,000 
- 
10,001 
and over 
- 
100,001 

Number of holders of less than a marketable parcel of $500 

Unlisted Options (various exercise prices and expiry dates) 

Distribution of holdings: 
1,000 
- 
1 
5,000 
- 
1,001 
10,000 
- 
5,001 
100,000 
- 
10,001 
and over 
- 
100,001 

Number of Holders 
136 
348 
210 
497 
251 

1,442 

954 

Number of Holders 
- 
- 
- 
10 
58 

68 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.  

Twenty Largest Shareholders 

The names of the twenty largest holders of fully paid ordinary shares comprise: 

Name 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES  
METAL TIGER PLC 
STRATA INVESTMENT HOLDINGS PLC 
MS CHUNYAN NIU 
MRS LIESL RENATA CHAN 
JAF CAPITAL PTY LTD 
SCINTILLA STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS LIMITED 
FOLEY PTY LTD 
POINTCIANA PTY LTD 
THE TRUSTEE FOR LJT AUSTRALIA TRUST 
POTEZNA GROMADKA LTD 
JOHN ROCK - ROCK FAMILY TRUST 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13  HYUNSEUNG CHO 
14 
15 
16 
17  HS SUPERANNUATION PTY LTD 
18 
19  G BOULTON PTY LTD 
20 

SILKTREE INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 
AUKERA CAPITAL PTY LTD 
BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

EDLOU INVESTMENTS PTY LIMITED 

BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 

Number 
Held 

 120,092,281  
   44,833,696  
   36,569,000  
   23,276,737  
   19,596,667  
   13,213,500  
   10,260,000  
     7,500,000  
     7,216,667  
     6,500,001  
     5,904,185  
     5,166,667  
     5,000,000  
     5,000,000  
     4,900,000  
     4,779,454  
     4,720,817  
     4,673,913  
     4,278,256  
     3,698,905  

 337,180,746  

Percentage 
 of Issued  
Shares 
24.7 
9.2 
7.5 
4.8 
4.0 
2.7 
2.1 
1.5 
1.5 
1.3 
1.2 
1.1 
1.0 
1.0 
1.0 
1.0 
1.0 
1.0 
0.9 
0.8 

69.3 

5.  

Unquoted Equity Securities 

Class: 
Number on issue:  
Number of holders: 

Unlisted Options (various exercise prices and expiry dates) 
89,280,000  
68 

There are no option holders with greater than 20% of options on issue. 

Class: 
Number on issue:  
Number of holders: 

Performance Rights 
15,000,000 
2 

1.  Ausino Drilling Services Pty Ltd (ADS) are contracted to provide drilling services into South Korea to the 

value of US$4.4 million.  ADS holds 10 million performance rights at US$0.11 per right for US$1.1 million.  
The performance rights will vest as ADS provides the drilling services, with 25% of the invoices for drilling 
services provided to be paid in Southern Gold shares. 

2.  Mr Robert Smillie holds 5 million performance rights expiring 9 May 2025. The Performance Rights have a 

minimum vesting condition that the 20-day weighted average share price at on the vesting date (9 May 
2025) must be greater than $0.10. Where the share price is greater than $0.10, then the recipient is vested 
with 1,000,000 shares plus 400,000 shares for each cent that the share price exceeds $0.10, up to a 
maximum of 5,000,000 shares. 

Southern Gold Limited – Consolidated Entity // Annual Report 2023 

65