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The Wendy's Company

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FY2020 Annual Report · The Wendy's Company
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Enabling Tanzania’s
energy transformation

Annual Report and Financial Statements

2020

We produce natural gas to 
transition Tanzania into the 
economy of tomorrow.

With our vibrant history, resilient 
business model and strong financial 
performance – we are a leading 
player in an opportunity rich 
landscape. Working closely with our 
partners in government, we are now 
entering our next phase of growth: 
to support Tanzania in delivering 
universal energy access by 2030.

CONTENTS 

AN AFRICAN FOCUS  

HIGHLIGHTS 

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT 

STRATEGIC REPORT

Our Strategy and Business Model 

Mnazi Bay Licence Summary 

Our Response to COVID-19 

Mnazi Bay Production Operations 

Mnazi Bay Operations Review 

Mnazi Bay Reserves Summary 

Tanzania Legislative and Policy Framework 

Winding-up of Mozambique Entity 

Financial Review 

Sustainability 

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative 

Principal Business Risks 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Statement of Corporate Governance  

Board of Directors 

Audit Committee Report 

Remuneration Committee Report 

Nominations Committee Report 

Directors’ Report 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

GROUP ACCOUNTS

Independent Auditors’ Report 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of Changes In Equity 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Notes to The Financial Statements 

APPENDICES

Glossary of Terms 

Professional Advisors 

Page

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

21

22

24

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36

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44

48

50

52

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68

71

72

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81

82

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84

118

121

1

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsAN AFRICAN FOCUS

Sub Saharan Africa is advancing rapidly 
and the opportunities it presents are 
extensive. With its young, urbanising 
population and shift from agriculture to 
industrialisation – demand for reliable 
and cost-effective power is on the rise.

We believe that natural 
gas is one of the best solutions 
to power Africa’s ambitious 
development goals. With the continent 
projected to become the third-largest 
source of global gas demand growth 
by 2040, its rich supply, accessibility 
and low-cost makes it an attractive 
solution for Africa’s emerging 
economy.

2 Wentworth Resources plc

A SPOTLIGHT ON TANZANIA
Tanzania sits at the heart of East Africa and plays a strong economic role in the region. With a population of 58 
million people and one of the highest birth rates in the world, its population is set to more than double by 2050.

Alongside its booming population, the Tanzanian economy has enjoyed significant growth over the last 
decade with sustained rates averaging 6% Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) growth per year. While poverty 
has declined as a whole, absolute numbers of poverty remain flat due to its high rate of population growth.

Tanzania’s economy is diversifying fast, adding considerable pressure on its energy demand. Low access 
rates and supply limitations have delayed social and economic growth in the past, requiring a concerted 
effort to reach those that need it most.

THE WENTWORTH OPPORTUNITY
Sub Saharan Africa is a sleeping giant that will soon be an economic powerhouse on the world stage. With 
GDP  growth  averaging  6%  year-on-year, Tanzania  plays  an  exciting  role  in  fuelling  regional  East Africa 
growth. With 7.7 million people in the country still without access to energy – we are working with our partners 
to generate over 50% of the country’s power generation through natural gas.

< 25%

of Tanzania’s 
population have 
access to electricity 

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

3

HIGHLIGHTS

Mnazi Bay gas sales 
revenue of $18.9 million.

NET PROFIT

$3.4 

MILLION

FINANCIAL

•	 Mnazi Bay gas sales revenue of $18.9 million (2019: $18.6 million) 

•	 Adjusted earnings (“EBITDAX”) of $9.7 million (2019: $8.8 million) 

excluding non-recurring expenses of $1.6 million (2019: $1.0 million) 

•	 Net profit of $3.4 million (2019: profit $2.4 million)

•	 Net cash (cash less debt) at year-end of $17.8 million (2019: $11.7 million)

•	 Long-term debt facilities repaid in-full (2019: $1.7 million)

•	 Increase in the total dividend distribution for the year ended 31 December 
2020 to $3.8 million, representing 1.5 pence per share (2019: $3.0 million, 
representing 1.2 pence per share); the final dividend of $2.6 million to be 
paid in July 2021 subject to shareholder approval at the Company’s AGM

•	 Continued supportive and loyal institutional and retail shareholder register 

OPERATIONAL

•	 Average gross daily gas production of 65.5 MMscf/day within guidance of 

60-70 MMscf/day (70.3 MMscf/day in 2019)

•	 2021 average gross daily gas production guidance set at 65-75 MMscf/day

•	 2P Reserves of 142.2 Bscf (gross 2P) valued at $116.6 million (after-tax 

NPV10)1 net to Wentworth

•	 Total cash receipts of $20.5 million from gas sales (2019: $25.7 million)

1.  RPS Canada CPR 31 December 2020

4

Wentworth Resources plcCOVID-19 & COMMODITY PRICE VOLATILITY

•	 Fixed gas price contracts protect our Company from fluctuations in global 

commodity prices

•	 Continued resilience displayed through our strategy of supplying fuel gas 

for domestic generation of electricity for the national grid 

•	 Operational and financial resilience, with no material pressure on our 
capital in 2021 we can absorb materially adverse impacts from the 
COVID-19 pandemic 

•	 Zero cases of COVID-19 at Mnazi Bay to date and no adverse impacts on 

our business operations

COVID-19 OUTLOOK 

In Tanzania, the ‘second wave’ of the COVID-19 pandemic is creating some 
concern  within  the  natural  gas  sector  as  companies  adopt  lock-down 
measures and continue to work from home. This has led to the reintroduction 
of  voluntary  protocols  by  international  companies  to  protect  their  people 
and  restrict  the  spread  of  the  virus.  These  precautionary  and  contingency 
measures are working well for Wentworth and we will continue to prioritise 
the safety of our staff and operations.

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

5

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Our goal for the next 
year will be to focus on 
pursuing the right growth 
opportunities both within 
our existing asset and 
beyond.

2020 has been a year unlike any seen for several generations. 
While  I won’t  dwell  on the  impact  of the  COVID-19  pandemic 
on all our lives, I will say that the resilience of humanity to adapt 
in the face of change is cause for hope. Despite the uncertainty 
we face, I have no doubt that once the spread of the pandemic 
is contained, life will resume – hopefully with a renewed sense of 
perspective, optimism, and gratitude.

CONTINUED FINANCIAL STRENGTH
For Wentworth, 2020 has been a remarkable year. Our strong 
operational profile and agility has not only seen us weather the 
economic storm but thrive in the face of adversity. Being solely 
a natural gas producer with fixed price contracts, we have not 
been  subject  to  the  volatile  price  swings  that  have  created 
financial  difficulties  faced  by  other  E&Ps.  This  has  resulted  in 
us outperforming many of our oil and gas sector peers on the 
London Stock Exchange. 

While  others  faced  financial  challenges,  we  continued  to 
strengthen  our  balance  sheet.  Our  rigour  has  enabled  us  to 
continue providing sustainable returns to our shareholders. Having 
introduced  our  divided  policy  and  maiden  dividend  in  2019,  we 
increased our dividend payout by 27% in 2020. This commitment 
puts us as one of only three AIM-listed exploration and production 
companies to be paying an annual dividend to shareholders. 

ONGOING DEMAND FOR NATURAL GAS
Operationally,  our  single  producing  asset  at  Mnazi  Bay  in 
Southern  Tanzania  continues  to  perform  well.  Demand  has 
remained stable on an annualised basis despite a slight decline 
in 2020, and we expect ongoing growth over the coming years 
in  line  with  Tanzania’s  ambition  to  achieve  universal  energy 
access by 2030. With the important role natural gas plays in the 
country’s  energy  mix,  we  are  confident  that Wentworth  is  well 
positioned to benefit from any increase in demand. 

GROWTH AS OUR FOCUS
Over  the  past  year  we  continued  to  reduce  G&A  expenditure, 
although we incurred additional legal costs from exploring and 
negotiating a couple of specific growth opportunities. Despite 
many  positive  conversations,  restrictions  from  the  COVID-19 
pandemic made negotiations challenging. Looking to the year 

6

Wentworth Resources plc

ahead, we are optimistic that as the global situation improves, 
we  will  continue  those  discussions.  Our  focus  is  on  exploring 
opportunities  in  East Africa  –  primarily  in Tanzania  where  our 
operational focus and unique proposition sits. 

Our goal for the next year will be to focus on pursuing the right 
growth opportunities both within our existing asset and beyond 
that to support our existing stable operations. Whilst we are not 
budgeting  for  any  significant  capital  projects  in  2021,  we  are 
continuing  to  work  with  our  Operator,  Etablissements  Maurel 
et  Prom  (“Maurel  &  Prom”),  on  an  optimal  field  development 
plan. A minimal work programme will allow us to strengthen our 
balance sheet further by year-end. This solid financial base will 
also give us the ability to leverage our position in any competitive 
negotiations where appropriate; it is paramount to us that any 
growth  will  be  responsible  and  only  on  terms  that  protect  our 
existing shareholder returns and core asset value. 

A DEPARTING NOTE
Sadly this will be my last Chairman’s message as I will be stepping 
down at the end of June. I am doing so knowing that Wentworth 
is in the best financial shape of its 11-year history. I am extremely 
proud of what has been accomplished since Wentworth acquired 
its East African assets and would like to thank all who have helped 
along the way, not only the Company Directors and employees 
both past and present, but also our joint venture partners and the 
Governments of both Tanzania and Mozambique. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our staff in Dar 
es Salaam for their unwavering commitment during this difficult 
time.  A  special  thanks  too  to  Katherine  Roe,  our  CEO,  for  her 
work ethic and outstanding contribution to the Company over 
the  past  year.  Katherine  has  been  a  joy  to  work  with  and  will 
continue to steer us forward into 2021 and beyond.

Finally,  I  would  like  to  thank  all  our  shareholders  for  their 
continued support in a year when the health of family and loved 
ones has been the main concern for all.

Robert McBean 
Chairman
21 April 2021 

 
2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

77

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsCHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT

Wentworth is now in 
the most financially and 
operationally robust position 
in its corporate history. We are 
also extremely fortunate to have 
strong relationships with all our 
stakeholders including our 
partners in Tanzania and 
supportive shareholders. 

8 Wentworth Resources plc
8

Wentworth Resources plcOUR STRATEGY AND FOCUSSTRATEGIC REPORTWhilst  we  are  all  experiencing  the  effects  of  the  COVID-19 
pandemic, we are fortunate that the resilience of our business 
has seen us successfully weather the storm.

CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS
The  strength  of  Wentworth  during  the  tumultuous  year  that 
was 2020 has been testament to the work put in to reform our 
operational structure over recent years. 

In  2018  and  2019,  we  shifted  away  from  a  multi-jurisdictional 
structure  to  something  much  simpler.  We  redomiciled  our 
business from Canada to Jersey and delisted from the Oslo Børs. 
This  means  that  we  are  now  a Jersey  incorporated  company, 
with  a  lean  UK-based  senior  management  team  and  Board, 
listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. 

With a fresh team and more agile structure – our emphasis on 
enforcing strong fiscal discipline has been a key objective. While 
we  couldn’t  have  predicted  the  events  to  come  in  2020,  our 
efforts have put us in good stead while many of our peers have 
struggled in the current environment.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
We  recorded  milestone  gas  sales  revenue  for  2020  of  $18.9 
million, EBITDAX of $9.7 million and net profit of $3.4 million. Our 
net cash at year-end was $17.8 million, a significant improvement 
from our cash position at the end of 2019 ($11.8 million).

Since entering production at Mnazi Bay in 2015, we have focused 
on paying down our outstanding debt. As of January 2020, we 
are now debt free and have built strong cash reserves through 
the  year.  As  we  look  ahead,  our  limited  work  programme  at 
Mnazi Bay will require no additional major capital expenditure 
until  2023/2024  –  which  will  further  strengthen  our  positive 
financial position.

In September 2019, we announced our maiden dividend policy 
and payment. In April 2020 and October 2020, we paid further 
dividends  whilst  also  increasing  the  level  of  payout.  We  are 
proud  to  continue  our  sustainable  dividend  policy  despite  the 
global  challenges  facing  all  of  us,  further  evidenced  by  the 
declaration  of  our  final  dividend  of  $2.6  million  bringing  the 
total dividend distribution for 2020 to $3.8 million representing 
1.5 pence per share.

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
The combination of unseasonal heavy rainfall in Tanzania and 
the impacts of COVID-19 led to production variability in 2020. 
The  rainfall,  which  began  in  October  2019  and  lasted  until 
the end of May 2020 meant increased availability of cheaper 
hydro-electric power from Tanzania’s hydro-electric dams. This 
reduced gas-fired power demand by approximately 5%. 

The additional closure of businesses and hotels due to COVID-19 
related  restrictions  coupled  with  erratic  demand  from  local 
industries in the Mtwara and Lindi regions led to an overall decline 
in demand for natural gas-fired generation during the year. 

Yet,  despite  these  challenges,  our  core  asset  at  Mnazi  Bay 
produced  an  average  of  65.5  MMscf/day  in  2020.  This  was 

in  line  with  our  updated  guidance  range  of  60-70  MMscf/day. 
Working alongside our operator, Maurel & Prom, our commitment 
to  continue  our  workover  programme  during  the  year  enabled 
our  assets  to  continue  to  perform  well  and  can  now  supply 
100  MMscf/day  to  meet  any  additional  demand.  Due  to  this 
continued commitment, we reached 103 MMscf/day (gross) for 
five  consecutive  days  and  a  record  high  of  103.4  MMscf/day 
was achieved on 15 December 2020. We were also pleased to 
announce  our  strongest  ever  quarter  with  our  full  year  results 
where production volumes averaged 85 MMscf/day for Q1 2021. 

Our  most  recent  Reserves  Report,  as  of  31  December  2020, 
outlined Wentworth’s share of 2P Reserves of 142.2 Bscf (gross) 
with a post-tax NPV10 of $116.6 million net to Wentworth ($118.6 
million in 2019). It should be noted that during 2020, Wentworth 
increased its cash position to $17.8 million, while distributing in 
cash $3.2 million in dividends, compared to cash of $13.5 million 
as at 31 December 2019. 

SUSTAINABILITY
As a natural gas supplier to the domestic market in Tanzania, we 
support the ongoing development of the country to create shared 
value  for  our  business,  our  environment  and  broader  society. 
Over  the  past  year,  our  Board  and  management  team  have 
reflected on Wentworth’s role as a responsible operator, what this 
means to us and how we must continue to focus on bolstering 
our performance and transparency when it comes to managing 
and  disclosing  on  key  Environmental,  Social  and  Governance 
(“ESG”)  factors. To  showcase  our  efforts,  we  produced  our  first 
annual  Sustainability  Report  in  April  2021,  which  outlines  our 
ongoing commitment to ESG. I was also proud to announce our 
membership to the UN Global Compact in early 2021 to enhance 
our voluntary responsible business practice disclosure. 

LOOKING AHEAD
Wentworth is now in the most financially and operationally robust 
position in its corporate history. We are also extremely fortunate 
to have strong relationships with all our stakeholders including our 
partners in Tanzania and supportive shareholders. We believe it 
is this powerful mix that will provide Wentworth with the ability to 
execute on the right growth opportunities at the right time. Given 
the  strength  of  our  business,  we  will  not  compromise  our  core 
asset or our returns to shareholders for growth’s sake. We firmly 
believe the position we have built for ourselves sets us apart to 
capitalise on opportunities at the optimal moment. 

I would like to pay tribute to Bob McBean as he ends his 11 year 
leadership  of  Wentworth.  With  no  commodity  price  volatility 
exposure,  a  strong  balance  sheet  and  strong  operational 
resilience, he leaves the Board with the Company in great health 
to pursue his ongoing vision of Wentworth as a champion in the 
East African gas sector. I would like to thank all our shareholders 
and wider stakeholders for their ongoing support. 

Katherine Roe 
Chief Executive Officer
21 April 2021 

9

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsSTRATEGIC REPORT
OUR STRATEGY AND BUSINESS MODEL

Our strategy is to maximise 
shareholder value through 
asset optimisation and 
fiscal responsibility. 

FINAL DIVIDEND 
FOR 2020

$3.8 

MILLION

CASH
AT 31 DEC 2020

$17.8

MILLION

10

Wentworth Resources plc2P NPV10
AFTER TAX 

$116.6

MILLION
(NET TO 
WENTWORTH)

2020 REVENUE

$18.9 

MILLION

2020 OPEX 

$0.69

/MSCF

AVERAGE DAILY
GAS PRODUCTION 

65.5

MMSCF/DAY
(GROSS)

ORGANIC GROWTH
Working closely with our operator Maurel & Prom, we put in place 
efforts  to  maximise  the  value  from  Mnazi  Bay  through  organic 
growth. To achieve this, we work alongside our Mnazi Bay joint 
venture (“JV”) partners to:

•	 Monitor field production and pressures to ensure reservoir 
performance  remains  in  line  with  expectations  and  that 
production  forecasts  are  coordinated  with  the  reservoir 
management strategy;

•	 Perform  routine  maintenance  and  inspections  to  ensure 

that equipment and facilities are fully operational;

•	 Work with Government and other stakeholders to promote 
alignment  and  compliance  with  local  policy,  legislation, 
and regulation;

•	 Communicate  and  engage  with  Government  to  create 
shared value and build a sustainable future for the sector 
and country; and 

•	 Conduct  operations  that  increase  Mnazi  Bay’s  overall 
deliverability  and  ability  to  meet  Tanzania’s  growing 
demand for natural gas.

FUTURE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
We  continued  to  strengthen  our  fiscal  position  in  2020,  which 
will  enable  us  to  explore  further  growth  opportunities  in  our 
operational hub of Tanzania in 2021.

As of 2020, our financial outlook includes:

•	 Continuous regular payments from the Tanzania Petroleum 
Development  Corporation  (“TPDC”)  who  have  remained 
current throughout the period;

•	 A cash balance of $17.8 million at 2020 year-end; and

•	 Zero  debt  following  the  final  loan  repayment  in  January 

2020.

Our  strong  financial  performance  has  contributed  to  our 
strengthened  dividend  policy.  Since  2019,  we  have  declared  a 
total of $6.8 million to shareholders, including a total of$3.8 million 
for the financial year 2020 (an increase of 27% year-on-year).

2P RESERVES

142.2

BSCF

11

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesSTRATEGIC REPORT
MNAZI BAY LICENCE SUMMARY

As one of Tanzania’s leading onshore natural gas 
providers, we are delivering organic growth aligned 
with the nation’s ambitious growth goals whilst 
providing consistent returns for our shareholders.

The Mnazi Bay Development and Production Licence (“Mnazi Bay”) sits in southern Tanzania, 
approximately 410 km south of Dar es Salaam. Covering an area of 756 km2, the site is comprised 
of the Mnazi Bay and Msimbati producing gas fields, which have been on production since 
January 2007. 

AVERAGE DAILY
PRODUCTION 

65.5

MMSCF/DAY
(GROSS)

12 Wentworth Resources plc

A HISTORY OF MNAZI BAY
The Mnazi Bay gas field was discovered in 1982 by AGIP. The first 
well, Mnazi Bay #1 (“MB-1”), tested gas from a Miocene formation 
at rates of 13 MMscf/day. After testing, the well was suspended 
by AGIP, due to lack of viable gas monetisation options at the 
time.  The  concession  was  subsequently  relinquished  by  AGIP. 
The licence was acquired by Artumas (now Wentworth) in 2004. 
In  2005,  the  MB-1  well  was  re-entered,  and  three  subsequent 
gas  discoveries  were  made  (MB-2,  MB-3  and  MS-1X).  Two 
additional seismic surveys were conducted in 2007 and 2008.
In 2015, the MB-4 development well was drilled, adding to the 
existing production wells on the Mnazi Bay Concession.

On  26  October  2006,  the  Tanzanian  Ministry  of  Energy  and 
Minerals  (“MEM”)  granted  a  development  licence  to  TPDC 
covering one discovery block and eight adjoining blocks, which 
comprise  the  Mnazi  Bay  contract  area,  covering  the  same 
area as the original PSA exploration licence. The development 
licence has an initial 25-year term to 2031 and may be extended 
under certain conditions.

The  Mnazi  Bay  field  has  experienced  continuous  production 
since it was first put on stream in January 2007. Critically, in August 
2015, the tie-in to the Tanzanian transnational gas pipeline was 
completed  and  gas  deliveries  commenced  to  this  pipeline  as 
well. This was followed by the commissioning of gas production 
facilities at Madimba and Songo Songo; and the gas receiving 
facility at Kinyerezi in Dar es Salaam which distributes gas to four 
power stations with a joint maximum capacity of 620 MW. 

Maurel & Prom assumed Operatorship of Mnazi Bay in 2009. A 
3D seismic survey covering 328 km2 of the offshore area of the 
block was acquired during 2012 to 2013. In 2014, an additional 
315 kms of onshore 2D seismic and 58 line-kms of high resolution 
2D  seismic  was  acquired  and  processed. The  MB-4  well  was 
drilled and completed as a gas producer in June 2015.

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

13

The Mnazi Bay PSA produces gas which is predominantly sold into 
the NNGI (“National Natural Gas Infrastructure”) Pipeline.

OUR WORKING INTEREST
Mnazi Bay is operated by Maurel & Prom (48.06%) with Wentworth 
Resources (31.94%) and the TPDC (20%) as JV partners. This is the 
only development licence in Tanzania to include TPDC in a Joint 
Operating Agreement. Mnazi Bay gas sold to TPDC is primarily 
utilised by Tanzania Electric Supply Company (“TANESCO”).

For exploration activities, Maurel & Prom hold a 60.075% working 
interest  with  Wentworth  holding  a  39.925%  working  interest. 
TPDC is carried on exploration costs; however, it is responsible 
for its share of development and operational costs (20%). 

Wentworth’s working interests represent the interest in field gross 
recoverable volumes (and cost commitments), not net entitlements 
after application of royalties or equivalent deductions.

Production  operations  on  the  development  licence  area  are 
governed by the Production Sharing Agreement (“PSA”), which 
was  executed  in  2004. This  is  a  cost  recovery  agreement  and 
contains detailed cost recovery and profit-sharing arrangements 
as well as production royalty payment obligations.

Strategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesOUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19

The world continues to face a global pandemic 
of unprecedented scale. The COVID-19 crisis has 
created great uncertainty about the future for the 
global economy and the well-being of society. 

THE TANZANIAN RESPONSE
The first case of COVID-19 was reported in Tanzania on 16 March 
2020 in Arusha Region of northern Tanzania. Subsequently, the 
Government  of Tanzania  convened  a task  force to  coordinate 
the response with international partners that included the World 
Health  Organisation  (“WHO”),  international  donors  agencies 
and the private sector. 

By the first week of April 2020, numbers of COVID-19 cases in the 
country  increased  substantially.  The  Government  of  Tanzania 
put in place immediate interventions to mitigate the spread of 
the virus by:

•	 Closing all schools and high learning institutions; 

•	 Suspending  all  international  passenger,  chartered,  and 
private air-traffic, including inbound flights to Tanzania;

•	 Supporting  the  private  sector’s  efforts  to  cope  with  the 
economic  impact  of  the  pandemic  by  expediting  the 
verification and clearance processes for Value Added Tax 
(“VAT”) payments and refund arrears;

•	 The  Bank  of Tanzania  reduced  the  discount  rate  and  the 
minimum  reserve  requirement  to  inject  liquidity  into  the 
financial system;

•	 The  Government  of  Tanzania  introduced  “Deduction  on 
contributions  for  COVID-19  and  contributions  to  AIDS 
Trust Fund” through the Finance Act, 2020. This allowed for 
income  tax  deduction  on  contributions  made  in  the  fight 
against COVID-19 and AIDS Trust Fund.

In  late  April  2020,  the  Government  stopped  releasing  new 
figures following a Presidential directive to form a committee to 
investigate the accuracy of the test results. By mid-May 2020, 
the  Government  eased  the  COVID-19  protocols  and  practices 
county-wide. 

As  a  result,  the Tanzania  economy  has  fared  relatively  well  in 
2020 compared to its Eastern African neighbours, but economic 
growth  has  slowed. The  country’s  real  GDP  growth  rate  fell  to 
an estimated 2% in 2020, although GDP growth averaging 6.1% 
year-on-year is expected going forward.

The safety of 
our employees is 
our highest priority. 
As of February 2021, no 
COVID-19 cases had been 
reported amongst our 
employees. 

14 Wentworth Resources plc

STRATEGIC REPORTStrategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

THE WENTWORTH RESPONSE
The  safety  of  our  employees  is  our  highest  priority.  As  of 
February 2021, no COVID-19 cases had been reported amongst 
our  employees.  From  the  outset  of  the  pandemic,  in  March 
2020,  Wentworth  insisted  that  its  employees  follow  COVID-19 
protocols and guidance from the WHO and health authorities. 
During  this  period,  Wentworth  implemented  several  initiatives 
to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on its operations. This 
included: 

•	 closing the Dar es Salaam office between 27 March – 15 

June 2020;

•	 enabling all professional staff to work from home. Support 
staff followed a roster of support activities which reduced 
their on-site exposure by 60%;

•	 providing  additional  cleaning  and  sanitisation  routines, 

with a focus on high-touch surfaces;

•	 enforcing  strict  hygiene  and  exposure  protocols  including 
the regular use of hand sanitiser, social distancing and the 
wearing of a mask at all times when exposed to non-family 
members; and

•	 requiring  self-quarantine  for  10  days  in  the  case  of  an 
employee showing symptoms or having had direct contact 
with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19.

THE MNAZI BAY RESPONSE 
In  2020,  Mnazi  Bay  experienced  a  decline  in  production  of 
6.9%  compared  to  the  previous  year.  This  impact  is  directly 
attributable  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  and  several  other 
factors (see page 16). 

To ensure uninterrupted production, and that the gas field was 
able to supply additional capacity based on any demand spikes, 
several safety measures were introduced. These included: 

•	

limiting  access  to  the  operations  camp  to  ensure  that  no 
one could leave or enter the production facilities without a 
special permit or arrangement from the Field Manager;

•	 crew  change  (which  typically  occurs  every  28  days)  was 
suspended for 3 months from April-July to minimise exposure; 

•	 mandatory wearing of masks and use of sanitisers;

•	 awareness  campaigns  were  conducted  on  a  continual 

basis within the camp;

•	 suspension of all mass gatherings (such as weekly meetings 

and emergency drills);

•	 regular managerial communication with Health Authorities 

in the Mtwara Region;

•	 all activities conducted within the camp to consider social 
distancing protocols even dining and work teams; and

•	 each staff member given a COVID-19 protocols induction.

SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
Wentworth  donated  medical  supplies 
the  value  of 
approximately  $43,400  (TZS  100  Million)  to  support  the 
Government of Tanzania in the fight against COVID-19 . 

to 

The  donation  was  aimed  at  supporting  the  Government  of 
Tanzania  in  its  efforts  to  supply  much  needed  relief  materials 
and critical health care facilities. The donation provided medical 
supplies  including  personal  protective  equipment  and  other 
equipment for hospitals and front-line medical staff in Mtwara 
and Dar es Salaam. 

Minister  of  Health  and  Mnazi  Bay  partners  hand  over  a  donation  of  medical 
equipment  to  fight  COVID-19.  From  left  to  right:  Angelina  Ngalula  (Chair  of 
Tanzania  Private  Sector  Foundation);  Richard  Tainton  (Country  Manager, 
Wentworth  Gas  Limited),  Nicolas  Engel  (Country  Manager,  Maurel  et  Prom), 
Ummy  Mwalimu  (Honourable  Minister  of  Health,  United  Republic  of Tanzania), 
James Mataragio (MD, TPDC). 

15

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsMNAZI BAY PRODUCTION OPERATIONS

2020 OPEX 

$0.69

/MSCF

Schematic showing the producing wells and 
intervals in the Mnazi Bay gas field. The field 
currently produces from three Miocene aged 
intervals, the MS upper sand, MB upper sand, 
and MB lower sand.

The Mnazi Bay field currently produces from a total of five wells, 
namely  the  MB-1,  MB-2,  MB-3,  MB-4,  and  MS-1X.  The  field 
began production in January 2007, producing 2.5 MMscf/day 
to the Mtwara power station. 

In  October  2015,  the  Government  owned  Madimba  gas 
processing  plant  and  the  NNGI  were  completed  and 
commissioned. This  allowed  for  production  from  Mnazi  Bay 
to be increased with material production from 2016, as shown 
in the graph below:

Gross Gas Production (MMscf/day)
90

83.2

70.3

65.5

43.1

49.1

60

30

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

PRODUCTION OVERVIEW
Mnazi Bay gas production averaged 65.5 MMscf/day in 2020, 
a fall in production from 2019. This was due to several factors:

1).  unseasonal  heavy  rainfall  within  the  catchment  areas  of 
in-country  hydroelectric  dams.  The  rains  started  in  early 
October  2019  (the  rainy  season  typically  commencing 
from  March)  and  lasted  until  the  end  of  May  2020. 
Consequently,  the  hydro-dams  were  filled  to  capacity, 
which  led  to  an  increased  availability  of  hydroelectric 
power and a subsequent reduction in natural gas demand;

2).  erratic  demand  from  industrial  customers  due  to  the 
construction  and  commissioning  of  their  own  on-site 
electricity generation infrastructure. Additional breakdowns 
and  switching  of  electricity  service  providers  (such  as 
Dangote switching from turbine tech to on-site generation 
in  November  2020)  also  contributed  to  decreased  gas 
demand; and

3).  constrained demand on the national grid due to COVID-19 
lock down protocols in April to June of 2020 contributed to 
a reduction in demand of around 5%.

Gas is sold to TPDC on a fixed rate contract which is subject to 
an annual escalation based on US CPI. In 2020, the gas tariff 
associated  with  supply  to  TPDC  Gasco  was  $3.2425/MMbtu; 
sold at the Mnazi Bay plant gate (excluding transport charges). 
TANESCO purchased the gas at a fixed tariff of $5.36/MMbtu.

PRODUCTION OUTLOOK
We anticipate overall demand growth to increase in 2021. Key 
drivers include:

1).  Increased demand due to the emergence of the industrial 

sector from COVID-19 restrictions; 

2).  The extension of the high voltage transmission network; 

3).  The connection of new industrial customers, estimated to 

be in the region of 1 MMscf/day; 

4).  The  expansion  of  the  Mtwara  power  plant  by  8.6  MW, 

increasing demand by 1 MMscf/day;

5).  The  pending  completion  of  the  Kinyerezi-1  extension, 
increasing maximum demand by up to 30 MMscf/day. 

16

Wentworth Resources plcSTRATEGIC REPORTStrategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

Our guidance 
range is well below the 
maximum sustainable rate 
(> 100 MMscf/day) that can 
be produced from the Mnazi 
Bay field, meaning that we 
have additional capacity 
to serve any increase in 
demand.

PRODUCTION GUIDANCE
Our 2021, production guidance for Mnazi Bay is 65-75 MMscf/
day (annual average daily production). This guidance is based 
on a conservative demand forecast determined from four years 
of  detailed  historic  monthly  demand  and  production  data  at 
Mnazi Bay. Growth scalers based on GDP growth rate, tempered 
by historic plant availability and serviceability ratios for each off-
taker were also considered. 

Our model considers data for each month to anticipate seasonal 
fluctuations  in  demand  and  production. We  work  closely  with 
TPDC to determine the load from new customers. Together we 
assess and monitor their list of new off-takers and assume that 
their maximum demand is achieved over a three-year period.

Due to our collective size and capacity, it is expected that much 
of the anticipated extra demand will be assigned to the Mnazi 
Bay  JV  partners.  During  2020,  other  gas  suppliers  averaged 
approximately  25  MMscf/day  into  the  NNGI  pipeline,  whilst 
Mnazi Bay averaged 65.5 MMscf/day.

As  well  as  supplying  the  Gas  Processing  Facility  (“GPF”)  at 
Madimba into the NNGI pipeline (with a capacity of up to 210 
MMscf/day),  Mnazi  Bay  JV  partners  also  supply  the  Mtwara 
power station. The power station averages 2.5 MMscf/day for 
the  Mtwara/Lindi  isolated  grid,  serving  16  towns  and  villages 
across the two regions. 

There are plans for TPDC to develop more demand for gas in 
Mtwara in the years to come. Notably, TPDC and the Mnazi Bay 
JV  partners  have  implemented  a  project  to  supply  domestic 
gas  to  the  newly  built  Mtwara  gas  network,  which  will  supply 
residential households in the region. 

Mnazi Bay Field Monthly Average Production

Actual Gas Deliveries (MMscf/day)
100

80

60

40

20

0

2018

2019

2020

17

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsMNAZI BAY OPERATIONS REVIEW

Like many operations around the world, our Mnazi Bay 
partners faced unprecedented challenges from the 
COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite new constraints, 
Mnazi Bay continued to remain operational throughout 
the year, supplying the Tanzanian National Grid with over 
50% of its natural gas requirements, and over 30% of its 
total electricity generation. 

MNAZI BAY 2020 HEALTH AND SAFETY: 
UNDETERRED BY COVID
The  operations  camp  in  Mnazi  Bay  remained  COVID-19 
free  during  the  entirety  of  2020. This  was  a  result  of  the  due-
diligence and attention to protocols and practices deployed by 
the Mnazi Bay Partners and their staff, to ensure safe practices 
were upheld throughout the pandemic. For example, during the 
three critical COVID-19 months of April, May and June 2020, the 
incumbent operations crew remained committed to their tasks 
and the usual monthly crew change was suspended to minimise 
the risk of infection. 

The outcome of this professionalism meant that the operations 
camp remained functional every day in 2020. It also resulted in 
Manzi  Bay  producing  an  average  of  65.5  MMscf/day  for  the 
year – well in line with projected guidance. 

As of 2020, the Mnazi Bay Operations have achieved four years 
without a Lost Time Incident (“LTI”).

HIGHLIGHTS

Total gas production 
65.5 MMscf/d

Gas export to TPDC Madimba 
63.2 MMscf/d

Gas export to TANESCO Mtwara 
2.3 MMscf/d

Gas export to Gasco Mtwara 
c. 0.002 MMscf/d

Condensate production 
c. 8.8 bbl/d 

18 Wentworth Resources plc
18

Wentworth Resources plcSTRATEGIC REPORTincreased  demand  which  will  provide  the  Mtwara  community 
with affordable and safe energy for their cooking and heating 
requirements. 

Metering skid and odorizer at the GRF at Mtwara

RUPTURE OF THE MB-2 PIPELINE 
A  rupture  to  the  MB-2  Pipeline  which  occurred  on  23  August 
2020 was repaired by 7 December 2020. 

The  old  Soluforce  pipe  was  replaced  with  a  newer  and 
better  generation  pipe.  Following  successful  testing  and 
commissioning, the MB-2 well was brought back into production 
shortly thereafter.

The  rupture  was  caused  by  transportation  damage  to  the 
original pipe, as well as corrosion on its metallic armor interior. 
A  200  m  length  of  pipe  was  replaced  with  the  newer,  higher 
specification features.

WORKING WITH THE NATIONAL AGGREGATOR TO BUILD 
A MORE SUSTAINABLE CONTRACT 
In 2020, the Mnazi Bay JV Partners concluded and signed an 
addendum to the Gas Sales Agreement (“GSA”) with the TPDC 
to revise existing terms, and provide a more practical contract 
to manage. 

The  changes  included  an  amendment  to  the  Deficiency  Gas 
clause  which  will  annualise  determination.  The  definition  of 
Maximum  Daily  Quantity  (“MDQ”)  was  also  amended  to 
incentivise production above MDQ, and the excess gas charge 
for quantities less than 120% of MDQ was removed. 

Subsequently  with  the  GSA,  signed  into  commercial  effect  in 
2019,  and  the  new  addendum  signed  in  2020,  the  Mnazi  Bay 
Partners  now  have  a  solid  and  sustainable  contract  with  the 
Government of Tanzania. The Mnazi Bay asset is now bankable 
in terms of securing finance for growth and development and 
thus provides for contract stability. 

RESERVOIR PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE 
The current maximum sustainable rate of production at Mnazi 
Bay  is  100  MMscf/day.  It  would  be  possible  to  increase  this  if 
the current specification for the pipeline inlet pressure is reduced 
from  its  current  level  of  85  Bar(g).  Discussions  with  TPDC 
regarding  this  change  remain  ongoing.  This  will  allow  for  the 
field to produce more cumulative volumes before compression 
is  required.  It  will  also  allow  the  field  to  produce  at  rates  over  
100  MMscf/day  as  demand  grows.  In  2020,  we  recorded 
our  highest  daily  production  record  with  the  Mnazi  Bay  Field 
producing 110.7 MMscf/day in March 2021. 

Since  production  began 
in  2007,  reservoir  pressure  has 
decreased  by  17%  for  Upper  Msimbati,  33%  for  Upper  Mnazi 
Bay and 5% for Lower Mnazi Bay Sands. Mnazi Bay continues to 
provide dry and sweet gas with a stable Condensate-Gas Ratio 
of 0.14 bbl/MMscf and Water-Gas Ratio of 0.61 bbl/MMscf. The 
water-gas ratio of 0.61 bbl/MMscf, is monitored closely meaning 
there is no coning effect. Mnazi Bay Gas is non-corrosive and 
almost 100% methane (CH4). There is no hydrogen sulfide (H2S) 
and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are near negligible (0.02%).

MTWARA DOMESTIC GAS PROJECT
The Mtwara Domestic Gas Project is set to supply domestic gas 
to private households in Mtwara. It is the first phase of a broader 
TPDC  initiative  which  will  supply  domestic  gas  to  individual 
households and businesses throughout Mtwara via a newly built 
reticulation network. 

Manzi Bay Partners have installed equipment at the Mtwara 
Gas Receiving Facility (“GRF”) to supply the gas. This includes 
the  installation  of  an  odorizer  and  a  metering  skid  –  which 
will be reimbursed by TPDC. The work commenced in August 
2020 and was completed on 15 September 2020.

The  current  gas  export  is  in  the  order  of  1,800  scf/day.  Over 
the  medium  term  however,  the  project  is  expected  to  deliver 

Rolls of composite pipe used to repair flowline connecting MB-2 well to the Mnazi 
Bay gathering system 

19

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesMNAZI BAY OPERATIONS REVIEW CONTINUED

SLICK LINE OPERATIONS
Mnazi Bay conducted a slickline operation in December 2020. 
This was the first slickline operation since December 2019. The 
operations performed were:

•	 Conducting a compression study, a domestic gas project, 
and,  an  update  to  the  Supervisory  Control  and  Data 
Acquisition System at both GRF and GPF;

•	 Contracting  local  village  contractors  to  maintain  the 

•	 A Static Gradient Survey at MB-4 completed following the 

Pipeline Wayleave; 

MB-2 flowline repair;

•	 Retrieve pressure gauges for three wells; and

•	 Conduct a brine injection on the MB-4 well to introduce a 

brine column.

POSTPONED JOBS (DUE TO COVID-19)
The following activities were postponed in 2020 because of the 
COVID-19 pandemic. They have subsequently been scheduled 
for 2021:

•	 MB-1 refurbishment;

•	 10-year vessel inspection;

•	 8” intelligent pigging; and

•	 Compression study.

2021 OPERATIONS MAIN ACTIVITIES AND BUDGET
The Mnazi Bay JV Partners have agreed to a firm 2021 work 
programme. With a gross budget of $13 million, the programme 
will  focus  on  field  maintenance  work  to  ensure  the  stability 
of  future  operations,  an  increase  operational  flexibility  and 
insight  into  future  project  timing  and  requirements.  Notable 
projects include:

•	

Inspecting pipeline gauge runs for a new 8” pipeline from 
Mnazi Bay to Mtwara;

•	 Undertaking  a  pre-front  end  engineering  and  design 
(“FEED”)  study  on  gas  compression  requirements  and 
installing a thermal water evaporator;

•	 Smart pigging of the new 8” pipeline; 

•	 Removing all oil-based muds;

•	 Completing a new EMP for Mnazi Bay; and

•	

Installing new chokes on all wells.

PROCUREMENT IN 2020
Total procurement in 2020 was $6.3 million; of which local content 
accounted for 91%. A breakdown of the non-local Procurement is 
as follows:

•	 56% for Soluforce pipe for MB-2 repair;

•	 19% for production spare parts;

•	 11% for cathodic protection;

•	 7% for operating manual;

•	 5% for technicians; and

•	 2% for other costs.

Most  non-local  procurement  payments  are  a  one-time 
purchase.  The  vast  majority  of  equipment  bought  outside 
the  country  involves  technology  that  is  not  yet  available  in 
Tanzania  (especially  for  the  Oil  and  Gas  industry). The  Mnazi 
Bay Partners always prioritise local contractors for procurement 
where appropriate and we support the Government in its aims 
to support local peopele and businesses.

The JV 
Partners have 
agreed a firm 2021 
work programme 
of $13 million.

20 Wentworth Resources plc

STRATEGIC REPORT4.1

4.6

8.7

0.5

9.2

15.1

20.6

NPV After Tax

Million US$

15%

20%

36.7

34.2

24.9

27.8

52.7

2.6

55.3

90.8

233.5

10%

39.5

7.5

MNAZI BAY RESERVES SUMMARY

The attributable Proved and Probable reserves net to Wentworth’s working interest are 142.2 Bcf of sales gas (gross), which correspond 
to an estimated after tax NPV10 of $116.6 million per the Competent Persons Report (“CPR”) performed by RPS Canada, with an effective 
date of 31 December 2020.

FIELD

WENTWORTH 31.94% WI

Gross Reserves

Gross Reserves

Net Reserves

Sales Gas

BOE

Sales Gas

BOE

Sales Gas

BOE

Reserve Category

(Bscf)

(MMbbl)

(Bscf)

(MMbbl)

(Bscf)

(MMbbl)

Proved Developed Producing (PDP)

Proved Developed

Total Proved Developed (PD)

Proved Undeveloped

Total Proved (1P)

Proved + Probable (2P)

Proved + Probable + Possible (3P)

90.4

100.8

191.2

48.8

240.0

445.3

637.8

15.1

16.8

31.9

8.1

40.0

74.2

106.3

28.9

32.2

61.1

15.6

76.7

142.2

203.7

4.8

5.4

10.2

2.6

12.8

23.7

34.0

Reserve Category

Producing

Non-Producing

Undeveloped

0%

50.1

9.6

70.9

NPV Before Tax

Million US$

5%

10%

15%

20%

0%

5%

46.3

42.8

39.7

36.9

45.8

42.6

8.8

54.1

8.1

7.5

7.0

42.1

33.4

26.9

Total Proved (1P)

130.6

109.2

93.0

80.6

70.8

Probable

83.4

56.7

41.4

Proved + Probable (2P)

214.0

165.9

134.4

Possible

74.4

52.3

39.6

32.5

113.1

32.1

27.1

97.9

27.4

8.9

56.9

111.6

75.9

8.1

7.0

42.0

31.4

23.8

6.5

18.2

92.7

78.4

67.5

58.9

51.9

38.1

30.0

25.1

187.5

144.6

116.6

97.5

84.0

67.8

47.8

36.4

29.5

25.1

Proved + Probable + Possible (3P)

288.4

218.2

174.0

145.2

125.3

255.3

192.4

152.9

127.0

109.1

21

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesTANZANIA LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK

LOCAL CONTENT REQUIREMENTS 
The  Petroleum  (Local  Content)  Regulations  (2017)  were 
enacted  by  the  Government  of  Tanzania  through  the 
Ministry of Energy, to provide guidelines for local content 
in the oil and gas sector. The Local Content Regulations 
require licencees, contractors and subcontractors working 
in  the  oil  and  gas  industry  to  give  preference  to  goods 
and  services  that  are  manufactured  or  locally  available 
in Tanzania.

To  regulate  this  requirement,  the  Ministry  of  Energy 
developed the Petroleum Local Content Regulations Oil and 
Gas  Industry  Act  (2017).  These  regulations  govern  content 
matters related to upstream, mid-stream and downstream 
activities in Tanzania. 

local  content 

regulations  are  monitored  and 
The 
administered  by  the  Petroleum  Upstream  Regulatory 
Authority  (“PURA”).  PURA  is  responsible  for  reviewing, 
approving, and ensuring compliance of local content plans 
in relation to upstream licences. 

The  local  content  regulations  in  Tanzania  relate  to  the 
following  provisions:  local  employment;  procurement  of 
goods  and  services;  research  &  development;  technology 
and  innovation  transfer;  insurance  and  reinsurance;  legal 
services; engineering services; and financial services. 

OUR LOCAL CONTENT POLICY 
Wentworth  has  developed  a  local  content  policy  to  meet 
our  responsibilities.   Our  chosen  strategy  for  achieving  the 
Tanzanian local content policy objective is: 

1).  to  provide  guidelines  to  Wentworth’s  contractors, 
subcontractors and other entities in taking decisions in 
local content implementation within Wentworth; 

2).  to  increase  the  proportion  of  goods  and  services 
sourced locally without compromising on cost, quality 
or safety; 

3).  to promote job creation through efficient and beneficial 

use of local expertise; 

4).  to  promote  inclusion  of  local  products  and  services 
within our supply chain and procurement policy within 
our Tanzanian operations; 

5).  to create sustainable linkages with local suppliers; 

6).  to  promote  the  development  of  local  human  and 
institutional  capacity  through  skills  and  technology 
transfer; 

7).  to  empower  Wentworth’s  vendors 

to  develop 
capabilities to produce goods and services domestically 
and compete with international businesses; 

8).  to  provide  transparent  monitoring  and  reporting 
systems to ensure delivery of the Policy objectives.

As part of the Company’s local content plan for 2020/2021, 
we  have  developed  projects  for  workforce  development, 
procurement,  and  supplier  development  and  insurance, 
finance, and legal services plans. These plans establish the 
framework for implementing the local content programme 
during the year.

CHANGES TO LEGISLATION IN TANZANIA RELEVANT TO 
WENTWORTH’S BUSINESS DURING 2020 
The Arbitration Framework, 2020
Dispute resolution in Tanzania has taken a significant step forward 
with the  commencement  of  new  legislation  and  regulations  on 
arbitration.  The  new  Arbitration  Act,  2020,  came  into  force  on 
18  January  2021,  replacing  the  previous  Arbitration  Act,  2002. 
The  changes  bring Tanzanian  arbitration  law  more  in  line  with 
international arbitration standards. The new framework addresses 
the enforcement of foreign and domestic arbitral awards, allows 
for the creation of the Tanzanian Arbitration Centre and, for the 
first time, permits the use of foreign arbitral bodies.

Some provisions of the Act are a breakthrough for arbitration in 
Tanzania. For example, it removes the legal obstacles in using 
foreign arbitral bodies such as the London Court of International 
Arbitration, if the venue of the arbitration is in Tanzania where 
Tanzanian law applies. Previously, only arbitral bodies that were 
established in Tanzania were permitted to conduct such actions. 
This  is  no  longer  the  case,  which  is  a  welcome  development 
for  investors,  some  of  whom  had  reservations  about  the 
independence of Tanzanian bodies.

The  new  Arbitration  Act  seeks  to  enhance  the  standing  and 
professionalisation  of  Tanzanian  arbitral  bodies,  practitioners, 
and  processes.  Through  the  establishment  of  the  Tanzania 
Arbitration  Centre,  the  act  provides  for:  the  conduct  and 
management  of  arbitration  in  Tanzania;  the  registration  and 
accreditation of arbitrators; and the enforcement of the code of 
conduct and practice for arbitrators.

THE FINANCE BILL 2020 UPDATES
Source rules - services provided by non-residents
A payment for services will now have a source in Tanzania: (i) 
irrespective of the place of exercise, rendering or forbearance; 
and (ii) regardless of the place of payment, provided that the 
services are consumed in the United Republic.

In 2016, a Court of Appeal ruling confirmed that the Income Tax 
Act  2004  provided  for  the  source  of  services  to  be  determined 
by reference to the place of performance. Following this ruling a 
legislative amendment (under the Finance Act 2016) was passed 
to the provision on the source of services (s69(i)). The Finance Bill 
2020 amendment appears to effectively acknowledge that whilst 
the objective of the 2016 amendment was to make withholding 

22

Wentworth Resources plcSTRATEGIC REPORTtax  apply  to  all  payments  to  non-residents  for  services  (that  is, 
irrespective of place of performance), as drafted, it did not achieve 
this  objective. Withholding tax  is  a tax  on  income,  however the 
new  definition  makes  clear  that,  under  Tanzanian  legislation, 
its  scope  is  to  be  determined  by  reference  to  consumption  tax 
principles (namely the place of consumption).

Changes in the allowable deductions in the computation of a 
corporate taxable income
The following changes are applicable to Wentworth:

1).  Deduction on contributions for COVID-19 and contributions 
to  AIDS  Trust  Fund:  The  Finance  Act  has  introduced  an 
income tax deduction on contributions made to the AIDS 
Trust Fund established under the Tanzania Commission for 
Aids Act and contributions made to the Government in the 
fight against COVID-19. These expenses, therefore, will be 
deductible in the calculations of corporate income tax and 
shall remain an allowable deduction until the Government 
announces the end by notice in the Gazette.

2).  Interest free loans - foreign exchange losses: The deduction 
of  a  foreign  exchange  loss  realised  on  an  interest  free 
loan  is  restricted  to  no  more  than  70%  of  the  amount  of 
loss  attributable  to  such  loan  obligation.  This  restriction 
mirrors the ratio applied in the existing thin-capitalisation 
restriction  (3:7).  However,  it  is  not  clear  whether  the  non-
deductible  amount  will  be  deductible  in  the  subsequent 
years or permanently disallowed.

3).  Deductibility  of  unrelieved  losses:  The  offset  of  losses 
brought forward is limited to 70% of current year taxable 
profit before brought forward losses if an entity: (a) has tax 
losses in the preceding four years, and (b) does not operate 
in one of the sectors excluded from this limitation (namely, 
agriculture, education, health). The excess losses not utilised 
are carried forward to later years. A similar restriction was 
introduced in 2016 for entities in the extractive sector (but 
in  that  case  without  the  precondition  of  tax  losses  in  the 
preceding  four  years).  Given  this  change,  there  would 
appear to be little reason to maintain alternative minimum 
tax (applied to perpetual loss-making entities).

Agent of a non-resident person or of a “beneficial owner” 
(“resident representative”)
The 2020 Finance Act has resulted in changes to Section 4 of 
the Income Tax Act. This stipulates that a resident person who 
is  an  agent  of  a  non-resident  person  or  beneficial  owner  will 
be  required  to  pay  income  tax  on  income  derived  directly  or 
indirectly in Tanzania by a non-residential person. Such income 
will be from any business connection with a residential person, 
any property in Tanzania, payment made by a residential person 
or transfer of an asset situated in Tanzania.

The  Finance  Act  defined  business  connection  as  any  activity 
carried  out  by  a  resident  person  on  behalf  of  a  non-resident 
person  or  beneficial  owner  whereby  the  resident  person 

habitually exercises authority to conclude contracts on behalf of 
the non-resident person or a beneficial owner in Tanzania. The 
non-resident person continues to be taxed on income derived in 
Tanzania and not on worldwide income.

Compliance requirements on realisation of investment assets 
The  Finance Act  has  introduced  compliance  requirements  on 
the realisation of investment assets in Tanzania. A person who 
derives  gain  from  the  realisation  of  investment  assets  will  be 
required to (i) notify the Commissioner within fourteen days of 
realisation of the asset, (ii) pay instalment tax on the gain within 
30 days or such other period determined by the Commissioner 
from the date of realisation of an interest. The date of realisation 
of an interest is defined in the Finance Act to mean (a) the date 
of  execution  of  contract  for  sale  (b)  the  date  of  parting  with 
possession, use or control of a realised asset or (c) the date of 
payment of part or whole of the consideration for the realised 
asset, whichever comes earlier.

The  amendment  further  suggests  that  the  relevant  regulators 
for  registration,  transfer  or  approval  shall  not  be  allowed  to 
register the transfer of the interest or change of name without 
the  production  of  a  certificate  by the  Commissioner  certifying 
that the instalment tax has been paid or that no instalment tax 
is payable.

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING ACT, COMPANIES ACT, 
TRUSTEES INCORPORATION ACT 
Beneficial Owners - Reporting Requirements 
The Anti-Money Laundering Act, Companies Act and Trustees 
Incorporation Act are amended to introduce the same definitions 
of  ‘arrangement’  and  ‘beneficial  owner’  as  under  the  Income 
Tax Act 2004. The term beneficial owner is defined as a natural 
person  who  directly  or  indirectly  owns  or  exercises  substantial 
control over an entity or an arrangement; who has a substantial 
economic benefit from an entity or an arrangement directly or 
indirectly whether acting alone or together with other persons; 
on whose behalf an arrangement is conducted or who exercises 
significant  control  or  influence  over  a  person  or  agreement. 
Details of beneficial owners now need to be filed as follows: (i) 
Companies:  with  the  Registrar  of  Companies  initially  with  the 
memorandum and then with the annual return. (ii) Trusts: with 
the Administrator General.

The stated purpose is to ensure access to accurate and up to 
date records of beneficial owners of legal entities for information 
required, among other things, for tax purposes, control of anti-
money laundering and terrorism financing.

IMPACT ON WENTWORTH
We have reviewed these new laws and regulations to determine 
their  implications  on  our  Tanzanian  operations.  Based  on 
our  current  understanding  (and  given  the  existing  terms  and 
conditions  of  our  relevant  agreements),  we  do  not  anticipate 
any material impact on our existing taxes and/or operations. 

23

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesWINDING-UP OF MOZAMBIQUE ENTITY

Since the  relinquishment  of the Tembo  licence  and the  transfer  of  remaining  assets  back to the  Government  of  Mozambique, 
Wentworth’s Mozambique subsidiary has since entered into liquidation with this process expected to be completed in 2021. It is 
further expected that the winding-up process will be completed without any additional costs.

24

Wentworth Resources plcSTRATEGIC REPORTStrategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

FINANCIAL REVIEW

2020

2019

REVENUE

Revenue ($000)

Net entitlement to gas production (MMscf)

Average realised gas price ($/Mscf)

OPERATING COSTS

Production and operating costs ($000)

Production and operating cost ($/Mscf) 

Depletion ($000)

EBITDAX

Gross profit ($000)

Add: Depletion ($000)

Less: recurring administrative costs ($000)

EBITDAX ($000)

EBITDAX per ($/Mscf)

NON-RECURRING EXPENDITURES

New ventures and business development costs ($000)

Restructuring and redomicile ($000) 

Deferred tax expense ($000)

Non-recurring expenditures ($/Mscf)

INVESTMENT IN OIL & GAS ASSETS

Investments in Mnazi Bay ($000)

CASH & DEBT

Year-end cash and cash equivalents ($000)

Current portion of long-term loans ($000)

Net cash/(debt) at year-end ($000)

EQUITY & CAPITAL

Profit after tax ($000)

Closing share price (p)

18,991

5,564

3.41

(3,837)

(0.69)

(5,607)

9,547

5,607

(5,548)

9,706

1.73

(1,558)

-

1,311

(0.05)

58

17,787

-

17,787

3,428

18.3

18,636

5,699

3.27

(3,935)

(0.69)

(6,236)

8,465

6,236

(5,883)

8,818

1.55

(609)

(489)

1,511

0.07

18

13,487

(1,714)

11,773

2,366

19.0

25

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsFINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

TANZANIA
Revenue  generated  from  the  sale  of  gas  and  condensate 
produced at Mnazi Bay increased marginally in 2020 from $18.6 
million (2019) to $18.9 million despite the overall average daily 
production  rate  falling  from  70  MMscf/day to  66  MMscf/day. 
This is partly due to the increased blended gas sales price per 
Mscf,  which  increased  from  $3.27  to  $3.34  in  2020. The  main 
factor affecting the marginal increase in revenue, was the final 
adjustment  to  Wentworth’s  gas  sales  entitlement  during  2019 
with  respect  to  the  Ziwani-1  well  carry  costs  which  totalled 
$1.3  million.  Had  this  entitlement  adjustment  not  been  made 
during 2019, 2019 revenue would have been $19.9 million on a 
like-for-like basis.

Demand reduction from the effects of COVID-19 and the impact 
of  unseasonably  high  rainfalls  experienced  in  2019  and  2020 
have  been  the  most  influential  factor  in  constraining  higher 
revenue  growth.  Whilst  management  can,  with  reasonable 
accuracy,  project  overall  demand  and  projected  growth  for 
energy consumption within Tanzania, the impact of hydro-electric 
supply to the national grid which displaces our own natural gas at 
certain times of the year remains an area of unpredictability, as it 
is entirely dependent on changing weather patterns.

Operating  costs  at  Mnazi  Bay  remained  largely  flat  during 
the  year  at  $3.8  million  or  $0.67  per  Mscf  produced  (2019: 
$3.9 million or $0.69 per Mscf produced). Operating costs in 
2020 included the $500k cost of repairing the flowline rupture 
at MB-2 (2019: $177k). Operating costs are largely fixed which 
adds  significant  upside  to  sales  revenues  from  increased 
gas  production. There were  no  significant workover  projects 
during 2020. 

Discussions  with  the  Operator  on  the  quantum  and  timing 
of  future  capital  expenditure  activities  continue,  however, 
excluding some initial gas compression pre-FEED studies which 
total  $200k  (gross),  it  is  not  anticipated  that  there  will  be  any 
significant material expenditure in 2021.

The gas compression project is estimated to have a three-year 
timescale  to  upgrade  the  surface  facilities  at  Mnazi  Bay  from 
a  capacity  of  100  MMscf/day  to  140  MMscf/day.  The  next 
significant  project,  subject  to  completion  and  acceptance  of 
FEED and pre-FEED in 2021 and 2022, will be the installation of 
a gas compression export system that will allow wells to sustain 
higher rates of production for longer whilst supplying gas at the 
required pressures through the NNGI pipeline.

The  Group  continues  to  provide  in  full  against  the  amortised 
balance  of  the  Umoja  asset  due  to  the  uncertainty  over  the 
recoverability  of  the  receivable  and  the  ongoing  review  by  the 
Government of Tanzania, for which there has been no material 
update. The Umoja asset was sold in 2012 to TANESCO.

26

Revenue vs Cash

US$ millions

20,000

10,000

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Revenue          Year-end Cash

Impact of Ziwani-1 Carry

US$ millions

24,000

83 MMscf/d

70 MMscf/d

60 MMscf/d

12,000

49 MMscf/d

43 MMscf/d

16 MMscf/d

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Revenue          Ziwani-1 Carry

Revenue vs Operating Costs

US$ millions

20,000

10,000

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Revenue          Production and Operating Costs

Wentworth Resources plcSTRATEGIC REPORTMOZAMBIQUE
The Tembo licence was relinquished in June 2019 and the Group 
continue to fulfil its administrative and statutory commitments 
with respect to closing its local subsidiary. It is expected that this 
process will be completed in 2021.

EBITDAX
The Group define EBITDAX as earnings before interest, taxation, 
depreciation, depletion, amortisation, impairment costs, share-
based payments, provisions, and pre-licence expenditures. This 
serves  to  provide  more  transparency  to  the  reporting  process. 
Year-on-year  EBITDAX  has  continued  to  increase  in-line  with 
revenue  and  gas  sales  production  outputs.  Management  has 
projected expected average daily production in 2021 to be in-
line with 2020. Whilst there is clearly a proportional relationship 
between revenue and EBITDAX, given the fixed cost base, there 
may be further opportunity to drive modest increases through 
efficiencies and synergies across the wider Group.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS 
Recurring  general  and  administrative  costs  have  been 
further  reduced  during  the  year  as  management  continue 
to  leverage  cost  synergies  derived  from  both  the  redomicile 
and  restructuring  process that took  place  during  2018  and  a 
rationalisation  of  corporate  activities.  Management  remains 
committed  to  ensuring  that  overheads  are  continually 
monitored  whilst  maintaining  the  ability  to  effectively  screen 
and  capitalise  on  new  strategic  growth  opportunities  in  as 
cost-effective a manner as possible. 

During  2020,  the  Group  incurred  costs  totalling  $1.6  million 
(2019: $609k) on screening and evaluating opportunities which 
have been brought to varying stages of maturity at the year-
end. A number of these opportunities continue to be appraised 
in 2021.

Revenue vs EBITDAX

General and Administrative Costs

US$ millions

20,000

10,000

5,342

2,982

0

-4,944

US$ millions

8,000

4,000

8,309

8,818

9,706

6,367

6,125

6,196

6,289

5,883

5,448

-5,000

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Revenue          EBITDAX

 REVENUE 

$18.9

MILLION

2727

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesFINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

TAX AND FISCAL
The tax and fiscal environments in Tanzania remain challenging. 
The  legislative  and  fiscal  frameworks  under  which  we  are 
required to adhere are under constant review and reinterpretation 
by the Tanzanian Revenue Authority (“TRA”). The Group engages 
with the TRA early when it is set to enter a large or complicated 
transaction which may be subject to interpretation. It completed 
its  most  recent  TRA  audit  for  the  years  of  2016  and  2017  in 
December 2020, the result of which was an agreed assessment 
for taxes totalling $126k. A further, smaller, amount was assessed 
by the TRA for withholding taxes deemed due for the year-ended 
31 December 2018 which we are in continuing discussions over. 

Due to the nature and complexity of the hydrocarbon production 
fiscal  environment  in  Tanzania,  there  continue  to  be  risks  of 
challenge  to  the  adopted  treatment  of  certain  material  items 
or  transactions. To  best  manage  and  mitigate  this,  the  Group 
appoints external independent advisor’s and maintains a strict 
adherence to the guidance they issue. Where there is a choice 
in treatment for certain items which meet the Group recognition 
criteria, the most conservative, reasonable approach is always 
taken.  Current  tax  and  legislative  changes  are  discussed  in 
detail  within  the  Tanzania  Legislative  and  Policy  Framework 
section of this report.

CASH AND DEBT
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $4.3 million from $13.5 
million to $17.8 million at the year end. This increase is the result 
of the Group’s continued fiscal discipline, the full repayment of its 
debt  finance  facility  to  the TIB  Development  bank  in Tanzania 
in January 2020 totalling $1.7 million (2019: $6.7 million), and the 
continued stability of production cash flows from Mnazi Bay. This 
has been partially offset by increased cash dividend distributions 
to shareholders of $3.8 million in 2020 (2019: $3.0 million) and an 
increased spend on new opportunity screening and appraisal of 
$1.6 million (2019: $609k).

The $2.5 million overdraft facility expired in April 2020. Whilst the 
Group  is  in  discussions  with  various  institutional  counterparties 
in Tanzania to renew or replace this facility, if terms that are not 
more aligned with the current robust financial position cannot be 
secured it will be permanently surrendered.

Cash

US$ millions

18,000

9,000

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Debt

US$ millions

30,000

15,000

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

28

Wentworth Resources plcSTRATEGIC REPORTDIVIDEND POLICY
A  strong  balance  sheet  has  enabled  the  Group  to  deliver 
its  ambitious  sustainable  dividend  distribution  policy.  Since 
its  commencement  in  September  2019,  the  Group  paid 
$3.0  million  to  shareholders  with  respect  to  the  year-ended 
2019, yielding 6.4%. During 2020, the payout will increase to 
$3.8 million, with the declaration of the 2020 final dividend to 
be paid in July 2021, yielding 6.7%.

Our sustainable and progressive dividend policy of distributing 
returns to shareholders demonstrates the strength of the ongoing 
performance of the business, ensuring the right balance between 
shareholder returns and business continuity. This is of particular 
importance  during  times  of  instability  and  uncertainty  as  is 
being experienced worldwide with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dividend and Cash

US$ millions

18,000

9,000

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Year-end Cash          Dividend

TOTAL DIVIDEND 
DISTRIBUTION 
SINCE 2019

$6.8

MILLION

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

29

Strategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesSUSTAINABILITY

By empowering people with energy, we create shared 
value to improve the lives of Tanzania and its citizens. 
Through our focus on long-term sustainable growth, 
environmental performance, and good governance, 
we are improving outcomes for our stakeholders. Our 
sustainability and environmental, social and governance 
efforts, cover several key areas and activities.

OUR APPROACH
At Wentworth, the way we lead, work, and behave is driven by our core values. These values influence the way we work while respecting 
the  regulatory  requirements  and  the  way  we  promote  ethically  sound  practices.  We  expect  all  our  employees,  consultants,  and 
contractors to tangibly demonstrate our shared values, which ultimately support and protect our brand, as well as our licence to operate 
and grow our value proposition. 

We have modelled our sustainability policy on our values. They also align to the core principals of the Tanzanian Petroleum Local 
Content Regulations Oil and Gas Industry Act (2017). Our leadership in sustainability is driven by a bold and influential approach 
that includes: 

•	 Acting in an environmentally conscientious and responsible manner;

•	 Promoting an open, transparent, and diverse work environment which provides opportunities for all;

•	 Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment;

•	 Spending time, money, and resources to give back to the community. 

Our  approach  and  commitment  to  Sustainability  is  built  on  five  areas  of  focus:  health  and  safety,  social  impact,  environmental 
stewardship, strengthening local communities and good governance.

30 Wentworth Resources plc

STRATEGIC REPORTINVESTING FOR GOOD
Wentworth’s sustainability policy encompasses the management of relationships with shareholders, employees, and communities in 
Tanzania, together with the impact on society and the environment. We recognise the specific responsibilities in each of these areas 
and the adherence to ESG values is a key factor in securing our long-term success. 

Our objective is to support development in local communities and to minimise the impact our operations have on the environment. 
Wentworth values engagement with local and national stakeholders and takes seriously concerns regarding oil and gas development. 
Working closely with host communities achieves the best possible outcome for both Wentworth and its stakeholders. 

As an international oil and gas company, we have a clear responsibility towards the communities where we conduct our business. 
These include sustainably supporting the socio-economic development and welfare of those communities. Our work in the community 
is based on hands-on participation in determining needs, establishing partnerships and ensuring open and transparent dialogue. 

In  2005,  the  Wentworth  Africa  Foundation  (“WAF”)  was  established  in Tanzania.  WAF  is  a  UK  and Tanzania  registered  charity. 
Wentworth invests a portion of its sustainability budget through WAF and has contributed over $1 million to WAF since its inception. 
These  funds  support  initiatives  aimed  at  contributing  to  the  development  of  safe  and  effective  educational  environments  and 
conditions in rural communities within Mtwara and Lindi, close to our Mnazi Bay producing asset. 

Education Support Programme .......$692,000

SMEs Development Programme ..... $254,000

Health Support Programme ...............$111,000

Community Support Programme ....$42,000

Cultural Support Programme.............$10,000

Contributions to Local Initiatives .....$5,000 

Wentworth
Corporate Social
Responsiblity 
investment 
2004 - 2020

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

31

Strategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesSUSTAINABILITY CONTINUED

2020 WAF Highlights 

During 2020, through WAF, we 
have focused on supporting the 
following community projects 
in Tanzania:

2020
CSR Investment 
Projects totalling 
$71,416 approved 
and implemented

COVID-19 Contributions........................$43,425

Education Support Programme .......$22,704

Health Support Programme ...............$5,289

Library Refurbishment Programme for Secondary Schools 
In  collaboration  with  READ  International, WAF  has  worked  to 
address  the  lack  of  access  to  books  in  Tanzanian  secondary 
local  Non-
schools.  The  collaboration  work  with 
Government Organisation involves working closely with school’s 
management, Parent Teachers Associations, local government, 
and local communities. 

this 

To ensure sustainable and effective use of funds, the programme 
uses disused space in schools identified for refurbishment. The 
collaborative work is a youth-led process which ensures a vital 
sense of ownership and supports the long-term development of 
the library. 

WAF  transforms  unused,  rundown  spaces  into  well  organised 
and engaging libraries. It also constructs new libraries in schools 
with  no  appropriate  pre-existing  space.  The  library  is  then 
equipped  with  books  and  other  reading  resources  to  support 
learning  and  teaching.  Students  and  teachers  are  trained  on 
how to use and manage the library on their own under minimal 
supervision. Since 2016, WAF has created over six libraries and 
provided 8,430 books, 11 computers and trained 78 teachers in 
library management skills.

“Keep a Girl in School” Programme 
It has been proven that improving sanitation in schools reduces 
truancy  and  drop-out  rates  among  female  students.   Poor 
menstrual  health  management  in  schools  has  been  shown  to 
lead  to  worry  and  humiliation  among  adolescent  girls,  which 
contributes  to  monthly  absenteeism  and  poor  performance. 
Although  sanitary  supplies  are  available  in  most  urban  areas 
within Tanzania, they are not as easily available in rural areas. In 
addition, sanitary towels are not given priority due to their high 
cost for rural families in Tanzania.  

To tackle this problem, Wentworth and WAF developed the ‘Keep 
a Girl in School’ programme to empower girls to stay in school 
and complete their education.  This in turn will help to break the 
cycle of poverty for future generations. The programme provides 
sanitary  supplies  and  education  to  girls  during  their  monthly 
menstruation. It also provides mentorship by teaching girls life 
skills and character development training, as well as education 
to both parents and teachers on the importance and benefits of 
girls’ reproductive health education. 

To  date,  WAF  has  provided  385,080  sanitary  towels  to  over 
3,800  girls  in  selected  secondary  schools  across  the  Mtwara, 
Lindi and coastal regions.

32 Wentworth Resources plc

STRATEGIC REPORTStrategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

To date, WAF has 
provided 385,080 
sanitary towels to over 
3,800 girls in selected 
secondary schools across 
Mtwara, Lindi and the 
coastal regions.

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

33

STRATEGIC REPORT
SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUED

In 2020, a total 
of 14 students 
were awarded various 
bursaries with courses 
ranging from vocational 
courses to bachelor’s 
degrees.

34 Wentworth Resources plc

2020 Highlights (continued)

Bursary Support Programme 
The Bursary Support programme was created to support young people in accessing 
higher education, with a particular focus on supporting students from low-income 
families.  Students  attending  tertiary  educational  institutions  from  low  income 
and rural backgrounds often struggle to access higher education due to a lack of 
financial resources. 

To address this challenge, WAF provides bursaries for students in local communities, 
to attend the local Mtwara and Masasi-based tertiary vocational training institution 
and  Masasi  Folk  Development  College  (also  known  as  Chuo  cha  Maendeleo  ya 
Wananchi Masasi). In 2020, a total of 14  students were awarded various bursaries 
with courses ranging from vocational courses to bachelor’s degrees. A total of $8,202 
has been spent in this programme in 2020. 

To  date,  WAF  has  supported  84  students  in  studying  for  a  range  of  vocational, 
diploma and degree-based courses. Vocational courses range from food preparation, 
plumbing, welding and carpentry to motor vehicle mechanics, electrical installation 
and maintenance. Diploma and degree courses have focused on education, nursing, 
pharmaceutical science, social development, finance & banking, rural development, 
project planning and various other disciplines. 

WANT TO SUPPORT US?
For more information, or to support WAF’s 
impactful programmes, please visit:

www.wentworthfoundation.com

35

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesEXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE

Guided by the belief that a country’s natural resources belong to its citizens, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (“EITI”) 
established a global standard to promote the open and accountable management of oil, gas, and mineral resources. 

The  EITI  standard  requires  the  disclosure  of  information  throughout  the  value  chain  of  the  extractive  industry,  from  the  point  of 
extraction, to the revenue allocation to Government, and ultimately, how the revenues benefit the public. By doing so, the EITI seeks to 
strengthen public and corporate governance, promote understanding of natural resource management, and provide data to inform 
reforms for greater transparency and accountability in the extractives sector. 

In each country throughout the world, EITI is supported by a coalition of government, companies, civil societies, donors, and partners, 
to promote openness and accountability. 

Wentworth works with the Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (“TEITI”), to increase transparency and accountability 
in the extractive industries within Tanzania. TEITI was accepted as an EITI implementing country by the EITI International Board in 
February 2009. We have followed TEITI regulations and been a committed stakeholder since the inception of TEITI. 

During the year-ended 31 December 2020, Wentworth has made the following payments to the government bodies (figures are as 
per government financial years in $000):

Taxes paid by Wentworth

2020

935

2019

515

During 2020, the Government was allocated with the following share of Wentworth’s gas revenues and royalties, in terms of the Mnazi 
Bay PSA and the Joint Operating Agreement (figures are as per government financial years in US $000):

Government entitlements from Mnazi Bay concession:

 Royalty

 NOC profit gas

 Profit gas

 Cost gas

2020

2019

10,177

12,124

2,053

9,770

34,123

12,313

14,797

2,458

11,821

41,389

We have 
followed TEITI 
regulations and 
been a committed 
stakeholder since the 
inception of TEITI. 

36

Wentworth Resources plcSTRATEGIC REPORT 
Strategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

37

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS RISKS

The sustained success of Wentworth as a profitable 
natural gas producer depends on our ability to 
manage our asset and to acquire, develop and/or 
commercially produce new natural gas reserves. 

Key

Increase
No change
Decrease

CATEGORY

RISK(S)

MITIGANTS

RISK CHANGE

COVID-19 Pandemic

•	 Demand  for  natural  gas  drops  and/or  the  Government  of  the  United  Republic  of 
Tanzania  find  their  fiscal  budgets  constrained  through  unforeseen  reductions  in  GDP 
and are unable to meet their monthly gas sales commitments on a timely basis.

•	 The availability of third-party support services and the ability to readily move equipment to 

and from the well-site may become restricted and inhibit normal operations.

•	 Staff may become ill or require themselves to be quarantined, excessive numbers of which 

•	 Mnazi Bay has its own medical facilities and provision has been made to treat a limited number of cases on-

may limit gas production or the ability to operate safely.

site. A full emergency response plan has been in-place since operations commenced and has been updated 

Financial

•	 Difficulty in raising external capital or funding for M&A and/or development activities in 

•	 The Company remains fully funded with enough working capital cash reserves for its share of the Mnazi Bay 

volatile markets.

current work programme costs and G&A.

•	 The Group’s business may require significant capital expenditure and the future expansion 
and development of its business could require future debt and equity financing. The future 
availability of such funding is not certain.

Revenues and Receivables

•	 Counterparty default and distress and concentration of asset(s).

•	 Regularly  monitor  and  amend  cost  structure,  investment  strategy  and  tactics  to  include  counter-cyclical 

•	 Both 2020 and 2021 have seen the TPDC gas sales receivable fall to its lowest levels, with only the current 

invoice  outstanding.  Whilst  the  ultimate  duration  of  the  second  wave  of  COVID-19  outbreak  is  not  yet 

known; the Group does have sufficient working capital cash reserves to continue operations and absorb a 

delinquency period of more than one year should it need to.

•	 If a full national quarantine of industrial and commercial activities was to be required due to the second wave 

of this pandemic, the Group may be subjected to reduced availability of third party services and equipment. 

The limited work programme reduces the risk this could place on the Company’s operations.

to take account of any outbreak.

•	 WHO  procedures,  designed  to  limit  staff  exposure  and  isolate  those  suspected  of  contracting  the  virus 

alongside implementation of enhanced hygiene and sanitation protocols, have been put in-place.

•	 Continually assess existing assets and proposed new acquisitions, considering future capital requirements 

from a disciplined lifecycle investment perspective.

•	 Strong and sustainable relationships with key shareholders.

•	 Regular review of cash flow, working capital and funding options, and prudent approach to budgeting and 

planning, to  ensure  enough  capital to  meet  commitments  as well  as  deciding the  correct  level  of  capital 

return to shareholders.

•	 Diversify the sources of funding and apply prudent levels of debt to production activities.

•	 Strong financial stewardship – manage commitments and liquidity, monitor delivery of business plan, forecast 

accuracy – build credibility.

and/or risk offsetting investments.

existing commitments.

•	 International arbitration.

•	 Wentworth maintains a strong balance sheet, continues to reduce its debt, and remains fully funded for its 

▼

▼

▼

38

Wentworth Resources plcSTRATEGIC REPORTThe  Board  regularly  monitors  risk  by  using  information  obtained  from  internal  and  external  sources. We  utilise  a  risk  management 
approach that identifies key business risks and implements procedures to actively address and mitigate them. This is especially critical 
given our East African operating environment.

Other  significant  elements  of  our  risk  management  approach  include  regular  Board  reviews,  a  defined  process  for  preparation, 
monitoring and approval of the annual work programme and budget, monthly management reporting, financial operating procedures 
and  policies,  due  attention  to  HSSE  and  anti-bribery  management  systems. The  relative  importance  and  impact  of  risks  faced  by 
Wentworth will change as Wentworth’s strategy progresses in the external business environment.

RISK REGISTER 
The executive management team have identified the following principal risks and mitigations in relation to Wentworth’s present and 
future performance and operations. The overall risk register is regularly reviewed by both the management team and the Board, who 
monitor progress against principal risks.

The focus of management and the Board of Directors is to manage exposure to risk rather than eliminate the risk completely. Our Risk 
Register contains the following risk categories, risks and mitigants:

CATEGORY

RISK(S)

MITIGANTS

RISK CHANGE

COVID-19 Pandemic

•	 Demand  for  natural  gas  drops  and/or  the  Government  of  the  United  Republic  of 

Tanzania  find  their  fiscal  budgets  constrained  through  unforeseen  reductions  in  GDP 

and are unable to meet their monthly gas sales commitments on a timely basis.

•	 The availability of third-party support services and the ability to readily move equipment to 

and from the well-site may become restricted and inhibit normal operations.

•	 Staff may become ill or require themselves to be quarantined, excessive numbers of which 

may limit gas production or the ability to operate safely.

•	 Both 2020 and 2021 have seen the TPDC gas sales receivable fall to its lowest levels, with only the current 
invoice  outstanding.  Whilst  the  ultimate  duration  of  the  second  wave  of  COVID-19  outbreak  is  not  yet 
known; the Group does have sufficient working capital cash reserves to continue operations and absorb a 
delinquency period of more than one year should it need to.

•	 If a full national quarantine of industrial and commercial activities was to be required due to the second wave 
of this pandemic, the Group may be subjected to reduced availability of third party services and equipment. 
The limited work programme reduces the risk this could place on the Company’s operations.

▼

•	 Mnazi Bay has its own medical facilities and provision has been made to treat a limited number of cases on-
site. A full emergency response plan has been in-place since operations commenced and has been updated 
to take account of any outbreak.

•	 WHO  procedures,  designed  to  limit  staff  exposure  and  isolate  those  suspected  of  contracting  the  virus 

alongside implementation of enhanced hygiene and sanitation protocols, have been put in-place.

Financial

•	 Difficulty in raising external capital or funding for M&A and/or development activities in 

•	 The Company remains fully funded with enough working capital cash reserves for its share of the Mnazi Bay 

volatile markets.

current work programme costs and G&A.

•	 The Group’s business may require significant capital expenditure and the future expansion 

•	 Continually assess existing assets and proposed new acquisitions, considering future capital requirements 

and development of its business could require future debt and equity financing. The future 

from a disciplined lifecycle investment perspective.

availability of such funding is not certain.

•	 Strong and sustainable relationships with key shareholders.

•	 Regular review of cash flow, working capital and funding options, and prudent approach to budgeting and 
planning, to  ensure  enough  capital to  meet  commitments  as well  as  deciding the  correct  level  of  capital 
return to shareholders.

•	 Diversify the sources of funding and apply prudent levels of debt to production activities.

•	 Strong financial stewardship – manage commitments and liquidity, monitor delivery of business plan, forecast 

accuracy – build credibility.

Revenues and Receivables

•	 Counterparty default and distress and concentration of asset(s).

•	 Regularly  monitor  and  amend  cost  structure,  investment  strategy  and  tactics  to  include  counter-cyclical 

and/or risk offsetting investments.

•	 Wentworth maintains a strong balance sheet, continues to reduce its debt, and remains fully funded for its 

existing commitments.

•	 International arbitration.

▼

▼

39

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesPRINCIPAL BUSINESS RISKS CONTINUED

CATEGORY

RISK(S)

MITIGANTS

RISK CHANGE

Cost/Budget Overruns

•	 Financial control of non-operated assets.

•	 Wentworth seeks to hold most of its cash in US dollars.

Legal and Compliance 

•	 Fraud and corruption / increased third party and jurisdictional exposure.

•	 Top down leadership of the Group’s values.

•	 AIM / Financial Conduct Authority and/or other or financial covenant breaches.

•	 Wentworth  places  the  highest  importance  on  corporate  governance  matters  and  upholding  the  highest 

Country 

•	 Governments, regulations, and the security environment may adversely change, including 

•	 Regular monitoring of political, regulatory and HSSE changes. 

the potential use of exaggerated tax claims.

•	 Security threat due to spillover from Mozambican insurgents.

•	 Wentworth’s assets in Tanzania are affected by country specific situations, legal compliance, 

•	 Contingency plans in place to boost security at our facilities and continued engagement with Government 

regulatory or litigation risk.

•	 PSA Licence extension uncertainty.

•	 Fiscal stability.

•	 Inadvertent  or  unauthorised  non-compliance  with  regulatory  or  legal  obligations  may 
result in sanction, stock suspension a loss of integrity and reputation / potential breach 
of covenants. 

•	 Potential for legal recourse against Wentworth.

Portfolio and Assets

•	 Company over-reliance on single core (producing) asset in Tanzania.

•	 Competitors have significantly greater financial and technical resources.

•	 Dependent on other operators for the performance of E&P activities.

•	 Wentworth  carefully  considers  the  technical,  HSSE  and  financial  capabilities  of  operators  and  potential 

•	 Counterparty misalignment.

•	 An  incident,  occurring  at  the  Mnazi  Bay  production  facility,  resulting  in  the  temporary 
suspension of production resulting from damage to a well or any part of the gas gathering 
system.

•	 Reduced income from gas sales and high levels of fixed operating costs may significantly 

squeeze cash-reserves.

•	 Third party contractors and availability of equipment.

•	 Well shut-ins and reduced cash-flow from gas sales. Possible adverse effects of shut-in for 

•	 MB-4 Well: 2 horizons from the F Sands and the G Sands.

extended periods on re-commencement of production.

HSSE, Operational and 
Technical

40

Board meetings.

expenditures.

ethical standards. 

full compliance. 

deals with.

•	 Regularly review business plans, G&A cost basis, ongoing strategy reviews, monthly reporting and regular 

•	 Regularly engage with JV partners to influence cost-effective use of capital, operating and decommissioning 

•	 Wentworth employs suitably experienced and qualified staff and, when required, external advisor’s to ensure 

•	 Legal risk assessment and due diligence (where appropriate) are undertaken for all counterparties Wentworth 

•	 Extensive risk assessment undertaken in 2020 with new policies adopted.

•	 Engaging in constructive discussions where and when appropriate and introducing third party expertise 

as required. 

and its security measures.

geopolitical dynamics.

full compliance. 

deals with.

•	 Wentworth has objectives to acquire additional core assets, to assist in diversifying its jurisdictional risk.

•	 New  investments  are  considered  in  the  light  of  changing  environmental  regulations,  fiscal  volatility  and 

•	 Activities are subject to various jurisdictional laws, customs, fiscal and administrative regulations.

•	 Wentworth employs suitably experienced and qualified staff and, when required, external advisor’s to ensure 

•	 Risk  assessment  and  due  diligence  (where  appropriate)  are  undertaken  for  all  counterparties Wentworth 

•	 Board  active  mandate  to  diversify  current  portfolio  risk  by  acquiring  appraisal,  development  and/or 

producing assets, using existing financial resources of Wentworth and additional capital (as required).

•	 Apply Wentworth’s experience, expertise, and appropriate technology to minimise risk, through the asset lifecycle.

•	 Highly selective in choosing where and when to deploy its business development, M&A resources and new 

business focus.

•	 Mnazi Bay considered a strategic resource in country.

partners during any new opportunity acquisition.

•	 Ensure all stages of the operation lifecycle are rigorously stress tested for all known circumstances and that 

these circumstances have been fully risk assessed.

•	 In the event of there being a limitation in production to the current production zones, there exists the contingent 

capacity to produce from additional horizons within the existing well stock as follows:

•	 MB-1 Well: 2 horizons from the F Sands and the G Sands;

•	 MS-1X Well: 1 horizon from the K3 Sands; and

▼

►

▲

►

►

Wentworth Resources plcSTRATEGIC REPORTCATEGORY

RISK(S)

MITIGANTS

RISK CHANGE

Cost/Budget Overruns

•	 Financial control of non-operated assets.

•	 Wentworth seeks to hold most of its cash in US dollars.

Legal and Compliance 

•	 Fraud and corruption / increased third party and jurisdictional exposure.

•	 Top down leadership of the Group’s values.

•	 AIM / Financial Conduct Authority and/or other or financial covenant breaches.

•	 Wentworth  places  the  highest  importance  on  corporate  governance  matters  and  upholding  the  highest 

•	 Regularly review business plans, G&A cost basis, ongoing strategy reviews, monthly reporting and regular 

Board meetings.

•	 Regularly engage with JV partners to influence cost-effective use of capital, operating and decommissioning 

expenditures.

ethical standards. 

•	 Wentworth employs suitably experienced and qualified staff and, when required, external advisor’s to ensure 

full compliance. 

•	 Legal risk assessment and due diligence (where appropriate) are undertaken for all counterparties Wentworth 

deals with.

•	 Extensive risk assessment undertaken in 2020 with new policies adopted.

Country 

•	 Governments, regulations, and the security environment may adversely change, including 

•	 Regular monitoring of political, regulatory and HSSE changes. 

the potential use of exaggerated tax claims.

•	 Security threat due to spillover from Mozambican insurgents.

•	 Engaging in constructive discussions where and when appropriate and introducing third party expertise 

as required. 

•	 Wentworth’s assets in Tanzania are affected by country specific situations, legal compliance, 

•	 Contingency plans in place to boost security at our facilities and continued engagement with Government 

•	 Inadvertent  or  unauthorised  non-compliance  with  regulatory  or  legal  obligations  may 

geopolitical dynamics.

result in sanction, stock suspension a loss of integrity and reputation / potential breach 

•	 Activities are subject to various jurisdictional laws, customs, fiscal and administrative regulations.

and its security measures.

•	 Wentworth has objectives to acquire additional core assets, to assist in diversifying its jurisdictional risk.

•	 New  investments  are  considered  in  the  light  of  changing  environmental  regulations,  fiscal  volatility  and 

•	 Wentworth employs suitably experienced and qualified staff and, when required, external advisor’s to ensure 

full compliance. 

•	 Risk  assessment  and  due  diligence  (where  appropriate)  are  undertaken  for  all  counterparties Wentworth 

deals with.

•	 Board  active  mandate  to  diversify  current  portfolio  risk  by  acquiring  appraisal,  development  and/or 

producing assets, using existing financial resources of Wentworth and additional capital (as required).

•	 Apply Wentworth’s experience, expertise, and appropriate technology to minimise risk, through the asset lifecycle.

•	 Highly selective in choosing where and when to deploy its business development, M&A resources and new 

business focus.

•	 Mnazi Bay considered a strategic resource in country.

HSSE, Operational and 

•	 Dependent on other operators for the performance of E&P activities.

•	 Wentworth  carefully  considers  the  technical,  HSSE  and  financial  capabilities  of  operators  and  potential 

•	 Well shut-ins and reduced cash-flow from gas sales. Possible adverse effects of shut-in for 

•	 MB-4 Well: 2 horizons from the F Sands and the G Sands.

partners during any new opportunity acquisition.

•	 Ensure all stages of the operation lifecycle are rigorously stress tested for all known circumstances and that 

these circumstances have been fully risk assessed.

•	 In the event of there being a limitation in production to the current production zones, there exists the contingent 

capacity to produce from additional horizons within the existing well stock as follows:

•	 MB-1 Well: 2 horizons from the F Sands and the G Sands;

•	 MS-1X Well: 1 horizon from the K3 Sands; and

regulatory or litigation risk.

•	 PSA Licence extension uncertainty.

•	 Fiscal stability.

of covenants. 

•	 Potential for legal recourse against Wentworth.

Portfolio and Assets

•	 Company over-reliance on single core (producing) asset in Tanzania.

•	 Competitors have significantly greater financial and technical resources.

Technical

•	 Counterparty misalignment.

•	 An  incident,  occurring  at  the  Mnazi  Bay  production  facility,  resulting  in  the  temporary 

suspension of production resulting from damage to a well or any part of the gas gathering 

•	 Reduced income from gas sales and high levels of fixed operating costs may significantly 

system.

squeeze cash-reserves.

•	 Third party contractors and availability of equipment.

extended periods on re-commencement of production.

▼

►

▲

►

►

41

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesPRINCIPAL BUSINESS RISKS CONTINUED

OTHER BUSINESS RISKS
In  addition  to  the  above  risks,  Wentworth  is  subject  to  all  the 
risks  inherent  in  oil  and  gas  exploration,  development,  and 
production  activities.  Several  of  these  could  have  a  material 
impact on Wentworth’s long-term performance, causing actual 
results to differ materially from expected and historical results.

Wentworth has identified other pertinent risks including:

•	 Dissatisfied stakeholders;

•	

Inexact reserve and production determinations;

•	 Failure to recruit and retain key personnel and /or engage 

in adequate succession planning;

•	 Human error or deliberate negative action(s); and

•	

Insufficient  timely 
management and the Board.

information  available  to  executive 

COMPANY POLICIES
During 2020, Wentworth undertook an extensive risk assessment 
of its business to inform an update to its policies. During Q4 2020 
and  Q1  2021, the  Company’s  policies were  reviewed,  and  new 
policies prepared where additional governance was identified 
as being required. In February 2021, the Board adopted several 
revised  and  new  policies,  including  its  Code  of  Ethics  and 
Business Conduct, Anti-Modern Slavery, Anti-facilitation of tax 
evasion, Anti-Bribery and Corruption and its Conflicts of Interest 
policy, as well as other operational policies. Our comprehensive 
company  policies  align  with  local,  national  and  international 
policy  and  regulatory  frameworks  where  we  operate.  This  is 
crucial  to  both  the  commercial  success  and  the  reputation  of 
the business.

Everyone who works for Wentworth plays a key role in our success. 
All employees, consultants and contractors are accountable for 
the  way  they  conduct  themselves  during  their  contributions. 
The  overarching  drivers  are  to  ensure,  honesty,  integrity,  and 
professionalism, whilst maintaining the highest ethical standards 
in the jurisdictions where we conduct our business.

Our policies are available on our corporate website. 

The  Directors  are  mindful  of  the  impact  that  Wentworth’s 
business has on its employees and contractors, the environment 
and  on the wider  community  in the  UK  and Tanzania.  It  sets 
dedicated  policies  and  processes  with  respect  to  HSSE, 
sustainability, business integrity, community responsibility and 
employees. 

HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENT
It  is  vital  for  Wentworth  that  everyone  is  aware  of  his  or  her 
responsibility 
in  maintaining  a  safe  and  secure  working 
environment.  HSSE  and  social  responsibility  leadership  are 
considered  core  competencies.  Our  HSSE  risks  are  managed 
in  a  systematic  way  by  utilising  procedures  and  appropriate 

training of staff, with the aim of reducing any risks to as low as 
is  reasonably  practical.  Wentworth  ensures  that  appropriate 
emergency response systems are in place to reduce and mitigate 
the impact and losses of any incident and any residual risks and 
follows all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Wentworth  works  closely  with  with  Mnazi  Bay  JV  partners, 
Maurel  &  Prom,  and TPDC  to  share  and  execute  on  its  HSSE 
and  social  responsibility  values.  Contractors  are  required 
to  demonstrate  and  deliver  a  credible  HSSE  and  social 
responsibility  programme.  To  achieve  continual  improvement, 
Wentworth  is  committed  to  reviewing  its  HSSE  and  social 
responsibility performance at least twice a year.

Wentworth  is  committed  to  minimising  its  impact  on  the 
environment  in  both  field  operations  and  within  its  office  in 
Dar es Salaam. All staff share responsibility for monitoring and 
improving  the  performance  of  its  environmental  policies,  with 
the objective of reducing our impact on a year-on-year basis.

SUSTAINABILITY
Wentworth is committed to conducting its business responsibly 
and sustainably. Wentworth has ESG related responsibilities to 
the  indigenous  communities  in  the  areas  in  which  it  operates, 
to  its  partners  including  WAF,  its  employees  and  to  its 
shareholders. In pursuing our business objectives, we intend not 
to compromise our relationship with any of these stakeholders. 
This  commitment  is  demonstrated  by  the  publication  of  our 
inaugural Sustainability Report in April 2021.

BUSINESS INTEGRITY
We  are  committed  to  conducting  our  business  with  integrity, 
honesty,  and  fairness.  All  business  activities  are  reviewed  to 
ensure they meet our high standards and all new and existing 
staff  are  trained  as  appropriate.  We  also  seek  to  ensure 
that  similar  standards  are  applied  by  our  business  partners, 
contractors, and suppliers. All members of staff are individually 
accountable  for  their  actions  to  ensure  that  they  apply  and 
maintain these standards consistently.

COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY
Wentworth  and  its  subsidiary  undertakings  are  committed  to 
being  a  good  partner  in  all  communities  in  which  it  operates. 
Engagement and dialogue with local stakeholders are essential 
in ensuring that, where possible, projects benefit both Wentworth 
and the communities in which a project or asset is located.

EMPLOYEES
Wentworth  is  committed  to  providing  a  workplace  free  of 
discrimination  where  all  employees  are  afforded  equal 
opportunities  and  are  rewarded  on  merit  and  ability.  In  the 
implementation  of  this  policy,  Wentworth  is  committed  to 
ensuring that all employees are given contracts with clear and 
fair terms. Staff are given relevant training and encouraged to join 
professional bodies to enhance their knowledge, competencies, 
career development and opportunities for progression.

42 Wentworth Resources plc

STRATEGIC REPORTStrategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

We  are  committed  to  achieving  the 
highest  possible  standards  of  conduct, 
accountability,  and  propriety  and  to  a 
culture of openness in which employees 
can  report  legitimate  concerns  without 
fear of penalty or punishment. 

Our  whistleblowing  policy  empowers 
employees to be proactive, to report any 
failure  to  comply  with  legal  obligations 
or  Wentworth’s  regulations,  dangers  to 
health and safety, financial malpractice, 
damage  to  the  environment,  criminal 
offences  and  actions which  are  likely to 
harm  the  reputation  of  Wentworth.  The 
whistleblowing  policy  allows  employees 
to make anonymous reports directly to an 
independent  hotline  which  are  directed 
to the Senior Independent Director.

Katherine Roe 
Chief Executive Officer
21 April 2021  

Wentworth 
is committed to 
providing a workplace 
free of discrimination where 
all employees are afforded 
equal opportunities and 
are rewarded on merit 
and ability.

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

43

STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

Dear Shareholder 

As Chairman of Wentworth Resources plc I have led the Company 
to carry out its work and behave in accordance with our values. 
Our values  run through  everything we  do: we  are  dedicated to 
Tanzania,  our  stakeholders,  and  partners;  as  a  company  we 
embrace  new  perspectives  and  ideas  and  are  proactive  in  our 
approach; we remain resilient in the face of external headwinds; 
and we work hard to build a better future for all. 

These  values  influence  the  way  we  work  with  respect  to  the 
regulatory  requirements  which  govern  the  business  and  the 
way  we  promote  ethically  sound  practices  within  Wentworth. 
Our  values  drive  our  interactions  and  relationships  with  our 
stakeholders,  suppliers,  employees  and  the  communities  in 
which we operate. 

Our  focus  this  year  has  been  to  develop  a  comprehensive, 
transparent  and  appropriate  ESG  strategy  capturing  our 
purpose to empower people with low cost and reliable energy 
to fuel long-term sustainable growth. Our ESG strategy seeks to 
disclose how we deliver value for all our stakeholders both in and 
outside the country. By leveraging the power of natural gas, we 
are enabling Tanzania, the communities where we operate and 
the people we serve, to thrive by closing the energy access gap 
and doing so in a sustainable way.

The  Company  continues  to  comply  with  the  QCA  Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 (the “QCA Code”) which is considered by 
the Directors to provide the most suitable governance framework 
for the Company given its current size and stage of development. 

We remain focused on HSSE and are committed to prioritising 
the health and safety of all who work with us, as well as striving 
to protect the environments in which we work. The remuneration 
policy of the Company, as set by the Remuneration Committee, 
includes  a  zero  LTI  target  linked  to  the  performance  bonus  of 
all  staff.  In  addition,  the  CEO  is  tasked  with  ensuring  that  our 
partners adopt the same approach to HSSE that we do. Mnazi 
Bay  recently  celebrated  four  years  without  an  LTI  which  is 
testament to the focus on providing a safe working environment.

LONG-TERM VALUE AND STRATEGY
The  Company  is  dedicated  to  enabling  Tanzania’s  energy 
transformation  by  replacing  expensive,  heavy  polluting  diesel-
based generation to cleaner and more sustainable power by the 
provision of natural gas. Our purpose is to empower the people 
of Tanzania with energy and working closely with our partners in 
government we are now focused on delivering universal energy 
access  by  2030.  We  remain  focused  on  creating  shared  value 
by  the  delivery  of  long-term  sustained  shareholder  value  and 
growth, both organically through our core Mnazi Bay producing 
gas asset, and through a focused growth vision. Our strategy and 
business model is explained in detail within the Strategic Report. 

Wentworth  continues  to  embed  effective  risk  management 
throughout  the  business  in  order  to  execute  and  deliver  the 
Company’s  strategy.  During  2020,  we  undertook  an  extensive 

risk assessment of our business to identify those areas of high 
and  medium  risk  and  consider  how  we  could  mitigate  those 
risks. As  a  result  of  that  risk  assessment,  in  February  2021,  the 
Company  updated  many  of  its  operational  policies  and 
adopted new policies to address areas which were identified as 
requiring stronger risk management. The Company is continuing 
to embed the new policies and associated procedures through 
its business by way of informing and training staff and engaging 
with our JV partners. 

In  response  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  and  in  order  to 
protect  our  people  and  communities  during  this  difficult  time, 
we  implemented  robust  precautionary  measures,  resulting  in 
zero  cases  of  COVID-19  at  Mnazi  Bay.  Further,  we  launched 
an  internal  COVID-19  awareness  campaign  at  Mnazi  Bay  to 
promote safe behaviours on site, such as social distancing and 
routine  disinfection  of  shared  equipment  and  spaces.  These 
measures have effectively mitigated the risks of any outbreaks 
or operational disruption, resulting in no adverse impacts due to 
COVID-19 on our business. 

BOARD COMPOSITION 
The  Board  sets  the  Corporate  Governance  framework  for 
the  Company  and  has  overall  responsibility  for  setting  the 
Company’s  strategic  aims,  defining  the  business  plan  and 
strategy and reviewing the performance of the Company and 
its officers and management. 

During  2020,  the  composition  of  the  Board  remained  stable 
following Katherine Roe’s appointment as CEO. To avoid further 
disruption following the departure of Eskil Jersing at the end of 
2019,  I  agreed  to  remain  on  the  Board  for  an  additional  year 
to  support  that  transition.  I  am  delighted  to  see  Katherine 
successfully take on the mantel of CEO and drive the business 
forward  during  what  was  an  unprecedented  and  challenging 
year, and therefore I will be stepping down from the Board at the 
AGM, with my contract ending on 30 June 2021. 

Tim  Bushell,  our  Deputy  Chairman,  will  be  stepping  up  to  the 
role  of  Non-Executive  Chairman  and  I  am  confident  that  he 
will continue to lead the Company embedding the core values 
and  ethically  sound  practices that  I  have worked to  establish. 
Tim’s  appointment  further  strengthens  our  governance  as  he 
is considered independent on appointment. Tim will remain as 
Chairman  of  the  Remuneration  Committee  and  will  continue 
to sit on the Audit Committee and the Nominations Committee 
until a new independent Director has been appointed, at which 
point the Board will consider committee composition. 

During  2020,  our  intention  was  to  appoint  an  additional 
independent  Non-Executive  Director  to  the  Board. The  aim  is 
to bring further diversity to our Board and to ensure our Board 
composition contains the right balance of sector, jurisdiction and 
public  market  skills  and  therefore  we  were  seeking  to  appoint 
an individual with a background in Tanzania or the wider East 
Africa  region.  Unfortunately  COVID-19,  and  the  associated 
travel  restrictions,  has  made  it  difficult  for  us  to  pursue  this 

44

Wentworth Resources plcGOVERNANCEappointment more quickly and meet prospective directors. We 
have continued in our search to find the right potential director 
and  a  process  is  underway  to  identify  suitable  candidates  for 
further  Board  refreshment  and  renewal  with  independent 
agents appointed to aid the process. 

ATTENDANCE AT BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The  Company  does  not  specify  a time  commitment  required 
from  its  Directors  but  expects  Board  members  to  devote 
enough time to their roles as required. The role of the CEO is a 
full-time position. 

We  intend  to  make  at  least  one  appointment  of  a  new 
independent Non-Executive Director during 2021 with a second 
independent  Non-Executive  Director  appointed  thereafter. 
In  order  to  avoid  two  long-standing  directors  stepping  down 
simultaneously and leaving a Board of just three directors, John 
Bentley, who had intended to retire from the Board during 2020, 
has agreed to remain on the Board until a new appointment has 
been made or until the end of the year, whichever is sooner. This 
will facilitate an orderly handover to an incoming director and 
help to maintain stability at Board level. 

Each of the continuing Non-Executive Directors are considered 
by the Board to be independent in character and judgement. 
In the case of John Bentley, in determining his independence, 
the  Board  had  particular  regard  for  his  tenure  on  the  Board 
and  the  fact  that  he  served  as  Executive  Chair  of  Artumas 
Group prior to the formation of Wentworth. Following a rigorous 
review, and in light of John’s invaluable insight and contribution 
at Board level, the Board was fully satisfied that he remains an 
independent Director. Iain McLaren will remain as Chairman of 
the Audit Committee and John Bentley will continue to Chair the 
Nominations Committee until such time as he steps down from 
the Board. 

Following  my  retirement  from  the  Board,  I  have  agreed  to 
remain involved with the Group as President of our Tanzanian 
company. In this time of transition and change in the Tanzanian 
political landscape, the Board have expressed a desire to retain 
my operational experience as well as to be able to access my 
relationships  in  our  primary  markets. The  importance  of this  is 
further  exacerbated  by  recent  travel  restrictions  to  Tanzania 
as  well  as  a  change  in  the  political  landscape  following  the 
passing of the Tanzanian President and subsequent change in 
leadership in the Country. 

All  Board  members  are  expected  to  attend  shareholder 
meetings  and  be  available  to  shareholders  as  required. 
During  2020 the  Company was  forced to  hold  a  closed AGM 
although we did answer shareholders questions and voting was 
conducted  by  proxy. This  year  the  Company  is  using  a  virtual 
platform called Investor Meet Company to host the AGM due 
to  continuing  COVID-19  restrictions  so  whilst  there  will  not  be 
the ability to vote online at our AGM and voting by proxy will be 
encouraged,  the  meeting  will  be  interactive  with  shareholders 
able to submit questions which will be answered by the Board 
in real time. Should COVID-19 restrictions lift prior to the date of 
the AGM  then  the  Company  will  hold  a  physical  meeting  but 
we will  endeavour to  host the  meeting  on the virtual  platform 
as well. We believe shareholder engagement should be made 
as  easy  as  possible  and  we  are  confident  that  the  use  of  this 
platform will allow all shareholders the ability to participate and 
feel included in our AGM, despite COVID-19 related restrictions. 

During 2020, the Board was unable to hold face-to-face meetings 
but all Board interaction moved online and regular virtual board 
meetings  were  held  which  enabled  Board  communications  to 
continue  uninterrupted.  Frequent  communications  between 
board  members  continued  and  channels  of  communication 
remained open between all board members. 

The  full  Board  meets  at  least  four  times  a  year  and  on  any 
other  occasions  it  deems  necessary1.  During  2020,  there  were 
five scheduled Board meetings, three ad-hoc Board meetings 
convened  at  short-notice,  one  Remuneration  Committee 
meeting, three Audit Committee meetings and one Nominations 
Committee  meeting.  The  Reserves  Committee  was  formally 
disbanded  and  the  functions  previously  delegated  to  the 
Reserves  Committee  taken  on  by  the  full  Board.  Directors 
attendance is shown below. 

Number of scheduled Board meetings in a year

Robert McBean

John Bentley

Tim Bushell 

Iain McLaren 

Katherine Roe 

Board 
Meetings

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

5

5

5

5

5

5

3

-

3

3

3

-

1

-

1

1

1

-

1

1

1

1

1

-

1  The Company has established procedures whereby ad-hoc Board meetings can be convened at short-notice to deal with specific matters which 

need to be considered between scheduled meetings of the Board.

45

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesSTATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED 

EXTERNAL ADVISOR’S 
During the year the Audit Committee has secured external advice 
on  tax  and  legal  matters  as  required  and  the  Remuneration 
Committee  received  external  legal  advice.  In  early  2021  the 
Remuneration  Committee  appointed  Ellason  LLP  to  advise  on 
Executive and Non-executive remuneration and their advice has 
informed  the  Remuneration  Policy  adopted  by  the  Company 
and presented to shareholders in this Annual Report. 

restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, regularly visited 
the Tanzanian assets and met with key in-country stakeholders. 
Those  meetings  have  continued  via  video  conference  and  our 
in-country  manager,  Richard  Tainton,  has  remained  in-country 
throughout. As referenced above, the intention is to strengthen this 
area of skills and experience of the Board with the appointment of 
a new independent Non-Executive Director with a background in 
Tanzania or the wider East Africa region. 

John  Bentley  as  Senior  Independent  Director  is  available  to 
all  Board  members  and  shareholders  should  they  have  any 
concerns.  The  Board  is  supported  by  a  qualified  Company 
Secretary however the Company does not detail the role of the 
Senior Independent Director or the Company Secretary.

Directors are encouraged to retain membership of professional 
and/or industry bodies and attend external courses as required. 
The  Board  also  receives  briefing  notes,  updates  and  training 
from the Company’s Nominated Advisor and legal advisor’s on 
an ad-hoc basis. 

BOARD EVALUATION
The  Nominations  Committee  is  responsible  for  conducting 
assessments  of  the  Board,  its  committees  and  individual 
Directors, which are carried out on an informal basis. 

No  formal  board  performance  evaluation  was  conducted  in 
2020 however since year end, Russell Reynolds and Associates 
have been appointed to assist the Company in its search for an 
independent  Non-executive  Director  to  replace  John  Bentley 
and they have guided a Board assessment of the balance of skills 
and experience of the existing Board members to help inform 
the Board of the key skills and experience required in the new 
director. Appointments are based on merit and objective criteria 
and, within this context, promote diversity of gender, social and 
ethnic backgrounds, cognitive and personal strengths.

The Remuneration Committee assesses the performance of the 
Executive  Director  against  Key  Performance  Indicators  (“KPI”) 
which are determined at the beginning of each financial year 
and reviewed at the end of the performance period. Following 
the  review  by  Ellason  LLP  in  January  2021  the  KPI’s  for  2021 
were  set  and  were  adjusted  to  more  closely  reflect  updated 
governance  advice.  Further  detail  of  the  Executive  Director’s 
remuneration can be found in the Remuneration Report. 

Skills and experience of Board members and ongoing training
Tim  Bushell,  John  Bentley  and  Iain  McLaren  together  have 
considerable  experience 
in  the  oil  and  gas  sector  and 
international capital markets and bring integrity and vision to the 
Board. The CEO also has considerable oil and gas and capital 
markets experience, as well as demonstrable ability to execute 
complex  transactions.  For  the  board  to  function  effectively, 
achieve  our  purpose  and  deliver  value  to  shareholders  the 
Directors  must  have  detailed  knowledge  of  Tanzanian  gas 
production  operations,  the  jurisdictional  landscape  as  well  as 
knowledge  of  the  global  oil  and  gas  industry,  M&A  markets, 
international  capital  markets  and  UK,  Jersey  and  Tanzanian 
legislation and regulation. 

To achieve this, the Directors collectively pursue ongoing training 
and professional development opportunities and, prior to the travel 

COMPANY CULTURE
Our core values of respect, integrity, honesty and transparency 
are the back bone of our Company culture and our focus this 
year  on  developing  our  ESG  strategy  has,  more  than  ever, 
ensured the Board remains focused on our unique culture.

The  Directors  are  committed  to  operating  the  Company’s 
business in a way that delivers lasting benefit to the communities 
and  environments  where  the  business  operates.  Guided  by 
our  purpose  we  leverage  the  power  of  natural  gas  to  create 
sustainable energy and enable the societies we serve to develop 
and thrive. Working closely with our partners in government we 
are now focused on delivering universal energy access by 2030. 

The importance of delivering success in a safe and responsible 
environment underpins everything that the Company does.

Myself,  as  Non-Executive  Chairman  and  the  CEO  are  the 
leaders of the Company’s corporate culture, setting the tone for 
the  Company  by  exemplifying  consistent  values  of  high  ethical 
standards and fairness; leading the Company in defining its vision; 
we are the main spokespersons for the Company; and bear the 
chief responsibility in ensuring the Company meets its short-term 
operational and long-term strategic goals building the Company 
into a resilient business with a strong financial performance. 

During 2020, the Company undertook a review of its key policies 
including the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Policy which 
sets  out  the  minimum  standards  of  behavior  required  by  all 
Directors, officers, employees and contractors in conducting the 
business  affairs  of  the  Company.  New  policies  were  adopted 
and existing policies updated in early 2021 and include conflicts 
of interest,  protection and proper use of corporate assets and 
opportunities,  confidentiality  of  corporate  information,  anti-
bribery  and  corruption,  anti-facilitation  of  tax  evasion,  anti-
modern  slavery,  maintenance  of  corporate  records  and  the 
reporting of illegal and unethical behaviour. 

I  am  confident  our  culture  will  continue  under  the  guidance 
and leadership of Tim Bushell as he steps up to the role of Non-
Executive Chairman.

46

Wentworth Resources plcGOVERNANCECONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Company reviewed its Conflicts policy towards the end of 
2020 and a new Conflicts Policy was adopted in February 2021. 
The  Company  has  in  place  procedures  for the  disclosure  and 
review of any conflicts, or potential conflicts of interest which the 
Directors may have and for the authorisation of such conflicts 
by the Board. In deciding whether to authorise a conflict matter 
or  a  potential  conflict, the  Directors  must  have  regard to  their 
general duties under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991.

 THE QCA CODE

We have adopted the QCA Code as appropriate for a Company 
of  our  size  and  current  stage  of  development,  however  the 
following areas of non-compliance have been identified:

•	 Robert McBean, in his previous Executive role, was granted 
share  options  over  a  total  of  1.9  million  ordinary  shares  in 
the capital of the Company. Additionally, John Bentley was 
previously awarded share options over a total of 900,000 
ordinary  shares  in  accordance  with  Canadian  market 
practice. These share options remain in place, but no further 
share options will be granted to Non-Executive Directors;

•	 The  Executive  Director  is  assessed  against  clear  and 
objective  criteria.  No  formal  board  evaluation  process 
has  been  undertaken  where  the  Board,  Committees  and 
individual effectiveness of the Non-Executive Directors has 
been considered. 

The  Company  has  elected  to  follow  the  recommendations  of 
the QCA Code for the presentation of its Corporate Governance 
disclosures. Accordingly, the Company’s Corporate Governance 
Statement  contained  on  its  website  at  www.wentplc.com  sets 
out, against each of the 10 Principles of the QCA Code, where 
the disclosures relating to each principle are located. 

Robert McBean 
Chairman
21 April 2021 

BOARD COMMITTEES
The  Board  has  been  supported  by  an  Audit  Committee, 
Remuneration Committee and Nominations Committee. Details 
of  their  activities  during  2020  can  be  found  in  each  of  their 
reports. During 2020 the Board decided that the functions of the 
Reserves Committee can be carried out by the Board as a whole 
and therefore the Reserves Committee has been disbanded.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS 
The  Board  is  accountable  to  the  Company’s  stakeholders 
including its shareholders and as such it is critical for the Board 
to  appreciate  the  aspirations  of  the  shareholders  and  equally 
that the shareholders understand how the actions of the Board 
and short-term financial performance relate to the achievement 
of the Company’s purpose and longer-term goals.

The Board reports to the shareholders on its stewardship of the 
Company  through  the  publication  of  interim  and  final  results 
each  year  as  well  as  updating  the  market  via  press  releases 
which are issued throughout the year. The Company maintains a 
website (www.wentplc.com) on which press releases, Corporate 
presentations  and  Annual  Reports  are  available  to  view  and 
there  is  a  Q&A  page  on  the  Corporate  website  as  well  as  a 
Corporate page on Linkedin and Twitter all of which is populated 
and  updated  regularly. This Annual  Report  contains  extensive 
information  about  the  Company’s  activities.  We  have  also 
published  our  inaugural  Sustainability  Report,  a  consolidation 
of the development of our ESG strategy during 2020.

Enquiries  from  individual  shareholders  on  matters  relating  to 
the business of the Company are welcomed and shareholders 
and other interested parties can subscribe to receive notification 
of news updates and other documents from the Company via 
email. In addition, the Directors meet with major shareholders 
to discuss the progress of the Company. The Executive Director 
provides  periodic  feedback  to  the  Board  following  meetings 
with shareholders. 

Unfortunately,  as  a  result  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  the 
Company was required to hold a closed AGM due to the stay-
at-home  measures  in  place  at  the  time.  Shareholders  were 
encouraged  to  vote  by  proxy  and  to  submit  questions  via  an 
email  address  answers  to  which  were  made  available  on  the 
Company’s website. For the 2021 AGM the Company has made 
arrangements to hold a virtual meeting using the Investor Meet 
Company platform (although online voting will not be possible 
so shareholders should still vote by proxy) and shareholders will 
be able to log on to the meeting and submit questions which 
will be answered in real-time by the Board and the Board will 
provide a live presentation to investors relating to the preliminary 
results for FY21. In the event that a physical meeting can be held 
the  Company  intends  to  hold  a  physical  meeting  with  access 
available virtually for shareholders unable to attend in person.

47

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesGOVERNANCE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

KATHERINE ROE
Chief Executive Officer 

BOB MCBEAN
Non-Executive Chairman

Katherine,  Chief  Executive  Officer,  was  appointed  in 
November  2019.  Katherine  joined  the  Company  in  2014 
as  Vice  President  Corporate  Development  &  Investor 
Relations. Katherine has 20 years of senior corporate and 
capital markets experience and prior to joining Wentworth, 
Katherine spent 11 years at Panmure Gordon & Co, where 
she  headed  up  the  Natural  Resources  team,  with  a 
principal  focus  on  the  oil  and  gas  sector.  Katherine  has 
experience across a number of international jurisdictions 
with  exposure  to  emerging  and  development  markets, 
particularly  in  Africa.  Further,  Katherine  has  extensive 
experience  with  a  range  of  strategic  growth  options  in 
the public markets through multiple IPO launches, equity 
capital  fundraisings  and  M&A  transactions.  Katherine 
was an AIM Nominated Advisor and Qualified Executive 
for  many  years,  having  moved  from  Morgan  Stanley’s 
investment banking division. She is currently independent 
Non-Executive Director of Longboat Energy plc and Non-
Executive Director of ITM Power plc.

Bob is a mechanical engineer with over 
40  years’  experience  in  the  upstream, 
midstream,  and  downstream  oil  and 
gas  industries.  He  is  an  accomplished 
energy  project  developer  and  both  a 
private  and  public  company  senior 
executive  and  Director.  His  past 
accomplishments  include:  originating, 
developing,  and  serving  as  the  first 
Managing  Director  of  Qatar  Fuel 
Additives  Company,  a  world-scale 
methanol  and  methyl  tertiary  butyl 
ether  petrochemicals  facility  in  Qatar; 
then 
originating,  developing,  and 
serving  as  the  first  Managing  Director 
of  Dubai  Natural  Gas  Company,  an 
associated  gas  LPG  processing  facility 
in  Dubai;  and  co-founding  Scarboro 
Resources with interests and operations 
in  Italy,  Libya,  Abu  Dhabi,  Indonesia, 
France, Pakistan and Canada.

48 Wentworth Resources plc

 
 
JOHN BENTLEY
Non-Executive Director and Senior 
Independent Director

TIM BUSHELL
Non-Executive Director and  
Deputy Chairman

IAIN MCLAREN 
Non-Executive Director

natural 

John  has  over  40  years  of  experience 
resource 
international 
in 
corporations  at  both 
the  executive 
management  and  board  level.  He  has 
a  degree  in  Metallurgy  from  Brunel 
University. John has had a specific focus 
in  the  upstream  oil  and  gas  industry  in 
Africa  having  been  instrumental  in  the 
formation of Energy Africa Ltd where he 
was CEO during the period 1996 through 
2000. Prior to this, he held several senior 
positions in the Gencor Group. Previously 
he  was  Non-Executive  Chairman  of 
Faroe Petroleum plc and remains a Non-
Executive Director of Africa Energy Corp.

Tim  is  a  qualified  geologist  with  more 
than 30 years’ experience in the oil and 
gas  industry.  He  has  worked  at  British 
Gas,  Ultramar,  LASMO,  and  Paladin 
Resources.  Tim  was  Chief  Executive 
Officer  at  Falkland  Oil  and  Gas  Limited 
until 
its  merger  with  Rockhopper 
Exploration.  He  was  a  co-founder 
of  Core  Energy  which  via  a  series  of 
mergers  between  Point  Resources  and 
then Var Energi, is now one of the largest 
E&P companies in Norway. He currently 
serves on the boards of Genel Energy plc, 
Petro Matad Limited, Sval Energi AS. and 
Redrock Energy Limited.

Iain has significant experience in the oil 
and gas sector with deep experience as 
Audit  Committee  chair.  He  is  currently 
a  Non-Executive  Director  and  Chair 
of  the  Audit  Committee  of  Jadestone 
Energy  Inc.  and  is  a  Director  and  Audit 
Committee Chair of Ecofin Global Utilities 
and  Infrastructure  Trust  plc.  Iain  was 
previously  Senior  Independent  Director 
and  Chair  of  the  Audit  Committee  for 
Cairn Energy plc. He is a past President 
of the Institute of Chartered Accountants 
of Scotland and was a partner of KPMG 
for 28 years until 2008.

Key

Audit Committee
Remuneration Committee
Nominations Committee
Chairman
Member

49

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee met three times during the year and, with 
specific regard to the Annual Report and Accounts, considered 
Group financial disclosures and accounting matters, including 
the  impact  and  treatment  of  standards  that  came  into  effect, 
those  that  have  not  yet  done  so  but  had  been  endorsed  by 
the  EU  and  UK  prior to the  end  of the  Brexit transition  period 
on 31 January 2021. After this date, the power to endorse new 
or  amended  standards  lies  with  the  UK  Secretary  of  State  for 
Business,  Energy  and  Industrial  Strategy.  This  also  applies  to 
amendments to existing standards.

UK-adopted  IFRS  will  be  effective  for  accounting  periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2021.

At the last year-end, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was 
an  emerging  issue  and  presented  the  Audit  Committee  with 
significant uncertainty. 12-months on, and whilst we understand 
considerably  more  about  COVID-19,  its  behaviour,  the  impact 
upon the people we employ and actively engage with and the 
more  general  macro  economic  environment,  that  uncertainty 
still remains.

The Audit Committee has again dedicated a significant amount 
of  time  in  assessing  the  Group’s  financial  systems,  continued 
preparedness and resilience for what will likely be a prolonged 
period  of  uncertainty  yet  to  come.  Largely,  the  precautionary 
and  preventative  systems  that  were  initially  instituted  in  2020 
have worked very well, with little need for significant changes to 
them as circumstances have developed. 

The historic assessment of the Audit Committee, which judged 
that  the  business  would  continue  to  operate  with  minimal 
disruption, proved to be accurate and we do not, once again, 
foresee any disruption to be either longstanding or material in 
nature. The Audit Committee will, however, continue to monitor 
the  situation  as  it  progresses  and  is  mindful  of  the  speed  at 
which circumstances may change, both for the better or for the 
worse. Further disclosures on the risks associated with COVID-19 
are made within the Business Risks section of this report.

Other  areas  the  Audit  Committee  paid  specific  regard  to  are 
noted below:

•	 the carrying values of both producing and non-producing 
assets  capitalised  within  the  statement  of  financial 
position  following  the  identification  of  certain  impairment 
indicators. Full impairment reviews were conducted at the 
year-end under IAS 36 and, following their completion, the 
recoverable amount of both producing and non-producing 
assets were assessed to be higher than their carrying values, 
requiring no impairment charge; 

•	 the  recoverability  of  gas  sales  receivables,  which  have  in 
absolute  terms  improved,  however,  at  the  year-end  there 
remained  a  14-month  receivable  from  TANESCO  which 
totalled  $1.3  million.  Under  IFRS  9,  $11k  of  expected  credit 
losses  were  recognised  against  amounts  past  due,  albeit 
the  Group  continues  to  anticipate  that  the  debt  will  be 
collected in full over time;

50

•	 the  presentation  of  certain  non-recurring  administrative 

costs within the statement of comprehensive income;

•	 the impairment provision with respect to the Tembo asset in 
Mozambique, which was formally relinquished during 2019 
but  impaired  in-full  within  the  2018  financial  statements. 
The  final  dissolution  of  Mozambique  corporate  entities  is 
ongoing and the expectation is that this will be completed 
during 2021; and

•	 the  continued  provision-in-full  made  against 

the 
Government of the United Republic of Tanzania receivable 
(“Umoja”) with respect to the transmission and distribution 
infrastructure  sold  to  TANESCO  totalling  $6.5  million  and 
any  indicators  of  a  change  to  the  present  obligation, 
probability or amount of anticipated final settlement.

A  summary  of  the  main  areas  in  which  the  Audit  Committee 
were required to exercise significant judgement are noted below, 
some of which are discussed in more detail within note 3 to the 
Annual Report and Accounts:

•	 COVID-19 readiness and contingency planning protocols;

•	 Mnazi Bay gas supply, demand and settlement assumptions 
with  respect  to  current  receivables,  capitalised  carrying 
values and going concern;

•	 the application of tax assumptions, where the legal and tax 
systems in certain countries are less developed, which affect 
the recognition of tax liabilities and deferred tax assets; and 

•	 the continued accounting treatment of Cyprus Mnazi Bay 
Limited (“CMBL”) as a joint-operation and the recognition 
basis  for  deferred  tax  losses  attributed  to  Wentworth’s 
equity share of CMBL.

to 

the  Group’s 

internal  control  and 

A key role of the Audit Committee is to monitor the effectiveness 
of  the  internal  control  environment  which  includes  giving 
consideration 
risk 
management policies and systems, their effectiveness and the 
requirements for an internal audit function in the context of the 
Group’s overall risk management system. The Audit Committee 
is satisfied that the Group does not currently require an internal 
audit function, however, it will continue to periodically review the 
situation  and,  where  it  deems  necessary,  commission  limited 
internal audit of controls and processes. These informal audits 
may  be  carried  out  randomly  and  on  areas  where  the  Audit 
Committee  deems there to  be  an  elevated  exposure to  risk  or 
where it is difficult to fully mitigate a particular risk entirely. The 
Audit Committee receives and monitors monthly operating and 
financial  reports  for  unexpected  variances  or  instances  that 
may indicate a possible change to the existing risk profile of an 
activity and investigate those activities in more detail if required.

The external audit function plays an important part in assessing 
the effectiveness of financial reporting and internal controls and, 
in turn, the effectiveness and quality of audit is of key importance 
with  sufficient weight  given to  new  areas  of  compliance,  such 
as IFRS 9, and existing areas of risk as is deemed appropriate 

Wentworth Resources plcGOVERNANCEfor the relative size and complexity of the Group’s activities. The 
auditors, KPMG LLP (UK), have been in place since 2018 and, 
in line with the audit profession’s ethical guidance, the current 
audit  engagement  partner  is  due to  rotate  off the  Company’s 
account  following  the  year-ending  31  December  2022  having 
served for a period of five years. KPMG LLP (UK) may serve as 
external auditor for a total period of 20 years, with a mandatory 
tender process occurring after no more than 10 years in 2028. 

There  are  no  contractual  restrictions  on  the  choice  of  the 
external  auditor.  The  Audit  Committee  reviews  the  Auditors’ 
independence  and  monitors  the  nature  and  level  of  non-
audit  fees  payable  to  them  on  an  annual  basis.  The  Audit 
Committee  believes  that  certain  work  of  a  non-audit  nature 
is best undertaken by the external auditors, and that it is not 
appropriate to limit the level of such work by reference to a set 
percentage of the audit fee, as this does not take into account 
important judgements that need to be made concerning the 
nature  of  work  undertaken  to  help  safeguard  the  auditors’ 
independence. Details of fees payable to the auditors are set 
out in note 7. Where the auditor would not be able to provide 
services objectively but had historically done so, it was required 
to give Wentworth sufficient notice of this and disengage from 
any disqualified activity.

The  Audit  Committee  has  reviewed  the  UK  Corporate 
Governance and QCA Code including the requirement for FTSE 
350 companies to put the external audit contract out to tender 

at  least  every  ten  years.  Having  considered  the  guidance  on 
aligning the timing of such re-tenders with the audit engagement 
partner rotation cycle, the Audit Committee’s current intentions 
are that it will initiate a re-tendering process in 2028 in line with 
KPMG  LLP  (UK)’s  own  requirements  noted  above.  This  policy 
will be kept under review and the Audit Committee will use its 
regular  reviews  of  auditor  effectiveness  to  assess  whether  an 
earlier date for such a re-tender would be desirable. The Audit 
Committee has recommended to the Board that it re-appoint 
KPMG LLP (UK) at the 2021 AGM.

There were no instances to report of circumstances where the 
Board  did  not  accept  a  recommendation  made  to  it  by  the 
Audit Committee on any matter, including the re-appointment 
of KPMG LLP (UK) as external auditor.

Finally,  the  Audit  Committee  gave  due  consideration  to  the 
adequacy  of  its  whistleblowing  procedures  and  the  ongoing 
engagement of KPMG LLP (UK), their independence, associated 
remuneration and non-audit fees.

Iain McLaren 
Chairman, Audit Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

•	

Iain McLaren (Chairman)

•	 John Bentley

•	 Tim Bushell

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE

•	 Reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s financial reporting, 
internal control policies and procedures for the identification, 
assessment and reporting of risk;

•	 monitoring the integrity of the Group’s financial statements;

•	 monitoring the effectiveness of the internal control environment;

•	 making recommendations to the Board on the appointment of the Auditors;

•	 agreeing the scope of the auditors’ annual audit programme and reviewing the output;

•	 keeping the relationship with the auditors under review;

•	 assessing the effectiveness of the audit process; and

Iain McLaren
Chairman, Audit 
Committee

•	 developing and implementing policy on the engagement of the auditors to supply non-audit services.

The external auditors have unrestricted access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Audit Committee meetings are also 
attended by the external auditor where appropriate and, by invitation, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Group Financial 
Controller and senior management.

51

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesGOVERNANCE
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Tim Bushell
Chairman, 
Remuneration 
Committee

Dear Shareholder,

On behalf of the Board, I 
am pleased to present the 
Directors’ Remuneration 
Report for the year-ended 
31 December 2020.

COVID-19 has had a significant worldwide impact in 2020 and 
whilst Wentworth has performed well during this time and has 
been  relatively resilient  in the  face of the  pandemic, Tanzania 
has been impacted by falling tourist numbers which has driven a 
stagnation in energy demand in the country in 2020, particularly 
from the large hotel chains. In addition unseasonal heavy rainfall 
increased the availability of cheaper hydro-electric power which 
affected  demand  for  gas.  However  Wentworth  demonstrated 
how  operationally  and  financially  robust  the  Company  is  by 
still  performing  well  during  2020  despite  these  challenges. 
Performance  so  far  in  2021  has  continued  to  strengthen  with 
production  averaging  85  MMscf/day  for  Q1  2021  against 
64  MMscf/day  during  Q1  2020  and  I  look  forward  to  another 
strong  performance  from  the  Executive  Director  and  Senior 
Management during 2021. 

In  light  of  the  challenges  facing  our  stakeholders  no  changes 
were  made  to  the  CEO’s  base  salary  for  2020.  During  2020 
Katherine Roe was eligible for an annual bonus of up to 170% 
of  salary,  with  100%  of  salary  based  on  a  range  of  financial 
and  operational  targets  linked  to  Company  strategy,  and  an 
exceptional bonus of up to 70% of salary payable only on the 
delivery  of  a  successful  M&A  transaction.  Following  year-end 
the Committee reviewed Katherine’s performance against these 

objectives  and  approved  an  overall  bonus  of  81%  of  salary, 
reflecting  strong  performance  against  cash  balance  targets, 
and  delivery  against  both  HSE  and  stakeholder  objectives, 
including  the  development  of  a  new  ESG  strategy.  No  bonus 
was payable under the exceptional element. 

During  2020,  the  composition  of  the  Board  remained  stable 
with  Bob  McBean  agreeing  to  stay  on  as  Non-executive 
Chairman until June 2021 to support Katherine Roe in her new 
position as CEO following the departure of Eskil Jersing at the 
end of 2019. I am delighted that Bob will remain involved with 
the  Group  as  President  of  our  Tanzanian  company  given  his 
unique  deep  understanding  of Wentworth  and  the Tanzanian 
landscape. While he has no role on the Board or in an executive 
capacity,  given  his  prior  relationship  as  a  Board  member,  the 
Remuneration Committee has determined that it should remain 
responsible for his compensation in his role as President of the 
Tanzanian company and that his compensation arrangements 
be fully disclosed.

Following Bob’s departure all legacy remuneration arrangements, 
which largely stemmed from the Company’s Canadian domicile, 
are  now  resolved  and  the  Committee  is  confident  that  the 
Company’s  remuneration  policy  reflects  market  practice  for  an 
AIM listed company of its size and within its market sector. 

Following  feedback  from  institutional  shareholders,  as  well  as 
the  initiation  of  a  long-term  sustainable  dividend  policy,  the 
Committee undertook a review of our approach to remuneration 
during 2020. As part of that review and to ensure appropriate 
support was in place the Committee ran a process to appoint 
independent remuneration consultants to review executive and 
non-executive  remuneration  and  to  advise  the  Committee  on 
our remuneration policy resulting in the appointment of Ellason 
LLP  in January  2021.  Following  Ellason’s  input  into  the  review, 
we have amended our remuneration policy and further details 
of this are set out in this Report. Key changes to our policy and 
approach to executive remuneration include: 

52

Wentworth Resources plcStrategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

•	 more relevant and challenging KPIs applied to the Executive 
Director’s annual bonus with a higher level of Remuneration 
Committee  discretion  to  ensure  the  annual  bonus  award 
reflects the fortunes of the Company and its stakeholders; 

•	 refocusing the variable pay opportunities towards the long-
term, with a removal of the exceptional opportunity under the 
annual  bonus  (reducing  the  bonus  opportunity  from  170% 
to  100%  of  salary),  and  clarifying the  LTIP  policy  such that 
the  200%  of  salary  upper  limit,  previously  only  available  in 
exceptional circumstances, is available during a regular year; 

•	 a  change  in  the  LTIP  performance  conditions  away  from 
absolute  share  price  growth  to  a  mix  of  absolute  and 
relative total shareholder return; and 

•	 the adoption of a new share ownership and retention policy 

for the Executive Director. 

In preparing this report, the Committee was guided by the QCA’s 
Remuneration  Committee  guide  and  has  made  appropriate 
disclosures recommended therein. We hope the steps we have 
taken to enhance our incentive framework and disclosure will be 
reflected in your support for that proposal. 

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank shareholders  for 
their continuing support. 

Yours sincerely

Tim Bushell  
Chairman, Remuneration Committee 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

•	 Tim Bushell (Chairman)

•	 John Bentley

•	

Iain McLaren

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE

•	 Determining the remuneration policy for the Group to be applied to Directors and senior management and recommending 

any changes to the remuneration policy;

•	 Reviewing  and  agreeing  the  total  remuneration  package  for  the  Executive  Director  and  other  members  of  senior 

management;

•	 Approving targets for the performance-related LTIP scheme;

•	 KPIs for the Executive Director’s annual bonus targets and monitoring achievement of those KPIs; and

•	 Appointing remuneration consultants as may be required by the Committee to advise in respect of any matters.

53

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsGOVERNANCE
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

54 Wentworth Resources plc

REMUNERATION POLICY
In  response  to  institutional  investor  feedback  after  the  2020  AGM  and  in  combination  with  our  newly  appointed  remuneration 
advisor’s Ellason LLP, the Committee has made a number of changes to the Group’s remuneration policy which will be implemented 
from the date of the Company’s AGM. 

Key changes made to the Executive Director Remuneration Policy are set out in the table below to ensure these are clearly identified 
to shareholders. No changes were made to the Non-Executive Director Remuneration Policy.

Changes to the Remuneration Policy and approach to executive remuneration 

Base salary

Base  salary  was  reviewed  by  Ellason  and  quantum  was  assessed  against  both  a  sector  peer  group  and  a 
peer group reflective of the size of the Company. Executive remuneration was found to be appropriate and no 
changes have been implemented as a result of our review.

Base salary was originally reviewed in April every year and this time frame has been changed to January to fall 
in line with the assessment of the Executive Director’s annual bonus and KPIs.

Performance 
related bonus

The annual bonus remains capped at 100% of salary but the discretion of the Remuneration Committee to 
pay  an  exceptional  bonus  in  excess  of  this  has  been  removed. Within  the  annual  bonus  a  greater  element 
of  Committee  discretion  has  been  incorporated  to  ensure  that  any  bonus  payment  accurately  reflects  the 
performance of the Company and the experience of its stakeholders, including its shareholders. 

The KPIs which are agreed with the Executive Director at the beginning of the year, have been reviewed and 
their weighting has been adjusted to refocus the annual bonus with an appropriate balance between objective 
and financial targets, and non-financial metrics. Greater emphasis is now placed on the LTIP to ensure that 
variable pay is equity-based and focused on long term performance. 

Pension

Pension contributions of 10% of base salary are considered appropriate and no change has been made.

LTIP

The greatest changes to the Remuneration Policy are in respect of the LTIP. The maximum award under the LTIP 
in a regular year has been increased to 200% of annual base salary in line with the exceptional opportunity 
previously incorporated into the policy to refocus the Executive Director’s variable pay on longer term outcomes 
that are aligned with shareholder returns. 

Institutional shareholders have previously raised concerns around LTIP vesting being based entirely on absolute 
share price growth targets, which can be unduly impacted by broader market sentiment both negatively and 
positively. The Committee also considered that the use of absolute share price targets no longer fully aligned 
the interests of participants and shareholders following adoption of a dividend policy.

Following advice from Ellason and input from shareholders, the Committee has determined the performance 
conditions applying to 2021 LTIP awards to be based 50% on Absolute Total Shareholder Return (“ATSR”) to 
include rolled-up dividends, and 50% on Relative Total Shareholder Return measured against a selection of 
constituent companies of the FTSE AIM All-Share Energy Index (“AXOIG”). 

Given the Company is now a dividend paying company, the Committee has also considered the existing LTIP 
awards which are currently in place and which vesting is based on absolute share price growth not including 
dividends and intends to amend the performance conditions of the existing LTIPs as set out in on page 62. The 
Committee recognises that this is unusual but it is of the opinion that the significant change in the Company’s 
dividend policy does require those ‘in-flight’ LTIPs to be amended.

Share 
Ownership 
and Retention

In response to institutional investor feedback a new policy has been adopted whereby the Executive Director(s) 
are required to hold ordinary shares in the Company equal to their maximum entitlement under the LTIP. In the 
case of the Executive Director this is equal to shares to the value of 200% of her base salary and she will be 
required to build up this holding within five years of adoption of the policy.

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2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

The revised remuneration policy is focused on ensuring that overall remuneration is set at a competitive level against the Company’s 
peer group to enable the Company to not only attract but, importantly, retain high-calibre employees with the requisite skill-sets 
required to execute the Company’s strategy. 

The Committee is tasked with ensuring that the policy is applied in such a way that remuneration of Directors, management and senior 
staff is set at a level no higher than is required to achieve the Company’s objectives and that pay is closely linked to performance. 

The  focus  of  the  variable  remuneration  has  shifted  towards  the  LTIP  to  ensure  the  Executive  Director  is  aligned  with  long-term 
shareholders and decisions are made to ensure long term value growth rather than short-term gain.

Executive Director Policy 

Base Salary

Purpose and link to 
strategy

Base salary to be set at a competitive level to enable recruitment and retention of Executive Directors 
and an appropriate reward for their role and responsibilities. 

Operation

•	 Base  salary  is  reviewed  annually  in January  considering the  Director’s  performance,  individual 

responsibilities and experience. 

•	 Salary  increases  will  be  awarded  to  reflect  changes  in  role  or  responsibility  and  any  industry 

benchmarking adjustment and will be effective from 1 January of each year. 

•	 The Committee considers matters of retention, motivation and economic climate as well as the 

challenges facing the business and pay and conditions through-out the Company. 

•	 As  and  when  required,  the  Committee  obtains  benchmarking  data  and  reviews  peer  group 

comparator companies’ remuneration.

Performance related annual bonus

Purpose and link to 
strategy

To incentivise and reward, on an annual basis, the achievement of individual and Group targets set 
around financial and non-financial metrics.

Operation

•	 Objectives/KPIs  are  set  prior  to  the  year  under  review  with  Group  wide  targets  in  addition  to 

individual performance considerations.

•	 KPIs,  specific  to  the  Executive  Director(s)  and  select  senior  management,  are  aligned  to  the 
Group’s strategy and business plan and focused on enabling the Group to achieve its long-term 
objectives.

•	 At the end of each year the Committee uses its judgement to determine whether the KPIs have 

been achieved in addition to individual performance and contribution to the Group.

•	 The maximum level of performance related bonus for Executive Directors is capped at 100% of 

annual salary. 

•	 As a priority, the Committee considers whether operations have been completed to acceptable 
HSSE standards and considers whether there were any HSSE incidents when determining the level 
of bonus payments. 

•	 The Committee retains significant discretion to ensure that any bonus is reflective of the underlying 

performance of the Company and the experience of its stakeholders during the year.

•	 The bonus is non-contractual, discretionary and paid in cash following the year-end. 

•	 Any bonus payment is subject to the Company’s malus and claw-back policy.

56

Wentworth Resources plcGOVERNANCEPension provision

Purpose and link to 
strategy

To provide competitive retirement benefits commensurate with schemes offered by peer companies 
in line with legislation.

Operation

Benefits

Purpose and link to 
strategy

•	 During each year, the Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of salary to the Employee’s 
personal  pension  scheme. Any  contributions  shall  be  payable  in  equal  monthly  instalments  in 
arrears.

To  provide  competitive  cost-effective  benefits  to  assist  in  attracting  and  retaining  the  calibre  of 
Directors required to deliver the Group’s strategy and to support individuals in carrying out their roles, 
including in different locations as may be requested.

Operation

•	 A range of customary benefits, in addition to base salary, is provided including life assurance and 

private healthcare provisions. 

LTIP

Purpose and link to 
strategy

Operation

To  attract  and  retain  the  calibre  of  Executive  Directors  and  senior  management  required  to 
implement and realise the Company’s long-term strategy. The LTIP is intended to align the Executive 
Directors and senior management’s interests with the long-term interests of shareholders through 
challenging performance targets linked to vesting of the awards. 

•	 The  Committee  intends  to  make  annual  awards  in July  of  each  year,  subject  to  the  Company 
being in an open dealing period, to Executive Directors and senior management. Annual awards 
to Executive Directors are capped at 200% of annual base salary.

•	 All  awards  are  over  nil  cost  options  or  conditional  rights,  with  vesting  subject  to  continued 
employment and performance against relevant metrics measured over a period of at least three-
years. The Committee will determine the performance measures ahead of each cycle to ensure 
that they continue to be linked to the delivery of Company strategy and aligned with shareholder 
interests. Performance conditions for the 2021 LTIP award will be based 50% on Absolute TSR and 
50% on relative TSR measured against a selection of the constituent companies of the AXOIG. 

•	 A payment equal to the value of dividends which would have accrued on vested awards will be 
made following the release of awards to participants, either in the form of cash or as additional 
shares.

•	 Options granted under the Company’s previous schemes remain in place. 

•	 Any LTIP grant is subject to the Company’s malus and claw-back policy.

Shareholder requirement

Purpose and link to 
strategy

To align the Executive Director(s) interests with those of shareholders through build-up and retention 
of a personal shareholding.

Operation

•	 For  the  duration  of  their  appointment,  Executive  Director(s)  are  required  to  hold  shares  with  a 
value equivalent to the maximum opportunity under the LTIP (e.g. equivalent to 200% of base 
salary for the CEO).

•	 Executive Directors have five years from the date of appointment (or the date of adoption of the 

policy) to reach their share-holding requirement.

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2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

Remuneration Policy for overseas employees
The majority of the Group’s employees are based in Tanzania and local customs are adopted to ensure that employees’ remuneration 
in country of operation is appropriate to their jurisdiction. The Company policy is to pay its employees fair salaries and benefits, 
competitive with market practices. 

The  Company  conducts  a  performance  review  process  against  individual  goals  relevant  to  their  positions  and  the  Company’s 
achievement related to share price performance. Employees are entitled to a maximum annual bonus of up to two months basic 
salary. Individual goals represent 50% of an employee’s annual bonus and the other 50% is based on share price performance. 

Recruitment
In the case of recruitment of a new Executive Director the Committee can use all the components of remuneration as set out in the 
policy table above. In addition:

•	 Base  salary  of  a  new  Executive  Director  will  be  determined  by  reference  to  market  rates  through  peer  group  analysis,  the 
experience and skills of the individual and their existing remuneration package. Where new appointees have initial base salaries 
set  below  market,  any  shortfall  may  be  managed  with  phased  increases  over  a  period  of  two  to  three  years  subject  to  the 
individual’s development in the role. 

•	 Any annual bonus will be consistent with the policy, with KPIs being agreed with any new appointee as soon as possible after 
appointment. The relevant maximum bonus percentage will be pro-rated to reflect the period of employment with the Company 
during the year. 

•	 An award under the LTIP may be made on joining up to 200% of base salary. 

•	

In the case of an external hire, the Remuneration Committee may deem it appropriate to compensate an individual for the loss 
of existing incentive and benefit arrangements which would be forfeited on termination of their previous employment. In doing 
so, the Committee will consider relevant factors including time to vesting, any performance conditions attached to these awards 
and the likelihood of those conditions being met. Any such ‘buy-out’ awards would typically have a fair value no higher than the 
awards forfeited. In the case of an internal hire existing awards made to that individual would be retained. 

Service Contracts 
The Executive Director signed a new service contract on 6 January 2021 that is not fixed in duration but contains a notice period of 
12 months in line with best practice. 

The Executive Director’s service contract is available to view at the Company’s registered office and prior to each Annual General 
Meeting at the venue for the meeting. 

Termination of employment
Clause 17 of the Executive Director’s service agreement outlines the termination of the agreement by the employer, which states that 
“the Employer shall have the discretion to terminate the Appointment lawfully without any notice (or part thereof) by paying to the 
Employee a sum equal to, but no more than, the salary as at the date that such payment is made under this clause”. 

A bonus payment will not normally be made to a Director under notice although there may be circumstances relating to a specific, 
clear and determinable KPI where a limited bonus payment may be agreed. 

LTIP awards lapse on termination of employment unless the individual is considered a ‘good leaver’ whereupon under the LTIP the 
award will lapse six months after termination of employment or after the award vests. The Committee has discretion to determine 
to what extent any award granted to a good leaver vests taking into account the proportion of the performance period falling prior 
to the event and the extent to which any performance conditions have been satisfied. The Committee may determine that a good 
leaver’s award may vest early but where no such determination is made the award will vest on the original vesting date. 

Under the previous Company Option Plan which still has some un-exercised options in issue, the award will lapse 45 days following 
termination of employment, however, the Remuneration Committee (approved by the Board) has extended this period to 12 months 
where the Committee has determined that individual to be a ‘good leaver’. The Committee has the discretion to determine whether 
a leaver is a ‘good leaver’.

58

Wentworth Resources plcGOVERNANCENon-Executive Director Policy
Pursuant to Article 25 in the Company’s Articles of Association, the Board can enter into, vary or terminate an agreement with a Non-
Executive Director and can determine the level of Non-Executive Directors remuneration subject to any limit set by the Company by 
ordinary resolution.

Fees

Purpose and link to 
strategy

Operation

Fees are set at a competitive level to attract and retain high-calibre Non-Executive Directors who 
collectively bring the required skill-set to the Board to support the Executive Director(s) and guide 
the Company to achieve its objectives.

•	 Fees for the Chairman are determined by the Committee. Fees for the Non-executive Directors are 
determined by the Board as a whole with Directors recusing themselves from decisions relating to 
their own remuneration.

•	 The  Board  has  regard  to  the  level  of  fees  paid  to  Non-Executive  Directors  of  comparator 
companies  similar  to  the  Company  and  the  time  commitment  and  responsibilities  of  the  role. 
As  and  when  required,  the  Committee  obtains  benchmarking  data  and  reviews  peer  group 
comparator companies’ remuneration.

•	 The  chairs  of  Audit  Committee  and  Remuneration  Committee  and  the  Senior  Independent 
Director each receive an additional £10,000. No fees are paid to the Chair of the Nominations 
Committee. No Director receives fees for sitting on a Board Committee. 

•	 Fees are reviewed annually with changes effective from 1 January.

Performance related bonuses

Non-Executive Directors do not participate in the group’s annual bonus scheme.

Pension provision

Non-Executive  Directors  are  not  paid  a  pension  contribution  and  are  not  entitled  to  benefits  other  than  travel  and  business 
expenses incurred in the normal course of business. 

LTIP

Non-Executive Directors do not participate in the LTIP Scheme.

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2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

REPORT ON REMUNERATION 
Key activities

•	 Agreed and set KPIs for the annual bonus for the Executive Director for 2020.

•	 Agreed the total remuneration package for the Executive Director and members of senior management.

•	 Appointed Ellason LLP in January 2021 to review remuneration for both Executive and Non-Executive Directors.

•	 Finalised the terms of Katherine Roe’s executive service agreement as well as amending Richard Tainton’s (Country Manager not 
an Executive Director) service agreement and amending Robert McBean’s letter of appointment as non-executive Chairman 
following the extension of the term of his letter of appointment by a further year to 30 June 2021.

The Company Secretary acted as secretary to the Committee. The Chairman of the Board and other Board members attended 
Committee meetings at the invitation of the Committee and as appropriate. 

External Advice
Pinsent  Masons  LLP  provided  legal  advice  in  relation  to  Katherine  Roe’s  new  contract  as  well  as  advising  on  changes  to  Richard 
Tainton’s service agreement and the amendment to Robert McBean’s letter of appointment. Ellason LLP was appointed in January 2021 
to conduct a review of remuneration for both Executive and Non-Executive Directors and reported to the Committee in February 2021.

Committee Discretion
The Committee exercised its discretion in relation to the adjustment of the performance period for the LTIP awarded to Katherine Roe 
in December 2020 to ensure that the performance period and notional share price at date of grant reflected the fact that the Executive 
Director was entitled to the award in July but the Company was unable to grant the award until December. The performance period 
for the award granted in December 2020 runs from 1 August 2020 to 31 July 2023 and the VWAP used to calculate the award was 
based on the share price during the 3 month period immediately prior to 31 July 2020.

DIRECTORS REMUNERATION DURING THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Total Remuneration of Executive Director
The table below reports single figure of total remuneration for the Executive Director during the year:

Base 
Remuneration

$

Bonus

$

Other 
Benefits1

LTIP 
 charges

$

$

2020
Total

$

2019
Total

$

Katherine Roe 

Total

385,4762

312,988

62,409

227,800

988,673

497,945

385,476

312,988

62,409

227,800

988,673

497,945

1  Other benefits includes pension.
2  Gross base remuneration excludes $117,473 employers National Insurance contributions.

60

Wentworth Resources plcGOVERNANCEBase Salary and Annual Bonus of the Executive Director
Katherine Roe agreed to a salary freeze to her base salary (reviewed in April) in 2020 to reflect the economic uncertainty due to the 
COVID-19 pandemic. Her base salary remained at £305,400 (US$385,476) for the fiscal year. 

Katherine Roe was awarded a bonus of US$312,988 (equating to 81 % of her base salary) in recognition of the achievement of KPIs 
set at the start of 2020. 

Her annual bonus entitlement during the year was 170% of base salary. The Committee exercised its discretion to award a higher 
maximum entitlement than 100% setting an additional annual bonus target of 70% of base salary achievable for delivery of an 
M&A transaction. Therefore her maximum entitlement during the year was 170% of base salary for achievement of the following key 
objectives which had been agreed with Katherine Roe for the financial year ending 31 December 2020.

Objective

KPI

Achievement

HSSE

Financial

Zero lost time incidents.

There were no LTIs at Mnazi Bay during 2020.

Quantifiable financial targets including a 
minimum cash target of $17 million 
(accommodating dividend payments).

This was achieved in addition to a higher dividend 
payout than budgeted.

Operational

Quantifiable production targets in line with 
market expectation.

Partially achieved.

Non-financial 
metrics

Stakeholder engagement and investor relations.

ESG

Development of the Company’s ESG strategy.

Achieved by positive interactions with JV partners and 
government relations as well as the operator of the 
asset resulting in increased allocation to Mnazi Bay.

Achieved with detailed external reporting of ESG 
matters targeted for release on time in 2021 reporting 
cycle with the publication of the Company’s inaugural 
Sustainability Report.

M&A

Delivery of an M&A transaction in line with the 
Company’s strategy.

Not achieved to execution. 

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2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesREMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

LTIP Awards granted during the financial year
At the time of Katherine Roe’s appointment as permanent CEO on 3 January 2020, an LTIP award was granted in accordance with 
the policy. A further award should have been made in July, however the Committee was unable to make an award at that time due 
to the Company being in a restricted period. On 17 December 2020, a further award was made reflecting the regular award that 
was due to be made in July. The award made in December replicated the grant which would have been made in July as per the 
Company’s policy, with 200% of salary the maximum amount permitted to be granted in any year. 

The percentage of awards which will vest will be dependent on absolute share price growth during the performance period. 

LTIP awards table

Director

Date of Grant

Share price at 
date of grant

Performance 
Period 

Katherine Roe

Katherine Roe

3 January
2020 

17 December
2020

£0.18431

£0.1622

3 January 2020 to 
2 January 2023

1 August 2020 to
31 July 2023

Number of 
options subject 
to performance 
conditions set 

out below % of salary

2,485,621

150%

942,593

50%

Face value 
of maximum 
award

£458,100
($599,946)3

£152,700
($205,909)4

1  The share price is calculated by reference to a 3-month volume weighted average price of an ordinary share for the 3 months immediately preceding 

the date of the grant.

2  The share price is calculated by reference to a 3-month volume weighted average price of an ordinary share for the 3 months preceding the date 

that the grant should have been made which was to 31 July 2020.

3  The face value of the awards is calculated using the 3-month volume weighted average price of an ordinary share for the 3 months immediately 
preceding the date of grant. The actual value of the awards to participants will be dependent on the percentage of the award that vests and the 
share price at the date of exercise.

4  The face value of the awards is calculated using the 3-month volume weighted average price of an ordinary share for the 3 months immediately 
preceding the 31 July 2020. The actual value of the awards to participants will be dependent on the percentage of the award that vests and the 
share price at the date of exercise. 

The key features of the 2020 LTIP awards are as follows:

•	 The awards are in the form of nil cost conditional rights to ordinary shares;

•	 For the award granted on 3 January 2020, the performance will be measured over a three-year period to 2 January 2023 and for 
the award granted on 17 December 2020, for a three-year period to 31 July 2023 reflecting the delay to the award which should 
have been made by the end of July, 2020 but which was prevented due to being in a restricted period;

•	 25% of each award will vest if the Company’s share price at the end of the Performance Period has increased by 8% p.a. and 

100% of the award will vest if the share price has increased by 16% p.a.; 

•	 Should the Company’s share price increase between 8% p.a. and 16% p.a. the awards will vest on a linear sliding scale between 

25% and 100%;

•	 No awards will vest should the Company’s share price fail to increase by 8% p.a;

•	 Share price growth is calculated with reference to the average price over a 3-month dealing period; and

•	

In certain situations, including a change of control, the awards may vest early if no replacement award has been made.

Amendment to the existing LTIP awards previously granted to Katherine Roe
As discussed above, following the adoption of revised performance conditions for future awards which has been driven by shareholder 
feedback and the implementation of a dividend policy by the Company, the Committee has resolved to amend the performance 
conditions of Katherine Roe’s existing LTIP awards to ensure they are linked to absolute TSR rather than absolute share price growth 
from the date of the AGM. This will apply to all of Katherine Roe’s existing LTIPs amounting to a total of 4,618,289 conditional rights 
over ordinary shares.

Outstanding Wentworth LTIP cycles are each based on a share price growth target range, with threshold vesting requiring 8% per 
annum growth and full vesting requiring 16% per annum growth over the respective performance periods. 

62

Wentworth Resources plcGOVERNANCEHaving  announced  a  dividend  policy,  and  reflecting  the  material  12-month  yield,  the  Remuneration  Committee  has  considered 
whether outstanding LTIP awards should be adjusted to ensure the continued alignment between shareholders and participants. In 
conclusion, the Committee has resolved to change the LTIP performance measure for outstanding awards from absolute share price 
growth to ATSR which the Committee believes should have been the correct performance measure to apply to the awards at grant. 
ATSR will recognise and reward participants for dividends paid over the remainder of the performance period, and will ensure there 
is no misalignment in the priorities of executives and shareholders when it comes to future decisions around dividends. 

The same adjustments will be made to an existing award made under the LTIP to Richard Tainton on 10 June 2019 over 495,422 
conditional rights.

Total Remuneration of Non-Executive Directors
The table below reports remuneration for each Non-Executive Director

Robert McBean

John Bentley

Iain McLaren 

Tim Bushell

Total

Base 
Remuneration

Bonus

$

234,927

78,309

78,309

78,309

469,8541

$

-

-

-

-

-

Other 
Benefits

$

149,000

-

-

-

149,000

Share 
options

$

-

-

-

-

-

2020 
Total

$

2019
Total

$

383,927

256,722

78,309

78,309

78,309

76,807

76,807

76,807

618,854

487,143

1  Gross base remuneration excludes $27,593 employers National Insurance contributions.

Arrangements with Mr McBean, Non-Executive Chairman
Mr McBean’s contract
Mr  McBean  was  previously  Executive  Chairman  at  the  time  that  the  Company  was  domiciled  in  Canada.  When  the  Company 
redomiciled from Canada to Jersey in 2018, and subsequently de-listed from Oslo Bors, Mr McBean agreed to transition from Executive 
to Non-Executive Chairman to provide a level of continuity to the Board with a view to stepping down in June 2020. As detailed in 
previous Annual Reports, at the time, his executive service agreement included a clause whereby the Company was obligated to pay 
the sum of US$200,000 on termination and, with Mr McBean’s agreement, this was rolled into his Letter of Appointment so that the 
liability did not crystallise immediately. When Eskil Jersing left the Company, and in order to ensure there was sufficient continuity at 
Board level, Mr McBean agreed to extend his Letter of Appointment by 12 months and in consideration the Company paid 50% of 
his contractual termination payment early. The remaining US$100k, originally due on 30 June 2020, was deferred and will be paid 
on termination of his contract on 30 June 2021. The cost to the Company has remained unchanged while Mr McBean continued as 
Non-Executive Chairman for an additional year. 

Benefits and Expenses
As previously disclosed, and again due to Mr McBean being entitled to private healthcare pursuant to the terms of his executive 
service agreement, the Company agreed to continue to pay for private healthcare in his Letter of Appointment. On extending the 
letter of appointment to 30 June 2021, the Company agreed to continue to pay for Mr McBean’s private health care until termination 
on 30 June 2021. 

Following the payment of the remainder of the outstanding termination sum, due on 30 June 2021, on termination of Mr McBean’s 
contract, the Committee considers all outstanding legacy issues relating to remuneration to be resolved. 

Appointment as President of our Tanzanian Company
The Company has entered into an agreement with Mr McBean whereby he will be appointed as President of our Tanzanian Company 
for a period of two years commencing on 1 July 2021. He will receive an annual fee of £180,000 for an advisory role to work with the Group 
to achieve its growth objectives and support the continued transition of in-country relationships. Under his new agreement Mr McBean 
will have no contractual right to any additional payments other than he will continue to receive US$20,000 towards his healthcare policy. 
During a significant period of transition for the Board, as well as an inflection point in the Company’s primary market, the Board and 
the Committee are satisfied the continued support of an individual with unrivalled knowledge of the business and our relationships is in 
the best interests of the Company and our stakeholders. The Company would also like to formally thank Bob for his service to the board.

63

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesREMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

IMPLEMENTATION OF DIRECTOR REMUNERATION POLICY FOR 2021 

Executive Directors

Base Salary

Annual Bonus

Base  salaries  for  the  Executive  Director  and  senior  management  were  reviewed  in January  and 
adjusted to reflect inflation with a modest increase of 2% effective 1 January 2021.

KPIs  have  been  agreed  with  the  Executive  Director  for  her  2021  annual  bonus  targets  under  the 
following classifications:

•	 HSSE;

•	 Financial  including  preservation  of  the  Company’s  cash  position,  payment  of  dividends  to 
shareholders and revenue targets which are considered commercially sensitive by the Committee;

•	 Operational  including  production  targets  which  are  considered  commercially  sensitive  by  the 

Committee but are in-line with market expectations;

•	 Stakeholder  relations  including  shareholder  engagement  and  continued  strengthening  of  the 

relationship with Maurel & Prom;

•	 ESG Strategy; and 

•	 M&A activity

LTIP

Total bonus opportunity will be capped at 100% of 2021 base salary.

The Committee intends to grant further LTIP awards during 2021 in accordance with the Policy. The 
Committee will consider quantum, performance period and performance targets at the time of award. 
It is currently intended that vesting will be based 50% on absolute TSR and 50% on relative TSR verses 
a selection of constituent companies from the AXOIG. 

Benefits and Pension 
contribution

The Executive Director will receive the range of Company benefits and pension contribution in line 
with the Remuneration Policy.

Non-Executive Directors

Fees

The 2021 fees for the Non-Executive Directors are unchanged at £50,000 with an additional £10,000 
paid to each of John Bentley, Iain McLaren and Tim Bushell for their roles of Senior Independent Director, 
Chair of Audit Committee and Chair of Remuneration Committee respectively. Should John Bentley step 
down from the board prior to 31 December 2021 he will receive a pro-rata sum to reflect time served. Tim 
Bushell will receive a fee of £95,000 per annum for the role of Non-Executive Chairman, pro-rata for 2021 
from the date of his appointment at the 2021 AGM.

The Non-Executive Chairman, who is stepping down following the 2021 AGM, will receive a pro- rata 
annual fee of £180,000 up to 30 June 2021.

Benefits

It was agreed in 2018 that the Non-Executive Chairman will continue to receive health care insurance 
which he will be entitled to until 30 June 2021. 

Non-Executive Directors do not receive any other benefits.

64

Wentworth Resources plcGOVERNANCE 
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ SHAREHOLDINGS AND OUTSTANDING AWARDS UNDER THE LTIP AND THE COMPANY’S 
PREVIOUS SHARE OPTION SCHEME

Robert McBean

John Bentley

Iain McLaren

Tim Bushell

Katherine Roe

Ordinary shares
24 April 2021

Share options
24 April 2021

Ordinary shares
24 April 2020

Share options
24 April 2020

9,605,385

368,202

325,277

1,900,000

900,000

-

-

91,666

4,618,289

9,605,385

368,202

302,502

-

91,666

1,900,000

900,000

-

-

3,675,696

MISCELLANEOUS DISCLOSURES
The Company has granted an indemnity to its Directors (including subsidiary undertakings) under which the Company will, to the 
maximum extent possible, indemnify them against all costs, charges, losses and liabilities incurred by them in the performance of 
their duties.

The Company provides limited Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance, at a cost of approximately $88k in 2020 (2019: $45k). 
The UK directors and officers liability insurance market has changed considerably in the last 18 to 24 months. This continued into 
2020, as capacity contracted and there were no new market entrants. As a result, we saw a material increase in the cost of our 
insurance premiums. 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
The Company acknowledges the benefit of the Executive Director accepting appointments as a Non-Executive Director of other 
companies, however she is only permitted to engage in other activities and businesses outside the Group provided there is no risk of 
conflict with her executive duties and subject to full Board disclosure. 

The Executive Director held the position of Non-Executive Director of Longboat Energy plc and Non-Executive Director of ITM Power 
plc during 2020 whilst she was an employee of the Company.

Yours sincerely 

Tim Bushell 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

65

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesNOMINATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT

on to ensure an orderly transition and a staggered succession 
and to avoid two long-serving directors stepping down at the 
same time.  I will  step  down  from the  Board  on  31  December 
2021 or earlier once a new appointment has been made. 

To  ensure  the  Company  finds  the  right  candidate  to  join 
our  Board  and  to  ensure  this  is  done  in  a  timely  manner  the 
Committee has recently appointed Russell Reynolds Associates 
to assist with the search. I hope to update the market soon with 
details of a new appointment. 

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION AND MEETINGS
The  Committee  is  chaired  by  me,  Senior  Independent  Director, 
with  all  non-executive  Directors,  including  the  Chairman,  as 
members.  The  Board  considers  Tim  Bushell,  Iain  McLaren  and 
I  to  be  independent.  During  2020  the  Committee  met  once  to 
formally consider succession planning for members of the Board 
and to consider the composition of the senior executive team. All 
members of the Committee attended that meeting. 

Although there was only one meeting of the Committee, during 
the  year  Board  composition  has  been  subject  to  continuous 
review through informal conversations and also at meetings of 
the full Board. 

The Committee has recommended the appointment of two new 
independent directors, with at least one of those appointments 
to be of a person with a background in Tanzania or the wider 
East  Africa  region.  The  Committee  is  also  mindful  of  diversity 
and the Company is keen make an appointment to increase the 
diversity of the Board. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE
The  Committee  is  responsible  for  reviewing  the  structure,  size 
and  composition  of  the  Board  and  for  recommending  any 
changes to the Board. In particular it:

•	 Carries  out  succession  planning  for  the  Board  and  senior 

management;

•	

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

•	 Reviews the time requirement of Non-executive Directors;

•	

Is  responsible  for  using  open  advertising  or  appointing 
any  external  advisor’s  to  facilitate  the  search  for  suitable 
candidates; and 

•	

Is responsible for board evaluation.

BOARD COMPOSITION
The  Board  has  spent  some  time  considering  the  skills  and 
experience  as  well  as  the  personal  qualities  and  capabilities  a 
new appointment to the Board needs to have and the Committee 
has recommended that at least one new appointee should have 
a background in Tanzania or the wider East Africa region. 

John Bentley
Chairman, 
Nominations 
Committee

I am pleased to present the report of the Nomination Committee 
for  2020  which  has  been  a  year  like  no  other. Wentworth  has 
remained resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic but the 
impact  of  the  travel  restrictions  has  been  felt  on  our  activities 
and  has  hampered  our  recruitment  ambitions  for  new  Board 
appointments.

SUCCESSION PLANNING
Following  the  Board  changes 
in  2019,  the  Committee 
recommended  that  the  Board  remain  stable  in  2020  whilst 
Katherine Roe transitioned into her new role as CEO. To that end 
Bob McBean agreed to remain on the Board until 31 June 2021 
and his contract was extended and as the COVID-19 Pandemic 
gripped the world, the Committee continued to seek stability at 
the Board.

Katherine Roe has taken on the role of CEO with great success 
and  Wentworth  has  shown  itself  to  be  resilient  in  the  face 
of  the  global  pandemic.  Therefore  the  Committee  has  now 
recommended  further  changes  to  the  Board.  Mr  McBean  will 
sadly  be  standing  down  as  Chairman  at the  end  of the AGM 
in 2021. His contribution to the Company has been invaluable, 
however it is also important to continue to refresh the Board and 
Tim Bushell, who joined the Company as Deputy Chairman in 
2018, will become Chairman. I am delighted that Bob McBean 
will continue to advise the Group in the role of President of our 
Tanzanian  Company,  with  particular  focus  on  the  Company’s 
growth strategy.

Following  a  tenure  of  more  than  nine  years,  I  too  will  be 
stepping down from the Board and the intention was for me 
to step down at this years AGM. Due to the travel restrictions 
caused  by  the  COVID-19  Pandemic  and  in  light  of  the 
Committee recommendation to seek a new Board appointee 
with a background in Tanzania or the wider East Africa region, 
it has been challenging to connect with potential new Board 
appointees  and  therefore  no  new  appointments  have  been 
made. In order to maintain a strong board I have agreed to stay 

66

Wentworth Resources plcGOVERNANCEStrategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

internally 

Guided by Russell Reynolds, and having 
reviewed 
the  balance  of 
skills  on  the  board,  including  reviewing 
sector,  financial  and  public  markets 
looking  at 
experience  as  well  as 
personal qualities and capabilities and 
considering diversity the Committee has 
prepared an outline of experiences and 
competencies of an ideal candidate to 
join the Board of Wentworth. 

My  role  for  the  remainder  of  2021  is  to 
focus  on  recruiting  at  least  one  new 
independent director and I am confident 
that  a  new  appointee  will  be  in  place 
prior to the end of 2021 with the intention 
to  make  a  further  new  appointment  in 
fairly short order.

John Bentley 
Chairman, Nominations Committee

The 
Committee 
has recommended 
that at least one new 
appointee should have a 
background in Tanzania 
or the wider East 
Africa region.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

•	 John Bentley (Chairman)

•	 Robert McBean 

•	 Tim Bushell

•	

Iain McLaren

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

67

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors present the Report and Financial Statements on 
the affairs of Wentworth and its subsidiaries, together with the 
Financial Statements and Auditors’ Report for the year-ended 
31 December 2020.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY AND BUSINESS REVIEW
The principal activity of the Group and Company throughout the year remained the exploitation of natural gas in Tanzania. The 
significant developments during 2020, and more recently, the other activities of the Group, as well as the future strategy and prospects 
for the Group, are reviewed in detail in the Chairman’s and Chief Executive Officer’s statements as well the Strategic Report section 
of this report. 

The Group operates through overseas branches and subsidiary undertakings as appropriate to the fiscal environment. Subsidiary 
undertakings of the Group are set out in note 15 to the financial statements. 

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
The Group profit for the financial year was $3.4 million (2019: $2.4 million). This leaves an accumulated Group retained loss after 
dividend  distributions  of  $337.2  million  (2019:  unchanged)  to  be  carried  forward.  Full  analysis  of  the  movements  in  the  Group’s 
reserves is provided in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. The Directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of 
$2.6 million with a total distribution of $3.8 million for 2020 (2019: $3.0 million).

GOING CONCERN
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out 
in the Strategic Report. The financial position of the Group, its cash flows and liquidity position are described in the Financial Review 
contained within this report. 

With the world  continuing to  struggle to  come to terms with the  unprecedented  events  of the  COVID-19  pandemic  and the  risk 
presented to the continued health and well-being of our workforce alongside the disruption that preventative measures have had on 
the global supply chain in placing restrictions on the transportation of goods, services and personnel set to continue for some time to 
come, considerable time and resource has been allocated by Directors and senior management to ensuring that Wentworth is best 
placed to be able to continue to safely produce gas from Mnazi Bay alongside the Operator, Maurel & Prom. Given the essential 
nature of services provided and the forecasted impact of the virus in the country, the Group notes that an interruption of production 
and unavailability of key workforce is remote. The Directors however are mindful of the speed with which circumstances may change, 
both for the better or for the worse, and all modelling is based on information that we currently have available to us.

The Group has a long established and collaborative relationship with the Government of Tanzania, having operated in-country for 
many years, however the Directors do recognise that the Group is dependent upon the continued collection of gas sales invoices and 
ongoing operational support of the Government as its sole gas sales customer through its operating agencies TPDC and TANESCO.

The Directors have, therefore, judged that on a risk-weighted basis, which takes into consideration both the probability of occurrence 
and  an  estimate  of  the  financial  impact,  the  continued  timely  settlement  of  gas-sales  invoices  by  the  Government  of Tanzania 
continues to be the most significant risk currently faced by the Group. To this end, should no settlement of future gas sales invoices 
be received from the date of approval of these financial statements, we have assessed that the Group would be able to continue to 
operate for a period of up to 17 months without the need for a further injection of working capital. 

68

Wentworth Resources plcGOVERNANCEFurther to this based on the application of reasonable and foreseeable sensitivities, which include potential changes in demand, 
capital spend and operating costs, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its financial exposures. The Directors 
have judged that owing to a combination of the stability of this relationship which has seen payment terms continue to improve from 
2019 and its much improved financial position having fully repaid all of its fixed-term debt in January 2020, the Group has sufficient 
cash resources for its working capital needs, committed capital and operational expenditure programmes for at least the next 17 
months based on the Directors worst case scenario of no settlement of future gas sales as noted above.

Consequently, the Directors are confident that the Group will have sufficient funds to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due for 
at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements and therefore have prepared the financial statements on a 
going concern basis.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Details of the issued share capital, together with details of the movements in the Company’s issued share capital during the year, are 
shown in note 22 to the financial statements. The Company has one class of ordinary share, which carries no right to fixed income. 
Each ordinary share carries the right to one vote at general meetings of the Company.

There are no specific restrictions on the size of a holding nor on the transfer of shares, which are both governed by the general 
provisions of the Articles of Association and prevailing legislation. The Directors are not aware of any agreements between holders 
of the Company’s shares that may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights. Details of the employee share 
schemes are set out in note 21. No person has any special rights of control over the Company’s share capital and all issued shares 
are fully paid.

DIRECTORS
The Directors who served during the year were as follows:

•	 Mr Robert McBean (Non-Executive Chairman)

•	 Ms Katherine Roe (Chief Executive Officer) 

•	 Mr John Bentley (Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director)

•	 Mr Tim Bushell (Non-Executive Director)

•	 Mr Iain McLaren (Non-Executive Director)

Biographical details of serving Directors can be found in the Board of Directors section of this report.

69

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesDIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

DIRECTORS AND ELECTION ROTATION 
Regarding the  appointment  and  replacement  of the  Directors, the  Company  is  governed  by  its Articles  of Association, the  QCA 
Corporate Governance Code 2018, the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 and related legislation. The powers of Directors are described 
in the Corporate Governance section.

In accordance with Article 20 of the Company’s Articles of Association, at every annual general meeting of the Company one-third 
of the Directors shall retire from office. 

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS
Except for the holdings of ordinary shares listed below, the Company has not been notified by, or become aware of any persons 
holding 3% or more of the 185,549,139 issued ordinary shares of no par value of the Company as at 21 April 2021 : 

Shareholder

Sustainable Capital

Vitol Energy

AXA Investment Managers

FIL Investment International 

Robert P. McBean

No. of Shares % of Issued Share Capital

17,558,598

16,818,545

15,965,004

14,076,189

9,605,385

9.4630

9.0642

8.6042

7.5862

5.1767

BUSINESS RISK
A summary of the principal and general business risks can be found within the Strategic Report.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Information about the use of financial instruments, the Group’s policy and objectives for financial risk management are given in note 
26 to the financial statements.

AUDITORS
Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of approval of this Report and Financial Statements confirms that:

•	 so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s Auditors are unaware; and

•	 the Directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as Directors in order to make themselves aware of any 

relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s Auditors are aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of section 418 of the Companies (Jersey) Law.

KPMG LLP (UK) has expressed its willingness to continue in office as Auditors and a resolution to appoint KPMG LLP (UK) will be 
proposed at the forthcoming AGM.

Katherine Roe 
Chief Executive Officer
21 April 2021 

70

Wentworth Resources plcGOVERNANCESTATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  preparing  the  Report  and  Financial  Statements  in  accordance  with  applicable  law  and 
regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the Directors have 
elected to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (”IASB”) in conformity with the requirements of the Companies 
(Jersey) Law 1991. 

The Directors are also required to prepare financial statements in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for 
companies trading securities on the Alternative Investment Market.

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

•	 select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

•	 make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, relevant and reliable;

•	 state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as issued by the IASB and assess the Group ability to 

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

•	 use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have 

no realistic alternative but to do so.

The Directors are responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial 
statements  that  are  free  from  material  misstatement,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error,  and  have  general  responsibility  for 
safeguarding the assets of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities.

WEBSITE PUBLICATION
The  Directors  are  responsible  for  ensuring  the  Annual  Report  is  made  available  on  a  website.  Financial  statements  are 
published  on  the  Company’s  website  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  the  Company’s Articles  of Association. The 
maintenance and integrity of the Company’s website is the responsibility of the Directors. The Directors’ responsibility also 
extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein.

For and on behalf of the Board

Katherine Roe 
Chief Executive Officer
21 April 2021 

71

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesGROUP ACCOUNTS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
Year-ended 31 December 2020

72 Wentworth Resources plc

Strategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

1. OUR OPINION IS UNMODIFIED 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Wentworth Resources PLC (“the Company”) for the year ended 
31 December 2020, which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and the 
related notes, including the accounting policies in note 2. 

In our opinion the financial statements: 

•	 give a true and fair view, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board in conformity with the requirements of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991, of the state of 
Group’s affairs as at 31 December 2020 and of its profit for the year then ended; and 

•	 have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. 

BASIS FOR OPINION 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities are described below. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and are independent of the Company 
in accordance with, UK ethical requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities. We believe that 
the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate basis for our opinion. 

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

73

GROUP ACCOUNTS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT CONTINUED
Year-ended 31 December 2020

2. KEY AUDIT MATTERS: OUR ASSESSMENT OF RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT 

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

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

RECOVERABILITY OF TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (RISK VS 2019 ▲)
Property, plant and equipment – $72.3 million (2019: $77.5 million), Exploration and Evaluation Assets – $8.1 million (2019: 
$8.1 million). 

Refer to page 50 in the Audit Committee Report, pages 91 and 92 in note 3, and pages 100 to 101 in notes 13 and 14 of financial 
disclosures. 

The risk

Asset Carrying Amount

Our response

Our procedures included:

Property,  plant  and  equipment  and  Exploration  and 
evaluation  assets  need  to  be  assessed  for  indicators  of 
impairment on a regular basis. Given the volatile nature of 
the gas industry and local economic circumstance, there 
is  a  real  possibility  that  events  will  arise  that  amount  to 
impairment indicators and, if so, that an Impairment test 
could  result  in  a  material  change  to  the  carrying  value 
of  assets.  Identifying  and  assessing  whether  impairment 
indicators  have  arisen  involves  judgement  and  can  be 
subjective.  Forecasting  the  recoverable  amount  of  the 
Group’s cash-generating unit, which has had impairment 
indicators  identified,  is  a  highly  subjective  area  due  to 
the  inherent  uncertainty  involved  in  forecasting  and 
discounting future cash flows, specifically around reserve 
estimates.  The  effect  of  these  matters  is  that,  as  part 
of  our  risk  assessment,  we  determined  that  the  value  in 
use  of  US$80.4  million  has  a  high  degree  of  estimation 
uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes 
greater  than  our  materiality  for  the  financial  statements 
as a whole. The financial statements (note 3) disclose the 
sensitivity estimated by the Group. 

•	 Impairment	

trigger	

analysis:	 We 

evaluated 
management’s assessment of indicators of impairment 
of  the  Group’s  operating  and  exploration  assets 
with  reference  to  the  relevant  accounting  standards. 
This  is  included  considering  changes  in  the  political, 
economic  and  legal  environment  along  with  changes 
in the production profile, asset obsolescence, significant 
changes in cost base, and future plans for development 
of exploration assets. 

•	 Historical	Comparisons:	We assessed the reasonableness 
of  the  budgets  considering  historical  accuracy  of 
previous forecasts. 

•	 Our	 Sector	 Experience:  We  challenged  whether  the 
Group’s key assumptions, being production and reserves 
estimates,  operating  costs,  and  development  costs 
reflect our knowledge of the business and market. 

•	 Benchmarking	assumptions: We compared the Group’s 
key  inputs  used  in  the  discount  rate  by  comparing 
them  to  externally  derived  data,  including  sources  for 
comparable companies. 

•	 Evaluating	

reserves	 estimation:  We  assessed 

the 
competence  and  objectivity  of  the  Group’s  external 
expert  to  satisfy  ourselves  they  were  appropriately 
qualified  to  carry  out  estimation  of  reserves  included 
within the model. 

•	 Sensitivity	analysis: We completed sensitivity analysis on 

the key assumptions noted above. 

•	 Assessing	 transparency:  We  assessed  whether  the 
Group’s disclosures about the sensitivity of the outcome 
of  the  impairment  assessment  to  changes  in  key 
assumptions reflected the risks inherent in the valuation 
of tangible and intangible assets. 

74 Wentworth Resources plc

Strategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

GOING CONCERN (RISK VS 2019 ◄►)
Refer to page 50 in the Audit Committee Report and pages 84 to 85 in note 1. 

The risk

Disclosure Quality

Note 1 to the financial statements explains how the Board 
has formed a judgement that it is appropriate to adopt the 
going concern basis of preparation for the Group. 

That judgement is based on an evaluation of the inherent 
risks  to  the  Group’s  business  model  and  how  those  risks 
might  affect  the  Group’s  financial  resources  or  ability  to 
continue operations over a period of at least a year from 
the date of approval of the financial statements. 

The risk most likely to adversely affect the Group’s available 
financial  resources  over  this  period  is  collection  on  gas 
sales invoices from its sole customer the Government of the 
United Republic of Tanzania. 

There are also less predictable but realistic second order 
impacts,  such  as  changes  in  demand  or  disruptions  in 
production due to COVID-19. 

The risk for our audit was whether or not those risks were 
such that they amounted to a material uncertainty that may 
have cast significant doubt about the ability to continue as 
a going concern. Had they been such, then that fact would 
have been required to have been disclosed. 

Our response

We considered whether these risks could plausibly affect 
the liquidity in the going concern period by assessing the 
directors’  sensitivities  over  the  level  of  available  financial 
resources  indicated  by  the  Group’s  financial  forecasts 
taking account of severe, but plausible, adverse effects that 
could arise from these risks individually and collectively.

Our procedures also included:

•	 Benchmarking	 assumptions:  We  assessed 

the 
appropriateness  of  key  assumptions  in the  cash  flow 
projections  (including  production  costs,  production 
volumes,  committed  and  other  planned  capital 
expenditure)  against  our  sector  knowledge  and 
experience,  historical  production  information  where 
relevant,  internal  development  plans,  market  and 
other externally available information. 

•	 Sensitivity	 analysis:  We  considered  sensitivities  around 
the  level  of  production  and  receipt  of  payments  from 
customers  indicated  by  the  Group’s  financial  forecasts 
taking  account  of  reasonably  possible  downside  (but 
not unrealistic) adverse effects that could arise. 

•	 Assessing	

transparency:  We 

the 
appropriateness of relevant disclosures, including both 
the going concern disclosure in note 1 of the financial 
statements and also the commentary elsewhere in the 
annual report. 

considered 

We continue to perform procedures over Recoverability of 
Deferred Tax Assets. However, following continued stability 
in local tax legislation, we have not assessed recoverability 
of  deferred  tax  assets  as  a  significant  risk  in  our  current 
year audit and, therefore, it is not separately identified in 
our report this year. 

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

75

GROUP ACCOUNTS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT CONTINUED
Year-ended 31 December 2020

3. OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY AND AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT 

Materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole was set at $1.076 million (2019: $1.15 million) determined with 
reference to a benchmark of Group total assets of $109.9 million (2019: $110.8 million), of which it represents 1.0% (2019: 1.0%). 

Performance materiality was set at 75% (2019: 75%) of materiality for the financial statements as a whole, which equates to 
$807k (2019: $868k) for the Group. We applied this percentage in our determination of performance materiality because we 
did not identify any factors indicating an elevated level of risk 

We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding $54k (2019: 
$58k), in addition to other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

Of the Group’s 8 (2019: 8) reporting components, we subjected 3 to full scope audit (2019: 3) and 2 (2019: 2) to audits of 
account balances for Group purposes. The components for which we performed work other than audits for group reporting 
purposes were not individually significant but were included in the scope of our work in order to provide further coverage over 
the Group’s results. 

The components within the scope of our work accounted for the percentages illustrated below. 

(2019: 3 Audits for group reporting and 2 audits of account balances covering 100% of revenue, 100% of PBT, and 96% Group 
assets). 

The components within the scope of our work accounted for the following percentages of the group’s results:

Number of 
components

Group 
revenue

Group profit 
before tax

Group total 
assets

Audits for group reporting purposes

Audits of account balances

Total 

3

2

8

100%

0%

100%

100%

0%

100%

85%

9%

98%

The Group team instructed component auditors as to the significant areas to be covered, including the relevant risks detailed 
above and the information to be reported back. The Group team approved the components’ materiality, which was set at $914k 
and $538k (for Wentworth Gas Limited and Cyprus Mnazi Bay Limited, respectively) (2019: $925k and $637k) having regard to 
the mix of size and risk profile of the Group across the components. The work for group reporting purposes on 2 (2019: 2) of the 8 
(2019: 8) components was performed by the component auditor and the rest, was performed by the Group team. 

On account of travel restrictions in place during the performance of the audit, the Group team did not visit the component 
auditors  and  instead  held  virtual  conference  meetings  with  the  component  auditors  (2019:  visited  one  component  auditor 
located in Tanzania). Telephone conference meetings at the planning, execution and finalisation stages of the audit were held 
with the component auditor. At these meetings, the findings reported to the Group team were discussed in more detail, and any 
further work required by the Group team was then performed by the component auditor. Remote review was also completed by 
the Group team. 

76 Wentworth Resources plc

 
Strategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

4. GOING CONCERN 

The directors have prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the Group or 
to cease their operations, and as they have concluded that the Group’s financial position means that this is realistic. They have 
also concluded that there are no material uncertainties that could have cast significant doubt over its ability to continue as a 
going concern for at least a year from the date of approval of the financial statements (“the going concern period”). 

An explanation of how we evaluated management’s assessment of going concern is set out in the related key audit matter in 
section 2 of this report. 

Our conclusions based on this work:

•	 we consider that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements 

is appropriate; 

•	 we have not identified, and concur with the directors’ assessment that there is not, a material uncertainty related to events 
or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going 
concern for the going concern period; and 

•	 we found the going concern disclosure in note 1 to be acceptable. 

However,  as  we  cannot  predict  all  future  events  or  conditions  and  as  subsequent  events  may  result  in  outcomes  that  are 
inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the above conclusions are not a guarantee that 
the Group will continue in operation. 

5. FRAUD AND BREACHES OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS – ABILITY TO DETECT

Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to fraud
To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud (“fraud risks”) we assessed events or conditions that could indicate an 
incentive or pressure to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. Our risk assessment procedures included: 

•	 Enquiring of directors and other management and inspection of policy documentation as to the Group’s high-level policies 
and procedures to prevent and detect fraud, channel for “whistleblowing”, as well as whether they have knowledge of any 
actual, suspected or alleged fraud. 

•	 Reading Board and audit committee minutes. 

•	 Considering remuneration incentive schemes and performance targets for directors and other management. 

We communicated identified fraud risks throughout the audit team and remained alert to any indications of fraud throughout 
the audit. This included communication from the Group team to full scope component audit teams of relevant fraud risks 
identified at the Group level and request to full scope component audit teams to report to the Group audit team any instances 
of fraud that could give rise to a material misstatement at Group. 

As required by auditing standards and taking into account possible pressures to meet profit targets, we perform procedures to 
address the risk of management override of controls, in particular the risk that Group and component management may be 
in a position to make inappropriate accounting entries. On this audit we do not believe there is a fraud risk related to revenue 
recognition because price for production is fixed and all there are a limited number of customers. 

We did not identify any additional fraud risks. 

In determining the audit procedures we took into account the results of our evaluation and testing of the operating effectiveness 
of the Group-wide fraud risk management controls. 

We performed procedures including: 

•	

Identifying journal entries and other adjustments to test across components based on risk criteria and comparing the 
identified entries to supporting documentation. These included entries impacting PPE/EE and inter company balances, 
entries posted on the weekend to accounts linked to significant risks, and material post close entries. 

We discussed with the audit committee matters related to actual or suspected breaches of laws or regulations, for which 
disclosure is not necessary, and considered any implications for our audit. 

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

77

GROUP ACCOUNTS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT CONTINUED
Year-ended 31 December 2020

Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to non-compliance with laws and regulations
We  identified  areas  of  laws  and  regulations  that  could  reasonably  be  expected  to  have  material  effect  on  the  financial 
statements from our general commercial and sector experience, through discussion with the directors and other management 
(as required by auditing standards), and from inspection of the Group’s regulatory and legal correspondence and discussed 
with the directors and other management the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. 

We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-
compliance  throughout  the  audit.  This  included  communication  from  the  Group  team  to  full-scope  component  audit 
teams of relevant laws and regulations identified at the Group level, and a request for full scope component auditors to 
report to the Group team any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that could give rise to a material 
misstatement at Group. 

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably. 

Firstly, the Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting 
legislation (including related companies legislation), distributable profits legislation, taxation legislation ,and we assessed 
the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items. 

Secondly, the  Group  is  subject to  many  other  laws  and  regulations  where the  consequences  of  non-compliance  could 
have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines 
or litigation or the loss of the Group’s license to operate. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such 
an effect: Tanzanian Oil and Gas Legislation including The Petroleum Act, and Tanzanian Tax Law recognising the nature 
of the Group’s activities. Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws 
and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, 
if any. Therefore, if a breach of operational regulations is not disclosed to us or evident from relevant correspondence, an 
audit will not detect that breach. 

Context of the ability of the audit to detect fraud or breaches of law or regulation
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material 
misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance 
with  auditing  standards.  For  example,  the  further  removed  non-compliance  with  laws  and  regulations  is  from  the  events 
and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing 
standards would identify it. 

In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of fraud, as these may involve collusion, forgery, 
intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. Our audit procedures are designed to detect 
material misstatement. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance or fraud and cannot be expected to detect 
non-compliance with all laws and regulations. 

6. WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT ON THE OTHER INFORMATION IN THE ANNUAL REPORT

The directors are responsible for the other information presented in the Annual Report together with the financial statements. 
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit 
opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

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

78 Wentworth Resources plc

Strategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

7. WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT ON THE OTHER MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION 

Under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 

•	 proper accounting records have not been kept by the Company; or 

•	 proper returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or 

•	 the Company’s financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

•	 we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

We have nothing to report in these respects. 

8. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES 

Directors’ responsibilities 
As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 71, the directors are responsible for: the preparation of the financial 
statements including being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is necessary 
to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; 
assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and 
using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have 
no realistic alternative but to do so. 

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

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities

9. THE PURPOSE OF OUR AUDIT WORK AND TO WHOM WE OWE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES 

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Article 113A of the Companies (Jersey) 
Law 1991. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are 
required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not 
accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members, as a body, for our audit 
work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Mark Smith (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP

Chartered Accountants and Recognised Auditor 
15 Canada Square 
London 
E14 5GL

21 April 2021 

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

79

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Year-ended 31 December 2020

Note

31 December 2020
$000

31 December 2019
$000

Total revenue 

Production and operating costs

Depletion

Total cost of sales

Gross Profit

Recurring administrative costs

New venture and pre – licence costs

Management restructuring costs

Share-based payment charges

Depreciation

Total costs

Profit from operations

Finance income

Finance costs

Profit before tax

Current tax expense 

Deferred tax income

Net and comprehensive profit after tax

Net profit per ordinary share 

Basic and diluted (US$/share)

5

14

7

21

14

10

10

25

25

23

18,991

(3,837)

(5,607)

(9,444)

9,547

(5,448)

(1,558)

-

(300)

(4)

(7,310)

2,237

146

(154)

2,229

(112)

1,311

1,199

3,428

0.02

18,636

(3,935)

(6,236)

(10,171)

8,465

(5,883)

(609)

(489)

(63)

(2)

(7,046)

1,419

306

(738)

987

(132)

1,511

1,379

2,366

0.01

80

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Year-ended 31 December 2020

Note

31 December 2020
$000

31 December 2019
(Restated) 1 $000

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Non-current assets

Exploration and evaluation assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax asset

Total assets

LIABILITIES 

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Current portion of long-term loans

Non-current liabilities

Decommissioning provision

EQUITY

Share capital

Equity reserve

Accumulated deficit

Total liabilities and equity

11

13

14

25

16

18

19

22

22

17,787

4,847

22,634

8,129

72,307

6,859

87,295

109,929

2,382

-

2,382

1,514

1,514

416,426

26,656

(337,049)

106,033

109,929

13,487

6,075

19,562

8,129

77,559

5,548

91,236

110,798

2,125

1,714

3,839

1,085

1,085

416,426

26,651

(337,203)

105,874

110,798

The  financial  statements  of  Wentworth  Resources  plc,  registered  number  127571  were  approved  by  the  Board  of  Directors  and 
authorised for issue on 21 April 2021 .

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors.

Katherine Roe 
Chief Executive Officer
21 April 2021 

81

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Year-ended 31 December 2020

Note

Number
of shares

Share
capital
$000

Equity
reserve
$000

Accumulated 
deficit
$000

Total 
equity 
$000

Balance at 31 December 2018

186,488,465

416,426

26,588

(338,536)

104,478

Dividends

Net profit and comprehensive profit

Share based compensation

Balance at 31 December 2019

Dividends

Net profit and comprehensive profit

Share based compensation

Repurchase of own shares 

24

21

24

21

20

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

63

(1,033)

2,366

-

(1,033)

2,366

63

186,488,465

416,426

26,651

(337,203)

105,874

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

300

(295)

(3,274)

3,428

-

-

(3,274)

3,428

300

(295)

Balance at 31 December 2020

186,488,465

416,426

26,656

(337,049)

106,033

82

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year-ended 31 December 2020

Note

31 December 2020
$000

31 December 2019
$000

Operating activities

Net profit for the year

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and depletion 

Finance costs, net

Deferred tax

Share based compensation

Change in non-cash working capital

Net cash generated from operating activities

Investing activities 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

Reduction of TPDC receivable

Interest income

Net cash from investing activities

Financing activities 

Principal term loan repayments

Interest on term loan

Interest/renewal fee on overdraft facility

Payment of contingent PTTEP liability

Dividends paid

Repurchase of own shares

Net cash used in financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

14

28

25

21

28

28

28

18

18

17

24

20

3,428

5,611

8

(1,311)

300

8,036

1,513

9,549

(60)

-

82

22

(1,664)

(38)

-

-

(3,274)

(295)

(5,271)

4,300

13,487

17,787

2,366

6,238

432

(1,511)

63

7,588

410

7,998

(20)

5,238

21

5,239

(6,661)

(593)

(18)

(848)

(1,033)

-

(9,153)

4,084

9,403

13,487

83

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year-ended 31 December 2020

1. INCORPORATION AND BASIS OF PREPARATION

Wentworth Resources plc (“Wentworth” or the “Company”) is an East Africa-focused upstream natural gas production company. 
These audited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to 
as “Wentworth Group of Companies” or the “Group”). The Company is actively involved in oil and gas exploration, development and 
production operations. Wentworth is incorporated in Jersey and shares of the Company as at 31 December 2020 were held and listed 
on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange (ticker: WEN). 

The Company’s principal place of business is located at 4th Floor, St Paul’s Gate, 22-24 New Street, Jersey JE1 4TR. 

The Group maintains offices in Jersey, Tanzania and the United Kingdom.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis and have been prepared using the accrual 
basis  of  accounting.  The  consolidated  financial  statements  are  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting 
Standard (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (”IASB”) in conformity with the requirements of the 
Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. 

The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 21 April 2021. 

Over 12-months have passed since the emergence of COVID-19 as an issue of unprecedented international consequence in early 
2020. Whilst it is true that the longer international trade is frustrated by the necessity or quarantine protocols, the more severe the 
long-term impact on the worldwide economic recovery will be, we do have a better understanding of both the operational and 
financial impact upon our business and are well placed to deal with any reasonable eventualities.

Over the past 12-months, we have continued to strengthen our working capital position whilst at the same time increasing dividend 
returns to shareholders and continuing to model and, where possible, mitigate potential downside scenarios. Ultimately, however, 
it will be the macro-economic environment that influences the impact upon the wider Group and there can be no certainty as to 
what this final outcome will be despite the positivity surrounding the various accelerated vaccination programmes and the early 
indications that these are beginning to make a difference with respect to retransmission rates. We continue to apply the judgement 
that the business will continue, anticipating minimal disruption, and do not at this stage foresee this to be material in nature to it. We 
do, however, continue to monitor the situation as it progresses and are mindful of the speed in which circumstances may change, 
both for the better or for the worse.

FUNCTIONAL AND PRESENTATION CURRENCY
These consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars which is the functional currency the majority of its subsidiaries.

Basis of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are entities that 
the Company controls. An investor controls an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with 
the investee and can affect those returns through its authority over the investee. The existence and effect of potential voting rights 
are considered when assessing whether a company controls another entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on 
which control is transferred to the Company. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. The legal entities within 
the Wentworth Group of Companies are disclosed within note 15. All inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on 
transactions between the parent and subsidiary companies are eliminated on consolidation.

The Group holds a 31.94% participation interest in the Mnazi Bay Concession through two subsidiaries. Wentworth Gas Limited 
(“WGL”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary, owns a 25.40% participation interest and CMBL owns a 16.38% participation interest 
of  which  the  Group’s  proportionate  share  is  6.54%  (i.e. Wentworth’s  interest  of  39.925%  interest  in  CMBL  multiplied  by  16.38% 
participation interest). CMBL is considered a jointly controlled entity and accounted for as a joint operation rather than a joint 
venture. The Group the group accounts for its share of CMBL assets and liabilities as CMBL has contractual agreements which 
establish  that  the  parties  to  the  joint  arrangement  have  rights  to  the  assets  and  obligations  for  the  liabilities  of  ownership  in 
proportion to their interest in the arrangement. 

Going Concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out 
in the Strategic Report. The financial position of the Group, its cash flows and liquidity position are described in the Financial Review 
contained within this report. 

84

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSWith the world  continuing to  struggle to  come to terms with the  unprecedented  events  of the  COVID-19  pandemic  and the  risk 
presented to the continued health and well-being of our workforce alongside the disruption that preventative measures have had on 
the global supply chain in placing restrictions on the transportation of goods, services and personnel set to continue for some time to 
come, considerable time and resource has been allocated by Directors and senior management in ensuring that Wentworth is best 
placed to be able to continue to safely produce gas from Mnazi Bay alongside the Operator, Maurel et Prom. Given the essential 
nature of services provided and the forecasted impact of the virus in the country, the Group notes that an interruption of production 
and unavailability of key workforce is remote. The Directors however are mindful of the speed with which circumstances may change, 
both for the better or for the worse, and all modelling is based on information that we currently have available to us.

The Group has a long established and collaborative relationship with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, having 
operated in-country for many years, however the Directors do recognise that the Group is dependent upon the continued collection 
of  gas  sales  invoices  and  ongoing  operational  support  of  the  Government  as  its  sole  gas  sales  customer  through  its  operating 
agencies TPDC and TANESCO.

The Directors have, therefore, judged that on a risk-weighted basis, which takes into consideration both the probability of occurrence 
and an estimate of the financial impact, the continued timely settlement of gas-sales invoices by the Government of the United 
Republic of Tanzania continues to be the most significant risk currently faced by the Group. To this end, should no settlement of future 
gas sales invoices be received from the date of approval of these financial statements, we have assessed that the Group would be 
able to continue to operate for a period of up to 17 months without the need for a further injection of working capital. 

Further to this based on the application of reasonable and foreseeable sensitivities, which include potential changes in demand, 
capital spend and operating costs, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its financial exposures The Directors 
have judged that owing to a combination of the stability of this relationship which has seen payment terms continue to improve 
during 2019 and its much improved financial position having fully repaid all of its fixed-term debt in January 2020, the Group has 
sufficient cash resources for its working capital needs, committed capital and operational expenditure programmes for at least the 
next 17 months based on the Directors worst case scenario of no settlement of future gas sales as noted above.

Consequently, the Directors are confident that the Group will have sufficient funds to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due for 
at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements and therefore have prepared the financial statements on a 
going concern basis.

Changes in accounting policies
A number of new standards are effective from 1 January 2020 but they do not have material effect on the Group’s financial statements.

New and amended standards
The following amended standards and interpretation are effective for financial years commencing on or after 1 January 2021. The 
Group does not intend to adopt the standards below, before their mandatory application date.

STANDARD

DESCRIPTION

EFFECTIVE DATE

EU ENDORSEMENT 
STATUS

UK ENDORSEMENT 
STATUS

IFRS 9, IAS 39 and 
IFRS 7 (Amendments)

Interest Rate 
Benchmark Reform.

1 January 2021

Endorsed

IAS 1 (Amendments)

Presentation of 
financial statements’ 
on classification of 
liabilities.

1 January 2021

Endorsed

IFRS 17

Insurance Contracts.

1 January 2022

Endorsed

Given these 
amendments were 
endorsed by the EU 
before 31 December 
2020 they are part 
of the EU-IFRS as it 
stands at 31 December 
2020 and therefore 
are UK endorsed. 
UK effective date 1 
January 2021.

Future accounting pronouncements
The  Company  intends  to  adopt  the  above  listed  standards  and  interpretations  in  its  financial  statements  for  the  annual  period 
beginning 1 January 2021. The Company does not expect the interpretation to have a material impact on the financial statements.

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2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year-ended 31 December 2020

2. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Company and Group consolidated financial statements are set 
out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

JOINT ARRANGEMENTS
The analysis of joint arrangements requires management to analyse numerous agreements and the requirements of IFRS 10 and IFRS 
11. Several judgements and estimates are made by management including whether joint control exists and the extent of exposure to 
the underlying assets and liabilities of the joint arrangement. By virtue of the provisions contained within the underlying shareholder 
agreements, to which CMBL (see below for accounting considerations of this entity) and Wentworth Holdings Gas Limited, a wholly 
owned subsidiary of Wentworth Resources plc, are parties to, management have assessed that the Company has a joint arrangement 
through its 31.94% ownership in the license and accounts for this interest as a joint operation as no single individual shareholder may 
exercise absolute control over the entity. The agreement is bilateral, with Maurel & Prom Mnazi Bay Holdings SAS (M&P) and whilst 
the Operator may make day-to-day decisions, the overall strategic direction of the partnership requires unanimous consent between 
M&P and Wentworth. M&P hold 48.06% share in the licence and 20% is owned by TPDC. As such the Group is entitled to its share 
of production from the license and therefore revenue generated from the sale of this output. Wentworth also recognises its share of 
all expenses incurred the joint arrangement, its right to the assets, as well as its share of the liabilities and obligations. Accounting 
treatment of CMBL

The Group holds a 31.94% participation interest in the Mnazi Bay Concession through two subsidiaries. WGL, which is a wholly owned 
subsidiary, which owns a 25.40% participation interest and Wentworth Holdings (Jersey) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary whom 
hold 39.925% in CMBL, which owns a 16.38% participation interest of which the Group’s proportionate share is therefore 6.54% (i.e. 
Wentworth’s interest of 39.925% interest in CMBL multiplied by 16.38% participation interest). CMBL is considered a jointly controlled 
entity and accounted for as a joint operation rather than a joint venture. The Group therefore recognises its share of production from 
the licence and therefore revenue generated from the sale of this output. It also recognises its share of all expenses incurred the joint 
arrangement, its right to the assets, as well as its share of the liabilities and obligations.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group recognises financial assets and liabilities on its balance sheet when it becomes a party to the contractual provisions of 
the instrument.

(i) Financial assets 
Classification and initial measurement 
Financial assets within the scope of IFRS 9 are classified as financial assets at amortised cost, fair value through profit or loss or fair 
value through other comprehensive income. The Group determines this classification at initial recognition depending on the business 
model for managing the financial asset and the contractual terms of the cash flows. 

The Group’s financial assets include cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables. 

When financial assets are initially recognised, they are measured at fair value being the consideration given or received plus directly 
attributable transaction costs. Any gain or loss at initial recognition is recognised in the income statement. 

The Group’s financial assets measured at amortised cost are held for the collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows 
have specified dates and represent solely payments of principal and interest, such as cash and cash equivalents or trade receivables. 

The Group’s financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss are those financial assets where the contractual cash flows 
do not solely represent payments of principal and interest, such as trade receivables.

Subsequent measurement 
Financial  assets  held  for  the  collection  of  contractual  cash  flows  that  are  solely  payments  of  principal  and  interest  (and  classified 
as  amortised  cost)  are  subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost  using the  effective  interest  rate  method  (“EIR”). Amortised  cost  is 
calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR. The EIR 
amortisation is included in finance income in the income statement. Allowance for impairment is estimated on a case-by-case basis. 

Derecognition 
A financial asset is derecognised when the Group loses control over the contractual rights that comprise that asset. This occurs when 
the rights are realised, expire or are surrendered.

86

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSImpairment of financial assets 
The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses that might arise on financial assets measured at amortised 
cost. This assessment considers the probability of a default event occurring that could result in the expected cash flows due from a 
counterparty falling short of those contractually agreed. 

Expected credit losses are estimated for default events possible over the lifetime of a financial asset measured at amortised cost. 
However, where the financial asset is not a trade receivable measured at amortised cost and there have been no significant increases 
in that financial asset’s credit risk since initial recognition, expected credit losses are estimated for default events possible within 12 
months of the reporting date. 

(ii) Financial liabilities 
Classification and initial measurement 
Financial liabilities within the scope of IFRS 9 are classified as financial liabilities at amortised cost or fair value through profit or loss. 
The Group determines the classification of its financial liabilities at initial recognition. 

The Group’s financial liabilities include trade and other payables, other liabilities and borrowings which are classified as amortised cost. 
Trade payables may be designated and measured at fair value through profit or loss when doing so eliminates or significantly reduces 
a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise from measuring assets or liabilities on a different basis. 

All  financial  liabilities  are  recognised  initially  at  fair  value  while  financial  liabilities  at  amortised  cost  additionally  include  directly 
attributable transaction costs. 

Subsequent measurement 
Trade  and  other  payables,  borrowings  and  other  financial  liabilities  are  subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost  using the  EIR 
method after initial recognition. Gains and losses are recognised in the income statement through the EIR amortisation process. 
Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part 
of the EIR. The EIR amortisation is included in finance costs in the income statement. 

A gain or loss on a financial liability measured at fair value through profit or loss is recognised in the income statement in the period 
in which it arises. 

Derecognition 
A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing 
financial liability is replaced by another on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, 
such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability, and the 
difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the income statement. 

(iii) Offsetting of financial instruments 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet when there is an enforceable 
legal right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realise the assets and settle the 
liabilities simultaneously.

(iv) Fair value of financial instruments 
At  each  reporting  date, the  fair value  of  financial  instruments that  are traded  in  active  markets  is  determined  by  reference to 
quoted market prices, without any deduction for transaction costs. For financial instruments not traded in an active market, the 
fair value is determined using appropriate valuation techniques. Such techniques may include using recent arm’s length market 
transactions, reference to the current fair value of another instrument that is substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis 
or other valuation models.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, term deposits and short-term highly liquid investments with the original term to 
maturity of three months or less, which are convertible to known amounts of cash and which, in the opinion of management, are 
subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES
Long-term receivables plus applicable accrued interest are initially recognised at their fair value based on the discounted cash flows. 
The discounted cash flows are reviewed at least every year to adjust for variations in the estimated future cash flows with the change 
in estimate reported in profit or loss. The discount rate is based on the credit quality and term of the financial instrument. The financial 
instrument is subsequently valued at amortised costs by accreting the instrument over the life of the asset. The accretion is reported 
in profit or loss.

87

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year-ended 31 December 2020

EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION (“E&E”) 
E&E costs, including costs of licence acquisition, technical services and studies, exploratory drilling, whether successful or unsuccessful, 
and testing and directly attributable overhead, are capitalised as E&E assets according to the nature of the assets acquired. These costs 
are accumulated in cost centres by well, field or exploration area pending determination of technical feasibility and commercial viability. 

E&E assets are assessed for impairment if (i) sufficient data exists to determine technical feasibility and commercial viability, and (ii) 
facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. 

The technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a resource is generally considered to be determinable when proven 
and/or probable reserves are determined to exist. A review of each exploration licence or field is carried out, at least annually, to 
ascertain whether  it  is technically  feasible  and  commercially viable.  Upon  determination  of technical  feasibility  and  commercial 
viability, intangible E&E assets attributable to those reserves are first tested for impairment with the unimpaired amounts reclassified 
from E&E assets to a separate category within tangible assets within PP&E referred to as oil and gas interests.

Costs  incurred  prior  to  the  legal  awarding  of  petroleum  and  natural  gas  licences,  concessions  and  other  exploration  rights  are 
recognised in profit or loss as incurred.

PP&E - OIL AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES 
Items of PP&E, which include oil and gas development and production assets, are measured at cost less accumulated depletion 
and depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. PP&E assets include costs incurred in developing commercial reserves and 
bringing  them  into  production,  such  as  drilling  of  development  wells,  tangible  costs  of  facilities  and  infrastructure  construction, 
together with the E&E expenditures incurred in finding the commercial reserves that have been reclassified from E&E assets as outlined 
above, the projected cost of retiring the assets and any directly attributable general and administrative expenses. Expenditures on 
developed oil and natural gas properties are capitalised to PP&E when it is probable that a future economic benefit will flow to 
the Company as a result of the expenditure and the cost can be reliably measured. The initial cost of an asset is comprised of its 
purchase price or construction cost, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into operation, the initial estimate of any 
decommissioning obligations associated with the asset and borrowing costs on qualifying assets. When significant parts of an asset 
with PP&E, including oil and gas interests, have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components).

Costs incurred subsequent to the determination of technical feasibility and commercial viability and the costs of replacing parts 
of PP&E are recognised as capitalised oil and gas interests only when they increase the future economic benefits embodied in the 
specific asset to which they relate. Subsequent changes in estimated decommissioning obligation due to changes in timing, amounts 
and discount rates are included in the cost of the asset. Such capitalised oil and gas interests generally represent costs incurred in 
developing proved and/or probable reserves and bringing in or enhancing production from such reserves and are accumulated on 
a field or geotechnical area basis. The carrying amount of any replaced or sold component is derecognised. The costs of the day-to-
day operating of PP&E are recognised in profit or loss as incurred.

Depletion 
The net carrying amount of PP&E is depleted on a field by field unit of production method by reference to the ratio of production in the 
year to the related proven and probable reserves. If the useful life of the asset is less than the reserve life, the asset is depreciated over 
its estimated useful life using the straight-line method. Future development costs are estimated considering the level of development 
required to produce the proven and probable reserves. These estimates are reviewed by third party independent reserves engineers. 
Changes in factors such as estimates of reserves that affect unit-of-production calculations are dealt with on a prospective basis. 
Capital costs for assets under construction included in development and production assets are excluded from depletion until the 
asset is available for use, that is, when it is in the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner 
intended by management.

Disposals 
Oil and natural gas properties are derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from 
the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss on derecognition of the asset, including farm out transactions or asset sales or asset 
swaps, is calculated as the difference between the proceeds on disposal, if any, and the carrying value of the asset, is recognised in 
profit or loss in the period of derecognition.

PP&E - OFFICE AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
Office and other equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation of the cost of 
these assets less residual value is charged to profit and loss on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful economic lives of 
between three and five years. 

88

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSLEASES
The Company has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for lease of low-value assets and short-term leases. 
The Company recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

DECOMMISSIONING OBLIGATION
Decommissioning  obligations  are  recognised  for  legal  obligations  related  to  the  decommissioning  of  long-lived  tangible  assets 
that  arise  from  the  acquisition,  construction,  development  or  normal  operation  of  such  assets. A  liability  for  decommissioning  is 
recognised in the period in which it is incurred and when a reasonable estimate of the liability can be made with the corresponding 
decommissioning  provision  recognised  by  increasing  the  carrying  amount  of  the  related  long-lived  asset.  The  recognised 
decommissioning provision is subsequently allocated in a rational and systematic method over the underlying asset’s useful life. The 
initial amount of the liability is accreted by charges to the profit or loss to its estimated future value. 

IMPAIRMENT
The carrying values of production assets, exploration and evaluation expenditures that have been capitalised and property, plant 
and equipment are assessed for impairment when indicators of such impairment exist. In performing impairment reviews, assets are 
categorised into the smallest identifiable groups (cash generating units) that generate cash flows independently. If any indication of 
impairment exists, the estimated recoverable amount of the asset or cash generating unit (“CGU”) is calculated.

If  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset  or  CGU  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount,  it  is  impaired  with  the  loss  charged  to  the  income 
statement so as to reduce the carrying amount to its recoverable amount.

Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement in those expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired 
asset or CGU.

An assessment is made at each reporting date as to whether there is any indication that previously recognised impairment losses 
may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such indication exists, the Group makes an estimate of the recoverable amount.

(i) Calculation of recoverable amount
The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the 
estimated future cash flows of the asset or CGU in its present condition are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate 
that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less costs 
to sell, consideration will be given to whether the value of the asset or CGU can be determined from an active market (e.g. recognised 
exchange) or a binding sale agreement which are classified as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy under IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurements’. 
Where this is not determinable, fair value less costs to sell for a CGU is usually estimated with reference to a discounted cash flow model, 
similar to the method used for value in use, but may include estimates of future production, revenues, costs and capital expenditure not 
currently included in the economic model. Additionally, cash flow estimates include the impact of tax and are discounted using a post-
tax discount rate. An estimate made on this basis is classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(ii) Reversals of impairment
A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s 
recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised. If this is the case, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to 
its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying 
amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised for the 
asset in prior years. Such reversals are recognised in the income statement. Impairment losses recognised in relation to goodwill are 
not reversed for subsequent increases in the recoverable amount.

SHARE CAPITAL
The proceeds from the exercise of share options and the issuance of shares from treasury are recorded as share capital in the amount 
for which the option, warrant, or treasury share enables the holder to purchase a share in the Company.

Proceeds for shares in excess of the nominal value are recorded within share premium.

SHARE ISSUANCE COSTS
Commissions  paid  to  underwriters,  and  other  related  share  issue  costs,  such  as  legal,  auditing  and  advisory,  on  the  issue  of  the 
Company’s shares are charged directly to share capital, net of tax within the share premium account. 

SHARE BASED PAYMENTS
The fair value of the options at the date of the grant is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and share based 
compensation is accrued and charged to profit or loss, with an offsetting credit to equity reserve over the vesting periods. A forfeiture 
rate is estimated on the grant date and is adjusted to reflect the actual number of options that vest.

89

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year-ended 31 December 2020

CAPITALISATION OF INTEREST
The Company capitalises interest expense incurred during the construction phase of the projects, except E&E assets which were 
funded by the related financing.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
Natural gas revenues are recognised upon the transfer of control over its gas to its customers, TPDC and TANESCO, which is when 
delivery is made to them through the offtake network.

Investment income is accrued on a time basis by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, which 
is the rate that discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset’s net carrying value.

INCOME TAXES
Tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the profit or loss except to the extent it relates to items recognised 
in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) or directly in equity. 

Current income tax 
Current tax expense is based on the results for the period as adjusted for items that are not taxable or not deductible. Current tax 
is calculated using tax rates and laws that were enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period. Management 
periodically  evaluates  positions  taken  in  tax  returns  with  respect  to  situations  in  which  applicable  tax  regulation  is  subject  to 
interpretation. Provisions are established where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax 
Deferred taxes are the taxes expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
in the consolidated statement of financial position and their corresponding tax basis. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised 
for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits are 
expected to be available against which deductible temporary differences to the tax basis can be utilised. Deferred income tax assets and 
liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill, if any, or from the initial recognition 
(other than in a business combination) of other assets in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit. 

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and joint arrangements 
except where the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled, and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future. 

Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient future 
taxable profits are expected to be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax assets are recognised for taxable 
temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries to the extent that it is probable that the temporary difference will reverse in 
the foreseeable future and future taxable profits are expected to be available against which the temporary difference can be utilised.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Items  included  in  the  financial  statements  of  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  are  measured  using  the  currency  of  the  primary 
economic environment in which the legal entity operates (the “functional currency”). Foreign currency transactions are translated 
into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses 
resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities not denominated in the 
functional currency of an entity are recognised in profit or loss. 

The functional currency of all Wentworth subsidiaries is US dollars except for Wentworth Resources (UK) Limited which is Pound 
Sterling. The assets and liabilities of this Company are translated into US dollars at the period-end exchange rate. The income and 
expenses of the Company are translated to US dollars at the average exchange rate for the period. 

Translation gains and losses are included in other comprehensive income; however, this subsidiary has limited operations so there is 
no significant amount of foreign exchange gains and losses to include in other comprehensive income. All other foreign exchange 
gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss. 

EARNINGS OR LOSS PER SHARE (“EPS”)
Basic earnings or loss per share is calculated by dividing profit or loss attributable to owners of the Company (the numerator) by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (the denominator) during the period. The denominator is calculated by 
adjusting the shares outstanding at the beginning of the period by the number of shares bought back or issued during the period, 
multiplied by a time-weighting factor. 

Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting the earnings and number of shares for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares 
deemed to have been converted at the beginning of the period or if later, the date of issuance. The effects of anti-dilutive potential 
ordinary shares are ignored in calculating diluted EPS. 

90

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTS3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

In applying the Group’s accounting policies, the preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make 
estimates, judgements and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets 
and liabilities as at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during 
the reporting period. Actual amounts may differ materially from these estimates due to changes in general economic conditions, 
changes in laws and regulations, changes in future operating plans and the inherent imprecision associated with estimates. Significant 
estimates and judgements used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements include the assessment of impairment 
triggers related to E&E and PP&E assets and the recognition of a deferred tax asset. 

RECOVERABLE VALUE OF MNAZI BAY E&E AND PP&E COSTS
Significant accounting Judgements
The Directors review the carrying value of the Groups assets to determine whether there are any indicators if impairment such that 
the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. The assessment of whether an indicator of impairment or reversal thereof 
has arisen requires considerable judgement, taking account of factors such as future operational and financial plans, commodity 
prices and the competitive environment.

Oil and gas assets are inherently judgemental to value. The amounts capitalised represent active projects and investments. These 
amounts  are  expensed  to  profit  or  loss  as  unless  the  determination  process  over  whether  reserves  are  recoverable  or  not  is  not 
completed  and  there  are  no  indications  of  impairment  at  the  reporting  date  or  commercial  reserves  are  established.  Indictors 
of  impairment  include  but  are  not  limited  to;  declines  in  market  value;  company  net  assets  in  excess  of  market  capitalisation; 
obsolescence or physical damage; economic performance worse than expected; or substantive expenditure in the specific area is 
neither budgeted nor planned. The outcome of ongoing production and exploration activities and whether their carrying values will 
ultimately be recovered is inherently uncertain and requires significant judgement.

Management performs impairment testing on the Company’s producing and non-producing assets when indicators of impairment 
are present. The assessment of impairment indicators is subjective and considers the various internal and external factors such as the 
financial performance of individual CGUs, market capitalisation and industry trends. 

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The  preparation  of  discounted  cash  flows  used  to  assess  the  recoverable  amount  of  the  Groups  CGU  includes  management’s 
estimates of future operating costs, economic and regulatory environments, capital expenditures requirements, long term field plans 
and other factors including discount rates and the total level of reserves deemed to be commercial.

The  valuation  underpinning  the  carrying  value  of  producing  and  non-producing  assets  are  largely  dependent  on  supply  and 
demand variables.

The  gas  sales  price  is  fixed  and  the  cost  base  of  production  operations  is  also  largely  fixed  in  nature.  Whilst  the  benefits  of 
increased production volumes are clear, the opposite is equally true during operational downtime, prolonged or permanent gas 
supply outages which may in turn impact upon the commerciality of the field. Mnazi Bay currently has five producing wells and 
formally signed the Commercialisation of Discovery making all terms contained within the Mnazi Bay GSA legally binding and 
fully in effect from 10 September 2019. The Mnazi Bay JO is committed to supplying a minimum quota of natural gas to TPDC 
and TANESCO of 80 MMscf/day rising to 130 MMscf/day for the entire remaining term of the GSA and is guaranteed of future 
revenue streams via a take or pay provision of 85% of these amounts. This greatly strengthens and formally ratifies the long-term 
commerciality of the Mnazi Bay asset, and as such it would require significant reductions in daily production operations to trigger 
an indication of impairment under IFRS 6 and IAS 36 and a subsequent write down in the book value of the Mnazi Bay asset which 
currently totals $72.3 million.

At the year-end, a full impairment test was conducted on the Mnazi Bay production asset as there was an indication of impairment 
with  respect  to  the  discrepancy  between  the  market  capitalisation  of  the  Company  at  31  December  2020  of  $46.4  million  and 
the carrying value of $72.3 million. The full impairment testing ultimately determined that the recoverable amount was significantly 
higher than the market value at the year-end which had been externally corroborated by the RPS third party Independent Reserves 
Assessment Report valuation (NPV10) of $116.6 million.

Equally, due to there being no formal agreement between Mnazi Bay partners to sanction further expenditure on non-producing 
assets,  a  full  impairment  test  was  also  undertaken  carrying  value  of  $8.1  million  at  the  year-end. The  impairment  test  ultimately 
determined that the value-in-use exceeded the carrying amount and that no impairment was required.

In both of the above cases, the impairment testing was conducted over the licence term which expires in 2031.

91

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year-ended 31 December 2020

The key assumptions that went into the impairment modelling related to:

•	 Production supply and demand forecasting, which was largely in-line with the RPS independent reserves assessment modelling;

•	 Gas sales invoice settlement terms, which have been extrapolated from both historic and future expectations on terms;

•	 Operating  cost  forecasts,  noting  both  fixed  and  variable  elements  of  production  operating  costs  and  the  impact  of  future 

development expenditures;

•	 Future field development expenditures and their anticipated timings;

•	 Cost pool recovery expenditures available for future recovery; and

•	 Known tax and fiscal changes to the extent that an interpretation of the legislation was required.

Sensitivities were run on the following variables:

•	 Field  production  per  well,  noting  that  the  engineering  solutions  utilised  on  Mnazi  Bay  allow  for  the  production  of  multiple 

hydrocarbon bearing horizons from certain wells;

•	 The operating and development costs of producing gas from Mnazi bay.

•	 The impact of increased sales invoice delinquency upon future cash flows; and

•	 Currency  settlement  denomination  variables,  currently  in  US  dollars,  noting  that  in  certain  circumstances  an  election  for 

settlement in Tanzanian Shillings may be made by TPDC.

RESERVES ESTIMATES
Significant accounting judgements
The Directors use judgement and experience to determine the timing and quantum of volumes recovered from producing fields in 
order to be able to calculate a probabilistic base-case value-in-use for its assets. This valuation may vary in response to changes 
in field performance over time and the Company expects that there will likely be revisions upward or downward based on updated 
information such as the results of future drilling, oil and gas production levels and reservoir performance.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Oil  and  natural  gas  reserves,  prepared  by  an  external  independent  reserve  evaluator  as  at  31  December  2020,  are  used  in  the 
calculation of depletion, impairment and impairment reversal determinations and recognition of deferred tax asset. Reserve estimates 
are based on engineering data, estimated future prices and costs, expected future rates of production and the timing of future capital 
expenditures;  all  of which  are  subject to  many  uncertainties  and  certain  input  assumptions. A  summary  of the  independent  RPS 
reserves assessment report for the year-ended 31 December 2020 can be found within the Strategic Report’s Mnazi Bay Production 
Operations section of this report in which 2P field reserves are assessed to be 90.8 Bcf with an indicative NPV10 of $117 million.

92

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSTAXES
Significant accounting judgements
The  Directors  make  judgements  in  relation  to  the  recognition  of  various  taxes  levied  on  the  Group,  which  are  both  payable  and 
recoverable. Judgement applies as the Group operates in countries where the legal and tax systems are less developed, which increases 
the requirement for management to make assumptions as to whether certain payments will be required related to matters such as 
income taxes, value added taxes, and other indirect taxes as well as outcomes of any tax disputes which would affect the recognition 
of tax liabilities and deferred tax assets. A provision is recognised in the financial statements for such matters if it is considered probable 
that a future outflow of cash resources will be required. The provision, if any, is subject to management estimates and judgements with 
respect to the outcome of the event, the costs to defend, the quantum of the exposure and past practice in the country. 

Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Estimates  may  be  made  to  determine  the  amount  of  taxes  recoverable,  principally  deferred  tax  assets. The  commencement  of 
commercial production and gas sales under the Gas Sales Agreement, allowed for the recognition of a deferred tax asset within the 
financial statements. The amount that the company recognizes is subject to the following estimates:

•	 The timing of future profits for the utilisation of tax losses from the current tax pools which are based on management assessments 

and forecasts of future performance;

•	 The effective tax rate at which the losses will be utilised at throughout the Group which is currently the tax rate of Tanzania as this 

is where all of the company’s operations are;

•	 The status of any current tax assessments and disputes and their impact on the deferred tax pool on a probabilistic basis;

•	 Any material changes in legislation that may impact upon the fiscal regime on which the deferred tax asset is computed.

Changes  in  these  estimates  within  a  reasonably  possible  range  in  the  next  12  months  are  not  expected  to  significantly  alter  the 
carrying amount of the Group’s taxes that are recoverable.

The Group engages early with tax authorities where it has or will enter into a large or complicated transaction that is subject to 
interpretation and, in Tanzania, completed its most recent TRA audit for the years of 2016 and 2017 in December 2020, the result of 
which was an agreed assessment for taxes totalling $126k. A further, smaller, amount was assessed by the TRA for withholding taxes 
deemed due for the year-ended 31 December 2018 which the company is in continuing discussions over.

93

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company conducts its business through the Tanzania (“Mnazi Bay Concession”) segment. Gas operations include the exploration, 
development, and production of natural gas and other hydrocarbons. The Corporate segment activities include investment income, 
interest  expense,  financing  related  expenses,  share  based  compensation  relating  to  corporate  activities  and  general  corporate 
expenditures. Inter-segment transfers of products, which are accounted for at market value, are eliminated on consolidation. 

NET INCOME/(LOSS) FOR THE YEAR-ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Tanzania 
Operations
$000

 Corporate
$000

 Consolidated
$000

Total revenue

Production and operating costs

Depletion

Total cost of sales

Gross profit

Recurring administrative costs

New venture and pre–licence costs

Share-based payment charges

Depreciation and depletion

Total costs

Profit/(loss) from operations

Finance income

Finance costs

Profit/(loss) before tax

Current tax expense

Deferred tax

18,991

(3,837)

(5,607)

(9,444)

9,547

(2,415)

(72)

(3)

(2,490)

7,057

36

(154)

6,939

(160)

1,311

1,151

-

-

-

-

-

(3,033)

(1,558)

(228)

(1)

(4,820)

(4,820)

110

-

(4,710)

48

-

48

Net profit/(loss) and comprehensive profit/(loss) 
from continued operation

8,090

(4,662)

18,991

(3,837) 

(5,607)

(9,444)

9,547

(5,448)

(1,558)

(300)

(4)

(7,310)

2,237

146

(154)

2,229

(112)

1,311

1,199

3,428

94

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSYear-ended 31 December 2020NET INCOME/(LOSS) FOR THE YEAR-ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Tanzania 
Operations
$000

 Corporate
$000

 Consolidated
$000

Total revenue

Production and operating costs

Depletion

Total cost of sales

Gross profit

Recurring administrative costs

New venture and pre – licence costs

Management restructuring costs

Share-based payment charges

Depreciation and depletion

Total costs

Profit/(loss) from operations

Finance income

Finance costs

Profit/(loss) before tax

Current tax expense

Deferred tax

Net profit/(loss) and comprehensive profit/(loss) 
from continued operation

18,636

(3,935)

(6,236)

(10,171)

8,465

(2,939)

-

-

(23)

-

(2,962)

5,503

-

(338)

5,165

(83)

1,511

1,428

6,593

-

-

-

-

-

(2,944)

(609)

(489)

(40)

(2)

(4,084)

(4,084)

306

(400)

(4,178)

(49)

-

(49)

(4,227)

18,636

(3,935)

(6,236)

(10,171)

8,465

(5,883)

(609)

(489)

(63)

(2)

(7,046)

1,419

306

(738)

987

(132)

1,511

1,379

2,366

95

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SELECTED BALANCES AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

Tanzania 
Operations
$000

Mozambique  
(Discontinued)
$000

 Corporate
$000

 Consolidated
$000

Current assets

Exploration and evaluation assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax asset

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total Liabilities

8,535

8,129

72,305

6,859

95,828

1,436

1,514

2,950

Capital additions for the year-ended 31 December 2019

Additions to property, plant and equipment

357

SELECTED BALANCES AT 31 DECEMBER 2019

101

13,998

-

-

-

-

2

-

22,634

8,129

72,307

6,859

101

14,000

109,929

-

-

-

-

946

-

946

2,382

1,514

3,896

2

359

Tanzania 
Operations
(Restated) 1 
$000

Mozambique  
(Discontinued)
$000

 Corporate
$000

 Consolidated
(Restated) 1 
$000

Current assets 

Exploration and evaluation assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax asset

Total assets

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities

Total Liabilities

8,758

8,129

77,556

5,548

99,991

3,356

1,085

4,441

Capital additions for the year-ended 31 December 2018

Additions to property, plant and equipment

18

118

10,686

-

-

-

-

3

-

19,562

8,129

77,559

5,548

118

10,689

110,798

-

-

-

-

483

-

483

3,839

1,085

4,924

2

20

96

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSYear-ended 31 December 20205. REVENUE

Revenue from gas sales

Revenue from condensate sales

Other revenue

 2020
$000

18,881

49

61

 2019
$000

18,601

35

-

18,991

18,636

Other revenue represents the recovery of corporate income taxes incurred through adjustments to TPDC gas sales entitlements.

6. LEASES

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED IN PROFIT OR LOSS
The following amounts have been recognised in the income statement for which the Company is a lessee under IFRS 16:

Expenses relating to short-term leases

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED IN STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Cash outflow for leases

7. EXPENSES AND AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION

Employee salaries and benefits

Contractors and consultants

Travel and accommodation

Professional, legal and advisory

Office and administration

Corporate and public company costs

Auditor’s remuneration:

Audit of these financial statements

Audit of financial statements of subsidiaries of the Company

Taxation compliance services

Other tax advisory services

 2020
$000

152

 2020
$000

152

 2020
$000

2,289

1,043

116

431

513

1,056

5,448

163

125

79

21

388

 2019
$000

250

 2019$000

250

 2019
$000

2,277

972

248

829

638

919

5,883

111

151

62

60

384

97

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8. STAFF NUMBERS AND COSTS

The average number of persons employed by the Company during the year, analysed by category, was as follows:

 2020
Number of 
employees

 2019
Number of 
employees

Senior Managers

Managers and supervisors

Support staff

The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:

Salaries 

Social security costs

Bonuses

Other payroll costs

9. DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Director’s remuneration 

Bonuses

Contractual termination payments

Pensions

Severance payments

Other benefits

LTIP charges

1

5

8

14

2020
$000

798

109

158

179

1,244

2020
$000

1,000

313

100

43

-

69

228

1,763

1

5

9

15

 2019
$000

775

167

116

141

1,199

 2019
$000

1,062

152

-

44

489

68

43

1,858

The aggregate of remuneration of the highest paid Director was $699k (2019: $341k).

Contractual termination payments relate to amounts paid to Bob McBean who will be standing down as Company chairman in 2021.

Severance payments include amounts paid to Eskil Jersing, who resigned as Chief Executive Officer in 2019.

For additional segregation by Director, refer to the Total Remuneration of Executive Director table and Total Remuneration of Non-
Executive Directors table contained within the Remuneration Committee Report.

98

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSYear-ended 31 December 2020 
 
10. FINANCE INCOME AND FINANCE COSTS

Finance income

Interest income

Foreign exchange gain

Other finance income

Finance costs

Accretion – decommissioning provision 

Interest expense 

Foreign exchange loss

Expected credit losses on TANESCO receivable (note 11)

11. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

Trade receivable from TPDC

Other receivable from TPDC 

Trade receivable from TANESCO

Other receivables

2020
$000

 2019
$000

82

37

27

146

(130)

(13)

-

(11)

(154)

 2020
$000

1,943

215

1,316

1,373

4,847

21

-

285

306

(116)

(493)

(129)

-

(738)

 2019
$000

4,014

513

789

759

6,075

At the year-end $1.3 million was receivable from TANESCO representing fourteen months of gas sales (2019: $790k representing 
eight months of gas sales). Due to the age of the receivable at the year-end and the likely time it will take to recover the debt, the an 
expected credit loss of $11k at a loss rate of 0.4% has been recognised (2019: $nil).

Other receivables from TPDC represent income tax of $215k (2019: $513k) paid by Wentworth Gas Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary 
of the Company. The income tax is anticipated to be recovered from TPDC’s share of profit gas within the next 12-months under the 
terms of the Mnazi Bay PSA, which provides such a mechanism for the recovery of all corporate taxes. 

Other  receivables  include  VAT  recoverable  of  $600k  (2019:  $279k),  gas  condensate  sales  of  $47k  (2019:  $35k),  corporate  tax 
prepayments of $508k (2018: $312k) ) and corporate tax receivable $48k (2019: nil). In accordance with IFRS 9 the Company notes 
no material expected credit losses.

99

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12. TANZANIA GOVERNMENT RECEIVABLES

As at 31 December 2020, the undiscounted Tanzanian Government receivable is $6.5 million (2019: $6.5 million). 

Balance at 31 December 2018

Accretion

Change in estimated timing of receipt

Balance of amortised cost at 31 December 2019

Accretion

Change in estimated timing of receipt

Balance of amortised cost at 31 December 2020

$000

-

516

(516)

-

565

(565)

-

The Group has an agreement with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania (TANESCO, TPDC and the Ministry of Energy 
and Minerals) to be reimbursed for all the project development costs associated with Umoja T&D expenditures at cost. An audit of the 
Mtwara Energy Project (“MEP”) development expenditures was completed in November 2012 and costs of approximately $8.1 million 
were verified to be reimbursable. After deducting costs associated with the Tariff Equalisation Fund and VAT input credits associated 
with the MEP totalling $1.6 million, the amount agreed to be reimbursed was $6.5 million. 

During 2017, the Government initiated its first review of the costs to verify the balance owing by it. On 8 February 2018 the Government 
issued the results which differed from the previously audited and approved gross receivable of $6.5 million, which the Group maintains 
was accurate and correct.

The Government is conducting a second review and due to the age and uncertainty surrounding the receivable and its recoverability, 
the Group made a provision in-full during 2018 against the carrying amount without prejudice to the ongoing commercial discussions 
with the Government, the Group has reviewed this at the year-end and continues to feel the provision is appropriate.

13. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS

Balance at 31 December 2019 and 2020

Tanzania
$000

8,129

At the year-end, E&E assets totalled $8.1 million (2019: $8.1 million) and represent the cost of seismic acquisition and interpretation 
studies on Mnazi Bay on prospective but, as yet, non-producing areas of the concession licence. The costs incurred in evaluating 
these prospects have been capitalised and, to the extent that it is possible to do so given their maturity, have been assessed as being 
recoverable in full. The Mnazi Bay Concession agreement will expire in 2031.

At  the  year-end  the  carrying  value  of  these  assets  were  assessed  for  impairment  and  due  to  there  being  no  formal  agreement 
between Mnazi Bay partners to sanction further expenditure at this time, a full impairment test was undertaken. The impairment test 
ultimately determined that the value-in-use exceeded the carrying amount and that no impairment was required.

100

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSYear-ended 31 December 2020 
 
14. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Cost

Balance at 31 December 2018

Additions

Balance at 31 December 2019

Additions 

Change in decommissioning liability 

Balance at 31 December 2020

Accumulated depreciation and depletion 

Balance at 31 December 2018

Depreciation and depletion

Balance at 31 December 2019

Depreciation and depletion

Balance at 31 December 2019

Carrying amounts

31 December 2019 

31 December 2020

Natural gas 
properties
$000

Office and 
other equipment 
$000

104,025

18

104,043

58

299

104,400

(20,254)

(6,236)

(26,490)

(5,607)

(32,097)

77,553

72,303

609

2

611

2

-

613

(603)

(2)

(605)

(4)

(609)

6

4

Total 
$000

104,634

20

104,654

60

299

105,013

(20,857)

(6,238)

(27,095)

(5,611)

(32,706)

77,559

72,307

During the year  a  full  impairment test was  conducted  on the  Mnazi  Bay  asset  as there was  an  indication  of  impairment with 
respect to the discrepancy between the market capitalisation at 31 December 2020 of $46.4 million and the carrying value of 
$72.3 million. The full impairment test ultimately determined that the recoverable amount was significantly higher than the market 
value of the Company at the year-end which had been externally corroborated by the RPS third party Reserves Report valuation 
(NPV10) of $116.6 million. Refer to note 3 for additional detail regarding the assumptions used within the impairment testing.

During the year, the Group made cash additions to PPE totalling $60k (2019: $20k). A change to the assumptions used in calculating 
the decommissioning and abandonment provisions resulted in further non-cash additions of $299k (2019: $nil) (see note 19).

101

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15. SUBSIDIARY AND JOINT UNDERTAKINGS

The subsidiary and joint undertakings at 31 December 2020 are:

Legal entity

Wentworth Resources (UK) 
Limited 

Wentworth Holding (Jersey) 
Limited

Wentworth Tanzania 
(Jersey) Limited

Wentworth Gas (Jersey) 
Limited

Country of 
incorporation

Class of shares 
held

Types of 
ownership

Percentage 
holding

Nature of  
business

United Kingdom

Ordinary 

Direct

100%

Jersey

Ordinary 

Direct

100%

Jersey

Ordinary

Indirect

100%

Jersey

Ordinary

Indirect

100%

Investment holding 
company

Investment holding 
company

Investment holding 
company

Investment holding 
company

Wentworth Gas Limited 

Tanzania

Ordinary

Indirect

Cyprus Mnazi Bay Limited 1

Cyprus

Ordinary

Indirect

100% Exploration production 
company

39.925% Exploration production 
company

Wentworth Mozambique 
(Mauritius) Limited

Mauritius

Ordinary

Indirect

100%

Wentworth Moçambique 

Mozambique

Ordinary

Indirect

100%

Petroleos, Limitada 2

Investment holding 
company

Investment holding 
company

1  CMBL is considered a jointly controlled entity and accounted for as a joint operation rather than a joint venture (see note 1 for further details).
2  The Wentworth Moçambique Petroleos, Limitada is in the process of liquidation after relinquishment of the Tembo Block Appraisal Licence.

16. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Payable to Maurel et Prom (Operator)

Trade payables

Other payables and accrued expenses

 2020 
$000

884

181

1,317

2,382

 2019
$000

1,303

150

 672

2,125

Other payables and accrued expenses include bonuses and payment in lieu of leave of $451k (2019: 228k), legal fees of $422k 
(2019: nil), audit fees of $364k (2019: $230k) and other third party services of $201k (2019: $241k). 

17. OVERDRAFT CREDIT FACILITY

The Company overdraft credit facility with a Tanzanian Government owned bank of $2.5 million expired on 5 April 2020. The Company 
is  in  discussions with  respect  to  renewing the  facility  on  equivalent  or  better terms with  a  number  of  counterparties  in Tanzania, 
however, no firm commitment has yet been made.

No interest expense or renewal fees were incurred during the year-ended December 2020 (2019: $18k) on the overdraft credit facility.

102

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSYear-ended 31 December 2020 
18. LONG-TERM LOANS

On 8 December 2014, Wentworth Gas Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a $20.0 million loan facility 
to finance the field infrastructure development of the Mnazi Bay Concession in Tanzania. 

The term of the loan was initially forty-eight months in duration commencing on the first draw-down date and bore interest at six-
month LIBOR rate plus 750 basis points, subject to a minimum (floor) of 8% p.a. and a maximum (ceiling) of 9.5% p.a. Security was 
in the form of a debenture creating a first ranking charge over the assets of the WGL (assets of WGL include a 25.4% participation 
interest in the Mnazi Bay Concession), assignment over the TPDC long-term receivable and assignment of revenues generated from 
the Mnazi Bay Concession.

During 2017, the Company executed amendments to the credit facility agreement, which included the restructuring of principal loan 
repayments and added provisions. The new provisions were not finalised at the time of the execution of the amendment to the credit 
facility agreement. On 6 June 2018, the Company formalised the new provisions, which became effective 6 June 2018. 

The new provisions contain a requirement for the Company to maintain two financial covenants both calculated on 30 June and 31 
December. The Debt Service Coverage Ratio provides that the Company has adequate cover to meet its loan interest and principal 
repayment obligations for the next twelve months, while the Loan Life Coverage Ratio provides that adequate free discounted cash 
flow coverage is maintained for all future loan repayments over the full life of the loan.

The $20.0 million credit facility is subject to interest rate of six-month LIBOR rate plus 750 basis points subject to a minimum (floor) of 8.5% 
p.a. and no maximum (ceiling). As at 30 January 2020 when the last instalment was settled, the six-month interest rate was 9.42%. 

The credit facility was fully settled on 30 January 2020. 

During the year-ended 31 December 2020, the Company incurred interest expense on long-term loans of $13k (2019: $0.5 million) with 
finance costs) accretion of $25k (2019: $0.3 million). A total of $38k was settled in cash during 2020 (2019: $0.6 million).

Credit facilities balance

Balance as at 1 January 2019

Loan repayments during the year

Total changes from financing cash flows

Other changes

Interest expense

Interest paid

Finance cost accretion 

Total other charges

Balance as at 31 December 2019

Loan repayments

Total changes from financing cash flows

Interest expense

Interest paid

Finance cost accretion

Total other charges

Balance as at 31 December 2020

$000

8,779

(6,661)

(6,661)

474

(593)

(285)

(404)

1,714

(1,664)

(1,664)

13

(38)

(25)

(50)

-

103

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

19. DECOMMISSIONING AND ABANDONMENT PROVISION

The Company’s decommissioning provision results from net ownership interests in petroleum and natural gas assets including well 
sites, pipeline gathering systems, and processing facilities in Tanzania. The operator of the Mnazi Bay Concession has estimated the 
Company’s share of the undiscounted inflation-adjusted amount of cash flows required to settle decommissioning obligations for the 
infrastructure within the Mnazi Bay Concession to be $4.23 million. The costs are expected to be incurred in 2030. The obligations 
have been estimated using existing technology at current prices inflated and discounted using discount rates that reflect current 
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to each liability.

A reconciliation of the decommissioning obligations is provided below: 

Balance at 1 January

Accretion

Accretion

Balance at 31 December

 2020
$000

1,085

299

130

1,514

 2019
$000

969

-

116

1,085

During the year the discount rate used for calculating the current provision was amended to 8.3% from 12.0% in 2019 to better reflect a 
United States Dollar interest rate from a Tanzanian Shilling interest rate as it was felt that this would likely be the denomination of the 
final liability. At the same time, the inflation rate was updated and amended to 1.36% from 2.03% in 2019. These amendments have 
materialised an additional charge in the current period of $299k (2019: $nil).

20. REPURCHASE OF OWN SHARES

On 17 December 2020, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with a dissenting shareholder to purchase 702,874 ordinary 
shares of the Company at NOK 2.91 ($0.339) per ordinary share less dividend payments made with respect to those shares from the 
notification of dissent. The cost to the Company with respect to this buyback was NOK 1.89 million ($222k). 

On 18 December 2020, the Company entered into a second settlement agreement with a separate dissenting shareholder to purchase 
a further 236,452 ordinary shares of the Company at NOK 2.91 ($0.338) per ordinary share less dividend payments made with respect to 
those shares from the notification of dissent. The cost to the Company with respect to this buyback was NOK 649k ($80k). 

The following table summarises dissenting shareholder settlements and fair valuation:

Settlement of 702,874 ordinary shares at NOK 2.91 (US$0.339) each

Settlement of 236,452 ordinary shares at NOK 2.91 (US$0.338) each

Exchange rate difference

Gross
amount
$000

237

80

1

318

Dividend 
deducted 
$000

(17)

(5)

-

(22)

Settled 
amount 
$000

220

75

-

295

The $295k was recognised within equity reserves at 31 December 2020 (see note 22) and was transferred to the share capital reserve 
on 3 February 2021, the date that the shares were cancelled and removed from the Company register.

104

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSYear-ended 31 December 2020 
 
21. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Share based compensation recognised in the 
statement of Comprehensive loss

2020
$000

300

 2019
$000

63

Movement in the total number of share options outstanding and their related weighted average exercise prices are summarised 
as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January 

Granted

Forfeited

Lapsed

Outstanding at 31 December

2020

2019

 Number of 
options

Weighted average 
exercise price (US$) 

Number of 
options

Weighted average 
exercise price (US$) 

6,385,497

3,428,214

-

(2,000,000)

7,813,711

0.57

12,560,301

-

-

0.67

0.30

495,422

(5,020,226)

(1,650,000)

6,385,497

0.49

-

0.29

0.62

0.57

The following table summarises share options outstanding and exercisable at 31 December 2020:

Exercise 
(NOK)

price 

Exercise 
(US$)1

price 

Number 
of options

Weighted average 
remaining life (years)

Number 
of options

Outstanding

Exercisable

-

-

-

3.85

4.08

5.18

5.57

-

-

-

0.45

0.47

0.60

0.64

942,593

2,485,621

1,385,497

750,000

250,000

1,500,000

500,000

7,813,711

9.9

9.0

8.4

5.0

2.3

3.2

0.3

-

-

-

750,000

250,000

1,500,000

500,000

3,000,000

105

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table summarises share options outstanding and exercisable at 31 December 2019:

Outstanding

Exercisable

Exercise 
(NOK)

price 

Exercise 
(US$)1

price 

Number 
of options

Weighted average 
remaining life (years)

-

3.85

3.60

4.08

5.18

5.18

5.57

0.36

0.40

0.41

0.44

0.59

0.66

-

1,000,000

500,000

1,800,000

1,850,000

2,800,000

500,000

3,560,301

6,385,497

1.8

3.0

1.8

7.0

4.8

2.3

9.9

Number 
of options

1,000,000

500,000

1,800,000

1,850,000

2,800,000

500,000

-

5,000,000

1  The US Dollar to Norwegian Kroner exchange rate used for determining the exercise price at 31 December 2020 is 0.11676.

22. SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVE

Authorised, called up, allotted and fully paid

186,488,465 (2019: 186,488,465) ordinary shares 

416,426

416,426

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share 
at meetings of the Company. 

 2020
$000

 2019
$000

RESERVE

Balance at 1 January

LTIP charges

Repurchase of own shares (note 20)

Balance at 31 December

2020
$000

26,651

300

(295)

2019
$000

26,588

63

-

26,656

26,651

The buyback of stock from dissenting shareholders totalling 939,326 ordinary shares (note 20) was settled in-full in December 
2020, cancelled and removed from the share register on 3 February 2021. At 31 December 2020 these shares were included within 
equity reserves. 

106

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSYear-ended 31 December 2020 
 
23. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic and diluted eps

Net profit for the period

2020
$000

3,428

2019
$000

2,366

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding

186,488,465

186,488,465

Weighted average number of own ordinary shares repurchased

(31,426)

-

Dilutive effect of share options outstanding

186,457,039

186,488,465

4,813,711

2,135,497

Dilutive weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding

191, 270,750

188,623,962

Undiluted net profit per ordinary share 

Diluted net profit per ordinary share 

0.02

0.02

0.01

0.01

During the year-ended 31 December 2020 3,000,000 options (2019: 4,250,000 options) were excluded from the dilutive weighted 
average number of shares outstanding because they were anti-dilutive.

On 18 December 2020 and 21 December 2020, the Company repurchased own ordinary shares 702,874 and ordinary shares 236,452 
respectively from dissenting shareholders. On 3 February 2021, the Company cancelled all repurchased ordinary shares 939,326. (see 
note 20).

24. DIVIDENDS

The following dividends were declared and paid by the Company during the year.

0.9 pence (US$ 0.01137; NOK 0.10872) per ordinary share 
(2019: 0.45 pence; US$ 0.00583; NOK 0.0514) 

0.48 pence (US$ 0.00619; NOK 0.05683) per ordinary share 

Total dividend paid

2020
$000

2,120

1,154

3,274

2019
$000

1,033

-

1,033

On 26 June 2020, the Company paid the full year 2019 dividend of GBP 0.9 pence (NOK 0.10872; US$ 0.01137) per ordinary share, 
being a total dividend distribution of $2.1 million.

On 23 October 2020, Company paid a 2020 interim dividend of GBP 0.48 pence (NOK 0.05683; US$ 0.00619) per ordinary share, 
being a total dividend distribution of $1.1 million.

107

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

25. INCOME TAXES 

The Company’s income tax expense for the year-end 31 December is as follows:

Profit before income taxes

Expected income tax (recovery) expense at combined Tanzanian rate of 30% 
(2019: 30%)

Rate differentials

Share based compensation 

Tanzania cost gas excluded from taxable income

Movement in deferred tax assets not previously recognised and other adjustments

Income tax expense

 2020
$000

2,229

669

506

-

(3,530)

1,156

(1,199)

 2019
$000

987

296

541

12

(3,367)

1,139

(1,379)

The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions with complex tax laws and regulations which are evolving over time. The Company has 
taken certain tax positions in its tax filings and these filings are subject to audit and potential reassessment after the lapse of considerable 
time. Accordingly, the actual income tax impact may differ significantly from that estimated and recorded by management. 

The Company has unrecognised deductible temporary differences that result in unrecognised deferred income tax assets of:

Non-capital losses

Property and equipment

Accounts receivables and others

 2020
$000

3,717

(325)

-

3,392

 2019
$000

20,262

(263)

16

20,015

The total non-capital losses of the Company are $116.6 million (2019: $163.6 million) of which$105.1 million are in Tanzania, $10.3 million 
(2019: $5.8 million) are in the UK and $1.2 million (2019: $0.7 million) are in Jersey. 

108

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSYear-ended 31 December 2020 
 
A  deferred tax  asset  is  recognised to the  extent that  it  is  probable that taxable  profit will  be  available  against which  deductible 
temporary differences and the loss carry forwards can be utilised. A deferred tax asset of $6.9 million as at 31 December 2020 (2019: 
$5.5 million) is attributable to the accumulated tax loss carry-forward of the Company’s Tanzanian subsidiary, which are expected to 
be offset against future taxable income. Recognition of the tax asset is supported by the proven and probable reserves as determined 
by a third-party external reserves engineer, RPS Canada.

Balance at 1 January

Deferred income tax assets recognised in profit or loss:

 Non-capital losses

 Asset retirement obligations

Deferred income tax liabilities recognised in profit or loss:

 PP&E

 Receivables

Balance at 31 December

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 2020
$000

5,548

(179)

33

1,454

3

6,859

 2019
$000

4,036

820

(50)

1,200

(458)

5,548

The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk (currency fluctuations, interest 
rates  and  commodity  prices).  The  Company’s  overall  risk  management  programme  focuses  on  the  unpredictability  of  financial 
markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Company’s financial performance. A full description of the risks and 
key risks affecting the business is noted in the Business Risks section of the Strategic Report.

CREDIT RISK
Wentworth’s credit risk exposure is equal to the carrying value of its cash and cash equivalents, trade, other and long-term receivables. 

Trade and other receivables are comprised predominantly of amounts due from government owned entities in Tanzania and VAT 
in Tanzania. 

The  Group’s  ongoing  exposure to trade  receivables  from TANESCO, the  state  power  company,  relates to the  gas  sales  from the 
Mnazi Bay Concession to a TANESCO owned 18-megawatt gas-fired power plant located in Mtwara, Tanzania. At 31 December 
2020, the Mnazi Bay Concession partners were owed 14 months of invoices for gas sales made to TANESCO, with $1.3 million owing 
to Wentworth (2019: $789k ). Due to the age of the TANESCO receivable at the year-end and the likely time it will take to recover the 
debt, the an expected credit loss of $11k at a loss rate of 0.4% has been recognised (2019: $nil). The Company continues to engage in 
discussions with TANESCO to accelerate the settlement of amounts past due.

During 2015, the Group commenced gas sales to TPDC under a long-term gas sales agreement, the operator of the new transnational 
gas  pipeline  in Tanzania.  Credit  risk  relating  to  sales  to TPDC  is  substantially  mitigated  through  a  two-part  payment  guarantee 
structure. The  first  part  relates to  a  prepayment  amount  of  approximately three to  four  months  of  gas  deliveries  at  current  sales 
volumes  which  has  been  received  and  is  held  by  the  Operator  of  the  Mnazi  Bay  Concession. The  second  part  is  a  one-month 
replenishable letter of credit which is not yet executed but expected to be executed during 2020. At 31 December 2020, the Mnazi Bay 
Concession partners were owed one month gas sales invoices, with $1.9 million owing to Wentworth (2019: $4.0 million). Subsequent 
to year-end, TPDC has paid $3.5 million net to Wentworth. 

109

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At 31 December 2020, an undiscounted long-term receivable of $6.5 million (2019: $6.5 million) related to the Group’s disposal of 
transmission and distribution assets, and the costs associated with the MEP incurred in prior years by a wholly owned subsidiary of 
Wentworth (see note 12). On February 6, 2012, the Company, TANESCO, TPDC and MEM reached an agreement that the Group’s cost 
of historical operations in respect of the Mtwara Energy Project should be reimbursed. 

During 2017, the Government initiated its first review of the costs to verify the balance owing by it. On 8 February 2018 the Government 
issued the results which differed from the previously audited and approved gross receivable of $6.5 million, which the Group maintains 
was accurate and correct.

The Government is conducting a second review and due to the age and uncertainty surrounding the receivable and its recoverability the 
Group made a provision in-full during 2018 against the carrying amount without prejudice to the ongoing commercial discussions with 
the Government; the Group has reviewed this at the year-end and continues to feel the provision is appropriate.

The Group’s cash and cash equivalents of $17,787 as at 31 December 2020 (2019: $13,487). The cash and cash equivalents are held 
with financial institutions. which are rated below. Wherever possible ratings are provided by Fitch Ratings, however, where no rating 
was available from either Fitch Ratings or either of the other major international credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poors or 
Moodys, the bank’s local credit rating was used.

Rating

2020 Cash held
$000

 2019 Cash held
 $000

A+

BB-

BB-

A

BB-

-

AA

A+

N/A

7,296

6,049

4,066

219

107

31

14

3

2

10,303

105

2,134

24

107

789

11

12

2

17,787

13,487

2020
$000

4,847

17,787

22,634

 2019
 $000

6,075

13,487

19,562

Financial Institutions

Santander

Standard Bank

FirstRand Bank

Citibank Group

Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited 

Tanzania Postal Bank

RBC Royal Bank

Barclays

Petty cash

The exposure to credit risk as at:

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents 

110

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSYear-ended 31 December 2020 
AGED TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Balance at 31 December 2020

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Balance at 31 December 2019

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Current
 1-30 days
$000

2,128

1,061

3,189

1,720

448

2,168

31-60
 days
$000

94

-

94

1,736

-

1,736

61-90
 days
$000

84

-

84

94

-

94

>90
 days
$000

954

526

1,480

1,254

823

2,077

Total 
$000

3,260

1,587

4,847

4,804

1,271

6,075

The movement in the allowances for impairment in respect of trade receivables and contract assets during the year was as follows 
(see note 11):

Balance as at 1 January

Impairment loss recognised

Impairment loss reversed

Amount written off

2020
$000

 2019
 $000

-

11

-

-

11

-

-

-

-

-

LIQUIDITY RISK
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they become payable. Other than 
routine trade and other payables, incurred in the normal course of business.

The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Company’s financial liabilities based on contractual undiscounted payments 
including future interest payments on long-term loans.

Balance at 31 December 2020

Trade and other payables

Balance at 31 December 2019

Trade and other payables

Long-term loans

Future interest

Less than 1 year
$000

1 to 2 years
$000

2 to 5 years
$000

2,382

2,382

2,125

1,714

18

3,857

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total
$000

2,382

2,382

2,125

1,714

18

3,857

111

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The fair value of the Company’s trade and other payables approximates their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these 
instruments. The fair value of the long-term loans approximates their carrying amounts as they bear market rates of interest. The fair 
value of the other liability approximates its carrying amount.

The  Company  has  a  working  capital  surplus  at  31  December  2020  and  generated  positive  cash  flow  from  operations  in  2020. The 
Company plans to pay its financial liabilities in the normal course of operations and fund future operating and capital requirements 
through operating cash flows, bank debt, bank overdraft credit facility and equity raises, when deemed appropriate. Operating cash flow 
of the Company is dependent upon the purchasers of natural gas, TPDC and TANESCO, continuing to meet their payment obligations 
on a timely manner. Any delays in collecting funds from these purchasers for an extended period of time could negatively impact the 
Company’s ability to pay its financial liabilities in a timely manner in the normal course of business (see also Capital management section).

MARKET RISK
Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market 
prices. Market risk is comprised of foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk (e.g. commodity price risk). The objective 
of market risk management is to manage and control market price exposures within acceptable limits, while maximising returns.

COMMODITY PRICE RISK
Commodity price risk is the risk that the Company suffers financial loss as a result of fluctuations in oil or natural gas prices. The Company’s 
exposure to commodity price risk is mitigated as the sale prices for gas sold by the Company is fixed under the existing gas sale and 
purchase agreements. An increase of 1% in the gas production would result in an increase of $58 (2019: $57k) in revenue.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK
Foreign exchange rate risk is the risk that the Company suffers financial loss as a result of changes in the value of an asset or liability 
or in the value of future cash flows due to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Wentworth operates internationally and 
is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the Tanzanian Shilling and 
Pound Sterling against its functional currency of its operating entities, the US dollar. The Company’s objective is to minimise its risk by 
borrowing funds in US dollars as revenues are paid in US dollars. In addition, the Company holds substantially all its cash and cash 
equivalents in US dollars and converts to other currencies only when cash requirements demand such conversion. 

Current receivables and liabilities denominated in various currency:

Balance at 31 December 2020

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Balance at 31 December 2019

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Pound Sterling
$000

Tanzanian 
Shilling
$000

Other 
Currency
$000

United States
Dollar
$000

95

935

(74)

956

110

384

(101)

393

123

92

(5)

210

17,459

3,436

(2,202)

18,693

Pound Sterling
$000

Tanzanian 
Shilling
$000

Other 
Currency
$000

United States
Dollar
$000

1,442

105

(62)

1,485

47

1,000

(52)

995

120

92

(10)

202

11,878

4,878

(2,001)

14,755

Total
$000 

17,787

4,847

(2,382)

20,252

Total
$000 

13,487

6,075

(2,125)

17,437

A 10% increase/decrease of the Pound Sterling against US dollar would result in a change in profit or loss before tax of $39k (2019: 
$28k). In addition, a 10% increase/decrease of the Tanzanian shilling against the US dollar would result in a change in profit or loss 
before tax of approximately $2k (2019: $5k).

112

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSYear-ended 31 December 2020 
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT CLASSIFICATION AND MEASUREMENT
The Company classifies the fair value of financial instruments according to the following hierarchy based on the amount of observable 
inputs used to value the instrument:

•	 Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets 
are those in which transactions occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. 

•	 Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1. Prices in Level 2 are either directly or 
indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 valuations are based on inputs, including expected interest rates, share 
prices, and volatility factors, which can be substantially observed or corroborated in the marketplace. 

•	 Level 3 – Valuation in this level are those with inputs for the asset or liabilities that are not based on observable market data. 

The following table shows the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities, including their levels in the 
fair value hierarchy. It does not include fair value information for financial assets and financial liabilities not measured at fair value if 
the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Carrying
amount
2020
$000

Fair 
value
2020
$000

Level 1
2020
$000

Level 2
2020
$000

Level 3
2020
$000 

Carrying
amount
2019
$000

Fair 
value
2019
$000

Level 1
2019
$000

Level 2
2019
$000

Level 3
2019
$000 

Loans and receivables

Cash and cash equivalent

17,787

-

Trade and other receivables 
(note 11)

4,810

4,799

Total financial assets

22,597

4,799

Financial liabilities 
measured at amortised cost

Trade and other payables 
(note 16)

(2,382)

Long-term loans (note 18)

-

Total financial liabilities

(2,382)

-

-

-

Total financial instruments

20,215

4,799

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,799

4,799

-

-

-

4,799

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

13,487

6,075

19,562

(2,125)

(1,714)

(3,839)

15,723

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, in order 
to develop its oil and gas properties and maintain a flexible capital structure for its projects for the benefit of its stakeholders. In the 
management of capital, the Company includes the components of shareholders’ equity as well as cash and long-term liabilities. 

The Company manages the capital structure and adjusts it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics 
of the underlying assets. As part of its capital management process, the Company prepares budgets and forecasts, which are used 
by management and the Board of Directors to direct and monitor the strategy, ongoing operations and liquidity of the Company. 
Budgets and forecasts are subject to judgement and estimates such as those relating to future gas demand and ultimate timing of 
collectability of trade receivables for gas sales. These factors may not be within the control of the Company, which may create near 
term risks that may impact the need to alter the capital structure. The Company continues to effectively manage its relationships 
with its gas purchasers to ensure timely collection and with external lenders such that lending facilities are available to the Company 
as and when needed. The Company may attempt to issue new shares, enter into joint arrangements or acquire or dispose of assets 
in order to maintain or adjust the capital structure. Management reviews the capital structure on a regular basis to ensure that the 
above-noted objectives are met. The Company’s overall strategy remains unchanged from the prior year. 

113

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

27. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

TRANSACTIONS WITH KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
Details of Directors’ remuneration, which comprise key management personnel, are provided below:

Short-term employee benefits

LTIP charges

28. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Change in non-cash working capital:

Net change in non-cash working capital related to operating activities:

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Cash movements from investing activities in the Statements of Cash Flows consists of the following:

 2020
$000

1,525

228

1,753

 2020
$000

1,229

284

1,513

 2019
$000

1,815

43

1,858

 2019
$000

1,477

(1,067)

410

Year-ended 31 December 2020

Total additions (see note 14)

Addition decommissioning and abandonment asset (see note 19)

Cash additions/(reductions)

Year-ended 31 December 2019

Total additions/(reductions)

Cash additions/(reductions)

Property, plant and 
equipment
$000

TPDC 
receivable
$000

359

(299)

60

20

20

-

-

-

(5,238)

(5,238)

114

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSYear-ended 31 December 2020 
 
Closing balance of liabilities arising from financing liabilities:

Balance as at 1 January 2020

Changes from financing cash flows

Principal term loan repayments

Total changes from financing cash flows

Other changes

Interest expense

Interest paid

Finance cost accretion

Total liabilities related to other charges

Balance as at 31 December 2020

Balance as at 1 January 2019

Changes from financing cash flows

Principal term loan repayments

Contingent liability payment

Total changes from financing cash flows

Other changes

Interest expense

Interest paid

Finance cost accretion

Total liabilities related to other charges

Balance as at 31 December 2018

Long-term 
Loan
$000

1,714

(1,664)

(1,664)

13

(38)

(25)

(50)

-

8,779

(6,661)

-

(6,661)

474

(593)

(285)

(404)

1,714

Contingent 
liability
$000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

848

-

(848)

(848)

-

-

-

-

-

Total 
liability
$000

1,714

(1,664)

(1,664)

13

(38)

(25)

(50)

-

9,627

(6,661)

(848)

(7,509)

474

(593)

(285)

(404)

1,714

115

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendices 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Finance income:

Finance income

Interest income

Foreign exchange gain

Accretion – finance cost

Finance costs

Accretion – decommissioning provision 

Interest expense 

Foreign exchange loss

Discount on receivable

Finance costs/(income), net

29. COMMITMENTS

 2020
$000

 2019
$000

82

37

27

146

(130)

(13)

-

(11)

(154)

(8)

21

-

285

306

(116)

(493)

(129)

-

(738)

(432)

LEASE PAYMENTS
The Group has office locations in Jersey, Tanzania and the United Kingdom. The future minimum lease payments associated with 
these office premises as at 31 December 2020 is $38k committed for year 2021.

30. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On 14 January 2021, the Company provided a financial and operational update, setting 2021 production guidance at 65-75 MMscf/
day (gross).

On 2 February 2021, the Company announced the completion of the Independent Reserves Assessment Report in which Wentworth’s 
share of gross 2P Reserves as at 31 December 2020 was estimated by RPS Group to be 142.2 Bcf (23.7 MMboe) with a post-tax NPV10 
of $116.6 million.

On 3 February 2021, the Company cancelled 939,326 Ordinary Shares of no par value from the register following the purchase of 
these shares from the two dissenting shareholders on 17 and 18 December 2020. The shares were held in Treasury until cancellation.

On 19 February 2021, the Company announced its membership to the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, a voluntary initiative to 
promote the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices.

116

Wentworth Resources plcGROUP ACCOUNTSYear-ended 31 December 2020Strategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

117

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

$ or US Dollar

United States Dollar

£ 

2D

2P 

3D

AIM

AGM

Articles

Bcf

Boe

Board

CGU

CMBL

UK Pound Sterling

Two Dimensional

1P (proven reserves) + probable reserves, hence “proved AND probable”

Three Dimensional

AIM, a SME Growth market of the London Stock Exchange

Annual General Meeting

The Articles of Association of the Company

Billion standard cubic feet

Barrel of oil equivalent, a measure of the gas component converted into its equivalence in 
barrels of oil

The Board of Directors of the Company

Cash Generating Units

Cyprus Mnazi Bay Limited

Company

Wentworth Resources plc

Companies (Jersey) Law

The Companies (Jersey) Law 1991

Corporate Social Responsibility

The Directors of the Company

Exploration and Evaluation assets

Exploration and Production

(Adjusted)  earnings  before  interest,  taxation,  depreciation,  depletion  and  amortisation, 
impairment, share-based payments, provisions, and pre-licence expenditure

Effective Interest Rate

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

Earnings Per Share 

Environmental, social and governance

Front End Engineering Design

CSR

Directors

E&E

E&P

EBITDAX

EIR

EITI

EPS

ESG

FEED

118

Wentworth Resources plcAPPENDICESG&A

GDP

GPF

GSA

Group

HSSE

IAS

IASB

IFRS

JV

K

Km

km2

KPIs

General and Administrative

Gross Domestic Product

Gas Production Facility

Gas Sales Agreement 

The Company and its subsidiary undertakings

Health, Safety, Security and Environment

International Accounting Standards

International Accounting Standards Board

International Financial Reporting Standards

Joint Venture

Thousands

Kilometre(s)

Square kilometre(s)

Key Performance Indicators

London Stock Exchange

London Stock Exchange plc

LTI 

LTIP

M&A

MEM

MEP

Mcf

MMboe

MMscf/day

MW

NPV

NNGI

Lost Time Incident

Long-Term Incentive Plan adopted in 2018

Merger and Acquisition

Ministry of Energy and Minerals

Mtwara Energy Project

Thousand cubic feet

Million barrels of oil equivalent

Million standard cubic feet per day of gas

Megawatt

Net Present Value (at a specified discount rate and specified discount date)

National Natural Gas Infrastructure (Pipeline)

119

2020 Annual Report and Financial StatementsStrategic ReportGovernanceGroup AccountsAppendicesGLOSSARY OF TERMS

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary share capital (no par value)

Petroleum

Oil, gas, condensate and natural gas liquids

PPE

PSA

PTTEP

PURA

QCA Code

Reserves

Seismic

Shares

Property Plant and Equipment

Production Sharing Agreement

PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited is a national petroleum exploration 
and production company based in Thailand

Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority

Corporate Governance Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted Companies 2018

Reserves are those quantities of petroleum anticipated to be commercially recoverable by 
application  of  development  projects  to  known  accumulations  from  a  given  date  forward 
under  defined  conditions.  Reserves  must  satisfy  four  criteria;  they  must  be  discovered, 
recoverable,  commercial  and  remaining  based  on  the  development  projects  applied. 
Reserves are further categorised in accordance with the level of certainty associated with 
the estimates and may be sub-classified based on project maturity and/or characterised by 
development and production status

Data,  obtained  using  a  sound  source  and  receiver,  that  is  processed  to  provide  a 
representation of a vertical cross-section through the subsurface layers

Ordinary shares

Shareholders

Ordinary shareholders in the Company

Subsidiary

TANESCO

TEITI

Tembo

TPDC

TRA

VAT

WAF

WGL

A subsidiary undertaking as defined in the 2006 Act

The Tanzania Electric Supply Company

Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

The Tembo Block Appraisal Licence, Mozambique (85% Wentworth, 15% ENH)

Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation

Tanzanian Revenue Authority

Value Added Tax

Wentworth Africa Foundation

Wentworth Gas Limited

Working Interest or WI

A company’s equity interest in a project before reduction for royalties or production share 
owed to others under the applicable fiscal terms Working interest attributable to Wentworth

120

Wentworth Resources plcAPPENDICESStrategic Report

Governance

Group Accounts

Appendices

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

REGISTERED OFFICE:
4th Floor, St Paul’s Gate
22 – 24 New Street
St Helier, Jersey 
JE1 4TR

TANZANIA OFFICE:
P.O Box 203
2nd Floor Coco Plaza
254 Toure Drive, Oyster Bay
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

NOMINATED ADVISOR 
AND JOINT BROKER:
Stifel Nicolaus Europe Ltd
150 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6ET

JOINT BROKER:
Peel Hunt LLP
Moor House
120 London Wall
London 
EC2Y 5ET

AUDITORS:
KPMG LLP
15 Canada Square
London
E14 5GL

REGISTRARS:
Link Market Services (Jersey) Ltd
12 Castle Street
St. Helier
JE2 3RT

CORPORATE BANKERS: 
Santander Bank plc
Customer Service Centre
Bootle
Merseyside
L30 4GB

COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR: 
FTI Consulting
200 Aldersgate
Aldersgate Street
London
EC1A 4HD

SOLICITORS:
Pinsent Mason
30 Crown Place
Earl Street
London
EC2A 4ES

DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY:

2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements

121

www.wentplc.com

Wentworth Resources plc 
Registered Office

4th Floor, St Paul’s Gate

22-24 New Street

Jersey

JE1 4TR

Email: info@wentplc.com

Tanzania Office

P.O Box 203

2nd Floor Coco Plaza

254 Toure Drive, Oyster Bay

Dar Es Salaam

Phone: +255 222 601 139

Email: info.tz@wentplc.com