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FY2018 Annual Report · TreeHouse Foods
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Integrated Annual Report 2018

Discover  Develop  Deliver

 GROUP  
PROFILE

Integrated co-producer of PGM and chrome concentrates

Discover

Develop

Deliver

■  Large scale open pit resource 
mining five MG chromitite layers

■  Long life, low-cost co-producer of 
PGM and chrome concentrates 

■  Highly prospective exploration 

projects in Zimbabwe

■  Innovative approach to viable 

mineral extraction and beneficiation 

■  Independent processing plants 
providing operational flexibility at 
the Tharisa Mine

■  Sustainable polymetallic business 

model

■  Safe production, strive for 

zero harm

■  Integrated marketing, sales 

and logistics platforms

■  Disciplined capital allocation = 

growth + dividends

■  Cash generative through 

commodity cycles

www.tharisa.com

 01

> Group profile
Scope and boundary
Group statistics
Financial and  
non-financial highlights
Group overview
Group structure
Group history

Introduction
Tharisa is an integrated resource group 
incorporating exploration, mining, processing, 
and the beneficiation, marketing, sales and logistics 
of platinum group metals (‘PGM’) and chrome 
concentrates. The Group is targeting production 
of 200 koz of PGMs and 2.0 Mt of chrome 
concentrates in 2020, on an annualised basis

Mission
To maximise shareholder returns through innovative 
exploitation of mineral resources in a responsible manner

Values
•• The safety and health of our people is a core value
•• We take responsibility for the effect that our operations may 

have on the environment

•• We are committed to the upliftment of our local communities
•• We conduct ourselves with integrity and honesty
•• We strive to achieve superior returns for our shareholders
•• We originate new opportunities and will continue to 

challenge convention through innovation

Strategic initiatives

•• Discovering next generation low-cost, large-scale 

operations through exploration of multicommodities 
with geographic diversity

•• Developing into a globally significant low-cost 

producer of strategic commodities

•• Delivering from an established platform while 

maximising value extraction 

•• Disciplined capital distribution with an annual 

dividend policy of at least 15% of net profit after tax 
(‘NPAT’) and capital allocation to low-risk projects

*  Copyright and trademarks are owned by the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa NPC 

and all of its rights are reserved.

OVERVIEW

> Group profile
Scope and boundary
Group statistics
Financial and non-financial 
highlights
Group overview
Group structure
Group history

STRATEGIC REVIEW
Leadership review
Market review
Investment case and competitive 
strengths
How Tharisa creates value
Stakeholder engagement
Group strategy
Principal business risks

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

SUSTAINABILITY
Safety and health
Human resources
Environment
Social development
Human rights

MINERAL RESOURCE AND 
MINERAL RESERVE STATEMENT

GOVERNANCE
Board of directors
Corporate governance
King IV™* application
Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

FINANCIAL REVIEW
Condensed consolidated financial 
statements
Notes to the annual financial 
statements

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Investor relations report
Notice of annual general meeting
Glossary
Form of proxy

Corporate information

IFC – 9
IFC
02
03

04
06
07
08

10 – 35
10
18

20
21
26
28
30

36 – 43

44 – 59
45
48
51
57
59

60 – 65

66 – 97 
66
68
78
88
94
96

98 – 147

101

106

148 – 167
148
150
160
167
Inside back 
cover

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018OVERVIEW 02

SCOPE AND  
BOUNDARY

Group profile
> Scope and boundary
Group statistics
Financial and  
non-financial highlights
Group overview
Group structure
Group history

Tharisa is pleased to present this, its fifth Annual Report since listing on the JSE and the third 
since the standard listing of its depositary interests on the LSE. This Annual Report presents 
the Group’s operations in Cyprus and South Africa, its exploration activities in Zimbabwe as 
well as its governance, strategy, risks, opportunities and prospects. The report covers the 
financial year to 30 September 2018.

Approach
The approach in this Annual Report 
has been to explain to investors and 
stakeholders the fundamentals of 
Tharisa’s operating context and business 
model, risks and strategic approach 
towards value creation to enable them to 
make a more informed assessment 
of Tharisa and its prospects and the 
sustainable value it creates. The Annual 
Report presents a concise view of the 
Company, its progress and strategy, with 
readers directed to relevant sections on 
the Group’s website – www.tharisa.com – 
for additional disclosure. While written 
primarily to address the interests of 
providers of capital, this report also 
addresses matters considered important 
to a wide range of stakeholders.

Frameworks
Tharisa applies the principles of 
King IV to its decision making, strategy 
formulation and implementation and 
these principles have also been applied 
in compiling this report. The Company 
further adheres to the JSE Listings 
Requirements and complies with the 
LSE Listing Rules and Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules applicable to a 
standard listing. 

Tharisa accepts that integrated 
reporting is a journey and in line with 
its commitment to the principles of 
integrated reporting, it has expanded 
on its broader social, environmental and 
economic performance as far as possible 
throughout this report. While the 
Company has been guided by the 
International Integrated Reporting 
Committee’s Framework, it will only 
be fully applied to future reports.

In line with these frameworks, 
recommendations and what it considers 
to be best practice, this report contains 
a number of forward looking 
statements. Various factors, conditions 
and developments beyond the control 
of the Company and its management 
may cause the conditions predicted 
and implied in these forward looking 
statements to be materially different to 
those envisaged at the time of writing. 
Such variance between expectation and 
future realities may have a material 
impact on the Company’s future 
performance and results. 

Assurance
The Board acknowledges its 
responsibility for ensuring the integrity 
of this Annual Report. The Audit 
Committee recommended the 
2018 Annual Report to the Board for 
approval, which approval the Board 
consented to give, believing that the 
report addresses all material issues 
and gives a balanced and truthful 
representation of the Company’s 
performance.

The condensed consolidated financial 
statements on pages 98 to 147 of this 
Annual Report and the consolidated 
annual financial statements on the 
website have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRS as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards 
Board and the Cyprus Companies Law.

A glossary of abbreviations, definitions and 
technical terms appears on pages 160 to 166.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  GROUP  
STATISTICS

03

Group profile
Scope and boundary
> Group statistics
Financial and  
non-financial highlights
Group overview
Group structure
Group history

Reef mined
Stripping ratio
Reef milled
PGM flotation feed 
PGM rougher feed grade
PGM recovery
PGM ounces produced
Average PGM basket price
Average PGM basket price
Cr2O3 ROM grade
Chrome recovery
Chrome yield
Chrome concentrates produced

Metallurgical grade 
Speciality grades 

Third-party chrome production
Chrome concentrates sold (including third party)
Metallurgical grade chrome concentrate 
contract price
Metallurgical grade chrome concentrate 
contract price
Average exchange rate

Group revenue
Gross profit
Net profit/(loss) for the year
EBITDA
Headline profit/(loss)
Headline earnings per share
Gross profit margin
Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities
Net debt
Capital expenditure

On-mine lost-time injury frequency rate*
On-mine employees including contractors
Other Group employees

* Per 200 000 man hours worked

kt
m3 waste: m3reef
kt
kt
g/t
%
5PGE + Au koz
US$/oz
ZAR/oz
%
%
%
kt
kt
kt
kt
kt

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

4 875.0
7.9
5 105.3
3 718.1
1.51
84.1
152.2
923
12 038
18.2
66.0
28.4
1 448.0
1 080.3
367.7
221.8
1 644.3

5 025.1
7.5
4 916.2
3 599.2
1.56
79.7
143.6
786
10 492
17.8
64.1
27.1
1 331.2
1 008.1
323.1
20.0
1 317.3

4 837.2
7.3
4 656.3
3 575.6
1.65
69.9
132.6
736
10 881
18.0
62.7
26.7
1 243.7
974.3
269.4
–
1 196.2

4 183.2 
10.7 
4 400.4 
3 446.2
1.62 
 65.8
 118.0
885
10 593
18.3 
58.0
25.5 
1 122.2 
1 009.4 
112.8 
–
1 124.4

3 908.5
10.6
3 913.1
3 060.4
1.63
48.8
78.2
1 103
11 622
19.4
59.4
27.7
1 085.2
937.0
148.2
–
978.7

US$/t CIF China

186

200

120

158 

158

ZAR/t CIF China
ZAR:US$

US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
US$ cents 
%
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million

2 415
13.1

406.3
108.5
51.0
101.9
49.1
19
26.7
89.8
10.6
48.2

0.18
2 430
86

2 667
13.4

349.4
122.7
67.7
115.6
57.8
22
35.1
75.7
(0.1)
26.4

0.07
2 256
75

1 751
14.8

219.6
54.5
15.8
43.0
14.3
6
24.8
22.2
41.4
12.3

0.36
2 187
52

1 903
12.0

246.8 
43.1 
6.0 
29.0 
4.7 
2 
17.5 
41.4 
40.7
24.6 

0.06 
2 000 
59 

1 676
10.6

240.7
32.6
(54.9)
16.5
(48.9)
(20)
13.5
22.4
66.5
24.3

0.14
1 938
66

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018OVERVIEW  
 
04

FINANCIAL AND  
NON-FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

REEF MINED

4.9 Mt

down 3.0%
(2017: 5.0 Mt)

PGM PRODUCTION
(5PGE + Au)

152.2 koz

up 6.0%
(2017: 143.6 koz)

CHROME CONCENTRATE  
PRODUCTION

1.4 Mt

up 8.8%
(2017: 1.3 Mt)

REVENUE

OPERATING PROFIT

EBITDA

US$406.3 m

US$72.5 m

US$101.9 m

up 16.3%
(2017: US$349.4 m)

down 26.3%
(2017: US$98.4 m)

down 11.8%
(2017: US$115.6 m)

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

EARNINGS AND HEADLINE EARNINGS 
PER SHARE

PROPOSED TOTAL  
DIVIDEND*

US$65.0 m

US$ 19 cents

US$ 4 cents

down 28.6%
(2017: US$91.0 m)

down 13.6%
(2017: US$ 22 cents)

20.5% of NPAT 
(2017: US$ 5 cents)
*  Includes interim dividend of US$ 2 cents

PGM PRODUCTION
(5PGE + Au koz)

CHROME PRODUCTION
(kt)

GROUP REVENUE
(US$ million)

160.0

140.0

120.0

100.0

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0

2

.

2
5
1

.

6
3
4
1

.

6
2
3
0 1
8
1
1

.

.

2
8
7

2014

2015

2016 2017

2018

1 600.0

1 400.0

1 200.0

1 000.0

800.0

600.0

400.0

200.0

0

.

0
8
4
4

1

.

2
1
3
3

1

.

7
3
4
2

1

2

.

2
2
1
1

.

2
5
8
0

1

2014

2015

2016 2017

2018

450.0

400.0

350.0

300.0

250.0

200.0

150.0

100.0

50.0

0

3

.

6
0
4

.

4
9
4
3

.

7
0
4
2

8

.

6
4
2

.

6
9
1
2

2014

2015

2016 2017

2018

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018   
 
 
 
 
05

Group profile
Scope and boundary
Group statistics
>  Financial and  

non-financial highlights

Group overview
Group structure
Group history

2

0

400

SAFETY AWARDS*

NUMBER OF FATALITIES

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 

1 672

758

WHO ATTENDED 

WELLNESS DAY

20%

NUMBER OF PERMANENT  

NUMBER OF PERMANENT 

FEMALE EMPLOYEES*

EMPLOYEES*

CONTRACTORS*

US$3.3 m

TOTAL SPENT ON TRAINING

* Data is applicable to Tharisa Minerals

9

EMPLOYEES AWARDED 

STUDY ASSISTANCE*

21

INTERNS AND 

GRADUATES*

GROSS PROFIT MARGIN
(%)

EBITDA
(US$ million)

NET CASH FLOWS FROM 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
(US$ million)

40.0

35.0

30.0

25.0

20.0

15.0

10.0

5.0

0

1

.

5
3

7

.

6
2

.

8
4
2

5
.
7
1

5
.
3
1

2014

2015

2016 2017

2018

140.0

120.0

100.0

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0

.

6
5
1
1

9

.

1
0
1

0
.
3
4

0
.
9
2

5
.
6
1

2014

2015

2016 2017

2018

100.0

90.0

80.0

70.0

60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0

20.0

10.0

0

8

.

9
8

.

7
5
7

4
.
1
4

4
.
2
2

2
.
2
2

2014

2015

2016 2017 2018

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018OVERVIEW 06

GROUP  
OVERVIEW

Group profile
Scope and boundary
Group statistics
Financial and  
non-financial highlights
> Group overview
Group structure
Group history

Zimbabwe

Great Dyke 
Zimbabwe

Johannesburg – JSE: THA

South Africa

Richards Bay port

Durban

London

London – LSE: THS

Europe

Asia

China

Tianjin

Lianyungang
Shanghai

Qinzhou

Cyprus

Bahodopi

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  07

Group profile
Scope and boundary
Group statistics
Financial and  
non-financial highlights
Group overview
> Group structure
Group history

BEE shareholders
Thari Resources
(South Africa)
20%

The Tharisa Community 
Trust
(South Africa)
6%

GROUP  
STRUCTURE

Investment 
holding company

Tharisa plc 
(Cyprus)

Operating/
producing 
companies

Tharisa Minerals 
(South Africa)
74%

Tharisa Minerals produces PGM concentrate and metallurgical and chemical 
grade chrome concentrates from a shallow open pit mine near Rustenburg, 
North West province. The Genesis and Voyager plants have a combined 
design capacity of 4.8 Mt of run of mine (‘ROM’) ore per annum. 

Arxo Metals 
(South Africa)
100%

Arxo Metals produces specialised higher margin chemical and foundry grade 
chrome concentrates, operates Lonmin’s K3 UG2 chrome plant in Rustenburg 
and is the Group’s research and development arm. It also commissioned 
a 1 MW DC furnace to produce PGM rich metal alloys on a pilot scale. 
Arxo Metals conducts extensive research and development into technologies 
and beneficiation opportunities. 

Trading and 
service provider 
companies

Arxo Resources 
(Cyprus)
100%

Arxo Resources markets and sells metallurgical and chemical grade chrome 
concentrate to customers primarily in Asia. 

Arxo Logistics 
(South Africa)
100%

Arxo Logistics manages the rail and road distribution of PGM concentrate 
and chrome concentrates produced by the Tharisa Mine and chrome 
concentrates from the Lonmin K3 UG2 chrome plant. These products are 
transported to international customers via port facilities in Richards Bay and 
Durban for shipment and to customers in South Africa.

Exploration and 
growth projects

Karo Mining Holdings
(Cyprus)
26.8%

Karo Holdings is establishing an integrated PGM mining and refining complex 
in Zimbabwe with a planned 300 MW solar power generation plant. The 
project is in the exploration stage.

Karo Platinum, an indirect subsidiary of Karo Holdings, has been awarded a 
Special Grant over 23 903 ha in the Great Dyke, to develop the PGM mining 
complex.

Karo Power, an indirect subsidiary of Karo Holdings, will develop the planned 
solar generation plant. 

Salene Chrome Zimbabwe 
(Zimbabwe)
Option for 90%

Tharisa is undertaking the exploration programme for illuvial chrome 
adjacent to the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018OVERVIEW 08

GROUP  
HISTORY

2006
February
Prospecting rights granted

March
Tharisa Minerals incorporated

2011
January
US$95 million investment by Fujian Wuhang 
and HongKong HeYi Mining

April
US$150 million prelisting capital raised

August
Genesis Plant is commissioned at 100 ktpm capacity 
Tharisa Community Trust is registered

November
Tharisa Community Trust acquires 6% of  
Tharisa Minerals

2012
February
Secured project finance facility of 
ZAR1 billion

May
First bulk rail shipment

July
Improved PGM offtake agreement with 
Impala Platinum 
Tharisa Minerals water use licence granted

December
Voyager Plant is commissioned 
at 300 ktpm capacity

2016
March
Annualised steady state of 
mining and PGM production

June
Listed on the LSE

November
Project completion achieved
Maiden distribution to 
shareholders

2017
May
Agreement entered into for the 
acquisition of mining fleet and 
transfer of employees from 
mining contractor to move to an 
owner-operated mining model

August
Enters into strategic 
cooperation with agreement 
with Tisco for chrome 
concentrate supply
Secured first third-party 
operating and trading 
agreement

October
Transaction for the 
acquisition of mining 
fleet  effective 

November
Increased dividend 
declared and an improved 
dividend policy

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018 09

Group profile
Scope and boundary
Group statistics
Financial and  
non-financial highlights
Group overview
Group structure
> Group history

2008
February
Tharisa Limited incorporated

September
Mining rights for Tharisa Mine granted

October
Commenced trial mining

December
US$65 million seed capital raised

2009
March
Acquired 74% shareholding in 
Tharisa Minerals

November
Commenced production of first chrome 
concentrate

2013
July
Challenger Plant is commissioned

2014
April
Listed on JSE, capital raised of 
US$47.9 million

September
Commissioning of high energy PGM 
flotation circuit

2018
March
Maiden interim dividend declared

June
Shareholding acquired in Karo 
Holdings

September
Record operational year 
Salene  Chrome granted call option 
for 90% shareholding

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018OVERVIEW 10

LEADERSHIP  
REVIEW

Loucas Pouroulis
Executive Chairman

Phoevos Pouroulis
Chief Executive Officer

Michael Jones
Chief Finance Officer

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018 11

Dear Stakeholder

In compiling this report, we have been 
guided by materiality so that we report 
concisely on those issues most material 
to our stakeholders and our ongoing 
ability to create value. More detailed 
information is available on our website, 
www.tharisa.com.

FY2018 was a year of record production 
achieved with increased plant 
throughput and metal recovery. The prill 
split of the PGM concentrate, which 
favours palladium and rhodium, 
contributed to an overall increase in the 
PGM basket price despite the lacklustre 
pricing seen in platinum. Metallurgical 
chrome concentrate prices were muted. 
Against the backdrop of increased 
production volumes and prevailing 
commodity markets and 
notwithstanding material increases in 
both fuel prices and freight rates, we 
still generated strong cash flows from 
operations. Our mining operations took 
a major step forward, as we became 
owner operator of our mining fleet 
in the year under review. We also 
continued to effectively leverage 
the business model with third-party 
agency and trading activities. Our 
commitment to innovation is visible 
in the improvements we delivered 
in processing, and we added further 
value via our extensive research and 
development activities. We believe these 
strategic advances will lead to further 
improvements in production and provide 
a strong base for the Company to 
continue its growth. 

Tharisa Minerals recorded production 
of 152.2 koz of contained PGMs 
and production of 1.4 Mt of chrome 
concentrates for the financial year. 
Of the chrome concentrates, 367.7 kt 
comprised higher value specialty 
grade products.

Tharisa is now firmly established as a 
trusted supplier of quality metallurgical 
chrome, specialty chrome and PGM 
concentrates. This allowed us to begin 
the implementation of our diversification 
strategy, and we have secured early 
mover optionality in two exploration 
projects on the mineral rich Great Dyke 
of Zimbabwe.

Our approach to growth has always 
been measured and deliberate. We 
believe this discipline has been central 
to the success of the Tharisa story, 
which has led us to become a low cost, 
highly integrated and innovative 
co-producer of PGMs and chrome. 

During the year under review, the PGM 
basket price increased by US$137/oz 
on the back of the rally in the 
rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium 
prices underpinned by strong palladium 
prices to average at US$923/oz. 
Palladium, continued to trade at a 
premium to platinum on the back of 
growing deficit forecasts. The platinum 
price, however, remained subdued, 
trading at 10-year lows. Following the 
previous year where metallurgical 
chrome concentrates prices reached 
unprecedented highs of approximately 
US$390/t, FY2018 saw chrome 
concentrate prices fall below US$200/t. 
This was mainly due to increasing stock 
levels of chrome ores in Chinese main 
ports peaking at 3.8 Mt. The average 
metallurgical chrome contract price 
achieved was US$186/t CIF China 
for FY2018.

Operating profit for the year 
amounted to US$72.5 million (2017: 
US$98.4 million), with a net profit 
after tax of US$51.0 million (2017: 
US$67.7 million) generating HEPS of 
US$ 19 cents (2017: US$ 22 cents). 
Importantly the Group generated net 
cash from operations of US$89.8 million 
(2017: US$75.7 million) and after 
taking into account the capex 
a free cash flow of US$49.3 million 
(2017: US$53.1 million). 

It is the Group’s policy to pay a 
minimum of 15% of its consolidated net 
profit after tax as a dividend. This year 
the Group paid its maiden interim 
dividend of US$ 2 cents per share. The 
directors are pleased to announce that 
based on solid earnings and subject to 
the necessary shareholder approval, the 
Board has proposed a final dividend to 
shareholders of US$ 2 cents per share, 
totalling US$ 4 cents per share for 
FY2018 (2017: US$5 cents), equating 
to 20.5% of its consolidated net profit 
after tax.

The dividend pay out takes into 
consideration various factors, including 
overall market and economic conditions, 
the Group’s financial position, capital 
investment plans as well as earnings 
growth.

Safety
Safety is a core value and Tharisa 
continues to strive for zero harm at its 
operations. Tharisa achieved an LTIFR 
of 0.18 per 200 000 man hours 
worked at 30 September 2018 and 
was fatality free for the third year in 
succession. Tharisa continues to 
implement appropriate risk 
management processes, strategies, 
systems and training to promote a safe 
working environment for all. 

In line with the Department of Mineral 
Resources’ (‘DMR’) drive to minimise all 
injuries within the South African mining 
industry, the Group is committed to 
ensuring a safer workplace. To that 
end, it is pleasing to report that Tharisa 
Minerals was awarded a Best in Class 
safety award at MineSafe 2018 and 
in September 2018 the Tharisa 
operations achieved 4 000 fatality-free 
production shifts. 

South Africa
South Africa’s DMR, under the 
leadership of Honourable Minister 
Gwede Mantashe, issued a new Mining 
Charter in October 2018, aimed at 
promoting much needed investment in 
the resources sector by ensuring greater 
investor certainty. While Tharisa came 
into existence after new mining 
regulations were promulgated in 2004, 
we nevertheless welcome the new 
Mining Charter, as it sets guidelines and 
structures for future investments. Given 
our further 15-year open pit life with a 
potential further 40-year underground 
life at the Tharisa Mine, we are 
comfortable that this Mining Charter 
will bring the necessary certainty we, 
as long-term investors, require. 

Tharisa joined South Africa’s Minerals 
Council this year, an industry body 
aimed at promoting dialogue between 
the mining industry and government. 
We have joined the Platinum Leadership 
Forum, focusing on supporting and 
growing demand for the platinum 

> Leadership reviewMarket reviewInvestment case and competitive strengthsHow Tharisa creates valueStakeholder engagementGroup strategyPrincipal business risksTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018STRATEGIC REVIEW 12

LEADERSHIP  
REVIEW CONTINUED

industry, and also proposed the 
formation of the Chrome Leadership 
Forum within the Minerals Council 
structures. Chrome continues to play 
a significant role in South Africa’s 
economy, with the country producing 
16.6 Mt or 54.7% of global supply, 
with exports generating more than 
ZAR12.6 billion in revenue for the 
national current account. Tharisa is 
the fourth largest primary producer of 
chrome in South Africa and accounts 
for 8.7% of South African chrome 
production. PGM exports account for 
ZAR85.1 billion for the current account 
and Tharisa is the seventh largest 
producer of PGMs in South Africa.

Operational overview
A number of milestones were achieved 
during the financial year including:
•• 5.1 Mt ROM milled, an increase 

of 3.9%

•• 84.1% overall PGM recovery, an 

increase of 5.5%

•• 152.5 koz 5PGE + Au contained PGM 

production, up by 6.0%

•• 66.0% chrome recovery, an increase 

of 3.0%

•• 1.4 Mt production of chrome 
concentrates from the Tharisa 
operations, up by 8.8%

•• 367.7 kt specialty grade chrome 
production, an increase of 13.8%
•• exceeded targeted production at 

Lonmin K3 chrome plant by 10.9% 
at 221.8 kt

•• 1.6 Mt of chrome concentrates sold, 

an increase of 24.8%

Mining
Tharisa’s mining division mined 4.9 Mt 
of ROM for FY2018, a 3.0% decrease 
year on year. A total of 11.1 Mm3 of 
waste was moved for the year. While 
the stripping ratio of 7.9 on a m3:m3 
basis remained below the LOM average 
of 9.5, it represented a 5.3% increase 
from the previous year. There was a 
reduction in year-on-year mining, 
mainly due to availability of equipment. 
This was as a result of an ongoing 
comprehensive maintenance plan to 
return the used mining fleet, purchased 
by Tharisa from the previous contractor, 
to OEM standards. The implementation 
of the necessary maintenance systems 
will see availability and utilisation 
increasing for FY2019, enabling the 
fleet to achieve the required mining rate 

of 5.2 Mtpa. A key focus of the mining 
division is improving the efficiencies of 
the drill and blast operations, which 
is essential to achieving the required 
stripping ratio. This will ensure ongoing 
access to the reef horizons and 
maintaining the supply of ore to the 
processing plants. The introduction 
and implementation of systems and 
connectivity across the mining fleet 
coupled with state-of-the art simulator 
operator training are key focus areas for 
the Tharisa mining division to achieve 
the same levels of integration and 
efficiency as has been achieved in 
the processing division. The mining 
operations are transitioning to a 
24-hour four shift, operation thereby 
increasing mining capacity by 
approximately 15%.

Processing
Plant throughput for FY2018 at 5.1 Mt 
exceeded the nameplate capacity. This 
is attributable to consistent feed and 
preventative maintenance resulting 
in improved plant availability and 
utilisation. The further optimisation 
of the high energy PGM flotation circuit 
at the Genesis Plant further increased 
recoveries. 

With a PGM rougher feed grade of 
1.51 g/t and recoveries improving to 
84.1% (against a target of 80%), PGM 
production (5PGE + Au) was 152.2 koz, 
an improvement of 6.0%. Chrome feed 
grade was 18.2% and with chrome 
recoveries improving to 66.0% (target 
65%), chrome concentrate production 
increased by 8.8% to 1.4 Mt. The 
production of specialty grade chrome 
concentrates of 367.7 kt increased 
13.8% and constitutes approximately 
25.4% of total chrome concentrate 
production. Specialty grade chrome 
concentrates continue to command 
on average a US$50/t premium 
on a CIF China equivalent basis 
over standard metallurgical grade 
chrome concentrates.

Arxo Metals surpassed its chrome 
concentrate production target at the 
Lonmin K3 chrome plant by 10.9%, 
to produce 221.8 kt of chrome 
concentrates mainly through applying 
the operational skills and standards 
deployed at the Tharisa processing 
division. Further upgrades are proposed 

for the K3 plant in FY2019 which, 
if implemented, will see further 
improvements in chrome production.

Vision 2020
The Vision 2020 projects are targeting 
an increase in Tharisa Minerals’ 
production to 200 kozpa of PGMs and 
2.0 Mt of chrome concentrates by the 
end of 2020 on an annualised basis.

The optimisation projects and additional 
processing plants, together with 
improved mining grade, are planned 
to add 40 kozpa of PGMs and 500 ktpa 
of chrome concentrates to the Tharisa 
Mine’s annual production guidance for 
FY2019 of 160 kozpa of PGMs and 
1.5 Mt of chrome concentrates.

Upgrade of the crusher circuit at the 
Genesis Plant
The additional crusher circuit at the 
Genesis Plant was commissioned in 
Q1 FY2019. The US$7.5 million project 
aims to increase the Genesis Plant 
throughput by 15% or about 180 ktpa, 
targeting an increase in the higher value 
specialty grade chrome concentrates by 
adding approximately 24 ktpa of 
chemical grade chrome concentrate, 
approximately 18 ktpa of foundry grade 
chrome concentrate and approximately 
19 ktpa of metallurgical grade 
chrome concentrate. 

PGM optimisation at the Voyager 
Plant
The addition of flotation capacity 
and the installation of high-energy 
mechanisms at the Voyager Plant 
is aimed at improving PGM recoveries 
and increasing PGM production by 
an estimated 14 kozpa. The project 
is being implemented in a staged 
approach. The first phase of the project, 
the increase in high-grade flotation 
capacity, has been commissioned. 
The second phase of the project will 
be implemented in FY2019. 

Vulcan Fine Chrome Recovery Plant
The construction of the Vulcan Plant 
will facilitate additional recovery of fine 
chrome from tailings streams. This 
proprietary process has been developed 
by Arxo Metals and a demonstration 
scale plant has been commissioned at 
Tharisa Minerals and through systematic 
operation has proven the concept and 

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  13

process flow. The feasibility study based 
on the operation of the demonstration 
scale plant has been concluded. An 
engineering company has been awarded 
the FEED study. 

Apollo PGM and Chrome Plant
A decision has been taken to suspend 
the Apollo Plant project. This is in light 
of the additional testwork and studies 
that indicate the potential for an 
additional PGM recovery circuit 
following the Vulcan Plant, which 
would yield a better investment return. 

Exploration projects
Our exploration focus is on the Great 
Dyke in Zimbabwe, which, just like 
our existing operations in the Bushveld 
Complex in South Africa, represents 
a unique, resource rich geological 
formation. We believe that being an 
early mover in this territory positions 
us strategically to benefit from current 
reforms that are transforming the 
mining sector in Zimbabwe. Our 
approach in developing these exciting 
projects will be gradual, staged and 
measured, with the necessary 
protections and approvals in place 
before we commit capital. 

Karo Mining Holdings has been awarded 
a Special Grant over an area covering 
23 903 ha on the Great Dyke of 
Zimbabwe. In terms of the Investment 
Project Framework Agreement with 
the Government of Zimbabwe, the 
plan is to establish a vertically integrated 
PGM mining complex. Based on historic 
testwork, this area is purported to 
contain some 96 Moz of PGMs at an 
average grade of 3.2 g/t (3PGE + Au). 

Salene Chrome Zimbabwe
Tharisa was granted a call option to 
acquire a 90% shareholding in Salene 
Chrome Zimbabwe, exercisable 
on completion of the exploration 
programme. Salene Chrome Zimbabwe 
was awarded three Special Grants 
covering an area of approximately 
9 500 ha on the eastern side of the 
Great Dyke in Zimbabwe. The Special 
Grants entitle Salene Chrome Zimbabwe 
to mine the minerals thereon, including 
illuvial chrome, which are at surface 
chrome fines generated from seams as 
a result of weathering. Salene Chrome 
Zimbabwe has also been awarded three 
additional prospecting Special Grants on 
the western side of the Great Dyke, over 
an area of approximately 12 000 ha.

Karo Mining Holdings
In June 2018, Tharisa acquired a 26.8% 
shareholding in Karo Mining Holdings at 
a low-cost entry point of US$4.5 million. 

Research and development
Our approach to research and 
development is founded in our core 
value of innovation. We strive to push 

Commodity markets and sales

through established boundaries and 
limitations within existing processing 
and product development, optimising 
processes and challenging convention. 
The successful commissioning and 
operation of our PGM DC smelter is 
a case in point. We have successfully 
produced 12 t of smelter matte and 
are in the process of commissioning 
our PGM converter to upgrade the 
matte to an alloy with a 6 to 10-fold 
upgrade in the PGM concentration 
per tonne. The development of this 
downstream beneficiation of our PGMs 
is part of our philosophy of capturing 
value and margin down the supply chain 
and ultimately being in control of metal 
flows through direct sales. On fulfilment 
of the current Tharisa Mineral’s PGM 
offtake obligation, the intention would 
be to construct a larger smelter and 
refining complex to refine our PGMs 
to final concentrate or refined metal, 
subject to final viability.

The proprietary Vulcan process was 
developed in-house and has proven to 
be economically viable in the recovery 
of fine chrome particles that traditionally 
have not been recoverable within 
the chrome industry. FY2019 will see 
the commencement of the construction 
of the full scale 500 tph Vulcan Plant 
with an estimated completion in 
Q2 2020. 

30 September 
2018

30 September 
2017

Change 
%

PGM basket price
PGM basket price
42% metallurgical grade chrome concentrate contract price
42% metallurgical grade chrome concentrate contract price
Exchange rate

US$/oz
ZAR/oz
US$/t
ZAR/t
ZAR:US$

923
12 038
186
2 415
13.1

786
10 492
200
2 667
13.4

17.4 
14.7 
(7.0)
(9.4)
(2.2)

Tharisa Minerals continues to supply 
the majority of its PGM concentrate to 
Impala Platinum in terms of its offtake 
agreement, with the balance of the 

PGM concentrate processed in the 1MW 
research and development furnace that 
was recently commissioned and/or sold 
to Lonmin.

A total of 152.2 koz of contained PGMs 
(on a 5PGE + Au basis) was sold during 
the year. This is an increase of 6.1% 
over the previous year’s sales of 
143.5 koz of contained PGMs (on 
a 5PGE + Au basis).

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LEADERSHIP  
REVIEW CONTINUED

The PGM prill split by mass is as follows:

Platinum
Palladium
Rhodium
Gold
Ruthenium
Iridium

30 September 
2018
%

30 September 
2017
%

54.9
16.7
9.8
0.2
14.0
4.4

55.2
16.1
9.5
0.2
14.3
4.7

Tharisa Minerals is paid a variable percentage of the market value of the contained 
PGMs in terms of an agreed formula. The PGM basket price improved, with the 
average PGM basket price per ounce increasing by 17.4% to US$923/oz (2017: 
US$786/oz) for the financial year.

Tharisa’s own chrome concentrate sales totalled 1.4 Mt, 371.9 kt of which was higher 
value-add specialty chemical and foundry grade chrome concentrates with the bulk of 
the sales being metallurgical grade chrome concentrate. The average price for 
metallurgical grade chrome concentrate on a CIF main ports China basis decreased to 
US$186/t (2017: US$200/t).

Third-party sales amounted to 216.6 kt for the year, resulting in Tharisa marketing and 
selling a total of 1.6 Mt of chrome concentrate products during the year. 

Logistics

Average transport cost 
per tonne of chrome 
concentrate – CIF 
China basis
Chrome concentrates 
shipped (including 
third-party materials)

30 September 
2018

30 September 
2017

Change 
%

US$/t

62

52

kt

1 247.8

995.8

19.2

25.3

The chrome concentrates destined for main ports in China were shipped either in bulk 
from the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal or via containers and transported from 
Johannesburg by road to Durban for shipment. The economies of scale and in-house 
expertise have ensured that our transport costs, a major cost of the Group, remain 
competitive.

Arxo Logistics has sufficient storage capacity at both the Richards Bay Dry Bulk 
Terminal and the Durban container port to manage Tharisa Minerals’ full production 
capacity.

A total of 1.3 Mt (2017: 995.8 kt) of chrome concentrates was shipped by Arxo 
Logistics in FY2018, mostly to main ports in China. Of this, 99.6% was shipped in 
bulk, with bulk shipments being preferred by customers due to ease of handling and 
reduced port charges, as well as reduced levels of administration.

Arxo Logistics provided third-party logistics services during the period under review 
and is planning to expand this service offering in the year ahead.

Labour relations
Labour relations at the Tharisa Mine 
remained stable during the year. The 
establishment of the in-house Tharisa 
mining division saw the recognition 
of AMCU as the majority trade union 
representing employees at the Tharisa 
Mine. Tharisa Minerals and AMCU have 
concluded a two-year wage agreement, 
post year end.

Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of the 
business model. Tharisa is proud of 
its track record in minimising the 
environmental impact of its operations 
and, while striving to improve further, 
takes pride in the mature and mutually 
beneficial relationships with the 
communities that border the Tharisa 
Mine.

Tharisa Minerals not only understands 
its obligations to create social capital as 
enshrined in the MPRDA, but also strives 
to achieve these obligations in ways that 
create ongoing sustainable social capital. 
Its commitment to the neighbouring 
communities is evidenced in all aspects 
of the business, not only from the 
corporate social initiatives and local 
economic development plans, but also 
underpinned by equity ownership by 
the community in Tharisa Minerals.

Tharisa has policies in place to 
ensure that neither it nor its suppliers 
participate in any form of human rights 
violation, including human trafficking 
and modern slavery.

Tharisa acts ethically and with integrity 
in all business dealings and is committed 
to ensuring systems and controls are in 
place to safeguard against corruption.

Financial overview
The financial results of the Group 
benefited from the co-product business 
model with increased revenue from 
higher volume sales for both PGMs and 
chrome concentrates while the 
commodity prices reflected opposing 
trends. The PGM basket price increased 
by 17.4% to US$923/oz (2017: 
US$786/oz), benefiting from the prill 
split favouring palladium (at 16.7%) and 
rhodium (at 9.8%). The metallurgical 
grade chrome concentrate price 
decreased by 7.0% to US$186/t (2017: 
US$200/t) with specialty grade chrome 

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  15

concentrates comprising 25.6% of 
concentrate sales and continuing 
to trade at a premium of at least 
US$50/t on a CIF equivalent basis to 
the metallurgical grade sales prices.

The Group commodities are priced in 
US$ and the base cost currency for the 
Group mining operations, being South 
African, is mainly in ZAR. While the 
ZAR exchange rate was volatile over the 
financial year, on average the exchange 
rate strengthened by 2.2% at ZAR13.1 
to the US$ (2017: ZAR13.4 to the US$).

The funding position of the Group was 
impacted by the leveraged purchase 
of the mining fleet with the transition 
to an owner-mining model effective 
1 October 2017, with the overall 
gearing (total interest-bearing debt to 
total equity) of the Group at 25.8% 
(2017: 19.9%). With the strong net 
cash flows from operations the net debt 
to total equity was 3.3%.

Group revenue totalled 
US$406.3 million (2017: 
US$349.4 million) of which 
US$117.4 million was derived from 
the sales of PGM concentrate and 
US$250.4 million was derived from 
the sale of chrome concentrates. The 
agency and trading segment contributed 
US$38.5 million. This is an increase 
in revenue of 16.3% relative to the 
prior year. 

On a segmental basis, the increase 
in revenue is as a result of an increase in:
•• unit sales of PGMs by 6.1% from 
143.5 koz to 152.2 koz with an 

increase in the PGM basket price by 
17.4% from US$786/oz to US$923/oz

•• unit sales of metallurgical grade 
chrome concentrates by 6.5% 
from 995.8 kt to 1 060.3 kt 
notwithstanding a decrease in 
the metallurgical grade chrome 
concentrate price of 7.0% from 
US$200/t to US$186/t

•• unit sales of specialty grade chrome 
concentrates (25.4% of production) 
by 13.2% from 321.5 kt to 364.0 kt

•• third-party trading and logistics 

businesses building on the existing 
platforms, which contributed 
US$38.5 million to revenue.

Other income includes an amount of 
US$1.9 million being non-recurring 
income relating to the gain on the 
bargain purchase of the mining fleet. 
Other than for this amount, there 
have been no other non-recurring 
or exceptional income sources during 
the period. 

Gross profit amounted to 
US$108.5 million (2017: 
US$122.7 million) with a gross profit 
margin of 26.7% (2017: 35.1%).

The reduction in the gross profit margin 
may be attributed to a number of above 
inflation cost pressures and a change in 
the fixed cost element particularly within 
mining. The mining fleet has installed 
capacity to move the required waste 
(both overburden and interburden) 
and mine the required ROM to at 
least produce the market guidance 
production for FY2019 of 160.0 koz 
of PGMs and 1.5 Mt of chrome 
concentrates. This installed capacity has 

an embedded fixed cost component, 
whereas with a mining contractor 
model, the costs were variable being 
based on the volumes moved. Diesel 
consumption comprises 13.7% of the 
on-mine cost of production and, with 
the increase in the average Brent crude 
price by US$55.2/bbl to US$78.9/bbl, 
the price per litre of diesel increased 
on average by 38.4% per litre. Overall 
inflationary pressures in South Africa 
as measured by the PPI averaged 6.2% 
(2017: 5.2%).

Furthermore, selling costs incurred with 
the transport of the metallurgical grade 
chrome concentrate from the mine 
to the customer at China main ports 
increased by 19.2% from US$52.0/t 
to US$62.0/t, the majority of this 
increase related to an increase in 
freight costs. 

As a co-producer of PGMs and chrome 
concentrates, the shared costs of 
production for segmental reporting 
purposes are based on the relative 
contribution to revenue on an ex-works 
basis, allocated 50% to the PGM 
segment and 50% to the chrome 
segment. This is in accordance with 
the accounting policy of the Group and 
IFRS. The comparable period allocations 
were 35% to the PGM segment and 
65% to the chrome segment. The 
change to the basis of allocation of 
the shared costs is, in effect, a 42.9% 
increase in respect of the allocation 
to the PGM segment and a 23.1% 
decrease in respect of the allocation 
to the chrome segment. 

The segmental contribution to revenue and gross profit from the respective segments is summarised below:

30 September 2018

30 September 2017

US$ million

Revenue
Cost of sales

PGM

Chrome

117.4
88.2

250.4
174.7

Costs of sales excluding 
selling costs
Selling costs
Freight service

Gross profit contribution
Gross profit margin (%)
Sales volume

87.8
0.4
–
29.2
24.9

106.5
48.4
19.8
75.7
30.2
152.2 koz 1 429.6 kt

Agency 
and 
trading

38.5
34.9

21.6
9.7
3.6
3.6
9.4

Total

406.3
297.8

215.9
58.5
23.4
108.5
26.7

PGM

Chrome

90.9
54.7

252.9
166.7

54.3
0.4
–
36.2
39.8
143.5 koz

107.6
44.8
14.3
86.2
34.1
1 317.3 kt

Agency 
and 
trading

5.6
5.3

4.2
1.1
–
0.3
5.4

Total

349.4
226.7

166.1
46.3
14.3
122.7
35.1

> Leadership reviewMarket reviewInvestment case and competitive strengthsHow Tharisa creates valueStakeholder engagementGroup strategyPrincipal business risksTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018STRATEGIC REVIEW 16

LEADERSHIP  
REVIEW CONTINUED

In addition to the inflationary pressures 
detailed above, the PGM segment gross 
profit margin of 24.9% (2017: 39.8%) 
was lower than the previous year, mainly 
due to the revised basis of allocating 
shared costs. 

concentrates, a significant component 
of the cost of chrome sales, increased 
by 38.4% from US$13.8/t to US$19.1/t 
resulting in the average transport cost 
per chrome tonne increasing from 
US$52.0/t to US$62.0/t.

The chrome segment gross profit margin 
of 30.2% (2017: 34.1%) was lower 
than the year before largely due to the 
decrease in the chrome concentrate 
sales price and increased transport costs, 
notwithstanding benefiting from the 
reduction in the basis of allocation of 
the shared production costs. Freight 
costs for bulk shipments of chrome 

The agency and trading segment 
contributed US$3.6 million to the Group 
gross profit at a margin of 9.4%.

The major constituents of the on-mine 
cash cost of sales of PGMs and chrome 
concentrate are depicted in the graphs 
below:

On a unit cost basis, the reef mining 
cost per tonne increased by 11.7% from 
US$18.8/t to US$21.0/t. This cost per 
reef tonne was incurred on a stripping 
ratio of 7.9 (m³ waste: m³ reef). On a 
per cube mined basis i.e. including both 
waste and reef, the cost increased by 
3.8% from US$7.9/m³ to US$8.2/m³ 
(the prior year stripping ratio was 7.5).

Administrative expenses increased from 
US$26.9 million to US$39.2 million 
mainly due to an increase in employee 
costs which included certain bonus 
payments following the successful 
transition to an owner-mining model 
and costs associated with the 
employment of additional support staff 
(training, time and attendance, 
procurement, human resource and 

safety) necessary as an owner miner. 
After accounting for administrative 
expenses, the Group achieved an 
operating profit of US$72.5 million 
(2017: US$98.4 million). 

The consolidated cash cost per 
tonne milled (i.e. including mining but 
excluding transport and freight) 
increased by 7.4% from US$34.9/t 
to US$37.5/t.

EBITDA amounted to US$101.9 million 
(2017: US$115.6 million).

Finance costs (totalling US$10.2 million) 
principally relate to the term loan and 
various OEM financing facilities due 
by Tharisa Minerals for the funding of 
mining fleet additions, the trade finance 

facilities of Arxo Resources and the 
limited recourse discounting of the 
PGM receivables.

The Group generated a profit before tax 
of US$65.0 million compared to the 
comparable period of US$91.0 million.

The tax charge amounted to 
US$14.0 million, an effective rate 
of 21.6%. The cash tax paid amounted 
to US$5.5 million. The Group has fully 
utilised its tax losses however, as at the 
year end, the Group had unredeemed 
capex for tax purposes available for 
off-set against taxable mining income of 
US$111.1 million. The net deferred tax 
liability amounted to US$28.0 million. 

Basic earnings per share for the year 
amounted to US$19 cents (2017: 
US$ 22 cents) with headline earnings 
per share of US$ 19 cents (2017: 
US$ 22 cents). Diluted earnings per 
share were US$ 18 cents (2017: 
US$ 22 cents), with diluted headline 
earnings per share of US$ 19 cents 
(2017: US$ 22 cents). 

The Group successfully closed the 
refinancing of the senior debt facility 
and the bridge loan facility (utilised to 
part finance the purchase of the mining 
fleet) with a three-year secured term 
loan of ZAR400 million as well as 
securing corporate facilities in the 
amount of ZAR400 million. 
Consequently, the amount held in the 
debt service reserve account is now 
available to the Group. The corporate 
facilities have not been drawn. In 
addition, US$37 million of financing 
facilities from original equipment 
manufacturers and asset backed 
facilities were arranged of which 
US$23.2 million was drawn at year 
end. Arxo Resources secured a 
US$20 million trade finance facility to 
fund pre-shipment chrome concentrate 
sales pipelines. As at the year end the 
facility was not yet accessed.

PGM CASH COST OF SALES(%)■ Mining■ Diesel■ Utilities■ Reagents■ Steelballs■ Labour■ Overheads15262586318CHROME CONCENTRATE CASH COST OF SALES(%)■ Mining■ Diesel■ Utilities■ Steelballs■ Labour■ Overheads1324752824Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  17

The total debt amounted to 
US$77.4 million, resulting in a debt to 
total equity ratio of 26.0%. This exceeds 
the long-term targeted debt to equity 
ratio of 15% principally due to the 
leveraged purchase of the mining fleet. 
Tharisa had cash and cash equivalent of 
US$66.8 million at year end resulting in 
a net debt to total equity ratio of 3.3%.

The current capex spend focused on 
stay in business capex, mining fleet 
additions to optimise the fleet and 
ongoing projects aimed at improving 
recoveries of both PGMs and chrome 
concentrates. Additions to property, 
plant and equipment for the year 
amounted to US$48.2 million of 
which US$23.4 million related to 
additions to the mining fleet including 
US$6.9 million related to right of use 
(leased) assets. This is in addition to the 
US$21.5 million paid for the acquisition 
of the mining fleet. The depreciation 
charge amounted to US$29.9 million 
(2017: US$16.9 million). The mining 
fleet was purchased from the 
mining contractor at a discount to 
the replacement value thereby having 
a favourable impact on the current 
depreciation charge.

The environmental rehabilitation 
provision was historically calculated 
based on the rates as prescribed by the 
DMR escalated by South African CPI. 
In the current year, the Group 
reviewed the basis of its estimates 
and judgements and the basis for 
the calculation of the environmental 
rehabilitation provision was amended 
to that of prevailing commercial rates.

The Company acquired a 26.8% 
shareholding in Karo Mining Holdings 
Limited for a cash consideration of 
US$4.5 million. This investment is 
accounted for using the equity method.

The Company has an option to acquire 
a 90% shareholding in Salene Chrome 
Zimbabwe (Private) Limited. It has a 
commitment to fund the exploration 
spend of up to US$3.2 million. This 
investment is accounted for as other 
financial asset at the cost of the 
exploration spend.

The Group generated net cash from 
operations of US$89.8 million (2017: 
US$75.7 million) and after taking into 
account the capex, a free cash flow of 
US$49.3 million (2017: US$53.1 
million). Cash on hand amounted to 
US$66.8 million (2017: US$49.7 
million).

There is continued focus on working 
capital management, with the current 
ratio at 2.0 times.

The Group has early adopted IFRS 9 
Financial Instruments, IFRS 15 Revenue 
from Contracts with Customers and 
IFRS 16 Leases. The Group entered 
into a number of new lease 
agreements for the addition of mining 
fleet subsequent to 30 September 2017 
and consequently decided to early adopt 
these standards. The early adoption 
resulted in negligible adjustments to 
retained earnings at 1 October 2017. 

From time to time, the Group concludes 
transactions with related parties. These 
transactions are disclosed in the ensuing 
condensed consolidated annual financial 
statements (refer to note 23).

Dividend 
In accordance with Tharisa’s dividend 
policy of distributing at least 15% 
of annual net profit after tax, the 
Board has proposed a final dividend 
of US$ 2 cents per ordinary share 
subject to the necessary shareholder 
approval. The Company declared its first 
interim cash dividend during the year of 
US$ 2 cents per share. 

Board appointment
Tharisa welcomed Zhong Liang Hong 
to the Board as a non-executive director 
with effect from 1 April 2018. Mr Hong 
represents Fujian Wuhang Stainless Steel 
Co., Limited and Huachuang Singapore 
Pte Limited, which respectively hold 
7.44% and 1.98% of Tharisa’s issued 
share capital with voting rights as at 
30 September 2018.

Outlook
Our unique co-product mix, coupled 
with an open pit mine ensures we 
remain consistently at the low end of 
the production cost curve and, while 
we believe commodity prices will remain 
stable, we are well insulated against 
price volatility. 

That said, fundamentals for the global 
stainless steel market support stable 
demand for chrome concentrates. 
Our specialty chrome products are in 
demand and given the premium pricing 
of this product, we benefit from strong 
margins. 

The maturation of the business beyond 
the development stage has positioned 
the Group to implement the next phase 
of growth. The focus is not only on 
continuous improvements in feed grade 
and recoveries, but on expanding the 
business into new jurisdictions.

The production outlook for FY2019 
is 160 koz of PGMs and 1.5 Mt of 
chrome concentrates, of which 375 kt 
will be specialty grade chrome 
concentrates. Our vision for 2020 is to 
produce 200 koz of PGMs and 2.0 Mt 
of chrome from the Tharisa Mine, on an 
annualised basis.

The management team is positive about 
the prospects for the year ahead and 
believes that with the various expansion 
plans, a strong focus on our mining 
division delivering quality ROM and 
managing the extensive yellow fleet to 
OEM standards, economies of scale will 
be demonstrated through reduced unit 
costs and increasing operating margins.

Ultimately, our success is measured by 
our consistent operational and financial 
delivery, and we have again set 
ourselves robust targets in line with 
our drive to grow this business. We are 
confident of meeting these as we deliver 
against our Vision 2020 strategy.

We thank our Board, management, 
employees, customers, suppliers 
and partners who have assisted the 
Company during this profitable year.

> Leadership reviewMarket reviewInvestment case and competitive strengthsHow Tharisa creates valueStakeholder engagementGroup strategyPrincipal business risksTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018STRATEGIC REVIEW 18

MARKET  
REVIEW

South Africa is home to the world’s 
largest PGM and chrome deposits; 
and its mining industry is therefore 
an essential component of the global 
commodity supply chain.

US dollar PGM basket prices improved 
during the year, backed by the rally in 
rhodium and ruthenium prices, despite 
the decline in the platinum price. 
42% metallurgical grade chrome 
concentrate prices fluctuated during 
the year, reaching a high of US$240/t 
and closed at US$160/t.

Tharisa’s co-producer business model 
allows the Group to benefit from higher 
pricing environments and conversely 
absorb the effects from price shocks. 

Tharisa’s market position
Tharisa is the only JSE and LSE listed 
co-producer of PGM and chrome 
concentrates. Chrome continues to 
play a significant role in South Africa’s 
economy, with the country producing 
16.6 Mt (54.7% of global supply), 
with exports generating more than 
ZAR12.6 billion in revenue for the 
national current account. PGM exports 
account for ZAR85.1 billion for the 
current account. 

Tharisa is the fourth largest primary 
producer of chrome concentrates and 
the seventh largest producer of PGMs in 
South Africa, accounting for 8.7% of 
South African chrome production.

Tharisa remains one of the world’s 
largest producers of specialty grade 
chrome concentrates.

PGM market
PGMs are vital industrial metals 
valued for their durability, resistance 
to corrosion and catalytic properties. 
The automotive industry is the world’s 
largest consumer of PGMs, which are 
used in catalytic converters for vehicle 
exhaust systems. Other drivers of 
demand are jewellery, industrial uses 
and investment.

With its rich mineral wealth, South Africa is home to the world’s largest PGM deposits 
and remains the world’s principal producer, estimated to be responsible for 70.0% of 
the total refined platinum production in 2018.

According to the WPIC Q2 2018 report, South African refined platinum production 
is forecast to reduce by 1.1% from 2017, producing 4.3 Moz. Tharisa’s prill split 
contains a higher content of rhodium and ruthenium than other Bushveld Complex 
concentrates. An increase in demand is likely to be seen in palladium and ruthenium. 
Further advances in the deployment of fuel cell technology in vehicles are likely to see 
a rise in platinum demand. 

PGM end uses

Platinum
> Automotive catalytic converters
> Jewellery

Ruthenium
> Electrical contact
> Chemical catalyst

Palladium
> Automotive catalytic converters
> Jewellery

Iridium
> Corrosion resistance
> Automotive spark plugs

Rhodium
> Automotive catalytic converters
> Optic fibre coatings

Gold
> Jewellery
> Coinage

PGM prices in FY2018
Johnson Matthey’s monthly averages for platinum show that the metal ended FY2018 
at US$810.3, a decrease of 12.7% over the period, while palladium increased 5.8% to 
US$1 017.0. Rhodium continued its rally during FY2018 by increasing a further 77.4% 
to US$2 465.3. However, the best performing metal was ruthenium, recording a price 
of US$261.8 at the period end, a 220.9% increase. Tharisa’s basket price for FY2018 
increased by 17.4% in US dollar terms and by 14.7% in ZAR terms. 

PGM basket price
PGM basket price

US$/oz
ZAR/oz

FY2018

923
12 038

FY2017

786
10 492

Change
%

17.4 
14.7 

PGM(US$/oz)October2017November2017December2017January2018February2018March2018April2018May2018June2018July2018August2018September2018■ Platinum■ Palladium■ Rhodium■ Iridium■ Ruthenium3 0002 5002 0001 5001 0005000Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018 Leadership review
> Market review
Investment case and 
competitive strengths
How Tharisa creates value
Stakeholder engagement
Group strategy
Principal business risks

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Chrome end uses
Chrome ore demand is driven by ferrochrome use, with more than 90.0% of chrome 
ore being used for metallurgical purposes. Approximately 5.0% of demand is derived 
from chemical industry and the balance from the foundry and refractory industries. 
The majority of metallurgical grade chrome concentrate is utilised in the production 
of ferrochrome. In turn, the largest consumer of ferrochrome is stainless steel. As such, 
the dynamics from the stainless steel industry have an impact on both the ferrochrome 
and chrome ore industries. In 2017, global stainless steel production increased by 
5.0% year on year according to the International Stainless Steel Forum, in turn driving 
demand for ferrochrome and chrome ores. 

93%

5%

Metallurgical grade
– Cr2O3 – 30% to 45%
– SO2 – <4%
–  Chrome is the key  

ingredient for stainless  
steel

Chemical grade
– Cr2O3 – 45% to 47%
– SO2 – <1.2%
–  Used to produce sodium 

dichromate

2%

<1%

Foundry grade
– Cr2O3 – >46%
– SO2 – <1%
–  High-thermal conductivity and  

low-thermal expansion
– Moulds for metal castings

Refractory grade
– Cr2O3 – 46%
– SiO2 – <1.2%
– 98% <2 mm
–  Refractory bricks for furnace 

linings

Chrome market
South Africa hosts the largest chromite 
reserves in the world, accounting for 
approximately 72.0% of the world’s 
chrome. In 2017, South Africa produced 
16.6 Mt of chrome concentrates, 
equating to 54.7% of global production 
for the year. The annual South African 
production increased by 4.8% from 
2016. The ICDA reports that South 
Africa produced 9.9 Mt of chrome 
concentrates in the first six months 
of 2018.

South Africa exported over 10.8 Mt 
of chrome ores in 2017, an increase 
of 27.6% from 2016. The balance of 
South Africa’s production is sold locally 
as feedstock for the ferrochrome 
industry. Of South Africa’s exports, 
93.0% of these were destined for 
China. China is reliant on imports 
of chrome ores and concentrates to 
supply its ferrochrome and stainless 
steel manufacturing industries. 
Therefore, there is a high correlation 
between stainless steel production 
and ferrochrome demand, and between 
ferrochrome demand and the demand 
for chrome ores and concentrates.

To produce one tonne of stainless steel

CHROME ORE

0.6 tonnes

FERROCHROME

STAINLESS STEEL

0.25 tonne

1 tonne

Chrome prices in FY2018
Prices for metallurgical grade chrome concentrate ranged from US$156/t to 
highs of US$240/t for the year under review. Chrome concentrate port stocks in China 
reached an all-time high during the financial year of 3.8 Mt at the end of August 
2018. Domestic Chinese consumption equates to approximately 1.2 Mt per 
month, resulting in a supply of 12 weeks at the peak, assuming that all stocks 
were immediately available. This increase in inventory holding increased the 
volatility in pricing seen in the market. Subsequently, stocks at port have reduced 
to below 3.0 Mt. 

The average metallurgical grade chrome contract price achieved was US$186/t 
CIF China for FY2018. 

Chinese imports of chrome 2017(%)■ South Africa■ Turkey■ Albania■ Zimbabwe■ Oman■ Iran■ Rest of the world72.38.03.43.22.17.93.0Global production(Mt)200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017■ Stainless steel■ High-carbon ferrochrome■ Chrome ores6050403020100Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018   
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INVESTMENT  
CASE

Positioned for 
value creation
The Tharisa Mine produced 
152.2 koz of PGMs 
and 1.4 Mt of chrome 
concentrates in FY2018 
and has provided FY2019 
production guidance of 
160 koz of PGMs and 
1.5 Mt of chrome 
concentrates, of which 
375 kt will be specialty 
grade chrome concentrates.

The Group is targeting 
annual production of 
200 koz of PGMs and 
2.0 Mt of chrome 
concentrates by 2020.

•• Tharisa is the only JSE and LSE listed co-producer of PGM and 

chrome concentrates

•• It is the seventh largest South African PGM producer

•• South Africa’s fourth largest chrome producer and the largest 

producer from a single resource

•• In FY2018, Tharisa accounted for 10.4% of China’s chrome 
ore and concentrate imports, and 14.4% of South Africa’s 
chrome ore and concentrate exports to China

•• One of the world’s largest producers of specialty grade 

chrome concentrates

Extraction and beneficiation
The Group’s key differentiators are that it has a large-scale open pit resource that 
allows for the extraction of five MG Chromitite Layers. The Tharisa Mine, located 
in the South African Bushveld Complex, which is the world’s largest PGM deposit, 
taps into one of the world’s largest single chrome resources of 860.7 Mt.

The Tharisa Mine has a 15 year life of mine (‘LOM’) and the ability to extend 
operations underground by a further 40 years. The open pit is planned with a strike 
length of 5 km and a high wall height of approximately 200 m. 

The mechanised nature of the open pit operation has ensured that the operations 
remain within the lower cost quartile of PGM and chrome producers. 

Tharisa Minerals has two independent processing plants with a combined 4.8 Mtpa 
nameplate capacity. The integrated process involves primary extraction of chrome 
followed by PGM flotation, then secondary chrome extraction from the tailings. The 
two plants offer operational flexibility, allowing one plant or a portion thereof to be 
shut down without impacting the entire operation.

Marketing and sales
The majority of PGM concentrate is sold to Impala Platinum under an offtake 
agreement as well as to Lonmin under a research and cooperation agreement.

The Group has a marketing platform for the sale of its metallurgical chrome 
concentrates to end-users, stainless steel producers and global commodity traders. 

Metallurgical chrome concentrate is mainly shipped to China where it is consumed 
primarily by the stainless steel industry. 

Specialty chrome concentrates, which include chemical and foundry grades, are sold 
into European and Asian markets. Production of specialty grade chrome concentrates 
made up 25.4% of the year’s total chrome production.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018   
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HOW THARISA  
CREATES VALUE

Leadership review
Market review
Investment case and 
competitive strengths
> How Tharisa creates value
Stakeholder engagement
Group strategy
Principal business risks

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Business model
Tharisa’s vision is to 
become a leading natural 
resources company, 
generating value by 
becoming a globally 
significant low-cost 
producer of diversified 
strategic commodities.

The Group incorporates 
mining, processing, 
beneficiation, marketing, 
sales and logistics. 
Tharisa Minerals is a 
low-cost producer of 
PGM and chrome 
concentrates, resulting 
in two distinct revenue 
streams from a single 
resource with costs 
shared between the 
commodities. 

The Group continues to 
explore beneficiation 
opportunities through 
innovation and 
technology.

Inputs

PEOPLE
•• Skilled workforce
•• Experienced entrepreneurial leadership
•• Human resource development
•• Fully committed to zero harm culture

ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
•• Mining right
•• Significant resource
•• Long-term open pit life of mine
•• Processing plants
•• Regulatory compliant
•• Road and rail networks
•• Port facilities

FINANCIAL
•• Cash – operationally cash flow positive
•• Capital expenditure – stay-in-business capex, 

mining fleet and optimisation projects

•• Access to capital
•• JSE and LSE listing – access to capital markets

INNOVATION
•• Optimisation – mining and processing
•• Research and development

–• New technology
–• Development of niche products
–• Piloting PGM rich alloy technology

STAKEHOLDERS
•• Employees
•• Shareholders
•• Communities
•• Customers
•• Suppliers
•• Government
•• Municipalities
•• Regulators

ENVIRONMENT
•• Resource management; i.e. energy use and water 

availability

•• Land management, including biodiversity 

conservation, rehabilitation and closure planning

•• Environmental compliance
•• Managing and minimising waste streams

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What we do

Outputs

MINERAL EXTRACTION
•• Mining of five MG  
Chromitite Layers
•• Owner-mining model

BENEFICIATION
•• Producing PGM and  

chrome concentrates,  
including 
 – metallurgical grade
 – chemical grade
 – foundry grade

RESEARCH AND  
DEVELOPMENT
•• Improving recoveries
•• 1 MW DC furnace to pilot  
production of PGM rich  
alloys

MARKETING AND SALES
•• Sales of PGM concentrate
•• Marketing and sales of  
chrome concentrates to  
customers globally
•• Agency agreement to  
third-party businesses

LOGISTICS
•• Road transport of PGM  

concentrates

•• Road and rail transport  
of chrome concentrates  
to port

•• Shipment of product  

to customers

PRODUCTS
•• PGM concentrate
•• Metallurgical grade chrome concentrate
•• Chemical grade chrome concentrate
•• Foundry grade chrome concentrate

For more on our products go to page 40.

SERVICES
•• Marketing and sales
•• Logistics

For more on our services go to page 42.

WASTE
•• Process tailings
•• Waste rock

For more on waste management go to page 55.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018   
 
23

Outcomes

O U R   F U LL VALUE CHAIN

PEOPLE
••  Employment: more than 500 people from local community
•• Six interns and 15 graduates enrolled in intern programme
••  Skills development: US$0.5 million spent on training
••  Low LTIFR: 0.18 per 200 000 man hours worked
•• Three years fatality free

For more on our people go to pages 48 and 50.

ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
••  Production of saleable product: 5.1 Mt reef milled  

with 152.2 koz PGMs and 1.4 Mt chrome  
concentrates produced  

•• Depletion of resources: 4.9 Mt reef mined
••  Responsible management and efficient use

For more on assets and infrastructure go to page 36 to 43.

FINANCIAL
•• Operating profit: US$72.5 million
••  Cash generated from operations: US$89.8 million
••  Social upliftment: US$2.1 million spent on CSI
•• Direct and indirect taxes and royalties: US$59.9 million
•• Total dividend: US$ 4 cents per share

For more on financials go to page 14.

INNOVATION
•• Process improvements
•• Exposure to both the PGM and chrome markets
•• Operates across the value chain – from mine to market  
••  Large-scale open pit resource for extraction of five  

MG chromitite layers

STAKEHOLDERS
••  Wages, salaries, bonus schemes and share award plans: 

US$21.0 million

•• Shareholder returns (‘HEPS’): US$ 19 cents per share
••  Community upliftment: US$0.3 million spent on education
•• Customers – quality of products, consistent deliveries

For more on stakeholders go to pages 26 and 27.

ENVIRONMENT
••  Total energy consumption: 169 480 MWh
•• Cumulative rehabilitation spend: US$21.8 million
•• Total water consumption: 4 283 399 m3
•• Total CO2 emissions (Scope 3): 2 068 500 tCO2e

For more on environmental management go to pages 51 to 56.

RESOURCE
•• 860.7 Mt resources at 
1.54 g/t 5PGE + Au 
and 20.1% Cr2O3

MINING
•• 15-year open pit LOM
•• 40-year underground extension
•• Mined 4.9 Mt of ROM reef

PROCESSING
•• 4.8 Mt nameplate design 

capacity

•• Production of 152.2 koz of PGMs
•• 1.4 Mt of chrome concentrates

THARISA MINERALS

LARGE SCALE
•• One of the world’s largest 
single chrome resources

MECHANISED
•• Mechanised open pit mining 
with a skilled labour force

DERISKED
•• In production
•• Major capex complete
•• FY2019 production of 
160 koz PGMs and 
1.5 Mt of chrome concentrate

OUR FULL VALUE CH A I N

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018   
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RESOURCE
•• 860.7 Mt resources at 
1.54 g/t 5PGE + Au 
and 20.1% Cr2O3

MINING

•• 15-year open pit LOM

•• 40-year underground extension
•• Mined 4.9 Mt of ROM reef

PROCESSING

•• 4.8 Mt nameplate design 

capacity

•• Production of 152.2 koz of PGMs

•• 1.4 Mt of chrome concentrates

O U R   F U LL VALUE CHAIN

ARXO METALS
BENEFICIATION
•• Production of specialty grade 

chrome concentrates

R&D
•• New technology
•• Development of niche products
•• Piloting PGM rich alloy technology  

with 1 MW DC smelter

THIRD PARTY
•• Improving quality of K3 UG2  

chrome plant production

MID-TIER OPEN PIT PGM AND 
CHROME CONCENTRATE 
CO-PRODUCER WITH AN 
INTEGRATED MARKETING, SALES 
AND LOGISTICS PLATFORM

ARXO RESOURCES
MARKETING AND SALES
••  Significant trader of chrome 

concentrates

••  Global reach for specialty  

chrome concentrates

•• Third-party trading

ARXO LOGISTICS
LOGISTICS
•• Road transport of PGMs
•• Road/rail transport, warehouse and port 
facilities for bulk chrome concentrates

MECHANISED

•• Mechanised open pit mining 
with a skilled labour force

DERISKED
•• In production
•• Major capex complete
•• FY2019 production of 
160 koz PGMs and 
1.5 Mt of chrome concentrate

CUSTOMERS
•• PGM offtake agreement – Impala Platinum and cooperation 

agreement with Lonmin

•• Specialty chrome offtake/joint marketing agreement
•• Metallurgical chrome agency agreement – Noble Group
•• Strategic chrome agreement – Tisco
•• Relationships with stainless steel and ferrochrome producers and 

global commodity traders

KARO HOLDINGS
•• Development of highly prospective 
integrated PGM mining complex

•• Replication of phased development and 

innovative approach

SALENE CHROME
•• Potential quick to market chrome 

business expansion

•• Addition of higher grade chrome 
concentrate to the Tharisa basket 
of chrome products

OUR FULL VALUE CH A I N

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018   
COMPETITIVE  
STRENGTHS

Leadership review
Market review
>  Investment case and 
competitive strengths
How Tharisa creates value
Stakeholder engagement
Group strategy
Principal business risks

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VISION

> Shallow and large scale 
PGM and chrome resource, 
one of the world’s single 
largest chrome resources, 
enabling Tharisa to be a 
large scale producer for 
several decades

> Independent processing 
plants providing 
operational flexibility 

> Direct relationships with 
South African and 
international customers

> Mining of five MG 
Chromitite Layers 
allowing for the 
co-production of PGM 
and chrome concentrates

> Extensive research and 
development programmes 
developing new 
technologies and 
beneficiation capabilities 

> Capacity to produce 
metallurgical and higher 
margin chemical and 
foundry grade concentrates 
for different markets

> Positioned in the lowest 
cost quartile of the PGM 
and chrome concentrate 
cost curves, underpinned 
by low-risk mining and 
beneficiation processes

> Profitable through 
the cycle

> Mechanised operations 
and skilled labour force

> Integrated marketing, 
sales and logistics platforms

> Leverage existing 
platforms with third-party 
operations and trading

> Pioneering innovative 
and unique approach to 
viable mineral extraction 
and beneficiation

> Replication of phased 
development in 
exploration projects

> Capital discipline with 
an annual dividend policy 
of at least 15% of NPAT

> Derisked major capex 
complete

> Optimisation for 
Vision 2020

> Extensive industry and 
management experience 
with a successful track 
record of identifying, 
developing and operating 
open pit and underground 
mining operations

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STAKEHOLDER  
ENGAGEMENT

Tharisa believes that stakeholder engagement is a business imperative and that strong 
lines of communication between stakeholders ensure the success of the Group and 
secure its place among the community. The Group’s stakeholder engagement strategy 
aims to ensure that it maintains good working relations, manages social risk and develops 
solutions to social challenges faced by its stakeholders. Tharisa’s stakeholder engagement 
framework will be further developed for the new jurisdictions that it is entering as those 
operations are established. 

LABOUR UNIONS
•• Union recognition and 
negotiations at Tharisa 
Minerals 

•• Monthly liaison with shop 

stewards

•• Regular contact with 

union leadership

•• Tharisa Mine labour forum 

meets once a month

SHAREHOLDERS 
•  Interim and annual 

reporting

•  Quarterly production 

updates

•  Annual general meeting 

(‘AGM’)

•  SENS/RNS announcements 
•  Annual Report
•  Company website

EMPLOYEES
•• Regular employee 

engagement forum 
meetings at the 
Tharisa Mine

•• Tharisa newsletters 

and posters

•• Tharisa induction 
and ongoing skills 
development training

•• Company website
•• Daily supervisor/manager 

interaction

•• Ongoing safety training 
on the Tharisa Mine

•• Tharisa wellness 
programmes and 
campaigns

COMMUNITIES
•• Adult education and training, leadership and bursaries
•• Community forums
•• Local upliftment and wellness programmes and projects
•• Regular meetings with various community leadership 

structures

•• CSI programmes
•• Career-sharing information for pupils

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018   
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Leadership review
Market review
Investment case and 
competitive strengths
How Tharisa creates value
> Stakeholder engagement
Group strategy
Principal business risks

GOVERNMENT
•• Monthly, quarterly and annual reports to the DMR
•• Regular engagement with local and provincial government 

and municipalities

•• Scheduled and unannounced site visits by regulators

SUPPLIERS
•• Procurement policies, 

tender process

•• Verbal and electronic 

communication

•• Contract terms negotiated 

and agreed

•• Standard contract terms 
for suppliers of goods

CUSTOMERS
•• Regular customer 

meetings

•• Electronic and telephonic 

communication
•• Customer site visits
•• Commodity conferences

SOUTH AFRICAN 
STATE-OWNED ENTITIES
•• Regular face-to-face 

meetings

•• Electronic communication
•• Joint task team with 

Transnet to develop siding

ANALYSTS
•• Roadshows and analyst 

briefings

•• Interim and annual 

reporting

•• Annual Report
•• Company website
•• SENS/RNS announcements

FINANCIERS
•• Reporting on a monthly, bi-annual and annual basis
•• Presentations and meetings with management
•• Tharisa Mine site visits by debt providers at least twice a year
•• Telephonic and electronic communication, particularly on 

working capital facilities

•• Annual review of working capital facilities

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018STRATEGIC REVIEW 28

GROUP  
STRATEGY

Tharisa’s core strategy is to generate further value by becoming a globally significant low-cost 
producer of strategic commodities.

It supplies global demand for our products through integrated mining, processing, marketing, sales and logistics operations.

The Group’s expansion strategy focuses on growth through value-accretive acquisitions and development of large-scale, low-cost 
projects that are in, or close to production.

DISCOVER
Tharisa seeks to grow and expand 
its business by investing in operations 
or projects, which demonstrate 
opportunities for value accretion. 
The Group proactively seeks out 
investment or acquisition opportunities 
in strategic commodities and in 
countries offering geographic diversity.

The Group gives preference to 
opportunities to develop large scale and 
low-cost projects that are in or close to 
production. Such opportunities must 
meet Tharisa’s stringent investment 
criteria, including a minimum return 
on investment of 25%.

In FY2018, the Group diversified 
geographically by taking 
low-risk entry options in two 
projects – Salene Chrome 
and Karo Holdings. Both are 
highly prospective opportunities 
on the mineral rich Great 
Dyke in Zimbabwe.

DEVELOP

The Group has shown that it has 
the skills to develop a mine from 
exploration through to steady state 
operations. Its phased approach to 
development has derisked the current 
operations, allowing it to look beyond 
its borders for its next low-cost, 
large-scale operation. Its innovative 
approach has ensured continual 
improvement through increased 
volumes and recoveries at 
its operations. 

PGM recoveries at the Tharisa Mine 
have improved from 43.7% in 2014 to 
81.4% in 2018 and chrome recoveries 
have improved 11.1% over four years. 

At Tharisa Minerals, the 
Vision 2020 projects will 
ensure that Tharisa delivers 
200.0 kozpa of PGMs 
and 2.0 Mtpa of chrome 
concentrates in 2020, on 
an annualised basis. 

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Leadership review
Market review
Investment case and 
competitive strengths
How Tharisa creates value
Stakeholder engagement
> Group strategy
Principal business risks

DELIVER

Tharisa continues to explore ways to expand 
its marketing and sales capabilities to enable 
the Group to capture additional margin by 
leveraging its existing capability, experience 
and relationships through third-party sales 
and logistics. Tharisa effectively competes 
with other commodity traders based 
on its tailored and high-quality service 
offering, market knowledge and strong 
customer relationships. 

DISCIPLINE 
With management of costs and improved 
efficiencies, Tharisa continues to be positioned 
in the lowest cost quartile for both PGM and 
chrome concentrates. 

The Group subscribes to a capital allocation 
framework where potential projects are assessed 
against stringent investment criteria. The basis 
for the framework is investment in low-risk entry 
points and the staged capital and development 
of new projects.

The Group is cash flow positive, 
which has allowed it to improve its 
returns to shareholders. Tharisa has 
an annual dividend policy of a minimum 
of 15% of consolidated net profit after 
tax. It declared a maiden interim dividend 
of US$ 2 cents per share in FY2018. 
A final dividend of US$ 2 cents per share 
was proposed, resulting in a total 
dividend of US$ 4 cents per share for 
the full year.

TOTAL PROPOSED DIVIDEND FOR THE YEAR

US$ 4 cents  
per share

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PRINCIPAL  
BUSINESS RISKS

Tharisa regards principal business risks as issues that may, if they materialise, substantially 
affect the Group’s ability to create and sustain value in the short, medium and long term.

Risk review
The risks that are material to Tharisa and its stakeholders are determined by an analysis of the Group’s risks, the external 
environment and the Group’s engagement with stakeholders.

Material risks may impact the achievement of the Group’s strategy. Each risk also carries with it challenges and opportunities. 
The Group’s strategy takes into account known risks, but risks may exist of which the Group is currently unaware.

Material risks are considered and reported on an ongoing basis by those members of the management team responsible for risk 
management. The Tharisa Risk Committee comprises all members of the Board.

Risks are identified in the Group risk register and are considered by management on a quarterly basis and reported to the Board at 
least twice a year.

Below are the material risks identified by management in consultation with stakeholders and with reference to the Group’s business 
model and strategy.

Risk

Safety

Impact

Mitigation

Keeping people safe is of 
paramount importance to 
Tharisa. Mining and processing 
safely is a key performance 
indicator for all executives 
and managers at Tharisa.

•• Disruptions to operations 

pending root cause investigations

•• Strive for zero harm working environment
•• Comprehensive training on standard operating 

•• Potential section 54 and 

procedures

section 55 instructions from 
the DMR in terms of the South 
African Mine Health Safety Act

•• Implement culture of safety risk intolerance
•• Transparent and open relationships with 

DMR inspectorate

•• Key performance indicator in Group cash bonus 

scheme to incentivise safe behaviour

Political uncertainty

South Africa – the recent 
proposals concerning land 
expropriation without 
compensation coupled with 
burgeoning unemployment, 
increasing government debt and 
negligible GDP growth have led 
to a negative response to political 
certainty.

Negative business confidence.

Zimbabwe – international sanctions 
still exist and may affect the stability 
of the economy.

Negative business confidence.

Lack of currency liquidity.

•• Unattractive investment 

•• The political uncertainty has stabilised with the 

destination for international 
investors

•• Potential for sovereign credit 

rating downgrade

•• Political civil unrest adversely 
impacting on mine production

inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa as president and 
the replacement of the boards of state-owned 
enterprises 

•• Pledges by global concerns to invest in the country; 
which will serve to improve business confidence, 
unlock investment by local concerns and build 
GDP growth

•• National elections in 2019 which will instil fiscal 

discipline once there is election certainty
•• The political uncertainty and volatility in 

Zimbabwe has stabilised with the inauguration 
of President Mnangagwa

•• Lifting of certain indigenisation restrictions 
•• The President’s willingness to attract international 
investment by his declaration that “Zimbabwe 
is open for business”

•• Investor friendly laws and dispensations

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  31

Leadership review
Market review
Investment case and 
competitive strengths
How Tharisa creates value
Stakeholder engagement
Group strategy
> Principal business risks

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Regulatory compliance

Tharisa Minerals’ right to mine 
is dependent on strict adherence 
to various legal and legislative 
requirements. 

Non-compliance with the MPRDA 
and/or Mining Charter and/or the 
Group’s Social and Labour Plan. 
Routine audits are carried out by 
the DMR to ensure compliance.

The Group is required to comply 
with a range of health and safety 
laws and regulations in connection 
with its mining, processing and 
on mine logistics activities. Regular 
inspections are conducted by 
the DMR to ensure compliance. 
Any perceived violation of the 
regulations could lead to a 
temporary shutdown of all 
or a portion of the Group’s 
mining activities. 

Production/location concentration

Tharisa currently owns and operates 
a single asset in a single jurisdiction.

The Group has made early entry 
investments into Zimbabwean 
exploration projects, however the 
Group is still exposed to the 
potential of political risk and 
instability within the country of 
its operation.

•• Cost of compliance to changes 

•• Ensure compliance with current MPRDA and 

in the Mining Charter

applicable legislation

•• Non-compliance resulting in 

•• Proposed amendment to the MPRDA has been 

potential legal sanction and risks 
to the right to mine
•• Capital raising hindered

abolished

•• Mining Charter has been published and is certain
•• Ensure compliance with the terms of the Mining 

Charter while making use of the phasing in period

•• Ensure compliance with the Group’s Social and 

Labour Plan

•• Engagement with regulatory authorities and industry 

organisations

•• Ongoing communication and awareness with 

investors

•• Exposure to potential 

•• Third-party operations such as the operations of 

macroeconomic, social and 
sociopolitical risks and instability

•• Sovereign ratings downgrades 
of the country of operation can 
limit the Group’s ability to raise 
financing and increase the 
cost thereof

•• Exposure to only two 

commodities

Lonmin’s K3 UG2 chrome plant, provides additional 
revenue from an alternate operation

•• Exploration projects in Zimbabwe provide 

geographic diversification as well as higher grade 
chrome products

•• Considering opportunities to diversify commodities 

as they arise

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018STRATEGIC REVIEW 32

PRINCIPAL  
BUSINESS RISKS CONTINUED

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Global commodity prices and currency volatility

The Group’s revenues, profitability 
and future rate of growth depend 
on the prices of PGMs and chrome. 

The state of the world’s economies 
impact on demand and market 
prices for PGMs and chrome. 

Volatility in the ZAR:US$ exchange 
rate affects the Group’s profitability 
of which South Africa’s technical 
recession, land reform uncertainty 
and effects of other emerging 
markets are contributing factors.

Financing and liquidity

The activities of the Group expose 
it to a variety of financial risks 
including market, commodity 
prices, credit, foreign exchange and 
interest rate risks.

Static share price trading. 

•• Monitor costs closely to ensure that the Group 

remains in the lowest cost quartile

•• Stringent cost control
•• Improved operating efficiencies and production 

driving down unit costs

•• Service providers appointed to manage the Group 

foreign exchange and PGM hedging policy
•• Production of higher value-add specialty grade 

chrome concentrates comprising 25% of Group 
chrome concentrate production

•• A downward pressure on the 
prices of PGMs and/or chrome 
may negatively affect the Group’s 
profitability and cash flows
•• The Group’s reporting currency 
is US dollar. The Group’s current 
operations are predominately 
based in South Africa, with a 
ZAR cost base while the majority 
of the revenue stream is in 
US dollar, exposing the Group 
to the volatility and movement 
in the currencies

•• Risk of competitor product 
dumping and undercutting 
market prices

•• Significant changes in the 

•• Position as a low-cost producer of both PGM and 

financial assumptions made by 
the Group could impact on its 
ability to continue operating and 
jeopardise its ability to raise 
financing in the future 

•• Adverse impact on the ability 
to raise capital for growth and 
acquisitions

chrome concentrates

•• Production of higher value-add specialty grade 

chrome concentrates

•• Leveraging third-party operations
•• Diversified customers and markets
•• Stable Group performance assisted by free cash 

flows generated from operating activities

•• Undrawn banking facilities
•• Trade finance facilities assist with working capital 

requirements

•• Secondary listing on the LSE provides an additional 

trading platform and increased liquidity

•• Marketing and roadshow efforts have enhanced 

the Group’s profile and investor awareness

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  33

Leadership review
Market review
Investment case and 
competitive strengths
How Tharisa creates value
Stakeholder engagement
Group strategy
> Principal business risks

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Market/customer concentration

The bulk of Tharisa’s chrome 
production is exported to China. 
This gives the Group a significant 
exposure to a single market.

•• Customer base largely located 
in China with accompanying 
exposure to Chinese markets 

•• No reliance on a dominant customer within 

that market

•• Tharisa has strategically diversified its production 
through the increase of specialty grade chrome 
concentrates, which make up approximately 
25% of Tharisa’s total chrome production

•• Chemical and foundry grade chrome concentrates 

sold into diversified global markets

•• Exploration project in Zimbabwe is focusing 

on higher grade chrome products

•• PGM concentrate sold to leading precious metal 

refiners on a long-term offtake basis 

Environment

Tharisa is obliged in terms of 
its undertaking to stakeholders, 
including government, providers 
of capital and the community, 
to monitor, minimise and mitigate 
our impact on the physical 
environment and not to infringe 
on the rights to a safe and healthy 
environment. Non-compliance with 
this undertaking may infringe on 
the terms of the mining licence and 
the ability to continue mining.

Local stakeholders

Tharisa Minerals’ neighbours are 
impacted by its operations in terms 
of dust, noise, water and security.

The perceptions of stakeholders, 
including different sections of the 
community and various levels of 
government, are varied and 
multi-layered.

•• Harm to the environment
•• Increased costs of remediation 

and rehabilitation due to 
legislative changes

•• Potential legal sanction and class 

action suits

•• Conduct all mining and processing operations in 

an environmentally responsible manner

•• Compliance with applicable national and local laws 

and regulations

•• Monitor compliance against Equator Principles
•• Financial provision for rehabilitation and 

•• Poor image of mining companies

mine closure

•• Ongoing environmental impact monitoring

•• Local stakeholder discontent has 

the potential to disrupt 
operations

•• Safety and health of community
•• Complaints to regulatory 
authorities and risk of 
intervention

•• Potential for adverse litigation
•• Poor image of mining companies 

•• Ongoing environmental impact monitoring
•• Agreements concluded with local landowners
•• Partner with government and local municipality 
to develop identified land within the municipal 
spatial development area to which the community 
may be relocated

•• Ongoing discussions with the DMR
•• Positive engagements with the local community 
with focus on sustainable community projects

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018STRATEGIC REVIEW 34

PRINCIPAL  
BUSINESS RISKS CONTINUED

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Access to resources and infrastructure

Tharisa’s mining, processing and 
marketing operations rely on 
sustainable access to water, 
electricity and road and rail 
infrastructure.

•• Production interruptions
•• Failure to meet delivery 

commitments 

•• Two independent processing plants provide flexibility 

in times of electricity and water curtailments

•• Multi-modal transport optionality via bulk 

or containers, road and/or rail

•• Integrated agreement for rail transportation and 

port facilities concluded with Transnet

•• Improved water supply through application for 
a permanent conversion of temporary rights 
and transfer of water rights from Buffelspoort Dam

•• Open pit diesel powered mining fleet reduces 

reliance on electricity

Labour

The consistent, assured availability 
of appropriately skilled human 
resources at economical rates is 
essential to the sustainability of 
Tharisa’s operations. Similarly 
important is the efficiency and 
discipline of the Group’s workforce.

•• Labour disruptions remain a risk, 
particularly with the current 
political climate which may 
contribute to heightened labour 
and community unrest 

•• Potential damage to property
•• Loss of production exacerbated 
by low ROM stockpiles ahead of 
the plants

•• Recognition agreement with the relevant trade 

union

•• Newly concluded two-year wage agreement with 
majority union provides certainty and stability
•• Monthly liaison with shop stewards and regular 

contact with regional leadership

•• Ongoing training programmes
•• Adequate insurance cover in the event of damage 

to property arising from unrest

•• All levels of employees incentivised through bonus 

and incentive schemes leading to improved 
productivity and employee retention

Management of resources and reserves

Management and planning of the 
extraction of the multiple MG layers 
of reef is critical to its business 
model. 

Tharisa’s success depends on it 
extracting the maximum value per 
tonne of reef while avoiding in pit 
dilution and undue sterilisation of 
the resource.

•• Sub-optimal quantity and quality 
of reef results in poor processing 
plant recoveries, which impacts 
on production and financial 
performance

•• Sterilisation of resources reduces 
life of mine and inhibits mining 
flexibility

•• Loss of production as a result 
of low ROM stockpiles ahead 
of the plants

•• Owner mining model enables in-house management 
and control of all mining activities, with focus on 
correct mining practices with optimal quality and 
quantity of ROM
•• In-house mining skills
•• Accuracy and execution of mine plan
•• Mining employees managed on KPIs

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  35

Leadership review
Market review
Investment case and 
competitive strengths
How Tharisa creates value
Stakeholder engagement
Group strategy
> Principal business risks

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Unscheduled breakdowns

The Group’s performance is 
reliant on the consistent mining 
and production of PGM and 
chrome concentrates from the 
Tharisa Mine.

Cyber security

The Group performance may be 
materially and adversely impacted 
by a cyber attack on its IT system

•• Any unscheduled breakdown 

leading to a prolonged reduction 
in mining and/or production may 
have a material impact on the 
Group’s financial performance 
and results of operations

•• Loss of production as a result 
of low ROM stockpiles ahead 
of the plants

•• Optimisation of the existing mining fleet 
•• Developed engineering and geological skills that are 

integral to in-house mining

•• Preventative maintenance programme for the fleet 

and plant

•• Long lead item spares in stock
•• Purchase of ROM from third parties to alleviate low 

ROM stockpiles

•• The processing plants at the mine 
are controlled by a supervisory 
control and data acquisition 
operating system and a cyber 
attack could potentially subject 
the Group to a ransomware 
demand and/or cause a 
shutdown of the processing 
operations until a back-up system 
is operational or a work-around 
solution is obtained

•• The Group has carried out an audit of its potential 
exposure to a cyber attack in respect all its IT and 
has implemented mitigating measures which limit 
its exposure to internal and third-party access.
•• The Group has implemented globally accepted 
best-in-class software and protocols to filter 
malicious and criminal content, as well as the latest 
antivirus and security programmes 

•• Insurance against cyber attack including back-up 

and restoration assistance 

•• Internal backups and scheduled backup tests for 

integrity and continuity

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018STRATEGIC REVIEW 36

OPERATIONAL  
REVIEW

REEF MINED

4.9 Mt

down 3.0%
(2017: 5.0 Mt)

PGM PRODUCTION
(5PGE + Au)

152.2 koz

up 6.0%
(2017: 143.6 koz)

CHROME CONCENTRATE  
PRODUCTION

1.4 Mt

up 8.8%
(2017: 1.3 Mt)

CHROME CONCENTRATE  
SALES

1.6 Mt

up 24.8%
(2017: 1.3 Mt)

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018 37

Tharisa’s strong operational 
performance in FY2018 was 
highlighted by achieving 
production records for all 
of its saleable products. 
The Tharisa Mine and 
processing plants continue 
to deliver while the 
marketing and logistics 
businesses have benefited 
from the development of 
the third-party business. 
Operational optimisation 
projects have improved 
recoveries and the 
expansion projects, 
originated through its 
research and development 
initiatives. The initiation 
of the prospective 
exploration projects located 
in Zimbabwe will see the 
Group replicate its phased 
project development 
approach in the Great Dyke. 

Tharisa Minerals
Tharisa Minerals is 74% owned by 
Tharisa and is uniquely positioned as the 
world’s only co-producers of both PGM 
and chrome concentrates. Tharisa 
Minerals’ core asset is the Tharisa Mine, 
which is situated on South Africa’s 
Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex 
– host to more than 70% of the world’s 
platinum and chrome resources.

Tharisa Minerals mines and processes 
five MG Chromitite Layers. Through 
innovative engineering, the mined 
reef is processed at two independent 
integrated plants extracting both PGMs 
and chrome concentrates, thereby 
reducing unit costs and positioning 
Tharisa Minerals in the lowest cost 
quartile of operating costs in South 
Africa for both PGMs and chrome.

Production statistics

FY2018

FY2017

LTIFR
Mining production (ROM)
Stripping ratio
Rougher PGM grade
PGM recovery
PGM production
ROM chrome feed grade
Chrome recovery
Chrome yield
Chrome concentrate production

Metallurgical grade
Specialty grade

per 200 000 hours
kt
m3 waste: m3 reef
g/t
%
5PGE + Au koz
% Cr2O3
%
%
kt
kt
kt

0.18
4 875.0
7.9
1.51
84.1
152.2
18.2
66.0
28.4
1 448.0
1 080.3
367.7

0.07
5 025.1
7.5
1.56
79.7
143.6
17.8
64.1
27.1
1 331.2
1 008.1
323.1

Tharisa Minerals’ low-unit costs and 
multiple polymetallic products have 
ensured that it was well placed to 
manage commodity price volatility 
and exchange rates.

Its dual revenue streams provide 
a natural hedge against different 
commodity cycles with the products 
being used in different applications. 
PGMs are primarily used in the 
automotive, technology and jewellery 
industries while chrome is primarily 
used in the manufacture of stainless 
steel. These benefits, together with 
record production, has resulted in 
Tharisa Minerals surpassing production 
guidance in FY2018.

Safety
Tharisa acknowledges that the safety 
of its people is critical to its success. 
The LTIFR for FY2018 was 0.18 (2017: 
0.07) per 200 000 man hours worked. 
Tharisa Minerals was awarded the 
Best in Class at MineSafe 2018, and 
in September 2018, Tharisa Minerals 
achieved 4 000 fatality-free production 
shifts.

Refer to the Safety and Health section of the 
sustainability report on page 45.

Mining operations
Tharisa Minerals holds a Mining Right 
over 5 475 ha of land near the town of 
Rustenburg in the North West province 
of South Africa. The Mining Right was 
granted on 19 September 2008 for 
an initial period of 30 years, providing 
access to a MG chromitite outcrop with 
a strike length of approximately 5 km.

The Tharisa Mine is currently a 15-year 
open pit operation with a projected 
40-year underground life of mine 
extension. The mining operation, 
which is divided into the east pit and 
west pit, extracts reef from five 
MG Chromitite Layers.

Refer to the Mineral Resource and Mineral 
Reserve statement on page 60.

The change in operating model from 
contractor mining was implemented 
in FY2018. The change was the logical 
progression given the long life of the 
open pit, allowing Tharisa to take 
direct control over its mining operations, 
thereby controlling the reef grades 
and the delivery of improved quality ore 
to the processing plants, optimising 
the feed, throughput and recovery 
within the plants. 

Tharisa’s mining division mined 4.9 Mt 
of ROM for FY2018, a 3.0% decrease 
year on year. A total of 11.1 Mm3 of 
waste rock was mined for the year. 
While the stripping ratio of 7.9 on 
a m3:m3 basis remained below the 
LOM average of 9.5, it represented 
a 5.3% increase from the previous year. 
There was a reduction in year-on-year 
mining mainly due to availability of 
equipment. This was a result of an 
ongoing comprehensive maintenance 
plan to return the used mining fleet, 
purchased by Tharisa from the previous 
contractor, to OEM standards. The 
implementation of the necessary 
maintenance systems will see availability 
and utilisation increasing for FY2019, 
enabling the fleet to achieve the 

> Operational reviewTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018OPERATIONAL REVIEW 38

OPERATIONAL  
REVIEW CONTINUED

required mining rate of 5.2 Mtpa of 
ROM. A key focus of the mining division 
is improving the efficiencies of the drill 
and blast operations, which is essential 
to achieving the required stripping ratio. 
This will ensure ongoing access to 
the reef horizons and maintaining the 
supply of ore to the processing plants. 

Mining
(Mt)

8
.
4

0
.
5

9
.
4

2
.
9 4
.
3

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0

2014

2015
■ Nameplate capacity

2016 2017 2018

Processing
Tharisa Minerals’ two independent 
processing plants are designed 
specifically to treat the MG Chromitite 
Layers of the Bushveld Complex. 
The smaller 1.2 Mtpa Genesis Plant, 
with the 100 ktpm chrome circuit, 
was commissioned in August 2011 
with the PGM circuit being 
commissioned in December 2011. 
The larger 3.6 Mtpa Voyager Plant 
was commissioned in December 2012, 
both plants operate at above nameplate 
capacity and milled collectively 5.1 Mt. 
The plants have a similar process flow 
that includes crushing and grinding, 
primary removal of chrome concentrate 
by spirals, followed by PGM flotation 
from the chrome tails and a second 
spiral recovery of chrome from the 
PGM tails.

Operating in parallel, the independent 
plants provide processing flexibility 
and production stability by allowing 
one plant to be shut down without 
hampering the production of the other. 
The modular design of the processing 
circuits allows sections of the plant to 
be stopped without affecting the rest 
of the operation (i.e. a crushing circuit 

can be stopped independently of the 
communition, spiral and flotation 
circuits).

Plant feed
(Mt)

Using off the shelf technology, the 
processing circuits are uniquely 
engineered to deliver both PGM and 
chrome concentrates. This innovative 
approach to production has made 
Tharisa a world-class PGM and chrome 
co-producer.

The PGM rougher feed grade was 
marginally lower for the year at 1.51 g/t, 
while the Cr2O3 ROM feed grade 
improved by 2.3% to 18.2% for the 
year. A portion of the historically mined 
lower grade PGM stockpiles were 
utilised during the year to feed the 
processing plants, resulting in the lower 
PGM rougher feed grade. There is 
continued focus to increase the ROM 
stockpile during FY2019 with the 
appropriate blend of reef horizons.

Tharisa targets recoveries of 80.0% 
for PGMs and 65.0% for chrome. 
In FY2018 PGM recoveries improved 
to 84.1% from 79.7% in FY2017 while 
chrome recoveries were up at 66.0% 
from 64.1% the previous year.

During the year, the Group produced 
PGM concentrates containing 152.2 koz 
of contained PGMs (5PGE + Au) 
and chrome concentrates of 1.4 Mt, 
an improvement of 6.0% and 8.8% 
respectively from FY2017. Of the 
chrome concentrates produced, 
367.7 kt was specialty grade 
concentrates.

Specialty chrome recovery circuits are 
integrated into the feed circuit of the 
Genesis Plant, known as the Challenger 
Plant. The Challenger Plant, which is 
owned by subsidiary Arxo Metals, 
was commissioned in July 2013 and 
produces chemical and foundry grade 
chrome concentrates.

Production of specialty grade 
concentrates, which accounted for 
24.3% of total chrome production in 
FY2017, increased to 25.4% of total 
production in FY2018. Production of 
specialty grades will be maintained at 
current levels to ensure that it maintains 
a strategic market share.

1
.
9 5

7 4

.

.

4 4

.

9 4
.
3

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0

2014

2015

2016 2017 2018

PGM production
(koz)

2
.
2
5
1

6
.
3
4
1

6
.
2
3
1

160.0

140.0

120.0

100.0

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0
.
8
1
1

2
.
8
7

0

2014

2015
■ PGM recovery (%)

2016 2017 2018

100.0

90.0

80.0

70.0

60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0

Chrome production
(Mt)

9
0

.

0
0 1
1

.

.

0

.

1

1

.

1

100.0

90.0

80.0

70.0

60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0

1

.

0

1

.

0

3
.
0

4
3 0
.
0

.

2014

2015

2016 2017 2018

■ Specialty production (Mtpa)
■ Metallurgical production (Mtpa)
■ Chrome recovery (%)

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  39

Tharisa Minerals’ Vision 2020
The Vision 2020 projects are targeting 
an increase in Tharisa Minerals’ 
production to 200 kozpa of PGMs and 
2.0 Mt of chrome concentrates by the 
end of 2020. The FY2019 production 
guidance for the Tharisa Mine is 
160 koz of PGMs and 1.5 Mt of chrome 
concentrates. 

The optimisation projects and additional 
processing plants, together with 
improved mining grade, are planned 
to add 40 kozpa of PGMs and 500 ktpa 
of chrome concentrates to the Tharisa 
Mine’s FY2019 annual production.

Upgrade of the crusher circuit at the 
Genesis Plant
The additional crusher circuit at the 
Genesis Plant was commissioned in 
Q1 FY2019. The US$7.5 million project 
aims to increase the Genesis Plant 
throughput by 15% or about 180 ktpa, 
targeting an increase in the higher value 
specialty grade chrome concentrates 
by adding approximately 24 ktpa of 
chemical grade chrome concentrate, 
approximately 18 ktpa of foundry grade 
chrome concentrate, and approximately 
19 ktpa of metallurgical grade chrome 
concentrate.

PGM optimisation at the Voyager 
Plant
The addition of flotation capacity and 
the installation of high-energy 
mechanisms at the Voyager Plant is 
aimed at improving the PGM recoveries 
and increasing PGM production by an 
estimated 14 kozpa. The project is being 
implemented in a staged approach. The 
first phase of the project, the increase in 
high-grade flotation capacity, has been 
commissioned. The second phase of the 
project will be implemented in FY2019. 

Vulcan Fine Chrome Recovery Plant
The construction of the Vulcan Plant 
will facilitate additional recovery of 
fine chrome from tailings streams. The 
proprietary process is being developed 
by Arxo Metals and a demonstration 
scale plant has been commissioned at 
Tharisa Minerals. The feasibility study 
based on the operation of the 
demonstration scale plant has been 
concluded. An engineering company 
has been awarded the plant FEED study.

Apollo PGM and Chrome Plant
A decision has been taken to suspend 
the development of the Apollo Plant. 
This is in light of additional testwork 
and studies that indicate the potential 
for an additional PGM recovery circuit 
following the Vulcan Plant, which would 
yield a better investment return. 

Sales and marketing
The Group’s market advantage is its 
exposure to both the PGM and chrome 
markets. This dual exposure gives the 
Group a hedge against volatility in either 
of the commodity prices.

Tharisa Minerals continues to supply 
the majority of its PGM concentrate 
to Impala Platinum in terms of its 
offtake agreement and is paid a variable 
percentage of the contained PGMs 
and base metals contained within each 
tonne of concentrate in terms of an 
agreed market formula. 

The PGM basket price improved by 
17.4% to US$923/oz in FY2018.

The PGMs in the MG ore mined by 
Tharisa Minerals occur in the silicates 
and are not associated with the 
chromite, thus enabling the process 
to extract chrome before PGMs without 
sacrificing PGM recovery.

This lowers the chrome content in the 
PGM circuit and results in much lower 
chrome content in the PGM concentrate 
compared to typical UG2 operations. 
Base metal content in the MGs is also 
significantly lower than Merensky and 
UG2 ores, resulting in a low matte fall 
during smelting, reducing base metal 
refining requirements.

Chrome concentrate sales totalled 
1.6 Mt, 364.0 kt of which was Tharisa’s 
higher value-add specialty chemical 
and foundry grade chrome 
concentrates. The bulk of the Tharisa 
sales are derived from metallurgical 
grade chrome concentrate. The sales 
included 216.6 kt of third-party chrome 
concentrates, resulting in a total 
increase of chrome concentrates sold by 
24.8% from FY2017.

Specialty grade chrome concentrates 
produced by Tharisa are sold in terms 
of an agency and offtake agreement. 
The chemical grade chrome concentrate 
is jointly marketed with Tharisa and an 
independent third party. 

Spot metallurgical chrome concentrate 
prices were volatile during the financial 
year fluctuating between US$156/t and 
US$240/t with the average price for 
metallurgical grade chrome concentrate 
on a CIF main ports China basis 
decreasing in US dollar terms to 
US$186/t from US$200/t for the 
previous year.

The production of the higher value 
specialty chrome concentrates, which 
typically command a premium of greater 
than US$50/t, provided a further buffer 
against fluctuations in the metallurgical 
grade chrome price.

Tharisa continued to deliver 
metallurgical grade chrome concentrate 
in terms of its five-year strategic 
cooperation agreement with Taiyuan 
Iron & Steel’s (‘Tisco’s’) joint venture 
company Shanxi Taigang Wanbang 
Furnace Charge Co. In terms of the 
agreement, which was effective as 
of September 2017, Tharisa Minerals 
will supply Tisco with a minimum of 
240.0 ktpa of metallurgical grade 
chrome concentrate.

Metallurgical chrome production is 
shipped in bulk and containers via South 
African ports to major stainless steel and 
ferrochrome producers in China.

> Operational reviewTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018OPERATIONAL REVIEW 40

OPERATIONAL  
REVIEW CONTINUED

Products
The Tharisa Mine produces the following products:

PGM concentrate: PGM concentrate is produced from both processing 
facilities. The concentrate produced from the Voyager Plant is a higher 
grade than the concentrate from the Genesis Plant due to the different 
chromitite reefs treated by the respective plants. The major component 
of the PGMs is platinum, followed by palladium and ruthenium.

Average market price

Platinum
Palladium
Rhodium
Ruthenium
Iridium

Source: Johnson Matthey

FY2018
US$/oz

909
996
1 957
207
1 156

FY2017
US$/oz

Change
%

960
798
927
52
820

(5.2)
24.9
111.2
297.2
40.9

Metallurgical grade chrome concentrate: The typical metallurgical 
grade produced by Tharisa is 40.0% to a 42.0% chrome (as Cr2O3) 
with the silica (SiO2) lower than 5.0%.

Chemical grade chrome concentrate: The typical chemical grade 
produced by Tharisa is 44.0% to 46.0% Cr2O3 with the SiO2 lower than 
1.0%. This is a higher value chromite product than the metallurgical 
grade chrome concentrate.

Foundry grade chrome concentrate: The typical foundry grade 
produced by Tharisa is 45.0% to 46.0% Cr2O3 with the SiO2 lower 
than 1.0%. The American Foundryman Society Grain Fineness Number 
(AFS Number) is managed between 45 and 50. As with the chemical 
grade chromite, this is a higher value chrome concentrate than the 
metallurgical grade chrome concentrate.

Average chrome price

42% metallurgical grade

FY2018
US$/t

186

FY2017
US$/t

200

Change
%

(7.0)

Tharisa chrome production 
split for FY2018
(%)

13.3

22.0

64.7

■ Tharisa metallurgical grade
■ Tharisa specialty grade
■ Third-party product

Prill split by mass for FY2018(%)■ Pt■ Pd■ Rh■ Au■ Ru■ Ir54.916.79.80.214.04.4Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018   
41

Arxo Metals has commissioned a 1 MW DC furnace to produce PGM-rich alloys on a 
pilot scale. The furnace, operated by Tharisa Minerals, has produced its first PGM alloy, 
and is ramping up to full production. 

The production of PGM rich alloys will further develop Tharisa’s beneficiation capability 
and thereby the profitability of Tharisa’s PGM segment.

Arxo Metals continues to evaluate low capital, low energy, value-adding beneficiation 
projects through in-house research and development.

Research and development
The development of innovative approaches to conventional mineral processing 
and of new technologies is what has allowed Tharisa to establish itself as a 
low-cost producer of strategic commodities.

There are three streams in terms of the R&D works that are being undertaken 
by the Group, these are:

•• Development of our beneficiation capabilities 

•• Development of niche products from our mineral products 

•• Development of new markets and uses 

Arxo Metals
Arxo Metals owns the Challenger 
Plant, which is integrated into Tharisa 
Minerals’ Genesis Plant. The Challenger 
Plant is dedicated to the production of 
specialty grade chrome concentrates, 
namely chemical and foundry grade 
concentrates. Specialty grade 
concentrates carry more stringent 
specifications and therefore fetch a 
higher selling price. Arxo Metals has an 
offtake agreement for the marketing 
and sales of its concentrates to 
customers in the chemical and foundry 
industries globally. Arxo Metals 
produced 81.9 kt of chemical grade 
chrome concentrate (2017: 65.7 kt) and 
26.0 kt of foundry grade chrome 
concentrate (2017: 23.1 kt) in FY2018. 
The increased production was attributed 
to the consistent supply of the correct 
ore blend and optimisation of the feed 
circuit to maximise the amount of fines 
from the crushing plant that report 
to the Challenger Plant.

In August 2017, Arxo Metals entered 
into an agreement with Western 
Platinum, a subsidiary of Lonmin, on the 
operations of its K3 UG2 chrome plant 
and for the sales and marketing of the 
UG2 chrome concentrate produced. 
Arxo Metals unlocks greater value for 
Lonmin from the K3 UG2 chrome plant 
using innovative processing already in 
use at Tharisa’s operations. The chrome 
production for FY2018 from the Lonmin 
K3 UG2 chrome plant was 221.8 kt, 
exceeding the target of 200.0 ktpa 
of chrome concentrates for the year 
by 10.9%. 

Arxo Metals is also the beneficiation, 
research and development arm of 
the Group. Arxo Metals conducts 
extensive research into technologies 
and downstream beneficiation 
opportunities that have the potential 
to improve yields and recoveries at the 
Tharisa Mine. The creation of increased 
value PGM and chrome products 
through the expansion and optimisation 
of the Group’s processing operations 
is its core focus.

> Operational reviewTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018OPERATIONAL REVIEW 42

OPERATIONAL  
REVIEW CONTINUED

Arxo Resources
Arxo Resources has the exclusive right 
to sell the metallurgical grade chrome 
concentrate produced by Tharisa 
Minerals to customers in China and 
other international markets. It has 
established a strong platform with 
global customers in China including 
stainless steel and ferrochrome 
producers as well as global 
commodity traders.

Arxo Resources has a marketing 
agreement with Noble, a global 
commodities trading company listed 
on the Singapore Stock Exchange, 
whereby Noble acts as an agent for the 
marketing of 600.0 ktpa of metallurgical 
grade chrome concentrate produced by 
Tharisa Minerals.

Arxo Resources also has a joint 
marketing agreement for Tharisa 
Minerals’ chemical grade chrome 
concentrate production. 

In FY2018, Arxo Resources sold 1.3 Mt 
(2017: 995.8 kt) metallurgical grade 
chrome concentrates, of which 1.1 Mt 
was Tharisa Minerals’. 

The scale of Arxo Resources operations 
allows for direct access to market and 
price discovery. Its established contacts 
with customers also directly creates an 
excellent platform for additional sales of 
third-party products.

Arxo Logistics
Arxo Logistics provides an integrated 
logistics platform that reduces the risk 
and costs of transporting concentrates. 
It manages the road transportation 
of Tharisa’s PGM concentrates to 
Impala Platinum and the long haul 
transportation of chrome concentrates 
from the Tharisa Mine and Lonmin’s 
K3 UG2 chrome plant to international 
customers through bulk and container 
vessels. Exports take place via the 
Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal and the 
Durban container port on the South 
African coast.

Arxo Logistics has a good relationship 
with both South Africa’s transport 
parastatals, Transnet and the port 
authorities. Arxo Logistics currently has 
the exclusive use of the Marikana 
railway siding for chrome exports.

Arxo Logistics shipped a total of 1.3 Mt 
(2017: 995.8 kt) of chrome concentrate 
in FY2018 mostly to main ports in 
China, including third-party materials. 
Of this, 99.6% was shipped in bulk 
with bulk shipments being preferred by 
customers due to ease of handling and 
reduced port charges, as well as reduced 
levels of administration.

The logistics arm of the Group has 
the necessary road and rail transport 
capacity, warehousing facilities and port 
facilities at the Richards Bay Dry Bulk 
Terminal and the Durban container 
port to manage Tharisa Minerals’ full 
production capacity. It also serves as 
a platform from which the Group can 
provide services to additional third-party 
customers.

Arxo Logistics provided third-party 
logistics services during the year under 
review and is planning to expand this 
service offering in the year ahead.

Exploration projects
The Great Dyke in Zimbabwe is a 
geological feature of great significance 
as it hosts the world’s second largest 
deposits of PGMs and chrome, outside 
of South Africa’s Bushveld Complex. 
The Great Dyke is over 550 km long 
and up to 11 km wide. There are two 
mineralised horizons, namely the main 
sulphide zone (‘MSZ’) and the lower 
sulphide zone (‘LSZ’). Current mining 
operations located on the Great Dyke 
exploit the MSZ, while the LSZ is largely 
under explored. 

Karo Holdings
In June 2018, Tharisa acquired a 26.8% 
shareholding in Karo Holdings. Karo 
Holdings entered into an investment 
agreement with the Republic of 
Zimbabwe on 22 March 2018 in terms 

of which Karo Holdings has undertaken 
to establish an integrated PGM mining 
complex. The project will include PGM 
mines, concentrators, smelters, a base 
metal and precious metals refinery, as 
well as power generation capacity for 
the operations with surplus energy 
capacity made available to the 
Zimbabwe power grid.

Karo Platinum, an indirect 50% held 
subsidiary of Karo Holdings applied 
for and was awarded PGM rights under 
a Special Grant under the Zimbabwe 
Mines and Minerals Act, covering an 
area of 23 903 ha. The licence area 
is situated on the Great Dyke in the 
Mashonaland West District of 
Zimbabwe. This area of land had been 
released by Zimbabwe Platinum Mines 
(Private) Limited from its mining lease 
area in support of the government 
of Zimbabwe’s efforts to enable 
participation by other investors in the 
platinum mining industry in Zimbabwe. 
In terms of the Special Grant, Karo 
Platinum will be entitled to mine PGMs 
situated within the licence area. Karo 
Platinum will be responsible for the 
mine development and mining 
operations, which will deliver run 
of mine ore to Karo Refining. Karo 
Refining, 75% owned by Karo Holdings, 
will build, own and operate the 
concentrators and smelters, as well as 
the base metal and PGM refinery.

Karo Holdings, through its 75% held 
subsidiaries, Karo Coal and Karo Power 
respectively agreed to identify and 
establish a coal project with a focus 
on metallurgical coal and a power 
generation project. The project will 
include the phased development of 
a renewable energy source of 300 MW 
of solar power, to be fed into the 
national grid. Technical and financial 
partners have been identified for this 
project.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  43

Salene Chrome
Tharisa was granted a call option to 
acquire a 90% shareholding in Salene 
Chrome, exercisable on completion of 
the exploration programme. Salene 
Chrome was awarded three Special 
Grants covering an area of 
approximately 9 500 ha on the eastern 
side of the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe. 
The Special Grants entitle Salene 
Chrome to mine the minerals thereon 
including illuvial chrome, being at 
surface chrome fines generated from 
seams as a result of weathering. In 
addition, Salene Chrome has been 
awarded three Prospecting Special 
Grants on the western side of the Great 
Dyke to undertake prospecting activities 
for all commodities including PGMs, 
gold and base metals. The western area 
is approximately 12 000 ha.

LOCATION OF KARO PLATINUM 

Location of Karo Platinum

Snakes	
Head	

									Hartley	Platinum	Mine	
Resource	of	28.2	Moz	(4E)	
4E	grade	of	4.03	gpt	

Harare	

Karo	Platinum	

Ngezi	Mine	
Resource	of	72.6	Moz	(4E)		
4E	grade	of	3.34	gpt		

Unki	Mine	
Resource	of	30.5	Moz	(4E)	
4E	grade	of	4.19	gpt		

Mimosa	Mine	
Resource	of	13.9	Moz	(4E)	
4E	grade	of	3.61	gpt	

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Generalized-geology-of-the-Great-Dyke-and-locations-of-
platinum-mines-and-prospects fig1 235917128 and Company Data

Source:	https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Generalized-geology-of-the-Great-Dyke-and-locations-of-platinum-mines-and-prospects_fig1_235917128	and	Company	Data	

> Operational reviewTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018OPERATIONAL REVIEW 44

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability starts with a corporate 
value system that upholds 
responsibilities to the planet and to 
people. This corporate value system 
is based on a principled approach 
to doing business and is guided by 
the need to protect the environment, 
human rights and stakeholders that 
are affected by the Group’s businesses.

Sustainability is a blueprint for shared value and it is 
through sustainability that Tharisa is able to create 
additional value for its investors and for all of its 
stakeholders including employees, contractors, 
suppliers, the communities in which it operates, 
and various levels of government.

On a broader basis, the Group subscribes to the Equator 
Principles and has embraced the Ten Principles of the UN 
Global Compact.

The Equator Principles are a risk management 
framework, adopted by financial institutions, 
for determining, assessing and managing environmental 
and social risks in projects. They are primarily intended 
to provide a minimum standard for due diligence to 
support responsible risk decision making.

The UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate 
sustainability initiative. It is a call to companies to align 
strategies and operations with universal principles on 
human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. 
The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact aim 
to help advance societal goals.

The safety and health of the Group’s employees is a 
core value. Tharisa Minerals is proud of its track record 
in minimising its environmental impact and, while it 
strives to improve further, it takes similar pride in its 
mature and mutually beneficial relationships with the 
communities that border the Tharisa Mine.

Tharisa not only understands its obligations to create 
social capital as enshrined in the MPRDA, but also strives 
to achieve these obligations in ways that create ongoing 
positive social impacts.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018 SAFETY AND  
HEALTH

Tharisa’s business is reliant on a healthy, skilled, competent 
and committed workforce. The safety of the Group’s people is 
of the utmost importance to Tharisa and takes precedence 
over all production objectives. Tharisa aims to explore, mine, 
process, market and distribute its products to customers without 
harming anyone.

Tharisa Minerals’ safety performance compares well against those of its industry peers. 
In recognition of these achievements, Tharisa Minerals was awarded the Best in Class 
Safety award at MineSafe 2018. The Mine Health and Safety Committee (‘MHSC’) 
also presented Tharisa Minerals an award for 4 000 fatality-free production shifts 
at its process plant operations. 

Tharisa is pleased to report that there were no fatalities during FY2016, FY2017 and 
FY2018. While open cast operations are considered safer than underground mining 
operations, Tharisa Minerals has taken extra care to ensure its processes and policies 
are adhered to and that employees are kept well informed of potential safety hazards 
through continual training. Focus continues to be placed on supervisory training and 
holding supervisors accountable for their actions. The quality of incident investigations 
is of utmost importance, ensuring that corrective and preventive actions focus on 
eliminating, redesigning and separating risks in line with the hierarchy of controls.

The Safety, Health and Environment committees at both the holding company 
and operating subsidiary levels are responsible for overseeing compliance with health 
and safety legislation and policies. All mining and processing employees, including 
contractors, receive safety training. Where injuries have occurred, Tharisa Minerals’ 
focus has been on completing effective investigations and root cause analysis to 
prevent repeat incidents from occurring. 

At 30 September 2018, Tharisa Minerals achieved 20 401 196 fatality-free hours 
and 2 317 749 fatality-free shifts. 

The Group employs a Safety Management System. The system requires a baseline risk 
assessment to identify the major risks at the operations. These risks are then examined 
further by conducting issue-based risk assessments and identifying appropriate control 
measures to mitigate the risks. Measures can include standards and procedures 
updates, as well as training lesson plans. To ensure compliance, a system of “over-
inspection” by supervisors and safety staff is implemented. Further mitigation 
measures include visible felt leadership and ongoing training. 

As required by South African regulations, Tharisa Minerals has established a mine 
Safety and Health Committee that approves and implements all mandatory safety 
training. Safety staff oversee inspections of work performance, site conditions and 
identify and allocate any necessary corrective actions.

45

SAFETY

0

NUMBER OF FATALITIES

0.00

FATALITY FREQUENCY RATE
(‘FIFR’)

4

SAFETY MILESTONES

12

NUMBER OF MEDICAL 
TREATMENT CASES

0.18

LOST-TIME INJURY 
FREQUENCY RATE*
(‘LTIFR’)

2

SAFETY AWARDS

6

NUMBER OF LOST-TIME 
INJURIES
(‘LTI’)

0.00

TARGET LTIFR

Data is applicable to 
Tharisa Minerals for FY2018

*  Per 200 000 man hours 

worked

> Safety and healthHuman resourcesEnvironmentSocial developmentHuman rightsTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SUSTAINABILITY 46

SAFETY AND  
HEALTH CONTINUED

Tharisa is committed to the health 
of its employees and has implemented 
a number of programmes to facilitate 
wellbeing among those who work 
for the Group. Chief among these 
programmes is the Tharisa Minerals’ 
occupational health programme, which 
has as its key focus tuberculosis (‘TB’), 
HIV/AIDS, dust exposure and noise-
induced hearing loss. TB and HIV/AIDS 
are being addressed via a strong focus 
on prevention through education and 
awareness initiatives. Antiretroviral 
treatment (‘ART’) is offered to eligible 
persons and the programme is managed 
through our wellness service provider.

The HIV prevalence rate among Tharisa 
Minerals’ own employees is 12%. 
The prevalence rate including 
contractors is 10%. This information 
is derived from medical examinations 
which all employees undertake (initial, 
periodical and exit medicals) at which 
employees, including contractors, 
are encouraged to undergo voluntary 
counselling and testing (‘VCT’). 
In addition, Tharisa Minerals employees 
attend a Wellness Day and a World 
HIV/AIDS day at which VCT 
engagements are undertaken. 
Through this process every employee 
that tests positive is provided counselling 
and is encouraged to participate in the 
ART programme.

The Tharisa Minerals Thusanang 
Wellness Programme has been running 
since December 2011 with the aid of 
Calibre Clinical Consultants (‘Calibre’). 
“Thusanang” is a Setswana word 
meaning “helping each other”. The 
programme was designed to provide 
support, counselling and training 
to employees, their families, and 
the community about their lifestyle, 
wellbeing and work environments. 
Campaigns have included cancer 
awareness presentations and World 
AIDS Day HIV awareness education 
and counselling.

The Tharisa Minerals’ Peer Educator 
Programme was launched in 
September 2012. The course trains 
a group of employees who champion 
the programme and provide further 
wellness education to employees and 
the community. Tharisa Minerals has 
28 peer educators. In 2018, the peer 
educators underwent refresher training. 

The Tharisa Mine has also implemented 
random testing for drugs and 
compulsory testing for alcohol in 
a bid to ensure the safety of all of its 
employees. Employees who test positive 
are not permitted on site and are subject 
to disciplinary procedures. They are also 
offered counselling and/or rehabilitation. 

Hearing
The MHSC 2025 Health and Safety 
Milestones stipulate that no employee’s 
standard threshold shift (‘STS’) 
should exceed 25 dB from the baseline 
when averaged over 2 000, 3 000 and 
4 000 Hz in one or both ears by 
December 2016. This milestone 
is monitored during annual medical 
examinations. High-noise zones have 
been identified and Tharisa Minerals 
ensures that personnel working in 
these high-risk areas are issued with 
personalised hearing protection. 
These high-noise zones are assessed 
and updated annually. The issuing 
of personalised hearing protection 
has been extended to the medium 
risk areas.

The MHSC has also set a 
December 2024 target where the 
total operational or process noise 
emitted by any equipment must be 
below 107 dB (A). Tharisa Minerals 
has achieved this target. Engineering 
staff continue to ensure that all new 
equipment meets this requirement.

HEALTH

3 509

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND 
CONTRACTORS VOLUNTARILY 
TESTED FOR HIV/AIDS

392

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 
WHO TESTED POSITIVE FOR 
HIV/AIDS

10%

HIV/AIDS PREVALENCE RATE 
AMONG EMPLOYEES AND 
CONTRACTORS

6 768

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND 
CONTRACTORS SCREENED 
FOR TB/SILICOSIS
(VIA MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE 
PROGRAMME)

6 368

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND 
CONTRACTORS WHO 
UNDERWENT HEARING TESTS
(VIA MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE 
PROGRAMME)

400

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 
WHO ATTENDED WELLNESS 
DAYS

Data is applicable to 
Tharisa Minerals for FY2018

Medical surveillance 
programme includes initial, 
periodic and exit medicals 
for employees and 
contractors

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  47

Silicosis 
In compliance with the MHSC 2025 
Health and Safety Milestones, levels 
of respirable crystalline silica have to 
be reduced in 95% of all individuals 
(not averages) to below OEL of 
0.05 mg/m3 by December 2024. 
Tharisa Minerals is using quality dust 
masks and compliance is monitored 
during visible field leadership and 
inspections. Tharisa Minerals complies 
with the 95% milestone as stipulated. 

Wellness campaigns 
A TB campaign awareness presentation 
was held in April 2018, where 
employees were encouraged to 
participate in an education programme. 
Other campaigns and interventions 
successfully held in the year under 
review include: 
•• cervical and prostate cancer screening 

– November 2017

•• STI awareness presentation 

– February 2018

•• community STI awareness 

– February 2018

•• community health screening 

– March 2018

•• community TB campaign – April 2018
•• fun run and walk – April 2018
•• Wellness Days – September 2018.

Tuberculosis (‘TB’)
Tharisa Minerals actively campaigns 
to increase awareness of TB and its 
symptoms. These campaigns encourage 
all employees, including contractors, 
to participate in screening. 

The MHSC’s 2025 milestones aims 
to reduce the rate of TB among 
mineworkers to the national incident 
rate or below.

Tharisa Minerals’ interventions 
to address and reduce TB among 
its workforce include increased 
TB screening, TB awareness campaigns, 
questionnaires to identify symptoms 
and the enlisting of trade union 
involvement in and commitment to 
improving TB awareness and lowering 
incident rates among employees and 
their families. 

TB screening is done on an ad hoc basis 
and during the occupational medical 
examinations. Sputum tests are 
conducted on employees who are 
potentially at risk of having TB.

Isolated cases of TB have been 
detected, however, the outcomes 
of the investigations have indicated 
that they were non-work-related 
cases. The individuals were treated 
and have all returned to their working 
environments.

All cases of TB have been reported 
to the Medical Bureau of Occupational 
Diseases, Compensation for 
Occupational Injuries and Diseases 
and the DMR as per the legislated 
requirements. 

HIV
As legislated, HIV screening is voluntary. 
Tharisa Minerals actively campaigns 
to increase awareness of HIV, its 
cause, its symptoms and treatment. 
All employees, including contractors, 
are encouraged to participate in 
the screening.

All of the Tharisa Mine’s employees are 
offered Haematocrit blood tests annually 
and all eligible employees are counselled 
and asked if they would like to join 
an ART programme, which is run 
and managed by a third-party service 
provider, Calibre. Tharisa Minerals, the 
Occupational Medical Practitioner and 
Calibre work together to increase the 
uptake of ART. These interventions 
include pre- and post-test counselling, 
awareness programmes, roadshows 
and are a focus of the Peer Educator 
Programme. HIV statistics are based 
on HIV testing done during medical 
examinations.

Furthermore, Tharisa Minerals has 
a Community Peer Educator who 
conducts home visits in the community 
and health campaigns are being 
conducted in the community by the 
service provider. The main objective is 
to help prevent HIV in our community 
as well as make an impact against the 
stigma attached to HIV. This is done 
through community outreach and the 
distribution of HIV and TB information 
as well as information on where to 
seek assistance. The Tharisa Mine also 
distributes condoms in the community 
shops and taverns.

> Safety and healthHuman resourcesEnvironmentSocial developmentHuman rightsTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SUSTAINABILITY 48

HUMAN  
RESOURCES

HUMAN 
RESOURCES

90%

HDSA

60%

HDSA MANAGEMENT
(TOP MANAGEMENT PATERSON 
GRADE F)

44%

HDSA MANAGEMENT
(SENIOR MANAGEMENT 
PATERSON GRADE E)

1 672

NUMBER OF PERMANENT 
EMPLOYEES

758

NUMBER OF PERMANENT 
CONTRACTORS

0

LOST DAYS TO LABOUR 
ACTION

20%

WOMEN

65%

AMCU

19%

NUM

Synopsis of Tharisa 
Minerals’ employees, 
permanent contractors, 
employment equity and 
union membership for 
FY2018

Tharisa’s employees are the heart of its business and operations. 
Employees are vital to the Group’s success and crucial to its 
future. Aligning individual growth to corporate growth fosters 
a positive environment in which all individuals seek to be part 
of the Group’s success. 

Employees
To ensure that Tharisa Minerals has the right people in the right roles doing the right 
work, employees are efficient, effective, engaged and attuned to the culture and 
values of the organisation. Various workshops have been held with the senior and 
middle management to discuss Tharisa’s strategy. These meaningful engagements 
resulted in the formulation of departmental goals to assist the company in attaining 
planned volumes, and to increase recoveries of PGMs and chrome to 85% by 2020.

Subsequent to the announcement that Tharisa Minerals was to implement its vision 
of becoming an owner miner, the historic BMI and MCC employees situated at the 
Tharisa Mine were transferred to Tharisa Minerals’ business as from 1 May 2017 and 
1 October 2017, respectively. Post the transfer of employees, AMCU was recognised 
as the majority trade union in November 2017. Tharisa Minerals and AMCU have 
concluded a two-year wage agreement, post the financial year end. 

Human Resources Development (‘HRD’)
In line with its vision to train and develop a world-class workforce, the Tharisa 
Minerals’ Human Resources Development (‘HRD’) department has been accredited to 
provide industry and nationally recognised training by the Mine Qualification Authority 
(‘MQA’), as well as ISO 9001:2015 certification. The training centre facilities have been 
upgraded to computer-based training (‘CBT’). Employees’ history of learning and 
competency status is monitored and evaluated on a constant basis. 

Built on the previous years’ successes, the SLP component of adult education and 
training (‘AET’) has grown from 64 learners to 82. Community members’ stipends of 
ZAR5 000 are paid to learners who pass two mandatory learning areas for each level 
in line with the MQA guidelines. 

The majority of the Tharisa Minerals’ employees have approved individual development 
plans. Tharisa Minerals’ culture, processes and procedures are maintained through 
structured interventions like the A – B – C of mining, mineral processing programmes 
and soft skill programmes such as “Care and Growth”. Standard operating procedures 
(‘SOPs’) are conducted by CBT.

An integrated HRD programme has been formulated and implemented to maximise 
the productive potential of people employed at Tharisa Minerals through the following 
initiatives: 
•• the A – B – C of mining
•• mineral processing skills programmes – including mathematics and science
•• AET programmes
•• soft skills
•• engineering learnerships
•• internships and bursaries.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  49

Safety and health
> Human resources
Environment
Social development
Human rights

AET training
Tharisa promotes adult education training (‘AET’) to assist its employees in becoming 
literate and proficient in terms of language and numeracy. AET programmes have 
been implemented for employees within Paterson Grading A and B. AET classes 
provide employees with opportunities for either learning or improving their education 
levels up to AET level 4 (NQF level 1) and are compliant with the set standards of 
the MQA. Classes are available outside of working hours. The table below sets out 
the programmes facilitated in the AET trainings:

AET level

Courses

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4 (NQF level 1)

Mother tongue, English and numeracy
English and mathematics
English and mathematics
English and mathematics

Duration

One year
One year
One year
One year

The table below states the AET enrolment statistics for both own employees and 
community members in FY2018:

TRAINING AND 
DEVELOPMENT

4 190

EMPLOYEES AND 
CONTRACTORS 
RECEIVED INDUCTION

82

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 
AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS 
ON AET PROGRAMMES

21

Enrolments

Completed

INTERNS AND GRADUATES

9

EMPLOYEES AWARDED 
STUDY ASSISTANCE

US$3.3 m

TOTAL SPENT ON TRAINING

AET level

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4 (NQF level 1)

31
26
22
23

28
24
18
12

Skills programme
Tharisa Minerals is passionate about improving the skills and knowledge of its 
employees, and has consistently demonstrated compliance with legislation by 
submitting workplace skills plans and annual training reports timeously over the past 
two years. This year Tharisa Minerals spent 5.0% of its wage bill on training and 
development, an amount of US$3.3 million. This spending included training in SOPs 
and is well above South Africa’s regulatory requirement of 1.0% of a company’s total 
salaries or wage bill to be paid to the skills development levy monthly. 

Learnerships
The primary aim of the learnership programmes is to enable a learner to assume a 
higher level of responsibility in the workplace. These learnerships also tend to facilitate 
the entry of HDSAs into the mining and minerals industry. Tharisa Minerals’ learnership 
programmes comply with the National Qualification Framework (‘NQF’) for the 
particular field of study. These learnerships are registered with the MQA and will be 
demand led, in that they will address the identified educational and workforce needs 
of the company. The current learnership programmes are provided to employees of 
Tharisa Minerals and members of the local community. 

The learnership programme includes, but is not limited to:
•• Mining programme – a learner miner will undergo training at the training centre 
and practical on the job training will be done at the mine to equip the learner 
to manage a production section. Depending on the competence of a learner, 
it takes a period of 12 months to qualify as a miner.

•• Engineering programme – learners participating in the engineering programme 

are divided into electricians, fitters, boilermakers, millwrights, instrumentation and 
diesel mechanics. A competent engineering student takes a period of three years to 
complete their training as an artisan. 

Tharisa Minerals had four learners in the learnership programme during FY2018. 

Data is applicable to 
Tharisa Minerals for FY2018

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SUSTAINABILITY 50

HUMAN  
RESOURCES CONTINUED

Internships and bursary plans
The internship and bursary plan supports the skills development plan and provides 
opportunities for entry to and development in the professional disciplines of 
engineering, mining, metallurgy and other professional fields.

Through its SLP, Tharisa Minerals has developed an internship and bursary plan which 
conforms to the skills development plan, and which focuses on building capacity in 
various skills and careers for HDSAs. Through offering the opportunity of internships 
to unemployed graduates, Tharisa Minerals increases these participants’ chances 
of finding employment in the future. 

The Tharisa Mine offers experiential training for students who are in the tertiary 
education system in the core mining disciplines. These internship students receive 
a stipend of ZAR6 500 per month, per student, in line with the regulations stipulated 
by the MQA. 

In FY2018, Tharisa Minerals had six interns and 15 graduates from the local 
communities specialising in the following disciplines:
•• mining
•• metallurgy
•• engineering (mechanical, electrical and chemical).

Tharisa Minerals’ bursary scheme allows selected learners (excluding employees) to 
study full time. Employees wishing to further their studies do so on a part-time basis. 
In FY2018 there were two bursaries awarded, and nine employees studying at 
different institutions in South Africa. 

Training centre
As a centre of excellence, the training 
centre facilitates skills development 
of a number of statutory and 
developmental training interventions. 
Full accreditation from the MQA 
was received and migration to 
ISO 9001:2015 was achieved in July 
and September 2018 respectively. 
As a result, most of the training 
interventions are sourced internally.

Black economic empowerment
Tharisa Minerals complies with the 
HDSA ownership criteria in the Mining 
Charter, through Thari Resources and 
the Tharisa Community Trust holding 
20.0% and 6.0% unencumbered equity 
interests in Tharisa Minerals respectively. 

Tharisa Minerals’ compliance with 
the Mining Charter extends beyond 
the ownership criteria, to black 
representation in management, 
procurement from black-owned 
companies and a commitment 
to surrounding communities. 

For further information on the SLP see page 58 
and the employment equity statistics on page 48. 

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  ENVIRONMENT

51

Safety and health
Human resources
> Environment
Social development
Human rights

Mining by its very nature has an impact on the environment. 
Tharisa aims to manage and mitigate its impacts in an 
environmentally responsible manner and to ensure the wellbeing 
of all stakeholders. Growing regulatory and social pressures, 
increasing demands for limited and threatened natural resources, 
and the changing costs of energy and water all highlight the 
business imperative of responsible environmental management. 

Environmental management involves taking measures not only to address security of 
resource supply (through efficiency and recycling), but also to actively minimise the 
Group’s impacts on natural resources and on the communities around its operations. 
Taking such measures has direct benefits in terms of reduced costs and liabilities, 
enhanced resource security and improved security of its licence to operate.

Tharisa Minerals’ Environmental Management Programme (‘EMP’) aims to minimise 
its impact on the natural environment and reduce its consumption of scarce natural 
resources. Tharisa believes that its commitment to responsible mining and 
beneficiation helps it achieve its strategic goals and also establishes a sustainable 
competitive advantage.

A precautionary approach is exercised in all processes and this includes the exploration, 
planning, licensing, construction, operation, closure and rehabilitation stages of all 
operations and projects.

Tharisa Minerals has the relevant and applicable environmental authorisations 
required for its licence to operate, including an approved Environmental Management 
Programme Report (‘EMPR’) in terms of Mineral and Petroleum Resources 
Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) (‘MPRDA’), a positive Record of Decisions in terms 
of National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) (‘NEMA’) and an 
Integrated Water Use Licence (‘IWUL’) under the National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998) 
(‘NWA’).

Tharisa’s material environmental matters are:
•• resource management, particularly energy use and water availability
•• land management, including biodiversity conservation, rehabilitation and closure 

planning

•• environmental compliance – ensuring that operations remain legally compliant with 

new and changing legislation

•• managing and minimising waste streams
•• implementation of the new regulations on financial provision for rehabilitation – 

ensuring compliance and appropriate funding mechanisms to provide adequately for 
concurrent rehabilitation, as well as rehabilitation at mine closure and post-closure 
stages, to be implemented by February 2020

•• climate change and the effects thereof.

ENVIRONMENT

169 480 MWh*

TOTAL ENERGY 
CONSUMPTION

2 068 500 tCO2e*
TOTAL CO2e EMISSIONS 
(SCOPE 3)

US$21.8 m**

REHABILITATION  
PROVISION

4 283 399 m3

TOTAL WATER CONSUMPTION

* 

 Data is applicable to 
Tharisa Minerals 
for FY2017

**  Data is applicable to 
Tharisa Minerals 
for FY2018

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SUSTAINABILITY 52

ENVIRONMENT CONTINUED

Water management remains a key 
challenge for Tharisa Minerals’ 
operations. While water scarcity is 
not currently a challenge, it does pose 
a potential constraint on current 
production and future expansion, and 
water availability is a concern for local 
communities. The reliability of current 
water infrastructure and the long lead 
time in rolling out new infrastructure is 
a risk for current operations and future 
expansion plans. Tharisa Minerals is also 
dependent on a reliable and sufficient 
supply of energy. Interruptions to energy 
supply have the potential to affect 
production efficiencies and can impact 
the safety of workers.

The potential reputational and financial 
implications of non-compliance with 
the rapidly evolving environmental 
regulatory framework are significant 
as are the direct and indirect costs of 
ensuring compliance. Proposed legal 
developments, among others, that are 
likely to have a significant impact on 
the business include the Carbon Tax 
Bill, the Greenhouse Gas Reporting 
Regulations, company level carbon 
budgets and the revised financial 
provisions for rehabilitation and closure.

Climate change is recognised in the 
mining industry as one of the most 
material issues that can have potential 
impacts on its ability to achieve its 
milestones through its effect on energy 
prices, access to natural resources, 
weather-related production disruptions 
and related impacts on its value chain.

The Board ultimately holds responsibility 
for sustainable development and 
delegates the monitoring of this area to 
the SHE committees at both the Tharisa 
Group and the Tharisa Minerals Board 
level. The Environmental Coordinator, 
together with the SHE Manager, is 
responsible for managing and reporting 
on environmental performance, impacts 
and mitigation, as well as ensuring that 

all operations are legally compliant with 
the applicable environmental legislation 
and associated regulations. This is 
further driven through the functional 
reporting structure where the SHE 
Manager reports to the Head: 
Sustainable Development, who has a 
direct reporting line to the Technical 
Director of Tharisa Minerals and the 
Group Chief Operating Officer. The 
SHE policy is reviewed annually, and was 
revised and signed off by the Technical 
Director and union representatives in 
September 2018. The policy is being 
effectively implemented at mine level. 
Employees and contractors receive 
environmental training at their initial 
induction and through regular refresher 
courses and job-specific training.

Tharisa Minerals monitors its 
environmental compliance on an 
ongoing basis, including the status of its 
EMPR, IWUL and environmental impact 
assessments (‘EIAs’). In addition to 
internal operational compliance 
monitoring, external environmental 
compliance audits are conducted 
biennially (or as specified in the 
respective environmental authorisations) 
and as part of the Board’s instruction to 
monitor compliance in areas of safety, 
occupational health and environmental 
management.

Environmental expenditure for 
measuring, monitoring and mitigating 
risks and impacts represents a sizeable 
proportion of the operations’ operating 
and capital budgets. In the year under 
review, ZAR9.0 million was spent on 
environmental management, including 
among others, pollution control and 
prevention and environmental 
operational expenditure (2017: 
ZAR5.5 million).

There were no significant fines or non- 
monetary sanctions for non-compliance 
with laws and regulations in the year 
under review.

Water management
Water is used at the Tharisa Minerals 
operations for milling, beneficiation 
and for dust suppression during 
blasting, on haul roads and at ore 
transfer points. The operations are 
situated in a water scarce region of the 
North West province of South Africa, 
where water conservation is a priority 
for all the mining houses in the area. 
The Tharisa Mine has undertaken to 
educate the community and employees 
on the importance of conservation as 
source and security of supply is the 
mine’s prioritised business risk. This is 
achieved through the use of posters and 
banners strategically placed inside 
the mine and in the neighbouring 
community of Mmaditlhokwa, which 
has assisted in creating a greater 
awareness of this invaluable resource.

Water for the Tharisa Mine operation 
is sourced from boreholes strategically 
drilled within the Mining Right area, the 
regional water utility, an allocation from 
the Buffelspoort Irrigation Scheme and 
water pumped from the open cast pits 
during mining.

All water is reused and recycled as far as 
practically possible to achieve effective 
and efficient utilisation of water 
resources based on reducing water 
demand, reusing process water and 
preventing any discharges to the 
environment. Dirty and clean water is 
separated and Tharisa Minerals 
implements a hierarchy of water use 
to ensure that “dirty” or process water 
is recycled for reuse in the operations 
before clean water is abstracted from 
the natural environment.

Water consumption is metered as 
required by the IWUL and regular 
reporting of the quality and quantities 
of the mine’s water is submitted 
quarterly and annually, respectively, 
to the Department of Water and 
Sanitation (‘DWS’). 

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  53

Safety and health
Human resources
> Environment
Social development
Human rights

The drought conditions experienced regionally have impacted the availability of water 
in surface impoundments at the operations. This has required Tharisa Minerals to be 
more reliant on groundwater and thus increased its borehole water consumption 
during the year under review.

Tharisa Minerals has submitted an application to amend its IWUL, which includes both 
minor amendments to the licence as well as new water uses. The final technical report 
in support of this amendment application was submitted to DWS in September 2017 
and although constant liaison has been maintained with DWS in this regard, the 
approval thereof is still outstanding. Tharisa Minerals is optimistic that its application 
will be approved soon.

The Tharisa Mine provides water for the nearby communities by drilling and equipping 
boreholes to supply water for domestic purposes. The pumped water is then piped 
and purified using on-site purification systems located in the community.

Water quality is monitored to assess the impact on the receiving environment, to 
immediately warn management when mitigation action is required and to measure 
compliance with the IWUL conditions. Ground and surface water levels and quality are 
monitored regularly by biomonitoring of aquatic/riverine environments as appropriate 
and as stipulated in the IWUL conditions.

Materials
Measuring explosives used is important, as explosives contribute to greenhouse gas 
(‘GHG’) emissions. The following materials were consumed at Tharisa Minerals’ 
operations during the year:

Consumed materials

Explosives (t)

FY2018

11 878

FY2017

21 740

Energy
A consistent supply of electricity is critical for efficient operations. Electricity is sourced 
from the existing Eskom supply. From the Tharisa Mine’s on-site substation, power is 
distributed throughout the operations. The most significant impact electricity supply 
interruptions have on operations are on workplace safety, production efficiencies and 
diesel consumption with resulting emissions when generators are used to supply 
electricity to critical functions.

Tharisa Minerals’ direct and indirect energy consumption has been calculated 
as part of its GHG inventory in December 2017. Fuels consumed in operations 
include diesel, acetylene and liquid petroleum gas (‘LPG’). Diesel is the most used 
fuel at 27.7 million litre in FY2017 and accounts for 99% of carbon emissions from 
fuel use.

Tharisa Minerals’ indirect energy consumption is from grid electricity. For the year 
under review, Tharisa Minerals used 169 480 MWh of electricity. Managing energy 
consumption also reduces GHG emissions since electricity for South African operations 
is generated mainly from fossil fuels and is included in Scope 2 emissions below.

Carbon emissions
The GHG inventory for Tharisa Minerals 
was calculated for the base year in 
December 2016. These calculations have 
been updated for the financial year 
2017 and will be used to conduct 
energy optimisation studies and to set 
practical energy and emission targets 
to drive reductions in the operations. 
These calculations are based on the 
Greenhouse Gas Protocol – Corporate 
Standard (GHG Protocol), published by 
the World Resources Institute and World 
Business Council for Sustainable 
Development in March 2004.

GHG emissions are measured and 
reported in terms of Scope 1, Scope 2 
and Scope 3 emissions. Direct GHG 
emissions (Scope 1) are emissions from 
sources that are owned or controlled 
by Tharisa Minerals. These include the 
emissions generated by the fuels that 
are purchased and subsequently 
combusted by the Tharisa Mine. Energy 
indirect GHG emissions (Scope 2) are 
from the consumption of grid electricity.

Other indirect GHG emissions (Scope 3) 
are the emissions (other than energy 
indirect GHG emissions) that are created 
as a result of Tharisa Minerals’ activities, 
but occur at sources owned or 
controlled by another company. These 
emissions will include the emissions 
generated by the mining contractors on 
site, by the combustion of fuels that 
they purchase (emissions from 
explosives) and fuel consumption. 
Other indirect emissions can either occur 
upstream or downstream of business 
operations. Upstream emissions are 
typically related to purchased or 
acquired goods and services. 
Downstream indirect GHG emissions 
are those pertaining to sold goods 
and services.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SUSTAINABILITY 54

ENVIRONMENT CONTINUED

The GHG inventory for FY2017 is provided in the infographic below. 
The assessment for FY2018 will be conducted in December 2018.

Greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere through different sources. This is the second GHG 
inventory calculated by Tharisa Mine. The base year GHG inventory was calculated in FY2016.

Emission sources: FY2017

DIRECT EMISSIONS

Direct emissions relate to fuel 
combustion emissions. The direct 
emissions of Tharisa Mine are 
relatively small, as most of the fuel 
purchases are undertaken  
by contractors

INDIRECT EMISSIONS

Electricity indirect emissions  
are related to the electricity 
consumption at the mine.  
It is relatively high due to the 
predominantly coal-fired and 
emissions intensive electricity  
grid in South Africa

Indirect emissions relate to 
emissions upstream and 
downstream in Tharisa Mine’s 
value chain. Much of Tharisa’s 
operations were contracted out 
and thus most of Tharisa’s emissions 
are indirect

Fuel combustion

Purchased electricity

Other indirect emissions

Processing of 
sold product

Fuel and energy 
related activities

Downstream 
transportation

Scope 1

2 600
tCO2e

Scope 2

162 800
tCO2e

Scope 3

2 068 500
tCO2e

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  55

Safety and health
Human resources
> Environment
Social development
Human rights

Tharisa Minerals’ direct (Scope 1) 
emissions for FY2017 amounted 
to 2 600 tCO2e. Diesel purchased 
and consumed directly by the mine 
decreased by 33% in FY2017 when 
compared to FY2016. 

Energy indirect (Scope 2) emissions 
amounted to 162 800 tCO2e. Electricity 
consumption reduced by 40% between 
FY2016 and FY2017. The emissions 
from electricity consumption have 
reduced by 42% due to the change 
in the grid emission factor between 
these periods. 

Overall, the Tharisa Mine’s Scope 3 
emissions increased by 6% in FY2017 
compared to FY2016 levels due to 
an increase in the quantity of chrome 
produced in these respective years. The 
processing of sold products is the largest 
contributor to Tharisa Mine’s Scope 3 
emissions, comprising 88% of 
Scope 3 emissions.

Air quality 
Dust originating from the mining and 
processing operations is rigorously and 
continuously monitored, both in terms 
of occupational health (dust that may 
contain silica and that is harmful to 
health) and fall-out dust (particulate 
matter/fugitive dust). Fugitive dust is 
monitored at various locations within 
the operation as well as specific sites 
in neighbouring areas, to ensure 
compliance with applicable legislation. 
A dust suppression spray system reduces 
fugitive dust levels from the respective 
crushers, conveyors and transfer points. 
Dust generated on unpaved roads is 
suppressed using water bowsers to wet 
the roads. In addition, Tharisa Minerals 
applies a dust suppressant on its access 
roads to further reduce the mine’s 
dependence on water for dust 
suppression.

Waste management
Tharisa Minerals manages its activities to ensure compliance with the relevant waste 
legislation and to minimise its impact on the natural environment and surrounding 
communities. Tharisa Minerals’ current activities and infrastructure do not trigger 
the requirements for a Waste Management Licence (‘WML’) as stipulated in the 
National Environmental Management Waste Act (‘NEMWA’). However, for the planned 
expansion projects an application for a WML was submitted in September 2018 to the 
relevant regulatory authorities for the tyre storage facility, sewage treatment plant and 
waste rock dump as well as the tailings storage facility. 

Domestic waste generated at the operations is disposed of in licensed municipal 
landfill sites. Hazardous waste such as used oil is recycled through specialist service 
providers while other hazardous waste such as oil contaminated material and used 
filters is sent to registered waste disposal facilities and safe disposal certificates 
are obtained.

Mineral waste produced by the operations includes tailings and waste rock. Waste 
rock is non-ore bearing rock removed in the mining process and is disposed of on 
waste rock dumps or used to backfill open pit workings to rehabilitate and minimise 
aesthetic impact. Tailings generally consist of finely milled waste material suspended in 
water and are disposed in tailings dams. These dams are lined appropriately to prevent 
pollution of groundwater. Groundwater around tailings disposal facilities is closely 
monitored and groundwater modelling assists in predicting the potential impact of 
tailings disposal on aquifers.

Ongoing monitoring of surface water runoff and groundwater in the vicinity of the 
infrastructure alerts operations to any negative impact from waste disposal. Tharisa 
Minerals has the relevant authorisations for the disposal and storage of both tailings 
and waste rock.

Waste inventories describing the source, volume, and type of waste generated by each 
process at the operation, as well as the disposal method are being managed and give 
management a better sense of volumes of waste generated on site to effectively 
manage the waste generated.

In the next financial year, the focus will be on operational efficiencies, which will 
include reducing the amount of waste produced as well as recycling wherever possible, 
including paper, oil and scrap metal.

Waste produced

Waste rock 

Tailings
Domestic waste
Hazardous waste: used oil
Hazardous waste: other

Mm3

Mm3
t
kℓ
t

FY2018

10.8

2.1
525.9
82.7
271

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SUSTAINABILITY 56

ENVIRONMENT CONTINUED

Biodiversity
Mining has a direct impact on the physical environment and both mining and 
beneficiation can affect the biomes in their vicinity. Ensuring that the processes and 
controls are in place to safeguard the biodiversity in the biomes in which Tharisa 
Minerals operates is an important aspect of its sustainability model. Biodiversity Action 
Plans (‘BAPs’) are in place at the operations and were compiled as part of the initial 
EIA process. Tharisa Minerals is currently implementing the biodiversity management 
programmes. The BAPs include commitments to conserve protected areas such as 
wetlands, zones of endemism, archaeological and heritage sites and protected and 
endangered species. 

Environmental rehabilitation 
Tharisa Minerals considers the impact 
of its operations on local landscapes 
at each stage of the mining cycle from 
initial exploration to construction, 
operation and eventual 
decommissioning and closure. 
Operations rehabilitate concurrently 
with ongoing mining activities wherever 
possible.

The EIA and the EMP include land use planning that involves engagements with 
community forums, local municipalities and other affected stakeholders. Awareness 
training is planned for employees, contractors and communities regarding sensitive 
and endangered species around the operation.

The Tharisa Environmental Department organised an environmental education 
excursion for Retief Primary School, a local school, to visit the Pretoria Botanical 
Gardens to learn more about South Africa’s biodiversity.

Tharisa Minerals – environmental education 
Retief Primary School trip to the Pretoria National Botanical Garden
On 13 September 2018, Tharisa Minerals once again organised a trip for 49 
learners to the Pretoria Botanical Gardens. This educational trip was designed 
for the Grade 7 learners from the Retief Primary School, from the local 
community. Tharisa’s Environmental Awareness Campaign in conjunction with 
South African National Biodiversity Institutes Environmental Education 
programme was aimed at providing a platform for learners to gain more 
knowledge on biodiversity, conservation and sustainability. Learners embarked 
on a tour exposing them to four types of biomes, which included Grassland, 
Succulent Karoo, Forest and Fynbos. They were educated on the importance 
of the variety of biomes and the specific climatic conditions for each biome. 
In addition, learners were taught on the concepts of indigenous, alien and 
invasive species. 

The cost of rehabilitation and closure 
is assessed annually by independent 
specialists in alignment with the 
requirements of relevant legislation, 
EMPR closure commitments and 
applicable good practice. Financial 
provision is then made in the form of a 
financial guarantee, which is submitted 
to the DMR.

The total cumulative mine closure and 
environmental rehabilitation provision 
(in terms of the DMR requirements) 
for FY2018 amounted to US$21.8 million 
(2017: US$13.7 million).

The regulations in terms of NEMA 
pertaining to financial provision 
for rehabilitation and closure for 
prospecting, exploration, mining or 
production operations were published in 
November 2015. These regulations have 
significant financial implications for the 
mining industry and the Mineral Council 
of South Africa is engaging with the 
DMR around this impact and the 
industry’s concerns.

These regulations require mines to 
provide for ongoing expenses after 
mine closure and effectively freeze the 
existing provisions for rehabilitation 
and closure, requiring further provisions 
to be made from operating expenses. 
Assessments aligned to these 
regulations need to be completed 
and submitted to the DMR by 
February 2020.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  SOCIAL  
DEVELOPMENT

Safety and health
Human resources
Environment
> Social development
Human rights

57

Tharisa is committed to the socioeconomic upliftment of 
the host communities in which it operates and strives to 
minimise potentially negative social impacts while promoting 
opportunities for the local communities in its area of operation. 
Tharisa Minerals is committed to community initiatives through 
its SLP, which address job creation, poverty alleviation, basic 
infrastructure, education and development needs.

Community
Tharisa Minerals is situated in the Bojanala District Municipality within the Rustenburg 
Local Municipality, close to the town of Marikana. The Tharisa Mine’s immediate 
neighbour is the community of Mmaditlhokwa. Approximately one-third of employees 
at the Tharisa Mine are from this community. 

Tharisa Minerals’ strategy for social and economic advancement of host communities 
is informed by the local municipality’s Integrated Development Plan, and is translated 
into action through local initiatives incorporated into the mine’s SLP. Key municipal 
initiatives include local economic development projects, bursary awards to local 
qualifying Grade 12 students, internships, work integrated learning opportunities, 
and apprenticeship opportunities for youth.

Community relationships
Tharisa Minerals prefers to work directly with its host communities rather than through 
charitable organisations. In this way, Tharisa Minerals engages more immediately and 
intimately with these communities. 

Within Ward 32, the municipal area in which the mine operates, there are a number 
of villages and smallholdings. This has resulted in a diverse range of stakeholders 
ranging from employee families to farmers. Tharisa Minerals has engaged with 
both the small farm owners and communities in a bid to address their diverse needs 
and cultures. 

The small farm owners have formed a representative engagement structure while 
the broader community is represented by an elected ward committee, led by a ward 
councillor. In FY2018, this structure was expanded to include an additional three wards 
and tribal authority representation that surround the mine. This resulted in a more 
inclusive engagement forum, which meets quarterly to address the issues that impact 
both the Tharisa Mine and the communities. 

Monthly meetings are held with the ward committee to address issues affecting both 
the Tharisa Mine and the surrounding communities.

Mine management is proactive in building and maintaining stakeholder relationships 
with the local communities and a dedicated management team has been mandated 
to monitor, measure and manage the social and economic impacts in terms of the 
SLPs and other CSI initiatives.

SOCIAL 
DEVELOPMENT

US$2.2 m

TOTAL CSI/SLP SPEND

US$70 400

BASIC NEEDS

US$27 000 

INFRASTRUCTURE 
DEVELOPMENT

US$0.3 m

EDUCATION

 Data is applicable to 
Tharisa Minerals for FY2018

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SUSTAINABILITY 58

SOCIAL  
DEVELOPMENT CONTINUED

Tharisa Minerals has an established 
engagement forum, which liaises with 
the steering committee for the local 
community neighbouring the Tharisa 
Mine. On a more formal level, Tharisa 
Minerals maintains its relationship with 
the community through a dedicated 
community liaison officer and via 
engagement forums, which include 
the local municipality. 

SLP and CSI
Tharisa Minerals continues its 
commitment to community initiatives 
through its Social and Labour Plan to 
address job creation, poverty alleviation, 
basic infrastructure and education and 
development needs.

Consistent with its corporate and social 
responsibility, the Group established 
the Tharisa Community Trust, which 
holds a direct unencumbered 6.0% 
equity interest in Tharisa Minerals, 
for the benefit of the local community 
in which the Tharisa Mine is located.

Tharisa Minerals aims to recruit from 
the local communities and surrounding 
areas to the fullest extent possible. 
To this end, a number of programmes 
have been implemented to train the 
youth in the communities to provide 
them with the necessary skills to make 
them employable, not only by Tharisa 
Minerals, but also by other mines in 
the area. 

During FY2018, 53 community 
members benefited from basic 
numeracy and literacy training provided 
by Tharisa Minerals. This training was 
at no cost to the beneficiaries. Other 
development interventions include the 
award of four engineering learnerships 
(2017: 5). The learnerships were 
awarded to members of the local 
community. On completion of their 
training, these learners will qualify as 
artisans. Interns are recently qualified 
graduates who require workplace 
experience prior to entering the job 
market. Although the interns are 

sourced nationally, in FY2018, 13 of 
21 interns and graduates were from the 
North West province, the province 
where the Tharisa Mine is located. 

Being a mechanised operation, the 
Tharisa Mine is not labour intensive, 
making it impossible for Tharisa 
Minerals alone to meet the employment 
needs of its local communities. Tharisa 
Minerals, in collaboration with the local 
communities, has established a database 
of candidates from which participants 
are identified for recruitment and 
training interventions. Regular feedback 
is given at the inclusive stakeholder 
forum relating to recruitment. 

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  HUMAN  
RIGHTS

59

Safety and health
Human resources
Environment
Social development
> Human rights

Tharisa is committed to the upholding of human rights. It 
is vehemently opposed to modern slavery and human trafficking 
and undertakes to ensure that none of its businesses are or ever 
will be involved in human rights violations. It endeavours to raise 
awareness of human rights among its staff, suppliers and the 
communities in which it operates. 

While Tharisa does not consider there to be a risk of slavery or human trafficking 
within its operations or supply chain, it does proactively ensure that all of its suppliers 
comply with local and international legislation through risk identification, policies and 
due diligence processes carried out as part of its business supply chain management.

Supplier management
Tharisa’s goods and service suppliers are closely managed by the Group through its 
financial and procurement departments. All new suppliers undergo a rigorous vetting 
process, which include bank and background checks before they are permitted to 
become an approved supplier or vendor. Tharisa maintains good relationships with 
its suppliers and encourages open dialogue so that any potential risks to either 
business can be identified as they arise. 

Anti-corruption policy
Tharisa does not tolerate corruption, fraud and bribery and does not allow donations 
to any political parties by its operations. The Group’s anti-corruption policy is built into 
its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. It outlines potential risks, steps to mitigate 
the risk of bribery and corruption, and a reporting guideline. A detailed bribery risk 
assessment is performed regularly to determine whether further mitigation measures 
are needed to stamp out any unlawful behaviour. All employees, suppliers and other 
associated persons are made aware of these policies and procedures with regard to 
ethical behaviour, business conduct and transparency. 

Whistleblower policy
The safety and ethics hotline was established with the aim to enhance an honest work 
ethic and simultaneously provide employees with a mechanism to bring any unethical 
business practices or safety concerns to the attention of management. The hotline 
allows employees to raise concerns about untoward conduct, the treatment of 
colleagues or practices within the business or supply chain, without fear of reprisal. 
It is overseen independently by whistleblowers and operates 24 hours a day, seven 
days a week, 365 days a year.

Recruitment policy
Tharisa has a robust recruitment policy in place to ensure that potential employees are 
screened ahead of joining the Group. The recruitment process ensures that suitable 
candidates are selected. Candidates will be asked their permission to conduct the 
necessary background checks during the screening process. This allows the Group to 
safeguard against human trafficking and ensures individuals are not being forced to 
work against their will. 

Code of business conduct
The code reaffirms the high standards of business conduct required of the Group’s 
employees, officers and directors. It was developed as part of Tharisa’s continuing 
efforts to ensure that it complies with all applicable laws and that it has an effective 
programme to prevent and detect violations of law, and for the education and training 
of employees, officers and directors. 

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SUSTAINABILITY 60

MINERAL RESOURCE AND  
MINERAL RESERVE STATEMENT

Introduction
The Mineral Resource and Mineral 
Reserve of Tharisa Minerals has been 
prepared under the guidance of the 
Competent Persons in accordance with 
the requirements of the South African 
Code for the Reporting of Exploration 
Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral 
Reserves, 2016 (‘SAMREC Code’). The 
estimates are as of 30 September 2018.

The previous declaration of the 
Mineral Resource and Reserve was 
dated September 2017. The current 
Mineral Resource declaration relies 
on the geological model and resource 
modelling of September 2016 for the 
MG Chromitite Layers (as there are no 
additional drill intersections) and the 
June 2018 modelling for the UG1 
Chromitite Layer (45 additional drill 
intersections for 4 504 m) and the end 
of FY2018 mining faces. The Mineral 
Reserve declaration is based on the 
latest pit design and LOM schedule.

Overview
Since the commencement of 
operations at the Tharisa Mine, 
additional geological information 
has been obtained from observation 
in the operating pits and resource 
drilling. During FY2016, an additional 
35 diamond drill boreholes were logged 
and sampled. This borehole information 
was included in the updated Mineral 
Resource and Reserve statement. 
These boreholes are located immediately 
ahead of the current highwall, along 
the full strike length of the mine. 
The results from the samples confirmed 
the geological assumptions as well as 
the grades of the various chromitite 
layers, providing additional confidence 
in the mining operations. Observations 
on the operation confirm the details 
observed from the drilling. 

Over a period of three years, various 
drilling campaigns, 46 boreholes were 
drilled into the area underlain by the 
UG1 Chromitite Layer. This data was 
used to model the UG1 Chromitite 
Layer and declare a Mineral Resource 
in June 2018. 

The Mineral Resource and Mineral 
Reserve information in the tables on the 
following pages is based on information 
compiled by the Competent Persons 
(as defined by the SAMREC Code).

Definitions
The declaration of the Mineral Resource 
and Reserve has been undertaken in 
terms of the guidelines of SAMREC 
Code (2016 Edition).

Location
The Tharisa Mine is located 35 km east 
of Rustenburg and 120 km northwest 
of Johannesburg in the North West 
province of South Africa.

Statement by Competent Persons
Ken Lomberg of Pivot Mining 
Consultants Proprietary Limited 
(previously Coffey Mining South 
Africa Proprietary Limited) who is 
the Competent Person for the Mineral 
Resource declaration, registered with 
the South African Council for Natural 
Scientific Professions (Private Bag X540, 
Silverton, 0127, Gauteng province, 
South Africa), registration number 
400038/01. He holds a BSc (Hons) 
Geology, BCom and MEng (Mining 
Engineering). Mr Lomberg is a geologist 
with 32 years’ experience, including 
the Mineral Resource estimation in 
respect of PGM and chromitite in the 
Bushveld Complex.

The Mineral Reserve declaration is by 
Jaco Lotheringen of Ukwazi Mining 
Solutions who is the Competent Person 
for the Mineral Reserve declaration. 
He holds a BEng (Mining). He is 
registered with the Engineering Council 
of South Africa (ECSA, Private Bag 
X691, Bruma, South Africa), registration 
number 20030022. He is a Principal 
Mining Engineer with appropriate 
experience in the estimation, assessment 
and evaluation of relevant Mineral 
Reserves based on the class of deposit 
and mining methodology.

The Company has written 
confirmation from Ken Lomberg and 
Jaco Lotheringen that the information 
disclosed is in compliance with the 
SAMREC Code and that they have 
consented to the inclusion of this 
information in the form and context 
in which it appears.

Mining Rights summary
Tharisa Minerals holds a Mining Right, 
granted by the DMR (then the DME) 
in terms of the MPRDA on 
19 September 2008, for a period of 
30 years, to various portions of 
the farm 342 JQ and the whole of 
the farm Rooikoppies 297 JQ. On 
13 August 2009, the Mining Right 
was registered in the Mining and 
Petroleum Titles Registration Office, 
under Reference No 49/2009(MR).

In July 2011, an application was granted 
in terms of section 102 of the MPRDA, 
to amend the existing Mining Right by 
the addition of Portions 96, 183 and 
286 of the property 342 JQ to the 
Mining Right 49/2009(MR).

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  61

Figure 1: Location of the Tharisa Mine

Mineral Resource
Geology and mineralisation
The Tharisa Mine is situated on the 
south-western limb of the Bushveld 
Complex, and is underlain by the Middle 
Group (‘MG’) and Upper Group (‘UG’) 
Chromitite Layers straddling the 
boundary between the Marikana and 
Rustenburg facies. The MG Chromitite 
Layers outcrop on the property striking 
roughly east to west with a gentle 
change in strike to NW-SE in the far 
west. The layers dip at between 9° and 
15° to the north. Towards the western 
extent of the outcrop, the dip is steeper. 
The stratigraphy typically narrows to 
the west and the dip steepens. The dip 
typically shallows out at depth across 
the extent of the mine area.

The MG Chromitite Layer package 
consists of five groups of chromitite 
layers, being the MG0 Chromitite Layer 

at the bottom, followed by the MG1 
Chromitite Layer, the MG2 Chromitite 
Layer (sub-divided into C, B and A 
chromitite layers), the MG3 Chromitite 
Layer and the MG4 Chromitite Layer 
(sub-divided into 4(0), 4 and 4A 
chromitite layers). The layers between 
the chromitite layers frequently include 
stringers or disseminations of chromite. 
The MG Chromitite Layers at the Tharisa 
Mine are a typical stack of tabular 
deposits.

The structural interpretation of the 
Tharisa Mine geology is based on the 
aeromagnetic data, the available drilling 
and observations in the operating 
open pits. The only significant fault is 
a steeply dipping NW-SE trending 
normal fault with a downthrow of less 
than 30 m to the east. This fault occurs 
only on the far north-eastern corner of 
the property and will have little effect 

on mining of the MG Chromitite Layers 
on the mine. A NE-SW sub-vertical dyke 
of some 10 m thickness was exposed 
in the east pit. The dyke is not expected 
to have a major impact on mining. 
The only other major feature of interest 
is the Spruitfontein upfold or pothole 
which is located on the properties 
immediately west of the mine. It affects 
the UG2 Chromitite Layer as well as 
the rest of the critical zone below. 
No new major structural features have 
been exposed by the current mining 
operation.

The Mineral Resource estimate was 
completed over the Mining Right of 
Tharisa Minerals to a depth of 750 m 
for the MG Chromitite Layers. The 
UG1 Chromitite Layer Resource Estimate 
was limited to the area within the 
planned pit perimeter.

>  Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018MINERAL RESOURCE ANDMINERAL RESERVE STATEMENT 62

MINERAL RESOURCE AND  
MINERAL RESERVE STATEMENT CONTINUED

Figure 2: Image of the Tharisa Mine plan showing borehole locations and outcrop positions of UG1 and MG1 chromitite layers

The previous declaration of the 
Mineral Resource and Reserve was 
dated September 2017. The current 
Mineral Resource declaration relies 
on the geological model and resource 
modelling of September 2016 (as there 
are no additional drill intersections) 
for the MG Chromitite Layers and 
the geological model and resource 
modelling of May 2018 for the UG1 
Chromitite Layer and the end of FY2018 
mining faces.

In-pit drilling continues for the purposes 
of mining operations, mine planning 
and grade control. Additional resource 
drilling has been planned for the next 
financial year.

Prior to the estimation, the data was 
collated and verified with the necessary 
quality controls for logging, sampling 
and assays being used. The Mineral 
Resource estimate was undertaken on 
each chromitite layer and interburden 

independently. Each element was 
estimated separately. Changes to the 
Mineral Resource declaration are due 
to the production during the previous 
financial year, a revision of the UG1 
Chromitite Layer declaration and 
a revision of the Inferred Resource.

Tharisa Minerals Resource at 
30 September 2018 is reported inclusive 
of Mineral Reserve.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  63

Figure 3: Map of the location of the Tharisa Mine

Mineral Resource estimate

2018

Tonnes 
6PGE + Au grade 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 6PGE + Au 
Contained 5PGE + Au 
Contained 3PGE + Au 
Contained Cr2O3 

2017
Tonnes 
6PGE + Au grade 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 6PGE + Au 
Contained 5PGE + Au 
Contained 3PGE + Au 
Contained Cr2O3 

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

 62.82 
 1.78 
 1.73 
 1.32 
 23.69 
 3.61 
 3.49 
 2.67 
 14.88 

67.94
1.79
1.73
1.33
23.78
3.9
3.8
2.9
16.16

112.35 
 1.70 
 1.65 
 1.25 
22.57 
 6.16 
 5.94 
 4.52 
25.36 

114.47
1.68
1.62
1.23
22.34
6.2
6.0
4.5
25.58

 685.49 
 1.55 
 1.50 
 1.14 
 20.11 
 34.26 
 33.05 
 25.17 
 137.84 

685.07
1.55
1.50
1.14
20.08
34.2
33.0
25.1
137.59

860.66 
1.59 
1.54 
1.17 
20.11 
43.02 
42.48 
32.35 
173.06 

867.48
1.59
1.53
1.17
20.67
44.3
42.8
32.6
179.32

Mt
g/t
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Moz
Moz
Mt

Mt
g/t
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Moz
Moz
Mt

>  Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018MINERAL RESOURCE ANDMINERAL RESERVE STATEMENT 64

MINERAL RESOURCE AND  
MINERAL RESERVE STATEMENT CONTINUED

Mineral Reserve declaration
The Mineral Reserve estimate 
for September 2018 was based 
on a revised, updated LOM. This 
re-estimation was underpinned 
by an updated mining model and 
incorporates the current economic 
conditions, current on-mine mining 
methodology and survey depletion. 
Various technical aspects were 
considered in the mine design and 
schedule including the determination 
of the economic pit limits, geotechnical 
parameters, mining methodology and 
sequence, pit access, ramp placement, 
equipment capability, production rates 
and practical mining considerations. 
The mining-related modifying factors 
applied included geological losses, 
mining loss, mining dilution and 
metallurgical recovery. The difference 
between the 2017 and 2018 Mineral 
Reserve estimation is due to depletion 

from the previous declared Mineral 
Reserve.

The LOM plan was designed to extract 
the MG Chromitite Layers, firstly from 
open pit mining to a maximum depth 
of 200 m and subsequently from 
underground extraction (MG2 and MG4 
Chromitite Layers) by means of a bord 
and pillar mining method.

The Mineral Reserve tonnage decreased 
by 5.2% as a result of depletion by 
mining and treatment. The contained 
chrome decreased by 5.4% and the 
contained PGMs (3PGE + Au) ounces 
by 5.4%. A small proportion (2.0%) 
of Inferred Mineral Resource (in the 
Far West pit) was included in the open 
pit LOM plan but was not considered 
as part of the Mineral Reserve estimate. 
The Inferred Mineral Resource was 
included in the underground section 

of the mine plan, but not included as 
part of the Mineral Reserve estimate. 
If excluded from the underground mine 
plan, the underground project may 
not be feasible. The Mineral Reserve 
declared for the underground project 
was derived from the Indicated Mineral 
Resource portion that was included 
in the underground LOM plan. The 
underground section is planned to ramp 
up during the final phase of the open 
pit operation.

A feasibility study was completed in 
2013 for the underground mining of the 
MG2 and MG4 Chromitite Layers from 
the limit of the open pit highwall. The 
Mineral Reserve for the underground 
section extends to a maximum depth 
of 270 m, however, the underground 
LOM can be expected to extend to a 
maximum depth of 700 m, pending 
further field work on study work.

Open pit 2018

Tonnes 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 3PGE + Au 
Contained Cr2O3 

Open pit 2017
Tonnes 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 3PGE + Au 
Contained Cr2O3 

Underground 2018

Tonnes 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 3PGE + Au 
Contained Cr2O3 

Underground 2017
Tonnes 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 3PGE + Au 
Contained Cr2O3 

Proved

Probable

Total

47.7
1.39
1.06
19.2
1.6
9.2

51.8
1.39
1.07
19.3
1.8
10.0

26.5
1.38
1.06
18.3
0.9
4.8

26.6
1.38
1.06
18.3
0.9
4.8

74.2
1.39
1.06
18.9
2.5
14.0

78.3
1.39
1.06
18.9
2.7
14.8

Proved

Probable

Total

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

18.7
1.52
1.17
19.3
0.7
3.6

18.7
1.52
1.17
19.3
0.7
3.6

18.7
1.52
1.17
19.3
0.7
3.6

18.7
1.52
1.17
19.3
0.7
3.6

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  65

Total open pit and underground 2018

Proved

Probable

Total

Tonnes 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 3PGE + Au 
Contained Cr2O3 

Total open pit and underground 2017
Tonnes 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 3PGE + Au 
Contained Cr2O3 

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

47.7
1.39
1.06
19.2
1.6
9.2

51.8
1.39
1.07
19.3
1.8
10.0

45.2
1.38
1.06
18.3
1.6
8.4

45.3
1.38
1.06
18.3
1.61
8.5

92.9
1.39
1.07
18.9
3.2
17.6

97.0
1.39
1.06
18.9
3.4
18.4

Material risks
Year-on-year deferral of waste stripping 
could result in a substantial impact 
on the open pit Mineral Reserve and 
sustained delivery of chrome and 
PGM products.

An auditable reconciliation process 
is critical to be put in place during the 
next Mineral Reserve sign-off process 
to understand the impact of dilution 
on the mining operations, process plant 
performance and the amount of losses 
occurred during the mining process.

Current long-term PGM and chrome 
prices were adopted with a full 
optimisation process completed for the 
open pit area from which the economic 
pit limit was selected. Sustained 
low-commodity prices over the 

long-term materially influence the 
overall value of the operation and could 
have a material impact on the size of 
the open pit portion of the Mineral 
Reserve.

Due to the selection of an ultimate pit 
with a value and extended life strategy, 
sustained low cost and efficient mining 
with specific focus on waste backfill and 
processing recoveries is critical to create 
sustained value from the open pit 
operation.

Reporting codes and compliance
The reporting of Mineral Resource and 
Mineral Reserve for Tharisa Minerals 
is declared in accordance with the 
principles and guidelines of the SAMREC 
Code. All the required regulatory 
permits have been obtained or applied 

for. The directors are unaware of any 
legal proceedings or impediments to the 
continued operation of Tharisa Mine.

Environmental management 
and funding
Tharisa Minerals has obtained all 
environmental approvals and 
authorisations required for the 
operation of the Tharisa Mine.

The estimated long-term environmental 
provision, comprising rehabilitation and 
mine closure, is based on the Group’s 
environmental policy, taking into 
account the current technological, 
environmental and regulatory 
requirements. Details of the Group’s 
environmental liability and funding can 
be found in note 27 of the annual 
financial statements.

>  Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018MINERAL RESOURCE ANDMINERAL RESERVE STATEMENT 66

BOARD OF  
DIRECTORS

Board 
members 

Name

Loucas Pouroulis

Phoevos Pouroulis

Michael Jones

David Salter

Antonios Djakouris

Omar Kamal

Carol Bell

Roger Davey

Joanna Ka Ki Cheng

Zhong Liang Hong

Age

80

44

56

60

71

47

60

74

51

55

Appointed 
to the Board

27 October 2010

27 October 2010

30 January 2013

27 October 2010

11 October 2011

11 June 2014

22 March 2016

1 June 2017

1 February 2017

1 April 2018

Role

Chairman

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Finance Officer

Lead independent 
non-executive director

Independent 
non-executive director

Independent non-executive 

Independent non-executive 

Independent non-executive 

Non-executive director

Non-executive director

director

director

director

Qualifications

Mining and Metallurgical 
Engineering (Hons)
(National Technical 
University, Athens, Greece)

Bachelor of Science and 
Business Administration
(Boston University, USA)

Bachelor of Accounting 
(University of KwaZulu-
Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 
South Africa), CA(SA); 
Member of the South 
African Institute of 
Chartered Accountants

Bachelor of Science 
Engineering (Hons); PhD 
in Mineral Technology 
(Imperial College, London);
Fellow of the South African 
Institute of Mining and 
Metallurgy (FSAIMM)

Chartered Accountant and 
Fellow of the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants in 
England and Wales

Master of Arts in Natural 

Sciences (University of 

Cambridge); PhD Archaeology 

(University College, London)

Master of Science in Mineral 

Production Management 

Bachelor of Arts (Economics) 

(York University, Ontario, 

(Royal School of Mines, Imperial 

Canada)

Bachelor (Ferrous Metallurgy) 

(Shanghai Metallurgy 

Technology Academy)

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

Michael Jones is the 
Chief Finance Officer 
of the Group and is 
responsible for the overall 
financial operation and the 
financial reporting 
management of the 
Group. Michael has 
more than eight years’ 
executive financial 
management experience 
in the mining sector. In 
addition, he has 19 years’ 
experience in investment 
banking, focusing on 
mergers and acquisitions 
and capital raisings of both 
equity and debt.

David Salter has more than 
30 years’ experience in the 
development and 
management of mining 
companies, including both 
open pit and underground 
PGM mining operations. 
David’s most recent public 
company roles were 
Chairman of Keaton 
Energy until its sale to 
Wescoal in 2017 and 
the managing director 
of Eland Platinum until 
its sale to Xstrata in 2007. 
He is a non-executive 
director of a number 
of unlisted mining 
companies.

Phoevos Pouroulis is 
the Chief Executive Officer 
of the Group, with 
responsibility for overall 
strategy and management. 
Phoevos has held various 
senior managerial and 
operational positions in his 
career spanning more than 
16 years. He has extensive 
experience in project 
management, mining 
design, commissioning and 
mining operations, 
including coal, chrome and 
PGM mines, having been 
involved in South Africa’s 
mining industry since 
2003. He has served as 
Commercial Director for 
Chromex Mining and was 
a founding member of 
Keaton Energy. Phoevos is 
currently the President of 
the International 
Chromium Development 
Association (‘ICDA’). 

Antonios Djakouris is 
a qualified Chartered 
Accountant and has over 
30 years’ experience as 
a manager and director, 
having served in the 
accounting profession and 
in a number of posts with 
the Bank of Cyprus, 
including internal audit, 
credit review and retail 
banking, and as Group 
General Manager in charge 
of operations. From 2003 
to 2009, he directed the 
Bank of Cyprus group’s 
overseas operations, 
including banks in the 
United Kingdom, Australia, 
Russia, Romania and 
Ukraine. Antonios currently 
serves in an honorary 
capacity on the Board and 
Executive Committee of 
the Cyprus Anti-Cancer 
Society, one of the largest 
charities in Cyprus. 

Board 
committees

Skills, 
expertise and 
experience

Loucas Pouroulis is the 
Executive Chairman of the 
Group, with responsibility 
for the development of 
strategy and the 
identification of new 
opportunities for the 
Group. He began his career 
in Cyprus in 1962, and his 
initial post-graduate 
training took place in 
Germany, Sweden and 
Cyprus. Loucas is trained 
as a mining and 
metallurgical engineer and 
has more than 50 years’ 
experience in mining 
exploration, project 
management, financing 
and production in open pit 
and underground mining 
operations, including PGM 
and gold mines. 
He immigrated to South 
Africa in 1964 and joined 
Anglo American, where he 
rose rapidly through the 
management ranks and 
received extensive training 
and experience. In 1971, 
Loucas began to pursue his 
own mining interests, 
initially focusing on gold 
mining opportunities 
considered uneconomical 
by the majors. By the 
1990s, he had established 
Petra Diamonds and, since 
2000, has established 
among others, Eland 
Platinum, Tharisa, Kameni, 
Keaton Energy, Salene 
Chrome and the Karo 
Mining Group. 

Bachelor in Economics and 

Political Science (University of 

Jordan); PhD in Management 

(Finance and Banking) (Coventry 

University in collaboration with 

Harvard Islamic Finance 

Programme at Harvard 

University) 

Omar Kamal has more than 

20 years’ experience in the 

field of banking, investment 

management, strategic advisory 

services and high-growth 

entrepreneurship. He has served 

at high-growth companies and 

multibillion corporates in 

various executive capacities. 

His regional and international 

experience extends over a wide 

array of sectors, including 

mining, real estate, finance, 

healthcare and education, 

across Asia, the Middle East and 

Europe.

Until August 2015, he was the 

co-Group CEO of a business 

group owned by a prominent 

family with global reach based 

in Geneva, Switzerland. Prior to 

that he was one of the initial 

founders and acted as the CIO 

of a regional bank in the Middle 

East, and before that, was a 

partner with Ernst & Young on 

the advisory and consulting 

side. 

Omar continues to serve on the 

boards of a number of listed 

and unlisted companies, among 

others, Cambridge Scientific 

Innovation (CSI), Cybsafe and 

Arab Bank Switzerland at 

which he is the Chairman of the 

Fintech Committee. In the same 

context, Omar makes a personal 

strategic contribution towards 

digital innovation and 

transformation. 

Omar is a member of the Young 

President Organisation, 

previously under the Alpine 

Chapter in Switzerland, and 

currently the London Stars 

Chapter in the United Kingdom.

College, London); Master of 

Science in Water Resource 

Management and Water 

Environment (Bournemouth 

University); Associate of the 

Camborne School of Mines 

(‘ACSM’); Chartered Engineer; 

European Engineer; Member 

of the Institute of Materials, 

Minerals and Mining (‘IMMM’)

Roger Davey, a British national, 

has more than 30 years’ 

operational experience at senior 

management and director level 

in the mining industry in South 

America, Africa and Europe. 

His experience at senior 

management level includes 

financing, feasibility studies, 

construction, development, 

commissioning and operational 

management of both 

underground and surface 

mining operations in gold and 

base metals.

Previous positions include being 

the Senior Mining Engineer at 

NM Rothschild (London) in the 

Mining and Metals project 

finance team, where he had 

responsibility for the assessment 

of the technical risk associated 

with current and prospective 

project loans; Director, 

Vice-President and General 

Manager of Minorco 

(AngloGold) subsidiaries in 

Argentina (1994 to 1997), 

where he was responsible 

for the development of 

the US$270 million 

Cerro Vanguardia, open 

pit gold-silver mine in 

Patagonia; Operations Director 

of Greenwich Resources plc, 

London (1984 to 1992), with 

gold interests in Sudan, Egypt 

and Australia; Production 

Manager for Blue Circle 

Industries in Chile (1979 to 

1984); and various production 

roles from graduate trainee to 

mine manager, in Gold Fields of 

South Africa (1971 to 1978).

Carol Bell has more than 

35 years’ experience in the 

energy and allied industries 

including a successful career as 

a Managing Director of Chase 

Manhattan Bank’s Global Oil & 

Gas Group, Head of European 

Equity Research at JP Morgan 

and several years as an equity 

research analyst in the oil and 

gas sector at Credit Suisse First 

Boston and UBS Phillips & Drew. 

Carol began her career in 

corporate planning and 

business development at 

Charterhouse Petroleum 

and RTZ Oil and Gas.

Carol has broad public company 

experience and currently serves 

on the boards of Ophir Energy 

and Bonheur. She is also a 

non-executive director of the 

BlackRock Commodities Income 

Investment Trust and serves on 

the Board of the Development 

Bank of Wales. Carol is a trustee 

of the Renewable Energy 

Foundation (a UK think tank), 

the National Museum of Wales, 

the Wales Millennium Centre, 

the British School at Athens, 

and the Institute for 

Archaeometallurgical Studies. 

She is also a member of the 

Council of Cardiff University.

Joanna Cheng, a Canadian 

national, is a Chartered 

Accountant and a member 

of the Institute of Chartered 

Accountants of Ontario, 

Canada. She has more than 

20 years’ experience in business 

development, investment and 

management and is the Director 

(Environment) of NWS 

Infrastructure Management 

Limited, a wholly owned 

subsidiary of NWS Holdings. 

Before joining the NWS 

Holdings Limited group, Joanna 

worked at audit firms in Canada 

and Hong Kong.

Zhong Liang Hong is a Chinese 

national with 33 years’ 

experience in commodity 

trading. Representing Fujian 

Wuhang Stainless Steel Co. 

Limited and Huachuang 

Singapore Pte Limited, Zhong 

has a strong understanding 

of analysis and forecasting 

of commodity markets and 

end-user demand. He started 

his career in 1980 at the 

Baosteel Group. In 2001 he 

founded Shanghai Hongli Metal 

Material Co. Limited, and is still 

the Chairman of this company. 

In 2002 he expanded his 

business to import manganese 

into China and became the sole 

manganese agent in China 

acting for BHP Billiton.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018    Audit Committee
  Risk Committee
  Nomination Committee
  Remuneration Committee
  Safety, Health and Environment Committee
  Social and Ethics Committee
  New Business Committee

C = Chairman
I  = By invitation

67

Board 

members 

Appointed 

to the Board

Board 

committees

Skills, 

expertise and 

experience

Name

Loucas Pouroulis

Phoevos Pouroulis

Michael Jones

David Salter

Antonios Djakouris

Omar Kamal

Carol Bell

Roger Davey

Joanna Ka Ki Cheng

Zhong Liang Hong

Age

80

44

56

60

71

47

60

74

51

55

27 October 2010

27 October 2010

30 January 2013

27 October 2010

11 October 2011

11 June 2014

22 March 2016

1 June 2017

1 February 2017

1 April 2018

Role

Chairman

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Finance Officer

Lead independent 

non-executive director

Independent 

non-executive director

Independent non-executive 
director

Independent non-executive 
director

Independent non-executive 
director

Non-executive director

Non-executive director

Qualifications

Mining and Metallurgical 

Engineering (Hons)

(National Technical 

University, Athens, Greece)

Bachelor of Science and 

Business Administration

(Boston University, USA)

Bachelor of Accounting 

(University of KwaZulu-

Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 

South Africa), CA(SA); 

Member of the South 

African Institute of 

Chartered Accountants

Bachelor of Science 

Engineering (Hons); PhD 

in Mineral Technology 

(Imperial College, London);

Fellow of the South African 

Institute of Mining and 

Metallurgy (FSAIMM)

Chartered Accountant and 

Fellow of the Institute of 

Chartered Accountants in 

England and Wales

Bachelor in Economics and 
Political Science (University of 
Jordan); PhD in Management 
(Finance and Banking) (Coventry 
University in collaboration with 
Harvard Islamic Finance 
Programme at Harvard 
University) 

Master of Arts in Natural 
Sciences (University of 
Cambridge); PhD Archaeology 
(University College, London)

Master of Science in Mineral 
Production Management 
(Royal School of Mines, Imperial 
College, London); Master of 
Science in Water Resource 
Management and Water 
Environment (Bournemouth 
University); Associate of the 
Camborne School of Mines 
(‘ACSM’); Chartered Engineer; 
European Engineer; Member 
of the Institute of Materials, 
Minerals and Mining (‘IMMM’)

Bachelor of Arts (Economics) 
(York University, Ontario, 
Canada)

Bachelor (Ferrous Metallurgy) 
(Shanghai Metallurgy 
Technology Academy)

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

Phoevos Pouroulis is 

the Chief Executive Officer 

of the Group, with 

responsibility for overall 

strategy and management. 

Phoevos has held various 

senior managerial and 

operational positions in his 

career spanning more than 

16 years. He has extensive 

experience in project 

management, mining 

design, commissioning and 

mining operations, 

PGM mines, having been 

involved in South Africa’s 

mining industry since 

2003. He has served as 

Commercial Director for 

Chromex Mining and was 

a founding member of 

Keaton Energy. Phoevos is 

currently the President of 

the International 

Chromium Development 

Association (‘ICDA’). 

David Salter has more than 

30 years’ experience in the 

Antonios Djakouris is 

a qualified Chartered 

Michael Jones is the 

Chief Finance Officer 

of the Group and is 

responsible for the overall 

financial operation and the 

financial reporting 

management of the 

Group. Michael has 

more than eight years’ 

executive financial 

management experience 

in the mining sector. In 

addition, he has 19 years’ 

experience in investment 

mergers and acquisitions 

and capital raisings of both 

equity and debt.

development and 

management of mining 

companies, including both 

open pit and underground 

PGM mining operations. 

David’s most recent public 

company roles were 

Chairman of Keaton 

Energy until its sale to 

Wescoal in 2017 and 

the managing director 

of Eland Platinum until 

He is a non-executive 

director of a number 

of unlisted mining 

companies.

Accountant and has over 

30 years’ experience as 

a manager and director, 

having served in the 

accounting profession and 

in a number of posts with 

the Bank of Cyprus, 

including internal audit, 

credit review and retail 

banking, and as Group 

General Manager in charge 

of operations. From 2003 

to 2009, he directed the 

Bank of Cyprus group’s 

overseas operations, 

including banks in the 

United Kingdom, Australia, 

Russia, Romania and 

Ukraine. Antonios currently 

serves in an honorary 

capacity on the Board and 

Executive Committee of 

the Cyprus Anti-Cancer 

Society, one of the largest 

charities in Cyprus. 

including coal, chrome and 

banking, focusing on 

its sale to Xstrata in 2007. 

Loucas Pouroulis is the 

Executive Chairman of the 

Group, with responsibility 

for the development of 

strategy and the 

identification of new 

opportunities for the 

Group. He began his career 

in Cyprus in 1962, and his 

initial post-graduate 

training took place in 

Germany, Sweden and 

Cyprus. Loucas is trained 

as a mining and 

metallurgical engineer and 

has more than 50 years’ 

experience in mining 

exploration, project 

management, financing 

and production in open pit 

and underground mining 

operations, including PGM 

and gold mines. 

He immigrated to South 

Africa in 1964 and joined 

Anglo American, where he 

rose rapidly through the 

management ranks and 

received extensive training 

and experience. In 1971, 

Loucas began to pursue his 

own mining interests, 

initially focusing on gold 

mining opportunities 

considered uneconomical 

by the majors. By the 

1990s, he had established 

Petra Diamonds and, since 

2000, has established 

among others, Eland 

Platinum, Tharisa, Kameni, 

Keaton Energy, Salene 

Chrome and the Karo 

Mining Group. 

Joanna Cheng, a Canadian 
national, is a Chartered 
Accountant and a member 
of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants of Ontario, 
Canada. She has more than 
20 years’ experience in business 
development, investment and 
management and is the Director 
(Environment) of NWS 
Infrastructure Management 
Limited, a wholly owned 
subsidiary of NWS Holdings. 
Before joining the NWS 
Holdings Limited group, Joanna 
worked at audit firms in Canada 
and Hong Kong.

Zhong Liang Hong is a Chinese 
national with 33 years’ 
experience in commodity 
trading. Representing Fujian 
Wuhang Stainless Steel Co. 
Limited and Huachuang 
Singapore Pte Limited, Zhong 
has a strong understanding 
of analysis and forecasting 
of commodity markets and 
end-user demand. He started 
his career in 1980 at the 
Baosteel Group. In 2001 he 
founded Shanghai Hongli Metal 
Material Co. Limited, and is still 
the Chairman of this company. 
In 2002 he expanded his 
business to import manganese 
into China and became the sole 
manganese agent in China 
acting for BHP Billiton.

Omar Kamal has more than 
20 years’ experience in the 
field of banking, investment 
management, strategic advisory 
services and high-growth 
entrepreneurship. He has served 
at high-growth companies and 
multibillion corporates in 
various executive capacities. 
His regional and international 
experience extends over a wide 
array of sectors, including 
mining, real estate, finance, 
healthcare and education, 
across Asia, the Middle East and 
Europe.

Until August 2015, he was the 
co-Group CEO of a business 
group owned by a prominent 
family with global reach based 
in Geneva, Switzerland. Prior to 
that he was one of the initial 
founders and acted as the CIO 
of a regional bank in the Middle 
East, and before that, was a 
partner with Ernst & Young on 
the advisory and consulting 
side. 

Omar continues to serve on the 
boards of a number of listed 
and unlisted companies, among 
others, Cambridge Scientific 
Innovation (CSI), Cybsafe and 
Arab Bank Switzerland at 
which he is the Chairman of the 
Fintech Committee. In the same 
context, Omar makes a personal 
strategic contribution towards 
digital innovation and 
transformation. 

Omar is a member of the Young 
President Organisation, 
previously under the Alpine 
Chapter in Switzerland, and 
currently the London Stars 
Chapter in the United Kingdom.

Carol Bell has more than 
35 years’ experience in the 
energy and allied industries 
including a successful career as 
a Managing Director of Chase 
Manhattan Bank’s Global Oil & 
Gas Group, Head of European 
Equity Research at JP Morgan 
and several years as an equity 
research analyst in the oil and 
gas sector at Credit Suisse First 
Boston and UBS Phillips & Drew. 
Carol began her career in 
corporate planning and 
business development at 
Charterhouse Petroleum 
and RTZ Oil and Gas.

Carol has broad public company 
experience and currently serves 
on the boards of Ophir Energy 
and Bonheur. She is also a 
non-executive director of the 
BlackRock Commodities Income 
Investment Trust and serves on 
the Board of the Development 
Bank of Wales. Carol is a trustee 
of the Renewable Energy 
Foundation (a UK think tank), 
the National Museum of Wales, 
the Wales Millennium Centre, 
the British School at Athens, 
and the Institute for 
Archaeometallurgical Studies. 
She is also a member of the 
Council of Cardiff University.

Roger Davey, a British national, 
has more than 30 years’ 
operational experience at senior 
management and director level 
in the mining industry in South 
America, Africa and Europe. 
His experience at senior 
management level includes 
financing, feasibility studies, 
construction, development, 
commissioning and operational 
management of both 
underground and surface 
mining operations in gold and 
base metals.

Previous positions include being 
the Senior Mining Engineer at 
NM Rothschild (London) in the 
Mining and Metals project 
finance team, where he had 
responsibility for the assessment 
of the technical risk associated 
with current and prospective 
project loans; Director, 
Vice-President and General 
Manager of Minorco 
(AngloGold) subsidiaries in 
Argentina (1994 to 1997), 
where he was responsible 
for the development of 
the US$270 million 
Cerro Vanguardia, open 
pit gold-silver mine in 
Patagonia; Operations Director 
of Greenwich Resources plc, 
London (1984 to 1992), with 
gold interests in Sudan, Egypt 
and Australia; Production 
Manager for Blue Circle 
Industries in Chile (1979 to 
1984); and various production 
roles from graduate trainee to 
mine manager, in Gold Fields of 
South Africa (1971 to 1978).

> Board of directorsCorporate governanceKing IV applicationRemuneration reportDirectors’ reportReport of the Audit CommitteeTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCE  
 
68

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

Introduction
Tharisa is incorporated in Cyprus and is 
therefore subject to Cyprus Companies 
Law. With a primary listing on the JSE 
under the general mining sector, 
Tharisa is subject to the JSE Listings 
Requirements and King IV. Tharisa also 
has a secondary, standard listing of its 
depositary interests on the LSE and is 
subject to the LSE Listing Rules and 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules 
applicable to a secondary standard 
listing. In addition, the Company has its 
registered office in Cyprus and is subject 
to Cyprus disclosure and transparency 
legislation, Cyprus market abuse 
legislation and the European 
Commission Market Abuse Regulation 
EU596/2014, and for such purposes 
considers Cyprus as its home state, 
where such term requires interpretation. 
The LSE Listing Rules invoke the 
application of certain provisions of the 
UK Disclosure and Transparency Rules 
where similar provisions do not exist 
under the national law of its home 
state. The Company has undertaken 
a review of its obligations in the 
home state and considers that the 
requirements under the UK Disclosure 
and Transparency Rules are met under 
corresponding national law, but 
nonetheless the Company aims to apply 
the relevant UK Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules applicable to the 
Company in circumstances where there 
may be a deemed discrepancy. For the 
purposes of the present corporate 
governance report a reference to 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules shall 
be a joint reference to applicable UK 
and Cyprus transparency rules. While 
the UK Corporate Governance Code 
published by the Financial Reporting 
Council does not apply to the Company, 
the Board recognises the importance 
of good governance and considers the 
principles and recommendations 
contained therein.

The Board is fully committed to the fact 
that accountability, integrity, fairness, 
transparency and integrated thinking 
is essential to the Group’s long-term 
sustainability and to its ongoing ability 
to create value for investors and other 
stakeholders. It endorses and accepts 
full responsibility for the application 
of the principles necessary to ensure 
that effective corporate governance 
is practised consistently throughout 
the Group.

In discharging this responsibility, 
the Board strives to comply with the 
requirements of the South African Code 
of Corporate Practices and Conduct as 
set out in King IV, which is effective 
for financial years from April 2017. 
The Company’s disclosure on its 
application of King IV principles is set 
out on pages 78 to 87. 

The Board is of the opinion that the 
Company is compliant with the JSE 
Listings Requirements and King IV 
in all material respects, other than 
having an Executive Chairman and not 
having an in-house independent internal 
audit function. 

The former has been mitigated by the 
appointment of David Salter as the lead 
independent director and the latter by 
the appointment of Deloitte as the 
internal auditor of the Group.

Board composition

Executive directors
Loucas Pouroulis (Executive Chairman) 
Phoevos Pouroulis (Chief Executive 
Officer) 
Michael Jones (Chief Finance Officer)

Independent non-executive 
directors
David Salter (lead independent 
director)
Antonios Djakouris 
Omar Kamal
Carol Bell 
Roger Davey

Non-executive directors
Joanna Cheng
Zhong Liang Hong

The Company has a unitary board, 
which both leads and controls the 
Company. It comprises three executive 
directors and seven non-executive 
directors. Five of the seven non-
executive directors are independent 
of management.

The Board is structured in such a way 
that there is a clear balance of authority, 
ensuring that no one director has 
unfettered powers. The size of the 
Board is regulated by the Company’s 
Articles of Association and directors are 
appointed through a formal process. 

The Nomination Committee identifies 
suitable candidates for appointment as 
directors. Directors are required to be 
individuals of calibre and credibility with 
the necessary skills and experience to 
bring judgement, independent of 
management, on issues of strategy, 
performance, resources, diversity, 
standards of conduct and evaluation 
of performance. Merit, commitment, 
integrity and diversity are the core 
considerations in ensuring that the 
Board and its committees have an 
appropriate blend and balance of 
perspectives, knowledge and experience 
to discharge their duties effectively and 
competently, having regard to the 
strategic direction of the Group. 

Board diversity
The Nomination Committee reviews 
and assesses the size, structure and 
composition of the Board on an ongoing 
basis to ensure it is appropriately 
diversified. In this assessment, it takes 
into account that the perspective of 
board members is influenced by a 
combination of three different sets of 
attributes, being experiential attributes 
such as education, functional 
experience, industry experience and 
accomplishments, demographic 
attributes such as gender, race, ethnicity, 
culture, religion and generational 
cohort, and personal attributes such 
as personality, interests and values. The 
Board recognises that having a blend of 
attributes across all facets of diversity 
will lead to more thorough and robust 
decision-making processes and direction 
and therefore strives to ensure its 
diverse composition. 

Acknowledging the benefits that can 
be achieved through diversity, and 
specifically the meaningful participation 
of women who possess the appropriate 
skills and experience, as members of the 
Board, the Board will continue to focus 
on the long-term goal of improving 
gender representation at Board level. 
At present, the two female directors 
represent 20% of the total number of 
directors and 29% of the non-executive 
directors. 

Similarly, recognising the value of ethnic 
and cultural diversity at Board level, the 
Board encourages the inclusion and 
consideration of prospective candidates 
with diverse backgrounds, a range of 
suitable skills, based on merit and 
against objective criteria, and with due 
regard for the benefits of diversity on 
the Board.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  69

Board of directors
> Corporate governance
King IV application
Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

In compliance with King IV, the JSE 
Listings Requirements and international 
best practice, the Nomination 
Committee and Board have adopted 
a Board level diversity policy, without 
introducing voluntary targets with 
regard to gender and racial 
diversification of the Board. The 
Nomination Committee and the Board 
believe that fixed targets will not 
necessarily result in the best candidates 
being identified for appointment to the 
Board, given that the achievement of 
specific targets would be dependent 
on a number of factors outside of the 
Board’s control, including the frequency 
at which Board positions become 
vacant, the need to appoint additional 
Board members and the availability of 

appropriately skilled candidates. It is, 
however, the objective to include diverse 
candidates in the process of identifying 
suitably qualified candidates for 
appointment as Board members and 
to pursue opportunities to increase the 
number of female and racially and 
ethnically diverse Board members over 
time, provided that it is consistent with 
the skills and diversity requirements 
of the Board. In identifying suitable 
candidates, the Nomination Committee 
considers diverse candidates with a 
range of suitable skills against objective 
criteria and with due regard for the 
benefits of diversity on the Board, and 
whenever practically and commercially 
possible, give preference to those 
candidates whose appointment will 

contribute to the achievement of 
suitable diversity of the Board.

During the assessment process, the 
Nomination Committee also considers 
the relationship between executive and 
non-executive directors. The Board 
believes that there is an appropriate 
balance between executive and 
non-executive directors and is satisfied 
that the current members of the Board 
collectively possess the skills, knowledge 
and experience required to effectively 
discharge the responsibilities of the 
Board to achieve the Group’s objectives, 
promote shareholder interests and to 
create value for stakeholders over the 
long term.

AGE
(%)

TENURE
(%)

30

0

20

Average: 
60 years

50

GENDER 

Male
8

80%

20%

Female
2

50

Average: 
4.5 years

40

■ 41 to 50 years
■ 51 to 60 years

■ 61 to 70 years
■ 71 to 80 years

■ 0 to 3 years
■ 3 to 5 years

INDEPENDENCE
(%)

50

30

20

■ Independent 

■ Executive
■ Non-executive  
  directors
* Includes a lead independent non-executive director

non-executive 
directors*

10

■ 5 to 8 years

EXPERIENCE 

4

1

5

2

2

1

Mining

Energy, oil and gas

Finance

Strategy and risk

Commodity markets

Information technology

Please note that some Board members have skills 
and expertise in more than one area

Role and responsibilities of 
the Board
The Board is the ultimate governing 
authority, responsible for the Company’s 
strategy, key policies, ethics and 
corporate governance, as well as 
approving the Company’s financial 
objectives and targets. The Board 
recognises that strategy, performance, 
risk and sustainability are inseparable 

and that the execution of strategy can 
have a material impact on the 
Company’s creation of value and its 
various stakeholders. The Board is 
fundamentally important to the 
achievement of the Company’s mission, 
financial objectives and fulfilment of its 
corporate responsibilities in a sustainable 
manner and provides effective 
leadership on an ethical foundation.

The Board is the ultimate custodian 
of the governance framework, 
which commits the Company and 
its representatives to act according 
to the highest standards of fairness, 
accountability, responsibility, 
transparency, ethics and sustainability. 
The Company’s approach to corporate 
governance strives to be stakeholder 
inclusive, based on good 

NATIONALITIES(%)■ Cyprus■ South Africa■ Canada■ Peoples Republic of China■ United Kingdom■ Jordan301010103010Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCE  
70

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

communication, and is integrated into 
every aspect of the Company’s business.

The Board ensures that the Group is, 
and is seen to be, a responsible 
corporate citizen, by having regard 
not only to the financial aspects of the 
business of the Group, but also the 
impact that the business operations 
have on the environment and the 
society in which it operates.

The Board has adopted a Board Charter 
setting out the role, functions, 
obligations, rights, responsibilities and 
powers of the Board and the policies 
and practices of the Board in respect of 
its duties, functions and responsibilities. 
The Board has also adopted terms of 
reference for each of its committees. 
The Board Charter and terms of 
reference are available on the 
Company’s website.

The directors who are also members 
of the Executive Committee of the 
Company are involved in the day-to-day 
business activities of the Company and 
are responsible for ensuring that the 
decisions of the Executive Committee as 
approved by the Board, are implemented 
in accordance with the mandate given 
by the Board and Executive Committee.

All non-executive directors have 
unrestricted access to the Chairman, 
management, the Joint Company 
Secretaries, and the external and 
internal auditors. Directors are entitled 
to seek independent professional advice 
on any matter pertaining to the 
Company and the Group, at the 
Company’s expense.

The Board considers and satisfies itself, 
on an annual basis, of the qualifications, 
experience and arm’s length relationship 
between the Company Secretaries and 
the Board.

Board meetings are held on a regular 
basis, at least quarterly, and all directors 
participate in the key areas of decision-
making.

Role of the Executive Chairman
There is a clear distinction between the 
roles of the Executive Chairman and 
the Chief Executive Officer. The 
Executive Chairman is responsible for 
ensuring the integrity and effectiveness 

of the Board and its committees, which 
includes:
•• providing overall leadership to the 

Board, without limiting the principle 
of collective responsibility for Board 
decisions

•• presiding over meetings of the Board 

and meetings of shareholders

•• acting as facilitator at Board meetings 
to ensure that no director, or group 
of directors, dominate the discussion, 
that sufficient debate takes place, 
that the opinions of all directors 
relevant to the subject under 
discussion are solicited and expressed 
freely, that conflicts of interests 
are managed and that Board 
discussions lead to appropriate 
decisions

•• actively participating in the selection 
of Board members and overseeing a 
formal succession plan for the Board 
and certain senior management 
appointments

•• encouraging collegiality among 

Board members and management 
while at the same time maintaining 
an arm’s length relationship

•• mentoring to enhance directors’ 
confidence, especially new or 
inexperienced directors and 
encouraging them to make an active 
contribution at meetings.

The Chairman’s performance is 
appraised by the non-executive directors 
on an annual or such other basis as the 
Board may determine.

Role of the Chief Executive Officer
The Board’s authority conferred on 
management is delegated through the 
Chief Executive Officer and the authority 
and accountability of management is 
accordingly considered to be the 
authority and accountability of the 
Chief Executive Officer.

The Chief Executive Officer provides 
executive leadership and is accountable 
to the Board for the implementation 
of strategies, objectives and decisions 
within the framework of the delegated 
authorities, values and policies of the 
Company, which includes:
•• recommending or appointing the 
executive members and ensuring 
proper succession planning and 
performance appraisals

•• developing the Company’s strategy 
and vision for Board consideration 
and approval

•• developing and recommending 

annual business plans and budgets 
that support the Company’s long-
term strategy to the Board

•• monitoring and reporting to the 

Board on performance against and
•• conforming with strategic imperatives
•• ensuring that the Company has 

appropriate management structures 
and a management team to 
effectively carry out the Company’s 
objectives, strategy and business plans

•• ensuring that the assets of the 

Company are properly maintained 
and safeguarded and not 
unnecessarily placed at risk

•• setting the tone from the top in 
providing ethical leadership and 
creating an ethical environment and 
not causing or permitting any 
decision, internal or external practice 
or activity by the Company that may 
be contrary to commonly accepted 
business practice, good corporate 
governance or professional ethics
•• acting as the chief spokesperson of 

the Company.

The non-executive directors monitor and 
evaluate the Chief Executive Officer in 
achieving the approved targets and 
objectives and the results of such 
evaluation are considered by the 
Remuneration Committee to guide it 
in its appraisal of the performance and 
remuneration of the Chief Executive 
Officer.

Role of the lead independent 
director
The lead independent director chairs the 
Nomination Committee, Safety, Health 
and Environment Committee and Social 
and Ethics Committee, facilitates 
meetings of the non-executive directors 
and is a member of the Audit, 
Remuneration, Risk and New Business 
Committees. He acts as a sounding 
board to the Executive Chairman and 
the Chief Executive Officer and leads the 
non-executive directors in the appraisal 
of the Executive Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer. He provides leadership 
and advice to the Board when the 
Executive Chairman has a conflict of 
interest, without detracting from the 
authority of the Executive Chairman.

He acts as an intermediary for the other 
Board members and shareholders with 
regard to concerns that have not been 
resolved through the normal channels.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  71

Board of directors
> Corporate governance
King IV application
Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

Role of the non-executive directors
The non-executive directors bring 
diverse experience and expertise to the 
Board. They are required to have a clear 
understanding of the Group’s strategy 
and must be sufficiently familiar with 
the Group’s businesses to be effective 
contributors to the development of the 
Group’s strategy and identification and 
monitoring of risks faced by the Group. 
Non-executive directors are required to 
have sufficient time to perform their 
duties as directors and to make a 
meaningful contribution. They should 
be prepared to question and challenge 
the opinions of executive directors and 
provide fresh insight into the Group’s 
strategic direction. Non-executive 
directors assess the performance of the 
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer and serve on various Board 
committees. Non-executive directors 
meet without the presence of the 
executive directors at least twice a year.

Board appointments
Members of the Board are appointed by 
the Company’s shareholders. The Board 
also has the power to appoint directors, 
subject to such appointments being 
approved by shareholders at the next 
annual general meeting (‘AGM’) 
following such appointment. Pursuant 
to the terms of the Board Charter, 
appointments to the Board are made 
on recommendation of the Nomination 
Committee. A formal policy detailing 
the procedures for appointments 
to the Board has been adopted by 
the Company.

Non-executive directors are required to 
be individuals of calibre and credibility, 
be independent of management and 
possess the necessary skills and expertise 
to bring judgement to bear on issues 
of strategy, performance, resources, 
diversity, standards of conduct and 
evaluation of performance.

Directors are required to conduct 
themselves, at all times, in a professional 
manner, having due regard to their 
fiduciary duties and responsibilities 
to the Company and to ensure that 
sufficient time is made available to 
devote to their duties as Board 
members. Directors are further required 
to be diligent in discharging their duties 
to the Company, seek to acquire 
sufficient knowledge of the business 
of the Company and endeavour to keep 

abreast of changes and trends in the 
business environment and markets in 
which the Company operates, in order 
to be able to provide meaningful 
direction to the Company’s business 
activities and operations.

Director induction
Upon appointment, all new directors are 
provided with induction materials to 
familiarise them with the Group’s 
operations, business environment, 
executive management and to induct 
them in their fiduciary duties and 
responsibilities. The induction 
programme would typically involve an 
information pack comprising, inter alia, 
the Group structure, a list of the top 
shareholders, Board packs and minutes 
of previous Board meetings, annual and 
interim reports, Articles of Association, 
the Board Charter, committee terms of 
reference, information on directors and 
officers’ insurance, a guide to the JSE 
Listings Requirements and a 
memorandum on dealings in securities, 
market abuse and insider trading. 
Periodic site visits are arranged for 
existing and new non-executive directors 
to improve their understanding of the 
Group’s operations.

Retirement by rotation and 
re-election of directors
In accordance with the Company’s 
Articles of Association, one-third of 
non-executive directors must retire from 
office at each AGM. The non-executive 
directors retiring at each AGM will be 
those directors who have been the 
longest serving since their last election. 
Retiring directors are eligible for 
re-election, and if so re-elected, are 
deemed to not have vacated their office. 
Executive directors are not subject to 
retirement by rotation. Accordingly, 
David Salter and Antonios Djakouris will 
be retiring by rotation at the upcoming 
AGM, and being eligible, will be 
available for re-election. 

In terms of the Company’s Articles of 
Association, any directors appointed 
by the Board during the course of the 
financial year, shall hold office only 
until the next AGM of the Company 
following their appointment and shall 
then retire and be eligible for election. 
Having been appointed during the 
financial year under review, Zhong Liang 
Hong has made himself available for 
election. A brief curriculum vitae of 

each director standing for election 
or re-election appears on pages 66 
and 67.

Board support for election or re-election 
is not automatic. The Nomination 
Committee assesses the composition of 
the Board and performance of individual 
Board members on an annual basis prior 
to recommending any directors for 
election or re-election by shareholders at 
the AGM. Upon recommendation by the 
Nomination Committee, the Board 
makes a determination as to whether 
it will endorse a director standing for 
election or re-election. Having assessed 
the performance of the directors 
standing for election, it is the 
recommendation of the Board that 
Zhong Liang Hong be elected, and 
David Salter and Antonios Djakouris 
re-elected. 

Board meetings
The Board meets at least four times per 
year and at such other times as may be 
required. The Board met four times 
during the year under review.

Board committees
Certain responsibilities are reserved for 
the Board, while others are delegated to 
Board committees, each with formal 
mandates and terms of reference, 
without reducing the individual and 
collective responsibilities of Board 
members’ overall fiduciary duties and 
responsibilities. The terms of reference 
of each Board committee determines, 
inter alia, the composition, purpose, 
scope of mandate, and powers and 
duties of the committee. Board 
committees provide feedback to 
the Board through reports by their 
respective chairmen and provide the 
Board with copies of minutes of 
committee meetings. All directors are 
welcome to join meetings of Board 
committees they are not members of. 
Terms of reference of the various 
committees are compliant with the 
provisions of the Company’s Articles 
of Association and the JSE Listings 
Requirements. The terms of reference 
are reviewed on a regular basis and are 
available on the Company’s website. 
All committees have satisfied their 
responsibilities in compliance with their 
respective terms of reference during the 
year under review. 

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCE 72

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

The Company’s Board committees are constituted as follows:

Audit Committee

Chairman

Antonios Djakouris

Risk Committee

Antonios Djakouris

Nomination Committee

David Salter

Remuneration Committee

Antonios Djakouris

Safety, Health and Environment Committee

David Salter

Social and Ethics Committee

David Salter

New Business Committee

Roger Davey

Members

David Salter
Omar Kamal
Carol Bell

Loucas Pouroulis
Phoevos Pouroulis
Michael Jones
David Salter
Omar Kamal
Carol Bell
Joanna Cheng
Roger Davey
Zhong Liang Hong 

Loucas Pouroulis
Antonios Djakouris

David Salter
Carol Bell
Roger Davey

Antonios Djakouris
Carol Bell
Roger Davey

Antonios Djakouris
Omar Kamal
Carol Bell
Phoevos Pouroulis

David Salter
Carol Bell
Loucas Pouroulis
Phoevos Pouroulis

By invitation

CFO
CEO 

COO
Group Executive: Legal 

CEO

CEO
CFO

CEO
COO

CFO
COO

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, which must 
comprise at least three independent 
non-executive directors, is chaired by 
Antonios Djakouris, an independent 
non-executive director. Other members 
of the Audit Committee are David Salter, 
Omar Kamal and Carol Bell, all 
independent non-executive directors. 
The Board is satisfied that the members 
of the committee have the appropriate 
mix of qualifications and experience in 
order to fulfil their responsibilities 
appropriately. The Group’s independent 
external auditor, independent internal 
auditors, Chief Finance Officer and 
Chief Executive Officer attend 
Committee meetings by invitation. 
The Audit Committee meets with the 
internal and external auditor, without 
any executive directors being present.

Both the internal and external auditors 
have unrestricted access to the 
Chairman of the Committee and to 
the Chairman of the Board.

The Audit Committee provides the 
Board with additional assurance 
regarding the quality and reliability of 
financial information used by the Board 
and the financial statements of the 
Group. The committee reviews the 
internal and financial control systems, 
accounting systems and reporting and 
internal audit functions. It liaises with 
the Group’s external auditor and 
monitors compliance with legal 
requirements.

Furthermore, the Audit Committee 
assesses the performance of financial 
management, approves external audit 
fees and budgets, monitors non-audit 
services provided by the external auditor 
against an approved policy and ensures 
that management addresses any 
identified internal control weakness. In 
addition, the Audit Committee oversees 
the integrated reporting process, risk 
management systems, information 

technology risks (as they relate to 
financial reporting), the Group’s 
whistleblowing arrangements and 
policies and procedures for preventing 
corrupt behaviour and detecting fraud 
and bribery.

The committee has unrestricted access 
to all Company and Group information 
and may seek information from any 
employee. The committee may also 
consult external professional advisers in 
executing its duties.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee 
is required to report to the Board after 
each meeting of the Committee and 
the minutes of meetings of the Audit 
Committee are provided to the Board.

For more information on the activities 
of the committee during the year under 
review, refer to the Report of the Audit 
Committee on page 96.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  73

Board of directors
> Corporate governance
King IV application
Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is satisfied as to 
the appropriateness of the expertise of 
Michael Jones, the Chief Finance Officer. 
The appropriateness of the expertise 
and experience of the Chief Finance 
Officer is considered on an annual basis.

The Audit Committee meets as often 
as is deemed necessary, but is required 
to meet at least twice a year. The 
committee met six times during the 
year under review.

Risk Committee
Control of the complete process of risk 
management, the evaluation of its 
effectiveness and approval of 
recommended risk management 
and internal control strategies, systems 
and procedures are key Board 
responsibilities. For this reason, the Risk 
Committee comprises the entire Board 
and is chaired by Antonios Djakouris.

The Risk Committee reviews 
management reports on the adequacy 
and effectiveness of the Group’s 
operational risk management functions, 
ensures compliance with the Group’s 
risk management policies and reviews 
the adequacy of the Group’s insurance 
coverage.

During the year under review, the 
committee conducted a high-level 
review of the residual risks identified by 
management following a facilitated risk 
assessment workshop and subsequent 
business risk reviews undertaken at 
operating subsidiary level. It continues 
to monitor progress made by risk 
owners in identifying mitigating factors, 
performing gap analyses and 
implementing additional mitigating 
measures where required. In addition, 
the Risk Committee identifies reviews 
and evaluates non-operational and 
strategic risks impacting on the 
Company and the Group on an ongoing 
basis. The Risk Committee meets as 
often as is deemed necessary and met 
twice during the year under review.

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee is chaired 
by David Salter, the lead independent 
director. Other members of the 
Nomination Committee are Antonios 
Djakouris, an independent non-
executive director, and Loucas Pouroulis, 
the Executive Chairman. Loucas 
Pouroulis is entitled to participate and 
contribute to the Nomination 

Committee, but is not entitled to vote 
on any matter before the Nomination 
Committee. In the event of a tied vote, 
David Salter has a casting vote. The 
Chief Executive Officer, Phoevos 
Pouroulis, attends meetings by 
invitation, if required.

The Nomination Committee ensures 
that the procedures for appointments to 
the Board are formal and transparent by 
making recommendations to the Board 
on all new Board appointments in 
accordance with the Company’s policy 
for Board appointments. It does so by 
regularly evaluating the Board 
performance, undertaking performance 
appraisals of the Chairman and 
directors, evaluating the effectiveness 
of Board committees and making 
recommendations to the Board. The 
Nomination Committee also considers 
and approves the Board succession 
plans.

The work of the Nomination Committee 
during the year followed both its terms 
of reference and established good 
practice in corporate governance. 
The committee conducted a review of 
the structure, size and composition of 
the Board, with specific emphasis on 
skills, knowledge, independence and 
diversity of the Board members. The 
Nomination Committee recommended 
the appointment of Zhong Liang Hong 
to the Board. 

The committee also considered the 
independence of non-executive 
directors. Consideration was given, 
among others, as to whether the 
individual non-executive directors are 
sufficiently independent of the 
Company so as to effectively carry out 
their responsibilities as directors, 
whether they are independent in 
judgement and character and that there 
are no conflicts of interest in the form 
of contracts, relationships, shareholding, 
remuneration, employment or related-
party disclosures that could affect 
their independence.

The committee determined that 
David Salter, Antonios Djakouris, 
Omar Kamal, Carol Bell and 
Roger Davey are independent. 
Joanna Cheng and Zhong Liang Hong 
are not considered independent due 
to their association with significant 
shareholders.

The Nomination Committee met twice 
during the year under review.

Remuneration Committee
All members of the Remuneration 
Committee are independent non-
executive directors. The committee is 
chaired by Antonios Djakouris and other 
members of the committee are 
David Salter, Carol Bell and Roger Davey. 
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Finance Officer are invited to attend 
meetings of the committee to make 
presentations, except when their own 
remuneration is under consideration.

The Remuneration Committee considers 
the remuneration framework of the 
Executive Chairman, Chief Executive 
Officer, Chief Finance Officer and other 
members of the executive management 
of the Company and its subsidiaries, 
with reference to local and international 
benchmarks.

The committee also considers bonuses, 
which are discretionary and based 
upon general economic variables, the 
performance of the Company and 
each individual’s performance against 
personalised key performance 
indicators, allocations in terms of the 
Group’s incentive schemes and certain 
other employee benefits and schemes.

During the year, the committee 
reviewed various aspects of the Group’s 
remuneration structure, including 
executive salaries, performance-based 
remuneration schemes and the Share 
Award Plan. The committee is satisfied 
with the prevailing policies, 
remuneration and structure.

The committee met three times during 
the year under review.

The remuneration report may be found 
on pages 88 to 93 of this Annual 
Report. 

Safety, Health and Environment 
Committee
All members of the committee are 
independent non-executive directors. 
The committee is chaired by David Salter 
and other members are Antonios 
Djakouris, Carol Bell and Roger Davey. 
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Operating Officer attend the meeting 
by invitation.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCE 74

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

The Safety, Health and Environment 
Committee develops and reviews the 
Group’s framework, policies and 
guidelines on safety, health and 
environmental management, monitors 
key indicators on accidents and 
incidents and considers developments 
in relevant safety, health and 
environmental practices and regulations.

The committee met four times during 
the year under review.

Social and Ethics Committee
As required by the JSE Listings 
Requirements, the Board established 
a Social and Ethics Committee. The 
committee is chaired by David Salter 
and other members are Antonios 
Djakouris, Omar Kamal, Carol Bell 
and Phoevos Pouroulis.

The committee’s objective is, inter alia, 
to assist the Board in ensuring that 
the Company and the other entities in 
the Group are and remain committed, 
socially responsible corporate citizens 
by creating a sustainable business and 
having regard to the Company’s 
economic, social and environmental 
impact on the communities in which it 
operates, which among others, include 
public safety, HIV/Aids, environmental 
management, corporate social 
investment, consumer relationships, 
labour and employment, the promotion 
of equality and ethics management.

The committee has an independent 
role with accountability to both the 
Board and the Company’s shareholders. 
The committee does not assume the 
functions of management of the 
Company. These functions remain 
the responsibility of the Company’s 
executive directors, executive 
management and senior managers.

It is the committee’s responsibility to 
monitor the Group’s activities, having 
regard to any relevant legislation, other 
legal requirements or prevailing codes 
of best practice, with regard to matters 
relating to, among others, the following:
(i)  Social and economic development, 

focusing on:
•• the Company’s standing in terms 
of the goals and purposes of 
the 10 United Nations Global 
Compact Principles, among 
others:
 – upholding and respecting 

human rights

 – fair labour practices, which 
include the freedom of 
association, right to collective 
bargaining and the elimination 
of forced labour, child labour 
and discrimination
 – promotion of greater 

responsibility toward the 
environment

 – prevention of bribery and 

corruption

•• the Organisation for Economic 

Co-operation and Development’s 
recommendations regarding 
corruption

•• the Equator Principles
•• the Employment Equity Act and 
the Broad-Based Black Economic 
Empowerment Act, applicable 
to South African subsidiaries.

(ii)  Good corporate citizenship and the 
impact of the Group’s activities and 
of its products or services on the 
environment, health and public 
safety and the Company’s 
employment relationships and 
its contribution toward the 
educational development of its 
employees. In order to ensure that 
Tharisa is seen to be a responsible 
corporate citizen, the committee 
oversees and monitors, on an 
ongoing basis, the consequences 
of the Group’s activities and 
outputs on:
•• the workplace, by ensuring 
employment equity, fair 
remuneration, safety, health, 
dignity and development of 
employees and the Group’s 
standing in relation to 
the International Labour 
Organisation Protocol on decent 
work and working conditions

•• the economy, by working 

towards economic 
transformation

•• the prevention, detection and 

response to fraud and corruption

•• society, by upholding public 
health and safety, consumer 
protection, community 
development and protection 
of human rights

•• the environment, by ensuring 
the prevention of pollution, 
minimising waste disposal and 
protecting biodiversity.

(iii)  Ethical leadership and ethical 

behaviour, by reviewing the 
Company’s Code of Ethics and 
making recommendations to the 
Board for approval, reviewing 
results of whistleblowing activities, 
reviewing significant cases of 
employee conflicts of interest, 
misconduct or fraud, or any other 
unethical activity by employees or 
the Company and ensuring that 
the Company’s ethics performance 
is assessed, monitored, reported 
and disclosed.

The committee meets as often as it 
deems necessary but in any case at least 
once a year and at such other times as 
determined. The committee met once 
during the year under review.

New Business Committee
The New Business Committee is 
responsible for the investigation and 
assessment of new projects and business 
opportunities, particularly from a 
strategic, technical and operational 
point of view, and the identification of 
project-related risks, and safety, health 
and environmental risks. The committee 
is not authorised to approve individual 
projects or investments or commit the 
Company, but works with executive 
management to review and evaluate 
new business opportunities and 
initiatives and make recommendations 
to the Board for approval. The 
committee has the right of access 
to management and/or external 
consultants and the right to seek 
additional information or explanations.

The committee is chaired by 
Roger Davey and other members are 
David Salter, Carol Bell, Loucas Pouroulis 
and Phoevos Pouroulis. Michael Jones 
attends meetings as a permanent 
invitee.

Meetings of the committee will be held 
as often as necessary to undertake its 
role effectively. The committee met four 
times during the year under review.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  75

Board of directors
> Corporate governance
King IV application
Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

Attendance at meetings
Attendance at Board and committee meetings is set out below:

Board

Audit 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Risk 
Committee

SHE 
Committee

Social and 
Ethics 
Committee

New 
Business 
Committee

4

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
2

6

–
6#
6#
6
6
6
6
–
1#
–

2

1
–
–
2
2
–
1#
–
2#
–

3

–
3#
3#
3
3
–
2
–
3
–

2

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1

4

–
4#
–
4
4
1#
2
–
4
–

1

–
–
–
1
1
1
1
–
–
–

4

4
4
4#
4
3#
2#
4
1#
4
–

Director

Number of meetings held

Loucas Pouroulis
Phoevos Pouroulis
Michael Jones
David Salter
Antonios Djakouris
Omar Kamal
Carol Bell
Joanna Cheng
Roger Davey
Zhong Liang Hong*

* Appointed 1 April 2018
# By invitation

Joint Group Company Secretaries
The role of the Joint Group Company 
Secretaries is, inter alia, to provide 
guidance and advice to the Board with 
respect to matters relating to the JSE 
Listings Requirements, the LSE Listings 
Rules, Disclosure and Transparency 
Rules, Cyprus Companies Law, King IV, 
market abuse laws and regulations and 
other corporate governance-related 
matters. In addition to their statutory 
duties, the Company Secretaries provide 
individual directors, the Board as a 
whole, and the various committees with 
guidance as to the manner in which 
their responsibilities should be 
discharged in the best interests of 
the Group.

The appointment and removal of the 
Company Secretaries are matters 
reserved for the Board as a whole.

Sanet Findlay is a full-time employee 
within the Group and based in 
South Africa. She holds a Bachelor 
of Science and a Bachelor of Law, 
a CIS professional post-graduate 
qualification: Company Secretarial and 
Governance Practice and is an Associate 
member of the Chartered Secretaries 
Southern Africa (2003). She has 
experience as a Group Company 
Secretary of JSE and LSE listed 
companies since 2009. She is not 
a director of Tharisa or any of its 
subsidiaries and maintains an arm’s 
length relationship with the Board.

Lysandros Lysandrides holds a Bachelor 
of Laws and a post-graduate diploma in 
Legal Practice (UK). He is an associate 
member of the Institute of Chartered 
Secretaries and Administrators (UK), a 
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of 
Legal Executives (UK) and a registered 
practising Cyprus attorney at law. He 
has experience as Company Secretary 
and legal adviser to companies listed on 
the LSE and CSE. Lysandros is appointed 
as an external adviser to Tharisa and its 
Cyprus subsidiaries and maintains an 
arm’s length relationship with the Board.

The Board formally assessed and 
considered the performance and 
qualifications of the Company 
Secretaries and is satisfied that the 
Company Secretaries are competent, 
suitably qualified and experienced. 

Board evaluation
The Nomination Committee, under 
leadership of the lead independent 
director, conducts an evaluation of 
the performance of the Board, its 
committees, the Executive Chairman, 
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Finance 
Officer, the Joint Company Secretaries 
and the performance and contribution 
of the individual non-executive directors. 
The Board committees conduct a 
self-evaluation against their respective 

terms of reference and each individual 
Board member is evaluated by fellow 
Board members using an evaluation 
questionnaire. The results of the 
evaluation process are considered by the 
Nomination Committee prior to their 
presentation to the Board. Results and 
any identified training requirements are 
discussed with individual directors if 
deemed necessary. Board evaluations 
are performed on an annual or bi-annual 
basis. An extensive evaluation was 
conducted during the year.

Conflicts of interest
Disclosure of other directorships, 
personal financial interests and any 
other conflicts of interest, and those of 
related persons, in any matter before 
the Board is a standing Board agenda 
item and a register is kept of all such 
disclosures. Directors recuse themselves 
from discussion on any matters in which 
they may have a conflict of interest. 
Non-executive directors are required 
to inform the Board of any proposed 
new directorships and the Board 
reserves the right to review such 
additional appointments to ensure that 
no conflict of interest would arise and to 
ensure that a director accepting a new 
appointment would be able to continue 
to fulfil his or her obligations as a 
member of the Board.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCE 76

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

Share dealing and insider trading
All directors of the Company and its 
major subsidiaries, senior executives, 
the Joint Company Secretaries and 
employees who, by virtue of their 
positions have access to financial and 
other price sensitive information, are 
regarded as insiders and are required, 
at all times, to obtain prior authorisation 
to deal in the Company’s shares.

Directors of the Company and its major 
subsidiaries and senior executives are 
reminded of their obligation to inform 
all their associates, as defined by the JSE 
Listings Requirements, and investment 
managers of the fact that dealings by 
the directors and their associates in 
Tharisa shares have to be preapproved 
and/or disclosed to the Company within 
the stipulated timeframe to facilitate 
release of the required announcements 
in terms of the JSE Listings 
Requirements. A similar requirement 
exists under the European Union’s 
Market Abuse Regulations for persons 
discharging managerial responsibilities 
and persons closely associated with 
them.

The Company’s directors, executives 
and employees who are classified as 
insiders are not permitted to deal in the 
Company’s shares during closed periods 
or when they are in possession of 
non-public information.

An appropriate communication is sent 
to all such employees alerting them 
that the Company is entering a closed 
period. Closed periods are observed 
as required by the JSE Listings 
Requirements, including the period 
from the end of the interim and annual 
financial reporting periods to the 
announcement of the financial results 
for the respective periods, and during 
periods that the Company is under a 
cautionary announcement. The EU 
Market Abuse Regulation stipulates for 
a closed period of 30 calendar days 
before announcement of the interim 
and/or annual results. The Company 
applies the longer duration in any given 
financial reporting period.

Succession planning
The Board, assisted by the Nomination 
Committee, is responsible for overseeing 
succession planning and ensuring that 
appropriate strategies are in place to 

ensure the smooth continuation of roles 
and responsibilities of members of the 
Board and senior management.

Compliance
Compliance with financial reporting 
requirements and accounting standards 
falls within the ambit of the Audit 
Committee. The Group’s statutory and 
regulatory compliance resides with the 
Legal, Risk and Compliance Officer and 
reports on compliance are presented 
to the Audit and Social and Ethics 
Committees. In addition to the formal 
authorisation processes required for 
dealings in the Company’s shares, 
the Group has various policies and 
procedures in place governing the 
declaration of interests, accepting and 
granting of gifts and an approved 
delegation of authorities matrix which 
governs the delegation of authority and 
value limits within the Group and 
ensures that all transactions are 
approved appropriately.

No incidents of non-compliance were 
identified and no significant penalties 
or regulatory censures were imposed on 
the Company or any of its subsidiaries 
during the year under review.

The Board is satisfied that the Company 
complied with the requirements of the 
JSE Listings Requirements pursuant to 
the Company’s primary listing on the 
JSE during the year under review. The 
Board also acknowledges the role and 
responsibilities of its JSE sponsor, 
Investec Bank Limited, and is of the 
opinion that the sponsor has discharged 
its responsibilities with due care during 
the period.

Information technology governance
The Board Charter commits the Board 
to assuming ultimate responsibility for 
ensuring that effective information 
technology (‘IT’) systems, internal 
control, auditing and compliance 
policies, procedures and processes are 
implemented in order to avoid or 
mitigate key IT-related business risks. 
The Board has delegated responsibility 
for the governing of IT to the Audit 
Committee. Assurance on the IT systems 
and processes is provided by the Group’s 
internal auditors and findings are 
reported to the Audit Committee, which 
ensures that any and all material 
findings are addressed appropriately.

External audit
Ernst & Young Cyprus Limited acts as 
external auditor to the Group and its 
independence is reviewed by the Audit 
Committee on an annual basis. The 
appointment of the external auditor 
was approved at the AGM on 
10 January 2018. The external auditor 
has unrestricted access to the Chairman 
of the Audit Committee.

Internal audit
The Company does not have an 
in-house independent internal audit 
function.

The Audit Committee reviews, on 
a regular basis, whether there is a 
need for an in-house internal audit 
function and makes the necessary 
recommendation to the Board. The 
Audit Committee is of the opinion that 
given the size and stage of development 
of the Company and the Group, an 
in-house internal audit function is not 
currently justified. The appointment of 
Deloitte as internal auditor for the 
Group is considered to sufficiently 
mitigate the risk of not having an 
in-house internal audit function.

Internal control systems
To meet the Company’s responsibility 
to provide reliable financial information, 
the Company maintains financial and 
operational systems of internal control. 
These controls are designed to provide 
reasonable assurance that transactions 
are concluded in accordance with 
management’s authority, that the assets 
are adequately protected against 
material losses, unauthorised 
acquisition, use or disposal and that 
transaction are properly authorised 
and recorded.

The systems include a documented 
organisational structure and division of 
responsibility, established policies and 
procedures, which are communicated 
throughout the Group, and the careful 
selection, training and development 
of people.

The Audit Committee monitors the 
operation of the internal control systems 
to determine whether there are 
deficiencies. Corrective actions are taken 
to address control deficiencies as they 
are identified. The Board, operating 
through the Audit Committee, oversees 
the financial reporting process and 
internal control systems.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  77

Board of directors
> Corporate governance
King IV application
Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

There are inherent limitations to the 
effectiveness of any system of internal 
control, including the possibility of 
human error and the circumvention 
or overriding of controls.

Code of Business Ethics and Conduct
The Group’s Code of Business Ethics 
and Conduct reaffirms the high 
standards of business conduct required 
of all employees, officers and directors 
of Tharisa. It forms part of the 
Company’s continuing effort to ensure 
that it complies with all applicable laws, 
to ensure that it has an effective 
programme to prevent and detect 
violations of law, and for the education 
and training of employees, officers and 
directors. In most circumstances, the 
code sets standards that are higher than 
the law requires and adherence to the 
code aims to preserve the confidence 
and support of the public and Tharisa’s 
shareholders.

Tharisa expects its employees, officers 
and directors to:
•• act with honesty, integrity and 

fairness in all dealings, both internally 
and externally

•• comply with all laws and regulations 

applicable to the Group

•• comply with Group policies and 

procedures

•• protect the health, safety and 

wellbeing of co-workers, suppliers 
and the communities in which the 
Group operates

•• protect the environment by prudent 
use of resources such as water and 
energy and to limit waste disposal 
by recycling

•• protect and not disclose Tharisa’s 

confidential information

•• avoid any potential conflicts of private 

interests with the interests of the 
Group, including but not limited to 
improper communications with 
competitors or suppliers regarding 
bids for contracts, having close 
relationships with contractors or 
suppliers, involvement with any other 
businesses that have interests adverse 
to Tharisa, interests in Tharisa or 
compete with Tharisa

•• not give or accept gifts, gratuities, 
or hospitality from customers or 
suppliers of inappropriate value, that 
could incur obligations or that could 
influence judgement

•• avoid any situations or relationships 

that could interfere with an 
individual’s ability to make decisions 
in Tharisa’s best interests

•• to act in a courteous, dignified and 

respectful manner when dealing with 
co-workers and third parties and to 
refrain from discriminatory, harassing 
or bullying behaviour, whether 
expressed verbally, in gesture or 
through behaviour.

Furthermore, it is Tharisa’s policy not 
to discriminate against any employee 
on the basis of race, religion, national 
origin, language, gender, sexual 
orientation, HIV status, age, political 
affiliation or physical or other disability. 
Tharisa desires to create a challenging 
and supportive environment where 
individual contributions and teamwork 
are highly valued. In order to establish 
such an environment, all individuals are 
expected to support this policy of 
non-discrimination and the equal 
employment opportunity policies.

Modern slavery and human 
trafficking
Tharisa has a zero tolerance approach 
to any form of modern slavery and is 
committed to ensuring that there is no 
slavery or human trafficking in its supply 
chain or in any part of its business. 
Modern slavery encapsulates slavery, 
servitude and forced or compulsory 
labour. Tharisa acts ethically and with 
integrity in all business dealings and has 
the necessary systems and controls in 
place to safeguard against any form of 
transgression of human rights. Tharisa 
will continue to raise awareness of 
human rights among its employees, 
suppliers and the communities in which 
it operates.

Anti-bribery and corruption policy
Tharisa is committed to doing business 
ethically. Tharisa does not tolerate 
corruption, fraud and bribery and does 
not allow donations to any political 
parties by any of its operations. The 
Group’s anti-corruption policy is built 
into its Code of Business Ethics and 
Conduct and outlines potential risks, 
steps to mitigate the risk of bribery and 
corruption, together with a reporting 
guideline. All employees, suppliers and 
other associated persons are made 
aware of these policies and procedures 
with regard to ethical behaviour, 
business conduct and transparency.

Independent anonymous safety and 
ethics hotline
The Group has a zero tolerance 
approach to safety transgressions, theft, 
fraud, corruption, violation of the law 
and unethical business practices by 
employees or suppliers.

A 24-hour independent anonymous 
safety and ethics hotline monitored by 
an independent external party is fully 
operational and facilitates the reporting 
and resolution of safety and ethical 
violations. This confidential and 
anonymous hotline provides an impartial 
facility for employees, service providers, 
customers and other stakeholders to 
report any safety or ethics-related 
matter such as safety concerns, unsafe 
behaviour and practices, hazardous 
conditions, fraudulent activity, 
corruption, statutory malpractice, 
financial and accounting reporting 
irregularities and other deviations from 
safe and ethical behaviour. It is the duty 
of the Audit Committee to ensure that 
arrangements are in place for the 
independent investigation of such 
matters and appropriate follow-up 
action. No action will be taken against 
anyone reporting legitimate concerns, 
even if there is no proven unlawful 
conduct.

Investor relations
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Finance Officer, supported by the 
Investor Relations function, interact with 
institutional investors on a regular basis 
on the performance of the Group 
through presentations and scheduled 
meetings. The Company also 
participates in selected international 
conferences and conducts roadshows 
internationally.

A wide range of information and 
documents, including copies of 
presentations given to investors, 
Annual Reports and notices of 
shareholder meetings, are made 
available on the Company’s website 
www.tharisa.com on an ongoing basis.

Shareholders are encouraged to visit 
the investors’ section of the website 
frequently to be kept informed of the 
corporate timetable, including dates for 
the AGMs, forms of proxy and relevant 
shareholder information relating 
thereto.

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KING IV  
APPLICATION

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Leadership, ethics and corporate citizenship

1.  Leadership

The governing body should lead 
ethically and effectively 

Integrity
The Board is guided in all matters by the Board Charter, which sets out its role 
and responsibilities. The Board subscribes to, and promotes the highest standards 
of integrity and good corporate governance, itself acting ethically and setting the 
tone for an ethical organisational culture. The Board’s ethical approach is further 
strengthened by the diverse experience of its non-executive directors, the majority 
of whom are independent.

Disclosure of other directorships, personal financial interests and any other conflicts 
of interest, and those of related persons, in any matter before the Board is a standing 
Board agenda item and a register is kept of all such disclosures. Directors recuse 
themselves from discussion on any matters in which they may have a conflict of 
interest.

The values and principles of Tharisa are defined in the Company’s Code of Business 
Ethics and Conduct, which seeks to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and 
regulations, in a manner that is beyond reproach.

The Social and Ethics Committee assists the Board by monitoring ethical leadership 
and ethical behaviour, by reviewing the Company’s Code of Ethics and making 
recommendations to the Board for approval, reviewing results of whistleblowing 
activities, reviewing significant cases of employee conflicts of interest, misconduct or 
fraud, or any other unethical activity by employees or the Company and ensuring 
that the Company’s ethics performance is assessed, monitored, reported and 
disclosed.

Competence
Upon appointment, all new directors are provided with induction materials to 
familiarise them with the Group’s operations, business environment and members 
of executive management. Periodic site visits are arranged for existing and new 
non-executive directors to improve their understanding of the Group’s operations.

Directors are required to be diligent in discharging their duties to the Company, 
seek to acquire sufficient knowledge of the business of the Company and endeavour 
to keep abreast of changes and trends in the business environment and markets 
in which the Company operates, in order to be able to provide meaningful direction 
to the Company’s business activities and operations.

The Nomination Committee, under leadership of the lead independent director, 
conducts an evaluation of the effectiveness and performance of the Board, its 
committees, and individual directors. Results and any identified training requirements 
are discussed with individual directors if deemed necessary.

Responsibility
The Board is responsible for control of the Company and the strategic direction of 
the Group. The Board exercises such control through the governance framework of 
the Board and its committees. The Board Charter contains a list of matters reserved 
for the Board.

The non-executive directors bring diverse experience and expertise to the Board. 
They are required to have a clear understanding of the Group’s strategy and must 
be sufficiently familiar with the Group’s businesses to be effective contributors to 
the development of the Group’s strategy and identification and monitoring of risks 
faced by the Group. Non-executive directors are required to have sufficient time 
to perform their duties as directors and to make a meaningful contribution. They 
should be prepared to question and challenge the opinions of executive directors 
and provide fresh insight into the Group’s strategic direction.

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Board of directors
Corporate governance
> King IV application
Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Leadership, ethics and corporate citizenship continued

1.  Leadership continued

The governing body should lead 
ethically and effectively

Accountability
Certain responsibilities are reserved for the Board, while others are delegated 
to Board committees, each with formal mandates and terms of reference. This 
delegation, however, does not reduce the individual and collective responsibilities 
of Board members’ overall fiduciary duties and responsibilities. 

2.  Organisational ethics

 The governing body should govern the 
ethics of the organisation in a way that 
supports the establishment of an 
ethical culture

Fairness and transparency
The Board is the ultimate custodian of the governance framework, which commits 
the Company and its representatives to act according to the highest standards of 
fairness, accountability, responsibility, transparency, ethics and sustainability. The 
Board ensures that the Group is, and is seen to be, a responsible corporate citizen, 
by having regard not only to the financial aspects of the business of the Group, but 
also the impact that the business operations have on the environment and the 
society in which it operates.

The Board Charter outlines the Board’s effective management of ethics. The Group’s 
Code of Business Ethics and Conduct reaffirms the high standards of business 
conduct required of all employees, officers and directors of Tharisa. In most 
circumstances, the Code sets standards that are higher than the law requires. 

A 24-hour safety and ethics hotline, monitored by an independent external party, 
facilitates the detection and resolution of safety and ethics violations. This 
confidential and anonymous hotline provides an impartial facility for employees, 
service providers, customers and other stakeholders to report any safety or ethics-
related matter such as safety concerns, unsafe behaviour and practices, hazardous 
conditions, fraudulent activity, corruption, statutory malpractice, financial and 
accounting reporting irregularities and other deviations from safe and ethical 
behaviour. The Audit Committee ensures that arrangements are in place for the 
independent investigation of such matters and appropriate follow-up action.

3.  Responsible corporate citizenship

The governing body should ensure 
that the organisation is and is seen to 
be a responsible corporate citizen

The Board Charter outlines the Board’s responsibilities in this regard. Tharisa is 
committed to the promotion of sound safety, health and environmental practices in 
order to protect, enhance and invest in the wellbeing of the economy, society and 
the environment.

The Board focuses on these matters through its Risk, Safety, Health and Environment 
and Social and Ethics committees.

The Social and Ethics Committee assists the Board by monitoring the Group’s 
activities relating to good corporate citizenship and the impact of the Group’s 
activities and of its products or services on the environment, health and public safety, 
the Company’s employment relationships and its contribution toward the educational 
development of its employees. In order to ensure that Tharisa is seen to be a 
responsible corporate citizen, the committee oversees and monitors, on an ongoing 
basis, the consequences of the Group’s activities and outputs on:
•• the workplace, by ensuring employment equity, fair remuneration, safety, health, 
dignity and development of employees and the Group’s standing in relation to 
the International Labour Organisation Protocol on decent work and working 
conditions

•• the economy, by working towards economic transformation
•• the prevention, detection and response to fraud and corruption
•• society, by upholding public health and safety, consumer protection, community 

development and protection of human rights and

•• the environment, by ensuring the prevention of pollution, minimising waste 

disposal and protecting biodiversity.

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KING IV  
APPLICATION CONTINUED

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Strategy, performance and reporting

4.  Strategy and performance

 The governing body should appreciate 
that the organisation’s core purpose, 
its risks and opportunities, strategy, 
business model, performance and 
sustainable development are all 
inseparable elements of the value 
creation purpose 

5.  Reporting

 The governing body should ensure 
that reports issued by the organisation 
enable stakeholders to make informed 
assessments of the organisation’s 
performance, and its short, medium 
and long-term prospects

Governing structures and delegation

6. 

 Primary role and responsibilities 
of the governing body 
 The governing body should serve as 
the focal point and custodian of 
corporate governance in the 
organisation

The Board recognises that strategy, risk, performance and sustainability are 
inseparable. The Board is responsible for aligning the strategic objectives, vision and 
mission of the Group with performance and sustainability considerations. The Board 
reviews and approves Group strategy, ensuring alignment with the purpose of the 
Company, key value drivers, sustainability and legitimate interests and expectations 
of stakeholders.

In terms of the Board Charter, approval of the strategy, business plans and annual 
budgets and any subsequent material changes in strategic direction or material 
deviations in business plans and/or annual budgets are matters reserved for the 
Board.

The Chief Executive Officer provides executive leadership and is accountable to 
the Board for the implementation of strategies, objectives and decisions within 
the framework of the delegated authorities, values and policies of the Company, 
which include:
•• developing the Company’s strategy and vision for Board consideration 

and approval

•• developing and recommending annual business plans and budgets that support 

the Company’s long-term strategy to the Board

•• monitoring and reporting to the Board on performance against and conformance 

with strategic imperatives

•• ensuring that the Company has appropriate management structures and a 

management team to effectively carry out the Company’s objectives, strategy and 
business plans.

The Company has controls to ensure the integrity of the Annual Report. It is 
reviewed by the finance team, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Executive Officer, the Joint 
Company Secretaries, senior management, JSE sponsor, external auditor and the 
Audit Committee to ensure that the information is a true reflection of the Group’s 
activities, prior to approval by the Board.

The Board Charter sets out the Board’s responsibilities in relation to reporting and the 
following are matters reserved for the Board:
•• adoption of any material change to or departure from the accounting policies and 

practices of the Company and its subsidiaries

•• approval of annual financial statements and interim reports and of any ancillary 

documents related thereto.

The Board is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and 
believes that accountability, integrity, fairness, transparency and integrated thinking 
is essential to the Group’s long-term sustainability and to its ongoing ability to create 
value for investors and other stakeholders.

The Board is responsible for aligning the strategic objectives, vision and mission 
of the Group with performance and sustainability considerations. In terms of the 
Board Charter, approval of the strategy, business plans and annual budgets and any 
subsequent material changes in strategic direction or material deviations in business 
plans and/or annual budgets are matters reserved for the Board. The Board ensures 
that risks impacting the business are adequately examined and mitigated by 
management.

The Board, its committees and individual directors have unrestricted access to all 
Company and Group information, the Company Secretaries, and may also consult 
external professional advisers in executing their duties.

The number of meetings of the Board and its committees held and attendance 
thereat is set out in the Annual Report.

The Board is satisfied that it has fulfilled its responsibilities in accordance with the 
Board Charter during the financial year.

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Corporate governance
> King IV application
Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Governing structures and delegation continued

7. 

 Composition of the governing body
 The governing body should comprise 
an appropriate balance of knowledge, 
skills, experience, diversity and 
independence for it to discharge its 
governance role and responsibilities 
objectively and effectively

Composition
The unitary Board, which both leads and controls the Company, comprises three 
executive directors, being the Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Finance Officer, and seven non-executive directors. Five of the seven non-executive 
directors are independent of management. The Board is structured in such a way 
such that there is a clear balance of authority, ensuring that no one director has 
unfettered powers.

Size and composition of the Board
The size of the Board is regulated by the Company’s Articles of Association and 
directors are appointed through a formal process. The Nomination Committee assists 
with the process by identifying suitable candidates for appointment as directors. 
Directors are required to be individuals of calibre and credibility with the necessary 
skills and experience to bring judgement, independent of management, on issues of 
strategy, performance, resources, diversity, standards of conduct and evaluation of 
performance.

The Nomination Committee also assesses the structure and composition of the 
Board on an ongoing basis, taking into account the size of the Board and the 
knowledge, skills, experience and demographics of the directors to ensure it is 
appropriately diversified with regard to among others, gender, race, nationality, skills, 
geographic and industry experience, age, personalities and other characteristics of 
directors. Merit and diversity are the core considerations in ensuring that the Board 
and its committees have an appropriate blend of perspectives to effectively and 
competently discharge their duties having regard to the strategic direction 
of the Group. The Nomination Committee has adopted a Board level gender 
diversification policy without introducing a voluntary target. At present, the two 
female directors represent 20% of the total number of directors and 29% of the 
non-executive directors.

The Nomination Committee also reviews and assesses the composition of the Board 
on an annual basis prior to recommending any individual director for election or 
re-election by shareholders at the AGM.

Independence
As part of the assessment process, the Nomination Committee considers 
the relationship between executive and non-executive directors and makes 
recommendations to the Board. The Board believes that there is an appropriate 
balance between executive and non-executive directors and is satisfied that the 
current members of the Board collectively possess the skills, knowledge and 
experience required to effectively discharge the responsibilities of the Board to 
achieve the Group’s objectives, promote shareholder interests and to create value 
for stakeholders over the long term.

Periodic rotation and nomination for re-election
In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, one-third of non-executive 
directors must retire from office at each AGM. Retiring directors are eligible for 
re-election. Executive directors are not subject to retirement by rotation.

Board support for re-election is not automatic and directors who are seeking election 
or re-election are subject to a performance appraisal and the Board, upon 
recommendation by the Nomination Committee, makes a determination as to 
whether it will endorse a director standing for election or re-election.

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KING IV  
APPLICATION CONTINUED

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Governing structures and delegation continued

7. 

 Composition of the governing 
body continued
 The governing body should comprise 
an appropriate balance of knowledge, 
skills, experience, diversity and 
independence for it to discharge its 
governance role and responsibilities 
objectively and effectively

Succession planning
The Board, assisted by the Nomination Committee, is responsible for overseeing 
succession planning and ensuring that appropriate strategies are in place to ensure 
the smooth continuation of roles and responsibilities of members of the Board and 
senior management.

Induction and mentorship
Upon appointment, all new directors are provided with the necessary information to 
induct them in their fiduciary duties and responsibilities. In this respect, the induction 
programme typically includes Articles of Association, the Board Charter, committee 
terms of reference, information on directors and officers’ insurance, a guide to the 
JSE Listings Requirements and a memorandum on dealings in securities, market 
abuse and insider trading.

All directors, new and existing, have access to the Joint Company Secretaries for 
guidance as to the manner in which their responsibilities should be discharged in the 
best interests of the Group.

It is the Executive Chairman’s role to enhance directors’ confidence, especially new 
or inexperienced directors and to encourage them to make an active contribution 
at meetings and to undergo training if required.

Conflicts of interests
Disclosure of other directorships, personal financial interests and any other conflicts 
of interest, and those of related persons, in any matter before the Board is a standing 
Board agenda item and a register is kept of all such disclosures. Directors recuse 
themselves from discussion on any matters in which they may have a conflict of 
interest. Non-executive directors are required to inform the Board of any proposed 
new directorships and the Board reserves the right to review such additional 
appointments to ensure that no conflict of interest would arise and to ensure that a 
director accepting a new appointment would be able to continue to fulfil his or her 
obligations as a member of the Board.

Independence
The Nomination Committee considers the independence of non-executive directors. 
Consideration is given, among others, as to whether the individual non-executive 
directors are sufficiently independent of the Company so as to effectively carry out 
their responsibilities as directors, whether they are independent in judgement and 
character and that there are no conflicts of interest in the form of contracts, 
relationships, shareholding, remuneration, employment or related-party disclosures 
that could affect their independence.

Lead independent non-executive director
The lead independent director chairs the Nomination Committee, Safety, Health and 
Environment Committee and Social and Ethics Committee, facilitates meetings of the 
non-executive directors and is a member of the Audit, Remuneration, Risk and Social 
and Ethics committees. He acts as a sounding board to the Executive Chairman and 
the Chief Executive Officer and leads the non-executive directors in the appraisal of 
the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He provides leadership and 
advice to the Board when the Executive Chairman has a conflict of interest, without 
detracting from the authority of the Executive Chairman. He acts as an intermediary 
for the other Board members and shareholders with regard to concerns that have 
not been resolved through the normal channels.

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Board of directors
Corporate governance
> King IV application
Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Governing structures and delegation continued

8. 

 Committees of the governing body
 The governing body should ensure 
that its arrangements for delegation 
within its own structures promote 
independent judgement, and assist 
with balance of power and the 
effective discharge of its duties

The Board is assisted in fulfilling its duties by well-structured committees, namely 
the Audit Committee, Risk Committee, Remuneration Committee, Nomination 
Committee, Safety, Health and Environment Committee, Social and Ethics 
Committee and New Business Committee. These committees function according 
to the Board-approved terms of reference in executing their mandates for which the 
Board remains ultimately responsible. The terms of reference of all committees are 
available on the Company’s website.

9. 

 Evaluation of performance of the 
governing body
 The governing body should ensure 
that the evaluation of its own 
performance and that of its 
committees, its chair and its individual 
members, support continued 
improvement in its performance and 
effectiveness

10.   Appointment and delegation to 

management
 The governing body should ensure 
that the appointment of, and 
delegation to, management contribute 
to role clarity and the effective exercise 
of authority and responsibilities

The committees are appropriately constituted and all committees are empowered 
to obtain such external independent advice as may be required to enable them 
to discharge their duties. The majority of the directors on the committees are 
non-executive and independent.

Details of the various Board committees, their composition, role and responsibilities 
are set out in the Annual Report.

The Board and its committees conduct annual or bi-annual self-evaluation of the 
performance of the Board, its committees, the Executive Chairman, Chief Executive 
Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Joint Company Secretaries and individual directors. 
The results of the evaluations are reviewed and considered by the Nomination 
Committee, the Board and the respective committees. The lead independent director, 
assisted by the Joint Company Secretaries, coordinate the evaluation process.

Chief Executive Officer
The Board’s authority conferred on management is delegated through the Chief 
Executive Officer and the authority and accountability of management is accordingly 
considered to be the authority and accountability of the Chief Executive Officer. 
The Chief Executive Officer is the highest decision-making officer in the Group and 
is accountable to the Board for the successful implementation of the Group strategy 
and overall management of the Group.

In addition to the Chief Executive Officer’s responsibilities relating to the 
development and implementation of the Group strategy, he is responsible for:
•• recommending or appointing the executive members and ensuring proper 

succession planning and performance appraisals

•• ensuring that the assets of the Company are properly maintained and safeguarded 

and not unnecessarily placed at risk

•• setting the tone from the top in providing ethical leadership and creating an 
ethical environment and not causing or permitting any decision, internal or 
external practice or activity by the Company that may be contrary to commonly 
accepted business practice, good corporate governance or professional ethics

•• acting as the chief spokesperson of the Company.

The Chief Executive Officer is not a member of any Board committees other than 
the Risk Committee, which comprises the whole Board, and the Social and Ethics 
Committee. He attends the Audit, Remuneration, Nomination Committee and Safety, 
Health and Environment Committee meetings as an invitee, if required.

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KING IV  
APPLICATION CONTINUED

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Governing structures and delegation continued

10.   Appointment and delegation to 

management continued
 The governing body should ensure 
that the appointment of, and 
delegation to, management contribute 
to role clarity and the effective exercise 
of authority and responsibilities

The non-executive directors monitor and evaluate the Chief Executive Officer in 
achieving the approved targets and objectives and the results of such evaluation 
are considered by the Remuneration Committee to guide it in its appraisal of the 
performance and remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer.

The Board and Nomination Committee oversee succession planning of the Chief 
Executive Officer and other senior executives and officers.

The roles of the Executive Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer are not 
fulfilled by the same person and there is a clear distinction between the roles and 
responsibilities of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, as set out in the 
Board Charter.

Subsidiary companies and delegation of authority
While boards of subsidiary companies function independently, the Company requires 
decision-making involvement in a defined list of matters to ensure that material 
decisions are in the interest of the Group.

The Group has approved delegation of authorities matrices in place, which govern 
the delegation of authority and value limits within the Group and ensure that all 
transactions are approved appropriately.

Joint Company Secretaries
The role of the Joint Group Company Secretaries is, inter alia, to provide guidance 
and advice to the Board with respect to statutory, regulatory and corporate 
governance-related matters. In addition to their statutory duties, the Company 
Secretaries provide individual directors, the Board as a whole, and the various 
committees with guidance as to the manner in which their responsibilities should 
be discharged in the best interests of the Group.

The appointment and removal of the Company Secretaries are matters reserved for 
the Board as a whole.

The Board formally assesses and considers the performance and qualifications of the 
Company Secretaries and is satisfied that the Company Secretaries are competent, 
suitably qualified and experienced, while maintaining an arm’s length relationship 
with the Board.

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Board of directors
Corporate governance
> King IV application
Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Governance functional areas

11.   Risk governance

 The governing body should govern risk 
in a way that supports the organisation 
in setting and achieving its strategic 
objectives

12.   Technology and information 

governance
 The governing body should govern 
technology and information in a way 
that supports the organisation setting 
and achieving its strategic objectives

13.   Compliance governance

 The governing body should govern 
compliance with applicable laws and 
adopted, non-binding rules, codes and 
standards in a way that supports the 
organisation being ethical and a good 
corporate citizen

The Board has delegated responsibility to monitor risk activities of the Company 
to the Risk Committee while remaining ultimately accountable. The Risk Committee 
comprises the full Board. The Board has delegated the responsibility to design, 
implement and monitor Tharisa’s risk management plan to the senior management. 
The Board, through the Risk Committee, sets limits for the levels of risk tolerance 
and appetite and the implementation and management of the risk management 
plan is monitored by the Risk Committee. Management performs risk assessments 
on a continuous basis and provides regular feedback to the Risk Committee and 
the Board.

A risk register is maintained by management and presented to the Risk Committee 
and the Board to ensure continuous monitoring of the management of risk. The Risk 
Committee and the Audit Committee provides assurance to the Board regarding the 
efficacy of the risk management process, after consultation with the internal and 
external auditors, where applicable.

The Board Charter commits the Board to assuming ultimate responsibility for 
ensuring that effective IT systems, internal control, auditing and compliance policies, 
procedures and processes are implemented in order to avoid or mitigate key 
IT-related business risks. The Board has delegated responsibility for the governing of 
IT to the Audit Committee. Assurance on the IT systems and processes is provided 
by the Group’s internal auditors and findings are reported to the Audit Committee, 
which ensures that any and all material findings are addressed appropriately.

Compliance with financial reporting requirements and accounting standards falls 
within the ambit of the Audit Committee.

The Group’s statutory and regulatory compliance resides with the Legal, Risk and 
Compliance Officer and reports on compliance are presented to the Audit and Social 
and Ethics Committees.

In addition to the formal authorisation processes required for dealings in the 
Company’s shares, the Group has various policies and procedures in place governing 
the declaration of interests, accepting and granting of gifts and approved delegation 
of authorities matrices, governing the delegation of authority and value limits within 
the Group.

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KING IV  
APPLICATION CONTINUED

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Governance functional areas continued

14.  Remuneration governance

15.   Assurance

 The governing body should 
ensure that assurance services and 
functions enable an effective control 
environment, and that these support 
the integrity of information for 
internal decision making and of the 
organisation’s external reports

Remuneration policy
The Remuneration Committee ensures that the policies around the remuneration of 
directors and executives are fair and effected responsibly. The remuneration policy 
applies to all employees who are permanently employed and is not applicable to 
employees of third-party contractors. The non-executive directors’ fees are 
determined by the Board.

The Group’s remuneration policy reflects the dynamics of the market and the context 
in which the Group operates. The policy plays a vital role in attracting, motivating 
and retaining employees, management and directors with the necessary skills 
to effectively manage operations and grow the business, creating a strong 
performance-orientated environment and aligning employee and shareholders’ 
interests. The Group regularly seeks and uses remuneration survey services.

The Group aims to create and enforce a high-performance culture that motivates 
employees to achieve more than just satisfactory levels of performance by 
differentiating between excellent and mediocre performance. By ensuring that 
employees are recognised and rewarded for their performance in a fair and equitable 
manner, the Group strives to remunerate employees equitably according to the value 
they contribute to the Group.

Basic remuneration packages and benefits are set at a competitive level by 
benchmarking prevailing market rates in the mining industry and are reviewed on 
an annual basis.

Guaranteed cost-to-company remuneration consists of a cash component plus 
certain benefits.

Short-term and long-term incentives are geared to a number of performance factors 
in the business and achievement of individual performance. The remuneration 
philosophy establishes accountability by linking total reward to business objectives in 
a fair and transparent manner in a bid to find a balance between shareholder return 
requirements, affordability and incentivisation.

Remuneration Policy and Remuneration Implementation Report
The Company provides full disclosure of remuneration of executive and non-
executive directors as required by the JSE Listings Requirements and King IV.

The remuneration policy is published in the Remuneration Policy and Remuneration 
Implementation Report, which forms part of the Annual Report, and are subject to 
non-binding advisory votes by shareholders at the AGM.

The Audit Committee oversees the combined assurance framework and receives 
regular reports on assurance matters from the external auditor, internal auditors and 
executive management.

The Audit Committee oversees the internal audit function, including reviewing the 
effectiveness of internal controls, approving the annual internal audit plans and fees, 
and recommending appointment of the internal auditors.

The Audit Committee approves the non-audit services provided by the external 
auditors, recommends approval of the audit fees, considers the effectiveness and 
independence of the external auditor, and recommends the appointment/
reappointment of the external auditor.

The Risk Committee and the Audit Committee provides assurance to the Board 
regarding the efficacy of the risk management process, after consultation with 
the internal and external auditors, where applicable.

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Corporate governance
> King IV application
Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Stakeholder relationships

16.   Stakeholder relationships

 In the execution of its governance role 
and responsibilities, the governing 
body should adopt a stakeholder-
inclusive approach that balances the 
needs, interests and expectations of 
material stakeholders in the best 
interests of the organisation over time

The Board has delegated authority to management to proactively deal with 
stakeholder relationships.

Stakeholder perceptions are closely managed through engagement on multiple 
levels, which allows management to manage and mitigate any potential issues, 
reducing the likelihood of reputational risk.

The Board and management are striving to achieve the appropriate balance between 
various stakeholder groupings, in the best interests of the Company.

The Cyprus Companies Law and the JSE Listings Requirements contain appropriate 
protection of shareholders and the Articles of Association do not remove such 
protection. Senior management and the investor relations team ensure that all 
shareholders are treated equitably.

Senior management ensures that timely, relevant and accurate information is 
provided to all stakeholders to maintain their trust and confidence in the Group.

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Finance Officer, (supported by the Investor 
Relations Function) interact with institutional investors on a regular basis on the 
performance of the Group through presentations and scheduled meetings. The 
Company also participates in selected international conferences and conducts 
roadshows internationally.

A wide range of information and documents, including copies of presentations given 
to investors, Annual Reports and notices of shareholder meetings, are made available 
on the Company’s website www.tharisa.com on an ongoing basis. Shareholders are 
encouraged to visit the investors’ section of the website frequently to be kept 
informed of relevant shareholder information.

The Board encourages directors, shareholders and relevant stakeholders to attend 
the AGM and other shareholders’ meetings. The AGM is also attended by the 
chairmen of the Audit, Remuneration and Social and Ethics committees and the 
designated partner responsible for the external audit.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCE  
88

REMUNERATION  
REPORT

Background statement and 
governance
Remuneration committee
All members of the Remuneration 
Committee are independent non-executive 
directors. The committee is chaired by 
Antonios Djakouris and other members of 
the committee are David Salter, Carol Bell 
and Roger Davey. 

The responsibilities and duties of the 
Remuneration Committee are governed by 
the terms of reference that incorporate 
best practice.

While the Group Remuneration Committee 
establishes, maintains, reviews and governs 
the Group’s remuneration policy, it focuses 
mainly on the remuneration of executive 
directors, executives and senior 
management. The Remuneration 
Committee considers the remuneration 
framework of the Executive Chairman, 
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Finance 
Officer and other members of the 
executive management of the Company 
and its subsidiaries, with reference to 
international and local benchmarks.

The committee also considers the rules and 
performance requirements for the 
Group-wide cash bonus scheme, 
allocations in terms of the Group’s 
long-term incentive schemes, discretionary 
bonuses and certain other employee 
benefits and schemes.

Both internal and external factors are 
taken into account in determining the 
remuneration framework, to ensure 
ongoing relevance and appropriateness in 
the context of the macro-economic climate 
and the Group’s business objectives, 
amongst others:
•• inflation
•• commodity prices
•• bargaining unit negotiations and 

settlements in the industry 

•• production
•• position on the cost curve
•• profitability and cash flows
•• skills availability and retention
•• individual productivity and key 

performance indicators.

The committee is satisfied with the 
prevailing policies and structure and 
no changes to the remuneration policy are 
proposed.

During the year, the committee
•• reviewed various aspects of the Group’s 
remuneration policy, structure, and 
performance-based remuneration 
schemes

•• considered the fixed total guaranteed 
packages and variable short-term 
and long-term incentives of executive 
management against market data 

of a comparator group comprising 
companies with a similar profile to 
Tharisa from an investor’s point of view

•• approved annual increases for all 
employment levels outside of the 
bargaining unit

•• reviewed and approved targets for 

the cash bonus scheme

•• reviewed and approved the vesting 

conditions for the awards made in terms 
of the Group’s long-term incentive 
scheme

•• approved new awards in terms of 

the incentive scheme.

Members of the committee are entitled to 
seek independent professional advice on 
any matter pertaining to the Company and 
the Group, at the Company’s expense.

The terms of reference for the 
Remuneration Committee, as approved by 
the Board, are available on the Company’s 
website.

The committee met three times during the 
year under review.

Non-binding advisory vote
In terms of King IV recommendations, and 
the JSE Listings Requirements, the 
Company’s remuneration policy and the 
remuneration implementation report, as 
detailed in this report, must be tabled for 
two separate non-binding advisory votes 
at every AGM. The purpose of the 
non-binding advisory votes is to enable 
shareholders of the Company to express 
their views on the Group’s remuneration 
policy, and on its implementation.

The remuneration policy, as described in 
the Company’s 2017 Annual Report, 
received the support of 95.22% of votes 
exercised at the AGM held on 10 January 
2018. Shareholders are thanked for their 
continued support of the Group 
remuneration policy. Shareholders’ 
contributions on the remuneration policy 
have been considered and will continue 
to be assessed for incorporation into the 
remuneration policy where these 
contributions enhance and align with the 
Group’s strategy.

Shareholders will again have the 
opportunity to vote on the remuneration 
policy and its implementation at the next 
AGM, scheduled to be held on 
23 January 2019. It is the recommendation 
of the Remuneration Committee and the 
Board that the remuneration policy and 
implementation report be approved.

Group remuneration policy
Objective and philosophy
The objective of the Group’s remuneration 
policy is to establish responsible, fair and 
equitable reward, which does not 

discriminate on the basis of race, gender, 
sex, pregnancy, marital status, family 
responsibility, ethnic or social origin, 
colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, 
religion, HIV status, conscience, belief, 
political opinion, culture, language, birth 
or on any other arbitrary ground. 

The Group’s remuneration policy reflects 
the dynamics of the market and the 
context in which the Group operates. 
The policy plays a vital role in attracting, 
motivating and retaining high-calibre 
human resources with the necessary skills 
to effectively manage operations and 
grow the business, creating a strong 
performance-orientated environment and 
aligning employee interests with those of 
the Group’s stakeholders in order to 
achieve the Group’s strategic objectives 
and to promote an ethical culture and 
responsible citizenship among all Group 
companies and employees. 

Furthermore, it aims to encourage and 
support a high performance and safety 
conscious culture while remaining flexible 
and adaptable to changes in the business 
and the market in which the Group 
operates. The Group regularly refers to 
independent remuneration surveys and 
benchmarks.

The remuneration policy applies to all 
employees who are permanently employed 
and is not applicable to employees of 
third-party contractors. The policy seeks to 
set out principles and practices around the 
management of employee remuneration.

Executive and employee remuneration 
comprises fixed and variable components, 
including:
•• a fixed basic annual package, including 

benefits 

•• variable performance bonuses
•• ownership of shares through 

participation in the long-term incentive 
scheme.

The Group aims to create and enforce a 
high-performance culture that motivates 
employees to achieve more than just 
satisfactory levels of performance by 
differentiating between excellent and 
mediocre performance. By ensuring that 
employees are recognised and rewarded 
for their performance in a fair and 
equitable manner, the Group strives to 
remunerate employees equitably according 
to the value they contribute to the Group.

Some 65% of Tharisa Minerals’ eligible 
employees are members of AMCU. 
Tharisa Minerals has a recognition 
agreement with AMCU, which gives 
the union full organisational rights. 
Accordingly, all unionised employees’ 
salary levels, annual increases and 

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  89

Board of directors
Corporate governance
King IV application
> Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

allowances are negotiated on a collective 
basis. Further information on labour 
relations can be found on pages 48 to 50.

to reward superior performance, drive a 
culture of cost efficiency, and enhance 
teamwork and productivity.

Fixed remuneration
Guaranteed cost-to-company (fixed) 
remuneration packages and benefits 
(guaranteed pay) are determined per job 
grade, set at a competitive level by 
benchmarking prevailing market rates in 
the mining industry and are reviewed on 
an annual basis. The objective is to set 
levels of fixed remuneration for South 
African employees based on the 50th 
percentile for mining companies in South 
Africa and the 75th percentile for all 
companies nationally in South Africa, the 
purpose being to broaden the sample size 
and to include mining areas situated 
outside of the major mining economic 
hubs. The mining industry is, however, a 
very competitive market with a scarcity of 
appropriate skills and top-end salary scales 
are often paid to attract and retain critical 
skills. The guaranteed cost-to-company 
remuneration consists of a cash 
component (basic salary) plus certain 
benefits, which, depending on the 
employing company, include compulsory 
membership of the Group provident fund, 
which includes risk benefits such as life, 
disability, funeral and dread disease cover, 
and the Group’s medical aid scheme. 
Various other allowances are paid at 
certain job levels or to certain job 
categories.

Salaries are reviewed annually, taking into 
consideration the economic environment, 
country inflation, overall business and 
financial performance of the Group, 
affordability, market trends, individual 
merit and scarcity of skill.

Variable remuneration
Short-term and long-term incentives are 
geared to a number of performance 
factors in the business and achievement of 
individual performance, and do not form 
part of guaranteed remuneration. The 
remuneration philosophy establishes 
accountability by linking total reward to 
business objectives and execution thereof, 
in a fair and transparent manner in a bid to 
find a balance between shareholder return 
requirements, affordability and 
incentivisation. Actual participation in both 
short-term and long-term incentive 
schemes remains subject to approval by 
the Remuneration Committee.

Short-term cash bonus scheme
The Group has implemented a short-term 
cash bonus scheme for all bands of 
employees. The primary purpose of the 
cash bonus scheme is to create a culture of 
zero tolerance concerning non-compliance 
with safety requirements in supporting 
injury free, sustainable operations. 
A further objective of the bonus scheme is 

Throughout all employee grades, the cash 
bonus is calculated at 15% of the 
individual employee’s guaranteed annual 
remuneration package for on-target 
performance, capped at a maximum of 
25% of the employee’s guaranteed 
remuneration package for ‘stretch’ 
performance. These bonuses are not 
guaranteed, but are dependent on the 
achievement of safety standards and are 
payable only upon the achievement of 
production targets and personal 
performance standards. The quantum of 
bonuses is calculated in terms of a number 
of different bonus formulae, specific to an 
individual’s area and band of employment. 
The bonus formulae include a number of 
factors, with varying weighting, among 
others:
•• safety and fatality factors, which take 
into account the number of lost-time 
injuries (LTIs) and fatalities at the Tharisa 
Mine during the bonus period 

•• the value-added factor applicable to 
employees, which is a combined 
calculation of the performances of a 
number of measures relating to the 
mining and processing plants at the 
Tharisa Mine compared to budget, such 
as reef tonnes delivered to ROM pad, 
chrome feed grade and PGM feed 
grade, tonnes milled, plant running 
time, chrome recoveries, PGM recoveries 
with a different percentage being 
allocated to threshold, on-target and 
exceptional performance, and a zero 
percentage being applied for 
unacceptable performance

•• the KPI factor, which is dependent on 

the individual’s performance assessment 
for the applicable bonus period

•• the profit factor, which is determined 

with reference to the achievement of a 
specified EBITDA for the applicable 
bonus period as determined by 
the Remuneration Committee
•• the disciplinary factor, which is 

determined with reference to the 
aggregate number of written warnings 
received by an individual as a result of 
misconduct in terms of the Group’s 
policies and procedures.

In addition to the fatality and safety 
factors, the bonus formula for executive 
management includes the performance 
factor applicable to executive 
management, which is dependent on: 
•• the executive’s KPI factor 
•• the value-added factor for executive 

management, which is measured with 
respect to the achievement of annual 
Group consolidated EBITDA against 
budget for the bonus period, with a 
different percentage being allocated to 
on-target and exceptional performance, 

and zero percentage being allocated for 
unacceptable performance.

The bonuses are payable bi-annually in 
arrears for executive management, 
quarterly in arrears for senior 
management, management and 
employees graded Paterson band E2 and 
above, and monthly in arrears for 
employees of bands E1 and below.

An employee will not be entitled to any 
bonus in the event that prior to the 
payment date, the employee had been 
suspended pending a disciplinary enquiry 
or had been given a final written warning 
in terms of the employer company’s 
policies and procedure in the quarter 
applicable to the bonus.

If an employee ceases to be employed 
before the payment date of the cash 
bonus, the bonus will be forfeited.

However, if an employee’s employment 
with any employer company terminates 
before the end of the quarter applicable to 
the bonus due to death, ill-health, injury or 
disability as established to the satisfaction 
of the Remuneration Committee, 
retirement, retrenchment, or such other 
reason provided for in the rules of the cash 
bonus scheme, such employee will qualify 
for a pro rata bonus, based on the number 
of days served in the relevant bonus 
period. 

The Remuneration Committee reviews and 
approves targets to ensure that they are 
fair and transparent and that they support 
the aim to achieve maximum shareholder 
return.

Long-term incentives
The design and implementation of the 
Tharisa Share Award Plan was approved by 
shareholders on 13 March 2014.

The purpose of the Share Award Plan is:
•• to act as a retention tool
•• to incentivise selected employees within 
the Group by rewarding the long-term 
sustained performance required for the 
ongoing performance and growth of the 
Group

•• to align management interests with 

those of shareholders. 

This is achieved by attaching a number of 
performance conditions of different 
weighting to the vesting of the conditional 
awards and appreciation rights awarded to 
various employees at Paterson grade C5 
and above, including:
•• the achievement of certain minimum 

safety standards to reinforce the Tharisa 
Group’s emphasis on safety and the 
strive for a zero harm work 
environment, the vesting of all tranches 
of the conditional awards and 

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCE 90

REMUNERATION  
REPORT CONTINUED

While ensuring that the total remuneration 
of executive management remains fair 
and reasonable in the context of the 
achievement of the Group’s strategic 
objectives, the Remuneration Committee 
is committed to reviewing and monitoring 
the overall Group remuneration and 
wage gap.

There is currently no minimum 
shareholding requirement for executive 
directors and executive management.

Non-executive directors
Appointment of non-executive directors 
is governed by the Company’s Articles of 
Association and the terms of appointment 
are set out in a formal letter of 
appointment. The initial term of 
appointment is three years and 
appointment can be extended thereafter. 
Continuation of appointment is conditional 
upon satisfactory performance, retirement 
by rotation and re-election at annual 
general meetings as required by the 
Articles of Association.

Appointment as a non-executive director 
may be terminated at any time by the 
Company in accordance with the Articles 
of Association and Cypriot Companies 
Law, or upon resignation. Upon 
termination of the appointment or 
resignation as a director for any reason, 
non-executive directors are not entitled to 
any damages for loss of office and no fee 
is payable in respect of any unexpired 
portion of the term.

Non-executive directors are entitled to 
receive fees for their time, responsibilities 
and services as non-executive directors. 
An annual fee is paid to all directors and 
additional fees are paid based on 
membership and chairmanship of Board 
committees. Non-executive directors’ fees 
are determined by the Board and are 
payable quarterly in arrears. Non-executive 
directors are not entitled to bonuses or to 
participate in the Group’s short-term and 
long-term incentives. The office as a 
non-executive director is not pensionable.

appreciation rights awarded in terms of 
the Share Award Plan being conditional 
upon there being no fatality at the 
Tharisa Mine during the vesting period
•• continued employment in good standing
•• the achievement of certain PGM and 

chrome concentrate production metrics 

•• the achievement of the individual 

key performance metrics set for the 
individual participant 

•• the achievement of certain financial 

metrics. 

The number of awards and the 
performance conditions attached thereto 
are determined by the Remuneration 
Committee at the date of grant and 
included in the notice of the award.

Under the Share Award Plan, the following 
awards may be made:
•• Conditional awards, which are 

conditional awards of a specified 
number of shares in the Company, 
contingent on the achievement of 
performance conditions established 
by the Remuneration Committee. 
The vesting dates for these awards are 
also established by the Remuneration 
Committee and vesting takes place in 
three equal tranches

•• Appreciation rights, which are rights to 
receive such number of shares in the 
Company equal to the increase in the 
market price of such shares on the JSE 
between the date of grant and the date 
of exercise of the award. The award may 
be exercised between the vesting date 
as set by the Remuneration Committee 
and the fifth anniversary of the date of 
grant. Vesting of appreciation rights 
may also be contingent upon the 
achievement of performance conditions 
set by the Remuneration Committee 
and vesting takes place in two equal 
tranches.

The Share Award Plan makes provision for 
the partial vesting of awards in the event 
of a participant ceasing to be in the 
employ of the Group due to death, injury, 
disability, ill-health, redundancy or 
retirement and in the event of certain 
corporate actions, including an offer to 
acquire the entire share capital of the 
Company, a scheme of arrangement, 
restructuring and voluntary winding 
up of the Company. Provided that the 
performance and safety metrics are met, 
the vesting is pro rated based on the 
number of days served during the relevant 
vesting period under these circumstances. 
The Share Award Plan does not currently 
make provision for post-vesting forfeiture 
of vested conditional awards or 
appreciation rights. 

The Share Award Plan also makes provision 
for individual participant and plan limits. 
On an individual basis, the aggregate 
number of shares realisable by any 
individual participant may not exceed 
1 273 903 shares, being 0.5% of the 
ordinary issued share capital at the date 
of approval of the Share Award Plan. 
Similarly, the aggregate number of shares 
that can be issued to all participants, is 
limited to 12 739 032 shares, being 5% 
of the ordinary issued share capital at the 
date of approval of the Share Award Plan.

Treasury shares
Vested awards may at the election of the 
Remuneration Committee be either share 
settled or cash settled as provided in the 
rules of the Share Award Plan. To date, the 
preferred approach has been to issue 
treasury shares to settle vested awards.

During the financial year, the Company 
transferred 889 703 ordinary shares 
from its treasury shares account to 
satisfy the vesting of the conditional 
awards and exercise of appreciation rights 
by the participants of the Share Award 
Plan. Following these transactions, 
260 902 429 shares have voting rights 
and 4 097 571 were held in treasury at 
30 September 2018.

Executive directors
Each director should be remunerated fairly 
and the remuneration paid to each director 
should take into account the individual 
director’s level of responsibility, skills and 
experience. All executive directors have 
employment contracts, are remunerated 
in accordance with their function and 
position, and are not remunerated for their 
roles as directors.

Executive directors are subject to the 
Group’s standard terms and conditions 
of employment with notice periods being 
six months. In line with the remuneration 
guidelines of King IV, no executives have 
extended employment contracts or special 
termination benefits. Should the Group 
elect to invoke the non-compete provisions 
of the employment contracts on 
termination, payments linked to the 
duration of the non-compete will be made.

The executive directors are eligible to 
participate in the short-term cash bonus 
scheme and long-term incentives in terms 
of the Share Award Plan.

Remuneration of key positions such as 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Finance 
Officer is determined by making reference 
to remuneration surveys and 
benchmarking to peer companies in the 
mining sector for companies listed on the 
JSE and the LSE.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  91

Board of directors
Corporate governance
King IV application
> Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

Following a benchmarking exercise 
comparing the Company’s non-executive 
directors’ fees with those of medium cap 
resources companies listed on the JSE, 

non-executive directors’ fees paid to 
directors of LSE listed companies and 
taking into account the rates of inflation 
in the United Kingdom and Cyprus, the 

Board agreed to maintain the non-
executive directors’ fees for the 2019 
financial year as follows:

US$

Annual fee
Committee chairman
Committee member

No changes to the remuneration policy are proposed. 

Remuneration implementation report
Long-term incentives
2014 award
The first awards under the Share Award 
Plan were made on 9 April 2014, 
comprising both conditional awards and 
appreciation rights. These awards were 
conditional on the listing of the Company 
on the JSE and the participant remaining 
employed by the Group at the time of 
vesting. The conditional awards vested in 
three tranches on 19 June 2015, 14 June 
2016 and 30 June 2017 respectively and 
the appreciation rights vested in two 
tranches on 19 June 2015, and 14 June 
2016 respectively. The Company issued the 
requisite number of shares to satisfy its 
obligations under the Share Award Plan on 
26 June 2015, 30 June 2016 and 13 July 
2017 respectively. All the tranches of the 
2014 award have vested.

2015 award
The second awards under the Share Award 
Plan were made on 30 June 2015, 
comprising both conditional awards and 
appreciation rights. The vesting of these 
awards was subject to: 
•• There being no fatality at the Tharisa 
Mine during the vesting period. In the 
event of a fatality occurring during a 
particular vesting period, the vesting for 
that tranche is forfeited. 

•• Subject to there being no fatality during 
a vesting period, the vesting of each 
tranche is subject to the following 
conditions, as determined on the date 
of the awards:
 – 33.34% of the vesting is conditional 
upon the participant’s continued 
employment in good standing

 – 33.33% of the vesting is conditional 
on the achievement of certain PGM 
production metrics

 – 33.33% of the vesting is conditional 

on the achievement of certain chrome 
concentrate production metrics.

These performance conditions for the 
performance period, being 1 July to 
30 June for each vesting period, were 
measured at each vesting date and applied 
to the tranche which was eligible for 
vesting at that date.

As a consequence of the fatality that 
occurred on 28 September 2015, the 
vesting of the first tranche of the 2015 
awards granted on 30 June 2015 was 
forfeited.

The second tranche of the conditional 
awards vested on 30 June 2017 and 
the second and final tranche of the 
appreciation rights vested on the same 
date. The final tranche of the conditional 
awards vested on 30 June 2018. The 
Company issued the requisite number of 
shares to satisfy its obligations under the 
Share Award Plan on 13 July 2017 and 
29 June 2018 respectively. All the tranches 
of the 2015 award have now vested.

2016 award
The third awards under the Share Award 
Plan were made on 30 June 2016, 
comprising both conditional awards and 
appreciation rights. The vesting of these 
awards for eligible and participating 
employees other than executive directors 
and members of the Group executive 
management is subject to:
•• There being no fatality at the Tharisa 
Mine during the vesting period. In the 
event of a fatality occurring during a 
particular vesting period, the vesting for 
that tranche is forfeited. 

•• Subject to there being no fatality during 
a vesting period, the vesting of each 
tranche is subject to the following 
conditions, as determined on the date 
of the awards:
 – 33.34% of the vesting is conditional 
upon the participant’s continued 
employment in good standing

 – 33.33% of the vesting is conditional 
on the achievement of certain PGM 
production metrics

 – 33.33% of the vesting is conditional 

on the achievement of certain chrome 
concentrate production metrics.

Vesting conditions for executive directors 
and members of the Group executive 
management are as follows:
•• There being no fatality at the Tharisa 
Mine during the vesting period. In the 
event of a fatality occurring during a 

FY2019

FY2018

42 500
25 000
18 000

42 500
25 000
18 000

particular vesting period, the vesting for 
that tranche is forfeited. 

•• Subject to there being no fatality during 
a vesting period, the vesting of each 
tranche is subject to the following 
conditions, as determined on the date 
of the awards:
 – 65.0% of the vesting is conditional 

upon the achievement of the 
individual key performance metrics 
set for the participant.

 – 17.5% of the vesting is conditional 

on the achievement of certain 
PGM production metrics.

 – 17.5% of the vesting is conditional 

on the achievement of certain chrome 
concentrate production metrics.

These performance conditions for the 
performance period, being 1 July to 
30 June for each vesting period, are 
measured at each vesting date and 
applied to the tranche which was eligible 
for vesting at that date.

The first and second tranches of both the 
conditional awards and appreciation rights 
vested on 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2018 
respectively. The Company issued the 
requisite number of shares to satisfy its 
obligations under the Share Award Plan 
on 13 July 2017 and 29 June 2018.

2017 award
The fourth awards under the Share Award 
Plan were made on 30 June 2017, 
comprising both conditional awards and 
appreciation rights. The vesting of these 
awards is subject to:
•• There being no fatality at the Tharisa 
Mine during the vesting period. In the 
event of a fatality occurring during a 
particular vesting period, the vesting for 
that tranche is forfeited. 

•• Subject to there being no fatality during 
a vesting period, the vesting of each 
tranche is subject to the following 
conditions, as determined on the date 
of the awards:
 – 33.34% of the vesting is conditional 
upon the participant’s continued 
employment in good standing

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCE 92

REMUNERATION  
REPORT CONTINUED

 – 33.33% of the vesting is conditional 
on the achievement of certain PGM 
production metrics

 – 33.33% of the vesting is conditional 

on the achievement of certain chrome 
concentrate production metrics.

These performance conditions for the 
performance period, being 1 July to 
30 June for each vesting period, are 
measured at each vesting date and 
applied to the tranche which was eligible 
for vesting at that date.

The first tranches of both the conditional 
awards and appreciation rights vested on 
30 June 2018. The Company issued the 
requisite number of shares to satisfy its 
obligations under the Share Award Plan on 
29 June 2018.

2018 award
The fifth awards under the Share Award 
Plan were made on 30 June 2018, 

Executive directors’ remuneration

comprising both conditional awards and 
appreciation rights. The vesting of these 
awards is subject to:
•• There being no fatality at the Tharisa 
Mine during the vesting period. In the 
event of a fatality occurring during a 
particular vesting period, the vesting for 
that tranche is forfeited. 

•• Subject to there being no fatality during 
a vesting period, the vesting of each 
tranche is subject to the following 
conditions, as determined on the date 
of the awards:
 – 33.33% of the vesting is conditional 
upon the participant’s continued 
employment in good standing

 – 16.67% of the vesting is conditional 
on the achievement of certain PGM 
production metrics

 – 16.67% of the vesting is conditional 

on the achievement of certain chrome 
concentrate production metrics

 – 33.33% of the vesting is conditional 

on the achievement of certain 

financial metrics (measured against 
budgeted EBITDA of Tharisa Minerals 
for employees in Paterson band D and 
lower, and measured against 
budgeted EBITDA of the Tharisa 
Group for executive directors, Group 
executive management and 
employees in Paterson band E and 
higher).

These performance conditions for the 
performance period, being 1 July to 
30 June for each vesting period, are 
measured at each vesting date and 
applied to the tranche which was eligible 
for vesting at that date.

The Remuneration Committee will consider 
further awards on an annual basis in terms 
of the approved Share Award Plan.

US$’000

L Pouroulis 
P Pouroulis
M Jones

US$‘000

Basic 
salary

Expense 
allowance

Provident fund 
contributions 
and risk benefits

Share-based 
payments

549
443
369

0
9
0

0
46
37

476
404
356

Bonus 
paid

253
233
214

Total 
2018

1 278
1 135
976

Total 
2017

914
787
678

L Pouroulis

P Pouroulis

253

549

TOTAL
2018:
1 278
(2017: 914)

476

0

0

233

443

TOTAL
2018:
1 135
(2017: 787)

404

9

46

356

0

37

M Jones

214

369

TOTAL
2018:
976
(2017: 678)

■ Basic salary
■ Expense allowance
■ Provident fund contributions 

and risk benefits

■ Share-based payments
■ Bonus paid

Non-executive directors’ fees for the year under review 

US$’000

Annual fee

Audit 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

SHE 
Committee

Other in 
Group 
companies

Total 
2018

Total 
2017

JD Salter
A Djakouris
OM Kamal
C Bell
J Ka Ki Cheng
RO Davey
ZL Hong*

* Appointed 1 April 2018

43
43
43
43
43
43
21

18
25
18
18
–
–
–

25
18
–
–
–
–
–

18
25
–
18
–
18
–

25
18
–
18
–
18
–

53
–
–
–
–
–
–

182
129
61
97
43
79
21

181
129
61
97
28
26
–

The Risk Committee comprises all members of the Board and does not carry a fee. The Social and Ethics and the New Business committees 
do not carry a fee.

Other disclosures
No payments were made in relation to loss of office during FY2018 nor were any payments made to any former directors.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  93

Board of directors
Corporate governance
King IV application
> Remuneration report
Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

Executive directors’ interests in the Tharisa Share Award Plan
Conditional awards

As at 30 September 2018

Director and offer date

Opening 
balance
of 
unvested
awards

Market 
value at 
date of 
award 
ZAR

Value at 
date of 
award 
ZAR

Allocated

Vesting 
price 
ZAR

Vested*

Forfeited

Total 
unvested

L Pouroulis 
30 June 2015
30 June 2016
30 June 2017
30 June 2018

Total

P Pouroulis 
30 June 2015
30 June 2016
30 June 2017
30 June 2018

Total

M Jones
30 June 2015
30 June 2016
30 June 2017
30 June 2018

Total

6.44
10.14
17.53

6.44
10.14
17.53

6.44
10.14
17.53

105 590
268 204
321 588

695 382

87 991
223 503
282 882

594 376

79 193
201 153
238 212

518 558

264 138

264 138

17.96

239 592

239 592

17.96

193 476

193 476

17.96

18.00
18.00
18.00

18.00
18.00
18.00

18.00
18.00
18.00

105 590
134 102
107 196

346 888

87 992
111 752
94 294

294 038

79 792
100 577
79 404

259 173

–
134 102
214 392
264 138

612 632

–
111 751
188 588
239 592

539 931

–
100 576
158 808
193 476

452 860

* At 30 September 2018 these shares have not been transferred to the directors yet

Appreciation rights

As at 30 September 2018

Opening 
balance of 
unvested 
awards

Market 
value at 
date of 
award 
ZAR

Value at 
date of 
award 
ZAR

Allocated

Vested Exercised

Director and offer date

38.00
6.44
10.14
17.53

201 153
321 588

201 153
160 794

264 138

17.96

522 741

264 138

361 947

722 818

38.00
6.44
10.14
17.53

167 627
282 882

167 627
141 441

239 592

17.96

67 105
65 993
335 255
141 441

450 509

239 592

309 068

609 794

38.00
6.44
10.14
17.53

150 865
238 212

150 865
119 106

193 476

17.96

60 394
59 394
301 730
119 106

389 077

193 476

269 971

540 624

Total 
vested 
but not 
exercised

80 526
79 192
402 306
160 794

Forfeited

Total 
unvested

160 794
264 138

424 932

141 441
239 592

381 033

119 106
193 476

312 582

L Pouroulis 
9 April 2014
30 June 2015
30 June 2016
30 June 2017
30 June 2018

Total

P Pouroulis 
9 April 2014
30 June 2015
30 June 2016
30 June 2017
30 June 2018

Total

M Jones
9 April 2014
30 June 2015
30 June 2016
30 June 2017
30 June 2018

Total

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCE 94

DIRECTORS’  
REPORT

The Board of Directors of Tharisa plc 
(‘the Company’) presents to the 
members its report together with the 
condensed consolidated financial 
statements of the Company and its 
subsidiaries (together with the 
Company, ‘the Group’) for the year 
ended 30 September 2018.

The Company is a Cypriot incorporated 
public company with a primary listing on 
the main board of the Johannesburg 
Stock Exchange and a secondary 
standard listing on the main board of 
the London Stock Exchange.

Principal activity
The principal activity of the Company is 
that of an investment holding company. 
Tharisa maintains a primary listing on 
the Johannesburg Stock Exchange under 
the general mining sector and a 
secondary, standard listing of its 
depositary interests on the London 
Stock Exchange. The Company has 
controlling interests in platinum group 
metals (‘PGMs’) and chrome mining, 
processing operations and associated 
sales and logistics operations. The 
Group holds a 74% shareholding in 
Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited 
(‘Tharisa Minerals’). Tharisa Minerals 
owns and operates the Tharisa Mine, 
an open pit PGM and chrome mine 
located in the Bushveld Complex of 
South Africa. 

Financial results
The results of the Group are disclosed 
in the condensed consolidated 
statement of profit or loss and other 
comprehensive income on page 101 of 
this report.

Dividends
It is the Group’s policy to pay a 
minimum of 15% of its consolidated 
net profit after tax as a dividend.

A dividend of US$ 5 cents per share, 
totalling US$13.0 million was proposed 
by the Board on 30 November 2017, 
approved by shareholders on 10 January 
2018 and paid on 14 February 2018. 

The following dividends were 
declared in respect of the year ended 
30 September 2018:
•• An inaugural interim dividend of 

US$ 2 cents per share was declared 
by the Board on 15 May 2018 and 
paid on 20 June 2018.

•• A final ordinary dividend of 

US$ 2 cents per share was proposed 
by the Board on 26 November 2018, 
and is subject to shareholder approval 
at the AGM.

The total dividend for FY2018 is 
therefore US$ 4 cents per share, 
equating to 20.5% of its consolidated 
net profit after tax (2017: US$ 5 cents 
per share).

Share capital and treasury shares
The authorised share capital of the 
Company comprises 10 000 million 
ordinary shares of US$0.001 each and 
1 051 convertible redeemable 
preference shares of US$1 each. 

On 29 June 2018, the Company issued 
4 000 000 shares in treasury shares. 
Of the 265 000 000 shares in issue at 
30 June 2018, 4 759 161 shares were 
held in treasury to satisfy the Company’s 
obligations upon vesting of the 
conditional awards on 30 June 2018 
and to make provision for the 
potential requirement to allot shares 
to participants exercising vested 
appreciation rights and 260 240 839 
had voting rights. 

During the financial year, the Company 
transferred 889 703 ordinary shares 
from its treasury shares account to 
satisfy the vesting of the conditional 
awards and exercise of appreciation 
rights by the participants of the 
Share Award Plan. Following these 
transactions, 260 902 429 shares 
had voting rights and 4 097 571 were 
held in treasury at 30 September 2018. 
At 30 September 2018, the issued and 
fully paid ordinary share comprised 
265 000 000 ordinary shares.

Main risks
The main financial risks faced by the 
Group are disclosed in notes 3 and 35 
of the consolidated annual financial 
statements which are available on the 
Company’s website, www.tharisa.com.

Future developments
The Group introduced its Vision 2020 
projects. These projects are targeting an 
increase in Tharisa Minerals’ production 
to 200.0 kozpa of PGMs and 2.0 Mt of 
chrome concentrates by the end of 
2020 on an annualised basis.

The optimisation projects and additional 
processing plants, together with 
improved mining grade, are planned 
to add 40 kozpa of PGMs and 500 ktpa 
of chrome concentrates to the Tharisa 
Minerals Mine’s annual production 
guidance for FY2019 of 160 kozpa of 
PGMs and 1.5 Mt of chrome 
concentrates.

Upgrade of the crusher circuit at the 
Genesis Plant
The additional crusher circuit at the 
Genesis Plant was commissioned during 
October 2018. The US$7.5 million 
project aims to increase the Genesis 
Plant throughput by 15% or about 
180 ktpa, targeting an increase in the 
higher value specialty grade chrome 
concentrates by adding approximately 
24 ktpa of chemical grade chrome 
concentrate and approximately 18 ktpa 
of foundry grade chrome concentrate 
and approximately 19 ktpa of 
metallurgical grade chrome concentrate.

PGM optimisation at the Voyager 
Plant
The addition of flotation capacity and the 
installation of high-energy mechanisms 
at the Voyager Plant is aimed at 
improving PGM recoveries and increasing 
PGM production by an estimated 
14 kozpa. The project is being 
implemented in a staged approach. The 
first phase of the project, the increase in 
high grade flotation capacity, has been 
commissioned. The second phase of the 
project will be implemented during the 
2019 financial year.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  95

Board of directors
Corporate governance
King IV application
Remuneration report
> Directors’ report
Report of the Audit Committee

Vulcan Fine Chrome Recovery Plant
The construction of the Vulcan Plant will 
facilitate additional recovery of fine 
chrome from tailings streams. This 
proprietary process has been developed 
by Arxo Metals and a demonstration 
scale plant has been commissioned at 
Tharisa Minerals and through systematic 
operation has proven the concept and 
process flow. The feasibility study based 
on the operation of the demonstration 
scale plant has been concluded.

Apollo PGM and Chrome Plant
A decision has been taken to suspend 
the Apollo Plant project. This is in light 
of the additional testwork and studies 
that indicated the potential for an 
additional PGM recovery circuit 
following the Vulcan Plant, which would 
yield a better investment return.

Exploration projects
Our exploration focus is on the Great 
Dyke in Zimbabwe, which, just like our 
existing operations in the Bushveld 
Complex in South Africa, represents 
a unique, resource rich geological 
formation. We believe that being an 
early mover in this territory positions 
the Group strategically for current 
transformation and reforms that are 
taking place in Zimbabwe. The Group’s 
approach in developing these exciting 
projects will be staged and measured, 
with the necessary protections and 
approvals in place before the Group 
commits capital.

Karo Mining Holdings Limited
In June 2018, the Group acquired a 
26.8% shareholding in Karo Mining 
Holdings Limited at a low-cost entry 
point of US$4.5 million. Karo Mining 
Holdings Limited has been awarded a 
Special Grant over an area covering 
23 903 ha on the Great Dyke of 
Zimbabwe. In terms of the Investment 
Project Framework Agreement with the 
Government of Zimbabwe, the plan is 
to establish a vertically integrated PGM 
mining complex. Based on historic 
testwork, this area is purported to 
contain some 96 Moz of PGMs at an 
average grade of 3.2 g/t (3PGE + Au).

Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) 
Limited
The Group was granted a call option to 
acquire a 90% shareholding in Salene 

Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited 
(Salene Chrome), exercisable on 
completion of the exploration 
programme. Salene Chrome was 
awarded three Special Grants covering 
an area of approximately 9 500 ha on 
the eastern side of the Great Dyke in 
Zimbabwe. The Special Grants entitle 
Salene Chrome to mine the minerals 
thereon, including illuvial chrome, which 
are at surface chrome fines generated 
from seams as a result of weathering. 
Salene Chrome has also been awarded 
three additional Prospecting Special 
Grants on the western side of the Great 
Dyke. Tharisa has agreed to undertake 
and fund the initial exploration 
programme of Salene Chrome in an 
amount not exceeding US$3.2 million.

Branches
The Group did not operate any branches 
during the financial year ended 
30 September 2018. 

Members of the Board of Directors
The members of the Board as at 
30 September 2018 and at the date 
of this report are:
•• Loucas Christos Pouroulis (Executive 

Chairman)

•• Phoevos Pouroulis (Chief Executive 

Officer) 

•• Michael Gifford Jones (Chief Finance 

Officer)

•• John David Salter (Lead Independent 

Non-executive Director)

•• Antonios Djakouris (independent 

non-executive director)

•• Omar Marwan Kamal (independent 

non-executive director)

•• Carol Bell (independent non-executive 

director)

•• Joanna Ka Ki Cheng (non-executive 

director)

•• Roger Owen Davey (independent 

non-executive director)

•• Zhong Liang Hong (non-executive 

30 September 2018 and the date of 
this report. 

Joint Company Secretaries
Lysandros Lysandrides and Sanet Findlay 
serve as the Joint Company Secretaries. 
The Board formally assessed and 
considered the performance and 
qualifications of the Company 
Secretaries and is satisfied that they are 
competent, suitably qualified and 
experienced. They are not directors of 
the Company, nor are they related or 
connected to any of the directors and 
the Board is satisfied that they maintain 
an arm’s length relationship with the 
Board. Their contact details are as 
follows:

Lysandros Lysandrides 
26 Vyronos Avenue
1096, Nicosia
Cyprus

Sanet Findlay
2nd Floor, The Crossing
372 Main Road
Bryanston, 2191
South Africa

Events after the reporting period
Events after the reporting period are 
disclosed in note 39 of the consolidated 
annual financial statements, which are 
available on the Company’s website.

Independent auditor
Ernst & Young Cyprus Limited, with 
Stavros Pantzaris being the designated 
registered auditor, was appointed as the 
independent external auditor of the 
Company and of the Group on 
10 January 2018. Ernst & Young Cyprus 
Limited have expressed their willingness 
to continue in office and their re-
appointment will be proposed at the 
AGM.

director)*

On behalf of the Board 

* Appointed on 1 April 2018

Biographical details of the members of 
the Board appear in the Board of 
Directors section of the Annual Report, 
which is available at www.tharisa.com.

There has been no significant change in 
the allocation of responsibilities and the 
composition of the Board between 

Phoevos Pouroulis 
Michael Jones
Cyprus

26 November 2018

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCE 96

REPORT OF THE  
AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee is pleased to 
present its report for the 2018 financial 
year.

Composition
All members of the committee are 
independent non-executive directors. 
The committee is chaired by Antonios 
Djakouris and other members of 
the committee are David Salter, 
Omar Kamal and Carol Bell. The Board 
is satisfied that the members of the 
committee have the appropriate mix 
of qualifications and experience in 
order for the committee to fulfil its 
responsibilities appropriately. 

The Group’s independent external 
auditor, independent internal auditors, 
Chief Finance Officer and Chief 
Executive Officer attend committee 
meetings by invitation. The committee 
also meets with the internal and 
external auditors without any executive 
directors being present.

The committee met six times during the 
year under review and discharged its 
responsibilities in terms of the approved 
terms of reference, which is available on 
the Company’s website.

Role
The committee is accountable to the 
Board and to shareholders. It provides 
the Board with additional assurance 
regarding the quality and reliability of 
the financial statements of the Group 
and financial information used by the 
Board. It however, does not relieve 
members of the Board of their fiduciary 
duties and responsibilities, and Board 
members must exercise due care and 
judgement so as to comply with their 
legal obligations. The committee has 
unrestricted access to all Company and 
Group information and may seek 
information from any employee. The 
committee may also consult external 
professional advisers in executing its 
duties.

The chairman of the committee reports 
to the Board after each meeting of the 
committee and the minutes of meetings 
of the committee are provided to 
the Board.

Activities of the committee during 
the year
Annual financial statements and 
Annual Report
The committee reviewed and monitored 
the integrity of financial reports, 

including the interim financial 
statements and annual financial 
statements, and assessed the financial 
reporting process and controls, which 
it found to be effective. It reviewed 
the accounting policies and procedures 
adopted by the Group and ensured 
that financial statements were prepared 
based on appropriate accounting 
policies and in accordance with IFRS, 
the Cyprus Companies Law and the 
JSE Listings Requirements. 

The committee also assessed and 
confirmed the appropriateness of 
the going concern assumption used in 
the annual financial statements, taking 
into account management budgets 
and forecasts.

The committee reviewed the annual 
report, reporting process and 
governance and financial information 
included in the annual report for 
accuracy and recommended to the 
Board that the annual financial 
statements and the financial information 
included in the annual report be 
approved. 

New accounting standards
A number of new accounting standards 
have been issued, including IFRS 16: 
Leases, IFRS 9: Financial Instruments and 
IFRS 15: Revenue, which will be effective 
for financial years ending 30 September 
2019. The committee assessed the 
impact of these new standards on the 
Group and agreed with management’s 
proposal to early adopt the standards 
with effect from 1 October 2017.

External audit
During the year under review, the 
committee brought forward the tender 
process in terms of the mandatory 
external audit firm rotation as required 
by EU Audit Reform legislation, which 
is applicable to the Company as a 
consequence of its securities being listed 
on the LSE.

All four major audit firms, including the 
incumbent at the time, KPMG Limited 
Cyprus, were invited to submit 
proposals, and following a rigorous 
evaluation process, Ernst & Young 
Cyprus Limited (‘EY Cyprus’) was 
selected and recommended to the Board 
for appointment as external auditor. 
The Board recommended approval by 
shareholders of EY Cyprus as external 
auditor for the financial year ending 
30 September 2018 and EY Cyprus 

was subsequently so appointed at 
the annual general meeting held on 
10 January 2018.

Following the appointment of 
EY Cyprus, the committee considered 
and approved the terms of engagement, 
scope of the external audit and 
audit fees. 

It reviewed audit findings and 
management’s response thereto and 
monitored and encouraged cooperation 
between external and internal auditors. 
It considered the nature and extent of 
the non-audit services that may be 
provided by the external auditor and 
preapproved the provision of non-audit 
services on the basis that the provision 
of these services does not affect the 
independence of the external auditor.

The committee also discussed with the 
external auditor their opinion of the 
level of ethical conduct of the Group, 
its executives and senior managers 
and held separate meetings with 
management and the external auditor. 
The external auditor’s right to direct 
access to the Chairman of the Audit 
Committee and the Chairman of the 
Board was reiterated.

In addition, the committee evaluated 
the independence, effectiveness, 
expertise and performance of the 
external auditor. As part of this process, 
the committee considered and assessed 
the Partner Accreditation Pack provided 
by EY Cyprus in compliance with 
section 22 of the JSE Listings 
Requirements, which comprised 
the following documents:
•• The most recent firm-wide control 
procedures review report for EY 
Cyprus as a firm (European Standards/
ISQC1 inspection), issued by the 
Cyprus Public Audit Oversight Board 
(‘CyPAOB’)

•• The most recent Association of 

Chartered Certified Accountants 
(‘ACCA’) and Institute of Certified 
Public Accountants (‘ICPAC’) 
inspection report of EY Cyprus as a 
firm (ISQC1 inspection) which also 
includes the engagement review 
inspection

•• A summary of the outcome of the 

engagement partner’s latest internal 
quality review

•• A copy of the EY Cyprus 2017 

Transparency Report which contains 
the ISQC1 information as specified 
by the JSE

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  97

Board of directors
Corporate governance
King IV application
Remuneration report
Directors’ report
>  Report of the Audit Committee

•• The results of the Audit Quality 

Review Programme, together with the 
most recent independent regulatory 
inspection visits, combined with other 
ongoing monitoring procedures which 
provide EY Cyprus with a basis to 
conclude that its internal quality 
control systems are designed 
appropriately and are operating 
effectively, and that no systemic 
deficiencies have been identified
•• A summary of legal and disciplinary 

proceedings against EY Cyprus which 
were concluded within the past 
seven years.

Based on the information provided in 
the Partner Accreditation Pack, the 
committee confirmed that EY Cyprus 
and the designated individual audit 
partner, Stavros Pantzaris, are accredited 
on the JSE’s list of auditors and 
following an assessment of their 
suitability for appointment, it is the 
committee’s recommendation that 
EY Cyprus, and Stavros Pantzaris as 
the designated audit partner, be 
reappointed as external auditor at 
the Company’s AGM to be held on 
23 January 2019.

Internal control, risk management 
and information technology
The committee is responsible for 
reviewing the effectiveness and 
adequacy of internal controls, including 
financial controls, risk management 
systems and information technology 
risks relating to financial reporting. It 
is also responsible for considering 
the major findings of any internal 
investigations into control weaknesses, 
fraud or misconduct, and management’s 
response thereto. 

The Board has delegated responsibility 
for IT governance to the committee. 
Assurance on the IT systems and 
processes is provided by the Group’s 
internal auditors and findings are 
reported to the committee, which 
ensures that any and all material 
findings are addressed appropriately. 
The committee receives quarterly reports 
prepared by the Group IT Manager on 
and monitors the adequacy and 
effectiveness of the Group’s information 
technology controls and risks.

Having considered, analysed, reviewed 
and debated information provided by 
management, internal auditors and 

external auditor, the Committee 
considered that the internal controls of 
the Group were effective in all material 
aspects throughout the year under 
review.

Budget
The committee reviewed and 
recommended the FY2019 budget for 
approval by the Board.

Dividend
The committee reviewed and 
recommended the interim and final 
dividend proposals for approval by 
the Board.

Internal audit
The independent internal audit function 
is fulfilled by Deloitte. 

During the year under review, the 
committee reviewed the effectiveness 
and adequacy of the internal control 
systems and reviewed and considered 
reports from the internal auditors. It 
monitored the status of implementation 
of recommendations on identified 
control weaknesses by management 
and discussed with the internal auditors 
their opinion of the level of ethical 
conduct of the Group, its executives 
and senior managers.

The committee also considered and 
approved the terms of engagement, 
scope of the internal audit workstreams 
and any deviations or changes thereto, 
the internal audit plan for FY2019 and 
the audit fees. It reviewed significant 
findings, management comments 
thereon and action plans. The 
committee discussed with the internal 
auditors their experiences and views 
on the level of access to required 
information and resources, and any 
difficulties encountered relating to their 
internal audit work, such as restrictions 
in the identification of risk areas 
and/or the scope of internal control 
workstreams and reiterated their right 
to direct access to the chairman of the 
Audit Committee and the Chairman of 
the Board. 

Furthermore, the committee evaluated 
the independence, effectiveness and 
performance of the internal auditors 
and recommended Deloitte’s continued 
employment as internal auditors of the 
Company and the Group.

Combined assurance
The committee considered the 
combined assurance received from 
management and the internal and 
external auditors, and is satisfied that 
the significant risks facing the Group 
were being appropriately addressed. 
To this end, the Audit Committee 
examined and encouraged the 
cooperation between the internal 
and external auditors. 

Chief Finance Officer and 
finance function
The committee reviewed the 
performance, qualifications and 
expertise of Michael Jones, the Chief 
Finance Officer, and is satisfied as to his 
suitability to act as Chief Finance Officer 
of the Company and the Group. It also 
confirmed that the finance department 
as a whole was adequately resourced 
and experienced to execute the Group’s 
finance function.

Other
During the year under review, the 
committee confirmed the adequacy 
of the Group’s whistleblowing 
arrangements and policies and 
procedures for preventing corrupt 
behaviour and detecting fraud and 
bribery. It also conducted a self-
evaluation to establish whether the 
committee operated effectively and 
identified areas for improvement.

The chairman of the Audit Committee 
reported to the Board after each 
meeting of the Audit Committee.

On recommendation of the Audit 
Committee, the Board approved:
•• the annual financial statements for 
the year ended 30 September 2018
•• the Annual Report for the year ended 

30 September 2018 and
•• the notice of the annual 

general meeting to be held on 
23 January 2019.

For more information on the 
composition and responsibilities of 
the Audit Committee, please refer to 
page 72.

A Djakouris
Chairman of the Audit Committee

26 November 2018

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018GOVERNANCE 98

FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

FINANCIAL REVIEW
Condensed consolidated financial 
statements
Notes to the annual financial 
statements

98 – 147

101

106

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Investor relations report
Notice of annual general meeting
Glossary
Form of proxy
Corporate information

148 – 167
148
150
160
167
Inside back cover

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  99

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018>  Condensed consolidated financial statementsNotes to the annual financial statementsFINANCIAL REVIEW 100

Preparation and approval of condensed consolidated 
financial statements

The condensed consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2018 have been extracted from the audited 
annual financial statements of the Group, but have not been audited. The auditor’s report on the audited annual financial 
statements does not report on all of the information contained herein. Shareholders are therefore advised that in order to obtain a 
full understanding of the financial position and results of the Group, these condensed consolidated financial statements should be 
read together with the full audited annual financial statements and full audit report.

These condensed consolidated financial statements and the audited annual financial statements, together with the audit report, are 
available on the Company’s website, www.tharisa.com, and are available for inspection at the registered address of the Company.

The directors take full responsibility for the preparation of this report and the correct extraction of the financial information from 
the underlying financial statements. 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the maintenance of adequate accounting records and the preparation of the 
financial statements and related information in a manner that fairly presents the state of affairs of the Company. These financial 
statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and incorporate full and responsible 
disclosure in line with the accounting policies of the Group, which are supported by prudent judgement. 

The directors are also responsible for the maintenance of effective systems of internal control, which are based on established 
organisational structure and procedures. These systems are designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the 
financial statements, and to prevent and detect material misstatement and loss. 

The annual financial statements have been reported on without qualification by Ernst & Young Cyprus Limited.

The preparation of these condensed results was supervised by the Chief Finance Officer, Michael Jones, a Chartered Accountant (SA).

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, as the directors believe that the 
Company and Group will continue to be in operation in the foreseeable future.

The annual financial statements have been approved by the Board on 26 November 2018.

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  101

Condensed consolidated statement of profit or loss and other 
comprehensive income
for the year ended 30 September 2018

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Other income
Net foreign exchange gain
Administrative expenses

Results from operating activities
Finance income
Finance costs
Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Changes in fair value of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Share of loss of investment accounted for using the equity method

Profit before tax
Tax

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income
Items that may be classified subsequently to profit or loss
Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations, net of tax

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year attributable to:

Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to:

Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share (US$ cents)
Diluted earnings per share (US$ cents)

Notes

5
6

7

8

9
9

2018
US$’000

406 268 
(297 782)

108 486 
2 432 
852 
(39 232)

72 538 
1 279 
(10 189)
1 262 
155 
(62)

64 983 
(14 011)

50 972 

(10 663)

(10 663)

40 309 

48 433 
2 539 

50 972 

41 790 
(1 481)

40 309 

19 
18 

2017
US$’000

349 443 
(226 789)

122 654 
160 
2 458 
(26 903)

98 369 
1 122 
(7 689)
(813)
–
–

90 989 
(23 316)

67 673 

(387)

(387)

67 286 

57 601 
10 072 

67 673 

57 451 
9 835 

67 286 

22 
22 

The notes on pages 106 to 147 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

>  Condensed consolidated financial statementsNotes to the annual financial statementsTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 102

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position
as at 30 September 2018

Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Investment accounted for using the equity method
Long-term deposits
Other financial assets
Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Contract assets
Other financial assets
Current taxation
Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Equity and liabilities
Share capital and premium
Other reserve
Foreign currency translation reserve
Retained earnings

Equity attributable to owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Non-current liabilities
Provisions
Borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities
Borrowings
Other financial liabilities
Current taxation
Trade and other payables
Contract liabilities

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

10

11

12
13

14
15

16

17
17

18
19
13

19

20

264 311 
804 
4 438 
–
5 012 
1 880 

276 445 

23 043 
86 202 
2 229 
986 
228 
66 791 

179 479 

455 924 

280 806 
47 245 
(80 204)
77 025 

324 872 
(26 538)

298 334 

12 634 
27 281 
29 892 

69 807 

50 138 
1 000 
1 013 
33 403 
2 229 

87 783 

232 559 
838 
–
4 505 
3 767 
1 952 

243 621 

20 802 
70 374 
–
49 
132 
49 742 

141 099 

384 720 

280 342 
47 245 
(73 561)
42 877 

296 903 
(25 057)

271 846 

6 923 
4 375 
23 823 

35 121 

45 026 
599 
212 
31 916 
–

77 753 

157 590 

455 924 

112 874 

384 720 

The condensed consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 26 November 2018.

Phoevos Pouroulis  
Director  

Michael Jones
Director

The notes on pages 106 to 147 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018   
 
 
103

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 30 September 2018

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share 
capital
US$’000

Share 
premium
US$’000

Other 
reserve
US$’000

Notes

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
US$’000

Retained
earnings
US$’000

Total
US$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest
US$’000

Total 
equity
US$’000

257

456 181 

47 245 

(73 411)

(193 521)

236 751 

(34 892)

201 859 

–

–

–

– 
– 
3
– 

– 

3

3

–

–

–

(179 175)
– 
3 076 
– 

– 

(176 099)

(176 099)

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

17
27
17
17

13

– 

57 601 

57 601 

10 072 

67 673 

(150)

– 

(150)

(237)

(387)

(150)

57 601 

57 451 

9 835 

67 286 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

179 175 
(2 570)
– 
1 331

861

178 797 

– 
(2 570)
3 079 
1 331

861

2 701 

178 797 

2 701 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
(2 570)
3 079 
1 331

861

2 701 

2 701 

260

280 082 

47 245 

(73 561)

42 877 

296 903 

(25 057)

271 846 

Balance at 30 September 2016

Total comprehensive income for the 
year
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation differences

Total comprehensive income for the 
year

Transactions with owners 
of the Company
Contributions by and distributions 
to owners
Capital reduction
Capital distribution
Issue of ordinary shares
Equity-settled share-based payments
Deferred tax on equity-settled share-based 
payments

Contributions by owners of the Company

Total transactions with owners 
of the Company

Balance at 30 September 2017

The notes on pages 106 to 147 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

>  Condensed consolidated financial statementsNotes to the annual financial statementsTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 104

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity continued
for the year ended 30 September 2018

Note

3

27
17
17

13

Balance at 30 September 2017
Impact of adopting IFRS 16

Balance at 1 October 2017

Total comprehensive income for the 
year
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation differences

Total comprehensive income for the 
year

Transactions with owners of 
the Company
Contributions by and distributions 
to owners
Dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares
Equity-settled share-based payments
Deferred tax on equity-settled share-based 
payments

Contributions by owners of the Company

Total transactions with owners of 
the Company

Balance at 30 September 2018

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share 
capital
US$’000

Share 
premium
US$’000

Other 
reserve
US$’000

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
US$’000

Retained
earnings
US$’000

Total
US$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest
US$’000

Total 
equity
US$’000

260
–

260

280 082
–

280 082

47 245
–

47 245

(73 561)
– 

42 877 
(15)

296 903 
(15)

(25 057)
– 

271 846 
(15)

(73 561)

42 862 

296 888 

(25 057)

271 831 

–

–

–

–
1
–

–

1

1

–

–

–

–
463
–

–

463

463

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

– 

48 433 

48 433 

2 539 

50 972 

(6 643)

– 

(6 643)

(4 020)

(10 663)

(6 643)

48 433 

41 790 

(1 481)

40 309 

– 
– 
– 

–

– 

– 

(18 214)
– 
3 638

(18 214)
464 
3 638

306

306

(14 270)

(13 806)

(14 270)

(13 806)

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

(18 214)
464 
3 638

306

(13 806)

(13 806)

261

280 545

47 245

(80 204)

77 025 

324 872 

(26 538)

298 334 

Companies which do not distribute 70% of their profits after tax, as defined by the Special Contribution for the Defence of the 
Republic Law, during the two years after the end of the year of assessment to which the profits refer, will be deemed to have 
distributed this amount as dividend. Special contribution for defence at 17% will be payable on such deemed dividend to the 
extent that the ultimate shareholders at the end date of the period of two years from the end of the year of assessment to which 
the profits refer are both Cypriot tax residents and Cypriot domiciled entities. The amount of this deemed dividend distribution is 
reduced by any actual dividend paid out of the profits of the relevant year at any time. This special contribution for defence is paid 
by the Company for the account of the shareholders. These provisions do not apply for ultimate beneficial owners that are 
non-Cypriot tax resident individuals. Retained earnings is the only reserve that is available for distribution.

The notes on pages 106 to 147 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  105

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 30 September 2018

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Gain on bargain purchase
Share of loss of investment accounted for using the equity method
Impairment loss on goodwill
Impairment (reversal)/loss on inventory
Impairment and write off of property, plant and equipment
Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Changes in fair value of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Interest income
Interest expense
Tax
Equity-settled share-based payments

Changes in:
Inventories
Trade and other receivables and contract assets
Trade and other payables and contract liabilities
Provisions

Cash from operations
Income tax paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Net cash outflow from business combination
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Additions to investments accounted for using the equity method
Additions to other financial assets
Refund of long-term deposits

Net cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from bank credit facilities
Advances received
Repayment of borrowings
Lease payments
Dividends and capital distribution paid
Interest paid

Net cash flows used in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Notes

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

50 972 

67 673 

10

21
11

10

10
21

11

19
19
19
19
27

16

29 858 
37 
(1 884)
62 
–
(13)
3 897 
(1 262)
(155)
(1 279)
10 189 
14 011 
4 019 

16 929 
196 
–
–
57 
24 
–
813 
–
(1 122)
7 689 
23 316 
4 342 

108 452 

119 917 

(2 326)
(19 491)
2 979 
5 614 

95 228 
(5 457)

89 771 

1 172 
(40 454)
(21 840)
119 
(2 500)
(4 008)
7 110 

(60 401)

114 
68 220 
(48 503)
(6 463)
(18 214)
(6 619)

(11 465)

17 905 
49 742 
(856)

66 791 

(5 063)
(21 839)
(15 068)
1 792 

79 739 
(3 990)

75 749 

708 
(26 398)
–
–
–
(925)
5 726 

(20 889)

6 073 
–
(17 917)
–
(2 570)
(6 371)

(20 785)

34 075 
15 826 
(159)

49 742 

The notes on pages 106 to 147 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

>  Condensed consolidated financial statementsNotes to the annual financial statementsTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 106

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 September 2018

1.

2.

Reporting entity
Tharisa plc (‘the Company’) is a company domiciled in Cyprus. These condensed consolidated financial statements of 
the Company for the year ended 30 September 2018 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as 
the Group). The Group is primarily involved in platinum group metals (‘PGM’) and chrome mining, processing, trading and 
the associated logistics. The Company is listed on the main board of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and has a secondary 
standard listing on the main board of the London Stock Exchange.

Basis of preparation
Statement of compliance
These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Listings Requirements of the 
Johannesburg Stock Exchange and as a minimum, contain the information required by International Accounting Standards 34: 
Interim Financial Reporting. Selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to 
obtain an understanding of the changes in the financial position and performance of the Group since the last consolidated 
financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 September 2017. These condensed consolidated financial statements do 
not include all the information required for full consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. The 
condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the 
year ended 30 September 2018, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS and the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap.113.

These condensed consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 26 November 2018.

Use of estimates and judgements
Preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and 
expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

In preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements, significant judgements made by management in applying the 
Group’s accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those applied to the consolidated 
financial statements at and for the year ended 30 September 2018.

Functional and presentation currency
The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in United States Dollar (‘US$’) which is the Company’s 
functional and presentation currency. Amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand.

Going concern
After making enquiries which include reviews of current cash resources, forecasts and budgets, timing of cash flows, 
borrowing facilities and sensitivity analyses and considering the associated uncertainties to the Group’s operations, the 
directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence 
for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the consolidated 
financial statements and the condensed consolidated financial statements.

New and revised International Financial Reporting Standards and Interpretations
The Group has early adopted IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and IFRS 16 
Leases. The nature and effect of these adoptions are disclosed in note 3. 

Several other amendments and interpretations apply for the first time for the year ended 30 September 2018. Other than 
IAS 7 Disclosure Initiative (amendment) as disclosed in note 19, these did not have an impact on the condensed consolidated 
financial statements of the Group.

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  107

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

3.

Change in accounting policies 
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
The Group has early adopted all of the requirements of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (‘IFRS 9’) as of 1 October 2017. 
IFRS 9 replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (‘IAS 39’). IFRS 9 utilises a revised model for 
recognition and measurement of financial instruments and a single, forward looking expected loss impairment model. 
Most of the requirements of IAS 39 for classification and measurements of financial liabilities were carried forward in IFRS 9, 
therefore the Group’s accounting policy with respect to financial liabilities remains unchanged. The Group applied IFRS 9 using 
the full retrospective method of adoption on initial date of application.

As a result of the early adoption of IFRS 9, management has changed its accounting policy for financial assets retrospectively 
for assets that were recognised at the date of application. The change did not impact the carrying value of any financial assets 
on transition date.

Classification 
The Group classifies its financial instruments in the following categories:
(i) 
(ii)   At fair value through other comprehensive income
(iii)   At amortised cost.

 At fair value through profit or loss

The Group determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition. The classification of debt instruments is 
driven by the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics. Equity 
instruments that are held for trading are classified at fair value through profit or loss, for other equity instruments, on the day 
of acquisition the Group can make an irrevocable election (on an instrument-by-instrument basis) to designate them as at fair 
value through other comprehensive income. Financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost, unless they are required to be 
measured at fair value through profit or loss (such as derivatives) or the Group has designated to measure them at fair value 
through profit or loss.

The Group completed a detailed assessment of its financial assets and liabilities at 1 October 2017. The following table 
presents the original classification according to IAS 39 and the new classification according to IFRS 9:

Financial assets

Long-term deposits
Other financial assets

Investments in money markets, current 
accounts, cash funds and income funds
Discount facility
Forward exchange contracts
Investment in equity instruments
Option to acquire shares
Trade and other receivables
Contract asset
PGM receivable
Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities

Borrowings
Discount facility
Trade and other payables

Contract liability

Original classification
IAS 39

New classification
IFRS 9

Amortised cost

Amortised cost

Fair value through profit or loss
Fair value through profit or loss
Held for trading
Held for trading
Fair value through profit or loss
Amortised cost
Amortised cost
Held for trading
Amortised cost

Fair value through profit or loss
Fair value through profit or loss
Fair value through profit or loss
Fair value through profit or loss
Fair value through profit or loss
Amortised cost
Amortised cost
Fair value through profit or loss
Amortised cost

Original classification
IAS 39

New classification
IFRS 9

Amortised cost
Fair value through profit or loss
Amortised cost

Amortised cost
Fair value through profit or loss
Amortised cost

Amortised cost

Amortised cost

Upon adoption of IFRS 9, the Group made an irrevocable election to classify marketable securities at fair value through profit 
or loss.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 108

3.

Change in accounting policies continued
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments continued
Measurement: Financial assets and liabilities at amortised cost
Financial assets and liabilities at amortised cost are initially recognised at fair value, and subsequently carried at amortised cost 
less any impairment.

Measurement: Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics 
and the Group’s business model for managing them. In order for a financial asset to be classified and measured at amortised 
cost, it needs to give rise to cash flows that are ‘solely payments of principal and interest’ (‘SPPI’) on the principal amount 
outstanding. This assessment is referred to as the SPPI test and is performed at an instrument level.

The Group’s business model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages its financial assets in order to generate 
cash flows. The business model determines whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual cash flows, selling the 
financial assets, or both. 

Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value through profit or loss are initially recorded at fair value and transaction costs 
are expensed in the statement of profit or loss. Realised and unrealised gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of 
the financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss are included in the statement of profit or loss in the 
period in which they arise. Where management has designated to recognise a financial liability at fair value through profit or 
loss, any changes associated with the Group’s own credit risk will be recognised in other comprehensive income.

Derecognition: Financial assets
The Group derecognises financial assets only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the financial assets expire, 
or when it transfers the financial assets and substantially all the associated risks and rewards of ownership to another entity. 
Gains or losses on derecognition are generally recognised in the statement of profit or loss. However, gains or losses 
on derecognition of financial assets classified as fair value through other comprehensive income remain within equity.

Derecognition: Financial liabilities
The Group derecognises financial liabilities only when its obligations under the financial liabilities are discharged, cancelled 
or expired. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognised and the consideration paid 
and payable, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognised in profit or loss.

Hedge accounting 
The Group does not apply hedge accounting.

Impact of adopting IFRS 9 on the Group’s consolidated financial statements
The adoption of IFRS 9 did not impact the carrying value of any financial assets on transition date, consequently adopting 
IFRS 9 did not result in a restatement of comparative results.

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  109

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

3.

Change in accounting policies continued
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
The Group has early adopted all of the requirements of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (‘IFRS 15’) with a date 
of initial application of 1 October 2017. IFRS 15 supersedes IAS 18 Revenue and Related Interpretations and it applies to all 
revenue arising from contracts with customers, unless those contracts are in the scope of other standards of IFRS. The Group 
applied IFRS 15 using the modified retrospective method and therefore, comparative information has not been restated and 
continues to be presented in accordance with IAS 18. IFRS 15 was applied to all open contracts on date of initial application. 
As a result, the Group has changed its accounting policy for revenue recognition as detailed in the accounting policies.

Comparative accounting policy in terms of IAS 18
Revenue was measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Revenue from the sale of goods was 
recognised when significant risks and rewards of ownership had been transferred to the customer, recovery of the 
consideration was probable, the associated costs and possible return of goods could be estimated reliably, there was no 
continuing management involvement with the goods and the amount of revenue could be measured reliably.

Revenue from the sale of PGMs was initially recognised at the estimated fair value of the consideration receivable at the date 
of delivery. Adjustments to the sale price occurred based on movements in the metal market price and currency up to the date 
of final pricing. Final pricing was based on the monthly average market price in the month of settlement. The period between 
initial recognition and final pricing was typically three months. The revenue adjustment mechanism embedded within the sale 
arrangement had the characteristics of a commodity derivative. Accordingly the fair value of the final sale price adjustment 
was re-estimated continuously and changes in fair value were recognised as a re-estimated adjustment to revenue in profit 
or loss and trade receivables in the statement of financial position.

The Group entered into contracts for the sale of chrome concentrates. Revenue arising from chrome sales under these 
contracts was recognised when the price was determinable, the product had been delivered in accordance with the terms of 
the contract, the significant risks and rewards of ownership had been transferred to the customer, collection of the sale price 
was probable and associated costs could be reliably estimated. These criteria might vary per contract. As sales from chrome 
contracts were subject to a customer survey adjustment with regards to quality, sales were initially recorded on a provisional 
basis using management’s best estimate of the chrome quality. Subsequent adjustments were recorded in revenue to take 
into account final adjustments, if different from the initial estimates.

Revenue from the rendering of services was recognised in proportion to the stage of completion of the work performed at 
the reporting date.

Accounting policy in terms of IFRS 15
Sales revenue is recognised on individual sales when control transfers to the customer. Control transfers to the customer upon 
satisfaction of performance obligations within each contract. In most instances, control passes and sales revenue is recognised 
when the product is delivered to the vessel or vehicle on which it will be transported once loaded, the destination port or the 
customer’s premises. There may be circumstances when judgement is required based on the five indicators of control below:
•• The customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership and has the ability to direct the use of, and obtain 

substantially all of the remaining benefits from the good or service.

•• The customer has a present obligation to pay in accordance with the terms of the sales contract. For shipments under the 
International Commercial Terms (‘Incoterms’) cost, insurance and freight (‘CIF’) this is generally when the ship is loaded, at 
which time the obligation for payment is for both product and freight.

•• The customer has accepted the asset. Sales revenue may be subject to adjustment if the product specification does not 

conform to the terms specified in the sales contract but this does not impact the passing of control. Assay and specification 
adjustments have been immaterial historically.

•• The customer has legal title to the asset. The Group usually retains legal title until payment is received for credit risk 

purposes only.

•• The customer has physical possession of the asset. This indicator may be less important as the customer may obtain control 

of an asset prior to obtaining physical possession, which may be the case for goods in transit.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 110

3.

Change in accounting policies continued
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers continued
Accounting policy in terms of IFRS 15 continued
Revenue is presented net of value added tax, rebates and discounts and after eliminating intergroup sales. Multiple 
performance obligations exist which are described in the following paragraphs:

Operating segments, and the amounts of each segment item reported in the consolidated financial statements, are identified 
from the financial information provided regularly to the Group’s management for the purposes of allocating resources to, and 
assessing the performance of, the Group’s various lines of business and geographical locations. The Board of Directors is of the 
view that the Group had three operating segments during the reporting period, the PGM segment, the chrome segment and 
the agency and trading segment.

The following is a description of the Group’s current principal activities separated by reportable segment, from which the 
Group recognises its revenue.

PGM segment
The PGM segment principally generates revenue from the sale of PGM concentrate, which consists of the sale of platinum, 
palladium, rhodium, gold, ruthenium, iridium, nickel and copper. The Group enters into off-take agreements with customers 
for the supply of PGM concentrate. Revenue from the sale of PGM concentrate is recognised based on the quantity of PGM 
concentrate delivered, prevailing market prices and exchange rates, when delivered to the customers in terms of the off-take 
agreements. Revenue recognised includes variable consideration as revenue is subject to quantity adjustments, final pricing 
and currency adjustments after the beneficiation process is completed. Revenue recognised is adjusted for expected final 
adjustments based on finally determined quantity and spot rates, which are estimated based on prevailing market information 
and recognised as a separate component within revenue. Adjustments to the sale price occur based on movements in the 
metal market price and exchange rates up to the date of final pricing.

Any subsequent changes that arise due to differences between initial and final assay are still considered within the scope of 
IFRS 15 and are subject to the constraint on estimates of variable consideration. When considering the initial assay estimate, 
the Group has considered the requirements of IFRS 15 in relation to the constraint on estimates of variable consideration. It 
will only include amounts in the calculation of revenue where it is highly probable that a significant revenue reversal will not 
occur when the uncertainty relating to final quantity/assay/quality is subsequently resolved.

Consequently, at the time the concentrate passes to the customer, the Group will recognise a receivable as from that time it 
considers it has an unconditional right to consideration. This receivable is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 9.

The PGM commodity derivative is no longer separated from the host contract. This is because the existence of the provisional 
pricing features means the concentrate receivable fails to meet the requirements to be measured at amortised cost. Instead, 
the entire receivable is measured at fair value, with subsequent movements being recognised in profit or loss.

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  111

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

3.

Change in accounting policies continued
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers continued
Chrome segment
The Group currently produces two specifications of chrome concentrates, metallurgical chrome concentrate and specialty 
chrome concentrates. It generates revenue from the sale of these products. The chrome market is typically a ‘spot’ market. 
The Group enters into short-term sale contracts. The Group also enters into long-term volume off-take agreements for the 
supply of chrome concentrates.

Revenue arising from chrome concentrate sales under short-term sale contracts and off-take agreements is recognised when 
the chrome concentrate is delivered and a customer takes control of the chrome concentrate. Revenue is recognised based 
on the fixed sale price in terms of the contract, the quantity delivered and the quality as determined by an independent survey. 
Export sales may, as specified in the contract, be subject to a final survey upon arrival at destination port. Revenue recognised 
for export sales is adjusted for expected final adjustments, which are estimated based on historical data for similar 
transactions.

The majority of the Group’s metallurgical chrome concentrate is exported. For these export sales, the point of revenue 
recognition is dependent on the contract sales terms, known as the CIF Incoterms. For the CIF Incoterms, the seller must 
contract for and pay the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination. This means that the 
Group is responsible (acts as principal) for providing shipping services and, in some instances, insurance after the date at which 
control of goods passes to the customer at the loading port. 

Consequently, the freight service on export commodity contracts with CIF Incoterms represents a separate performance 
obligation as defined under IFRS 15 and as such, a portion of the revenue earned under these contracts, representing 
the obligation to perform the freight service, is deferred and recognised when this obligation has been fulfilled, along with 
the associated costs.

Since separate performance conditions exist for export commodity contracts with CIF Incoterms, the Group allocates the 
transaction price to the separate performance conditions on a relative standalone selling price basis. Observable information 
with specific reference to sea freight costs is used for allocation of the transaction price. 

Agency and trading segment
The Group operates a third-party chrome plant and markets and sells the chrome concentrate produced at this plant. The 
Group determines whether it acts as principal or agent by assessing whether the Group controls the transaction and what 
its performance obligations are. Considerations to determine control include whether the Group provides the performance 
obligation itself, the Group is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified chrome concentrates, the 
Group has inventory risk before the specified products are transferred to the customer and the Group determines the selling 
price. In the absence of any of the aforementioned factors, control of the transaction may be doubtful and the Group would 
recognise the margin achieved in revenue as an agent.

Metallurgical and specialty chrome concentrates are produced at this plant. The Group enters into short-term contracts 
for the sale of these chrome concentrates. Revenue arising from short-term sale contracts is recognised when the chrome 
concentrate is delivered and a customer takes control of the chrome concentrates. This occurs in accordance with the terms 
of each contract. Delivery terms also vary between the sale of metallurgical chrome concentrate and specialty chrome 
concentrates. Sales from chrome concentrates are subject to surveys to determine the chrome quality and quantity. Revenue 
is recognised based on the fixed sale price in terms of the contract, the quantity delivered and the quality as determined by an 
independent survey. Export sales may, as specified in the contract, be subject to a final survey upon arrival at destination port. 
Revenue recognised for export sales is adjusted for expected final adjustments, which are estimated based on historical data 
for similar transactions.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 112

3.

Change in accounting policies continued
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers continued
Agency and trading segment continued
The majority of the Group’s metallurgical chrome concentrate produced at the third-party chrome plant is exported. 
For these export sales, the point of revenue recognition is dependent on the contract sales terms, known as the Incoterms. 
For the CIF Incoterms the seller must contract for and pay the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named 
port of destination. This means that the Group is responsible (acts as principal) for providing shipping services and, in some 
instances, insurance after the date at which control of goods passes to the customer at the loading port.

Consequently, the freight service on export commodity contracts with CIF Incoterms represents a separate performance 
obligation as defined under IFRS 15 and as such, a portion of the revenue earned under these contracts, representing 
the obligation to perform the freight service, is deferred and recognised when this obligation has been fulfilled, along with 
the associated costs.

Since separate performance conditions exist for export commodity contracts with CIF Incoterms, the Group allocates the 
transaction price to the separate performance conditions on a relative standalone selling price basis. Observable information 
with specific reference to sea freight costs is used for allocation of the transaction price. 

The Group also provides inland logistics services to customers. These services include long-term contracts and ad hoc logistic 
services. Revenue is recognised at a point in time as the performance obligation has been fulfilled which is the delivery of the 
specified goods. Any earned consideration, which is conditional, will be recognised as a contract asset rather than a trade and 
other receivable.

Revenue is also generated from consulting services rendered. These services include geological, marketing and administration 
services. Revenue is recognised over time, using an input method to measure progress towards complete customer 
satisfaction.

Contract balances 
Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. The Group records a receivable in the 
statement of financial position, when revenue is recognised prior to invoicing. Similarly, unearned revenue received (income 
received in advance), is disclosed as a current liability in the statement of financial position, if it will be earned within one year.

Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type and delivery method, although for local sales terms generally include a 
requirement of payment upon completion of delivery of the products. For export chrome concentrate transactions, payment 
terms vary from 30 to 90 days, however, the Group obtains a letter of credit from a reputable bank in most instances before 
shipment occurs.

In the instance where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Group has determined 
that due to the short-term nature, the contracts with customers generally do not include a significant financing component. 
The primary purpose of the Group’s invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing 
products, not to receive financing from customers or to provide financing to customers. Similarly, due to the short-term nature 
of unearned revenue received, being less than 12 months. No financing component exists in line with the practical expedient. 

Commissions recognised from costs to obtain a contract with a customer
The Group recognises the incremental costs, arising from the concluding of sale contracts, as expenses in cost of sales in the 
statement of profit or loss when incurred. Such commission fees relate to the chrome segment and are short-term in nature.

Impact of adopting IFRS 15 on the Group’s consolidated financial statements 
IFRS 15 requires the Group to recognise revenue for sales of products as it transfers control over those products to customers, 
which generally occurs on delivery and is determined by the agreed delivery terms. This is generally consistent with the timing 
of revenue recognition in accordance with the previous standard, IAS 18. No incremental costs have been capitalised on 
adoption of IFRS 15 because lead times for individual orders are less than one year and costs to fulfil contracts are already 
recognised as inventories. The Group has used the modified retrospective transition method, under which the effect of initially 
applying IFRS 15 is adjusted against the opening balance of equity at 1 October 2017. 

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  113

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

3.

Change in accounting policies continued
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers continued
Impact of adopting IFRS 15 on the Group’s consolidated financial statements continued
As stated in the new accounting policy, the freight service on export commodity contracts with CIF Incoterms represents 
a separate performance obligation as defined under the new standard, and a portion of the revenue earned under these 
contracts, representing the obligation to perform the freight service, is deferred and recognised over time as this obligation 
is fulfilled, along with the associated costs.

The impact of this transition difference is not considered material to the Group and hence comparative values have not 
been restated. If comparative values had been restated, the impact would have been to reduce revenue and cost of sales 
respectively for the year ended 30 September 2017 by US$1.3 million with no impact on profit. Current assets and current 
liabilities as at 30 September 2017 would each have been higher by US$1.3 million.

IFRS 16 Leases
The Group has early adopted all of the requirements of IFRS 16 Leases (‘IFRS 16’) effective 1 October 2017 (initial application). 
IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17 Leases (‘IAS 17’). The Group has applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach and 
therefore the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported in terms of IAS 17 and 
IFRIC 4: Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease. The Group recognised the cumulative effect of initial 
application of IFRS 16, in terms of the modified retrospective approach, in retained earnings at 1 October 2017. Contracts 
previously assessed not to be a lease in terms of IAS 17 were not reassessed. As a result, the Group has changed its accounting 
policy for leases as detailed in the accounting policies.

As a lessee
Comparative accounting policy in terms of IAS 17
In terms of IAS 17, the Group was required to classify its leases as either finance leases or operating leases and account for 
those two types of leases differently (both as a lessor or a lessee). A lease was classified as a finance lease if it transferred 
substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership. A lease was classified as an operating lease if all the risks and 
rewards incidental to ownership did not substantially transfer.

Finance leases were recognised as assets and liabilities in the statement of financial position at amounts equal to the fair value 
of the leased property or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability to the lessor 
was included in the statement of financial position as a finance lease obligation. The discount rate used in calculating the 
present value of the minimum lease payments is the interest rate implicit in the lease. The lease payments are apportioned 
between the finance charge and reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance charge is allocated to each period during 
the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate on the remaining balance of the liability.

Operating lease payments, in the event of the Group operating as lessee, were recognised as an expense on a straight-line 
basis over the lease term. The difference between the amounts recognised as an expense and the contractual payments were 
recognised as an operating lease asset. The liability was not discounted.

The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the commencement date of the contract for all leases 
conveying the right to control the use of identified assets for a specified period. The commencement date is the date on which 
a lessor makes an underlying asset available for use by the lessee.

The right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost, which comprises the amount of initial measurement of the lease liability 
adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date plus any initial direct costs incurred by the lessee 
and an estimate of costs to be incurred by the lessee in dismantling and removing the underlying assets or restoring the site 
on which the assets are located, less any lease incentives.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 114

3.

Change in accounting policies continued
IFRS 16 Leases continued
Subsequent to initial measurement, the right-of-use assets are depreciated from the commencement date using the 
straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the right-of-use assets or the end of lease term. These are 
as follows:

Right-of-use asset

Depreciation term in years

Buildings and premises
Mining fleet

Straight line over the respective lease terms, between three and five years
Based on estimated production hours

After the commencement date, the right-of-use assets are measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any 
accumulated impairment losses and adjusted for any remeasurement of the lease liability.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, 
discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental 
borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability include the following:
•• Fixed payments, less any lease incentives receivable
•• Variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the 

commencement date

•• Amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees
•• The exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option 
•• Lease payments in an optional renewal period if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option 
•• Payments of penalties for early terminating the lease, unless the Group is reasonably certain not to terminate early.

The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. It is remeasured when there is a 
change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the Group’s estimate of the 
amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will 
exercise a purchase, an extension or a termination option.

When the lease liability is remeasured, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, 
or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases of vehicles that have 
a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets such as computer equipment.

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  115

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

3.

Change in accounting policies continued
IFRS 16 Leases continued
As a lessor
In the event of lease contracts based on which the Group is acting as a lessor, each of its leases is classified as either an 
operating or finance lease. A lease is classified as a finance lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental 
to ownership to the lessee. Indicators of a finance lease include whether the lease is for the major part of the economic life 
of the asset, whether the lease transfers ownership of the asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term and whether at 
inception date of the lease, the present value of the minimum lease payments amount to substantially all of the fair value 
of the leased asset.

Leases where a significant portion of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership are retained by the lessor, are classified 
as operating leases.

When the Group is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its interest in the head lease and the sub-lease separately. It assesses 
the lease classification of a sub-lease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not with reference 
to the underlying asset. If a head lease is a short-term lease to which the Group applies the exemption described above, then 
it classifies the sub-lease as an operating lease.

Rental income is classified in other income.

Impact of adopting IFRS 16 on the Group’s consolidated financial statements
The adoption of IFRS 16 resulted in the Group recognising a number of leases for buildings and premises on 1 October 2017. 
These were previously treated as operating leases in terms of IAS 17. On 1 October 2017, the previously recognised 
equalisation of operating lease liabilities in terms of IAS 17 was reversed from trade and other payables and the corresponding 
after tax impact on retained earnings corrected. Simultaneously the right-of-use assets and the corresponding lease liabilities 
were recognised while the after tax depreciation and finance charges were corrected to retained earnings.

The following table summarises the impact of adopting IFRS 16 on the Group’s extracted consolidated statement of financial 
position at 1 October 2017:

Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax asset

Equity and liabilities
Retained earnings

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings

Current liabilities
Borrowings
Trade and other payables

As previously 
reported

30 September 
2017
US$’000

Adjustments at 
1 October 
2017
US$’000

1 October 
2017
US$’000

232 559 
1 952 

1 166 
7 

233 725 
1 959 

42 877 

(15)

42 862 

4 375 

1 014 

5 389 

45 026 
31 916 

191 
(17)

45 217 
31 899 

Note

10
13

19

19

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 116

4.

Operating segments
For management purposes, the chief operating decision maker of the Group, being the executive directors of the Company 
and the executive directors of the subsidiaries, reports its results per segment. The Group currently has the following three 
segments:
•• PGM segment
•• Chrome segment
•• Agency and trading segment.

The operating results of each segment are monitored separately by the chief decision maker in order to assist them in making 
decisions regarding resource allocation as well as enabling them to evaluate performance. Segment performance is evaluated 
on a PGM ounce production and sales basis and a chrome concentrate tonnes production and sales basis. Third-party logistics, 
third-party trading and third-party chrome operations are evaluated individually but aggregated together as the agency and 
trading segment. 

The Group’s administrative costs, financing (including finance income and finance costs) and income taxes are managed on 
a group basis and are not allocated to a segment.

The accounting policies used by the Group in reporting segments internally are the same as those contained in the 
consolidated financial statements.

Due to the intrinsic nature of the Group’s PGM and chrome concentrate production processes, assets are reported on a 
consolidated basis and cannot necessarily be allocated to a specific segment. Consequently, assets are not disclosed per 
segment in the following segmental information.

2018
Revenue

Cost of sales

Manufacturing costs
Selling costs
Freight services

Gross profit

2017
Revenue

Cost of sales

Manufacturing costs
Selling costs
Freight services

Gross profit

PGM
US$’000

Chrome
US$’000

Agency 
and trading
US$’000

Total
US$’000

117 381 

250 351 

38 536 

406 268 

(87 745)
(399)
–

(88 144)

29 237 

(106 485)
(48 343)
(19 836)

(174 664)

75 687 

(21 695)
(9 711)
(3 568)

(34 974)

3 562 

(215 925)
(58 453)
(23 404)

(297 782)

108 486 

90 924 

252 869 

5 650 

349 443 

(54 336)
(366)
–

(54 702)

36 222 

(107 634)
(44 780)
(14 288)

(166 702)

86 167 

(4 241)
(1 144)
–

(5 385)

265 

(166 211)
(46 290)
(14 288)

(226 789)

122 654 

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  117

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

4.

Operating segments continued
The shared costs relating to the manufacturing of PGM and chrome concentrates are allocated to the relevant operating 
segments based on the relative sales value per product on an ex-works basis. During the year ended 30 September 2018, 
the relative sales value of PGM concentrate increased compared to the relative sales value of chrome concentrates and 
consequently shared costs were allocated equally. The allocation basis of shared costs was 65.0% (chrome concentrates) 
and 35.0% (PGM concentrate) in the comparative period.

Cost of sales includes a charge for the write off/impairment of property, plant and equipment totalling US$3.6 million (2017: 
no charge) which mainly relates to mining equipment. The write off/impairment has been allocated on an equal basis to the 
PGM and chrome segments.

Geographical information
The following table sets out information about the geographical location of: 
•• the Group’s revenue from external customers 
•• the Group’s property, plant and equipment and goodwill (‘specified non-current assets’). 

The geographical location analysis of revenue from external customers is based on the country of establishment of each 
customer. The geographical location of the specified non-current assets is based on the physical location of the asset in the 
case of property, plant and equipment and the location of the operation to which they are allocated in the case of goodwill.

Revenue from external customers

2018
South Africa
China
Singapore
Hong Kong
Other countries

2017
South Africa
China
Singapore
Hong Kong
Other countries

PGM 
US$’000

Chrome 
US$’000

Agency 
and trading 
US$’000

117 381 
–
–
–
–

117 381 

90 924 
–
–
–
–

90 924 

62 464 
86 866 
10 942 
89 733 
346 

250 351 

59 150 
82 196 
13 961 
94 866 
2 696 

252 869 

969
9 894 
17 088
9 453 
1 132 

38 536 

1 811 
3 839 
–
–
–

5 650 

Total
US$’000

180 814
96 760 
28 030
99 186 
1 478 

406 268 

151 885 
86 035 
13 961 
94 866 
2 696 

349 443 

Revenue represents the sale value of goods supplied to customers, net of value added tax. The following table summarises 
sales to customers with whom transactions have individually exceeded 10.0% of the Group’s revenues. 

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 118

4.

Operating segments continued

Customer 1
Customer 2
Customer 3

Specified non-current assets
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Cyprus

2018

2017

Segment

US$’000

Segment

US$’000

PGM
Chrome
Chrome

101 560 
62 583 
46 186 

PGM
Chrome
Chrome

88 118 
60 370 
43 676 

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

264 933 
4 438 
73 

269 444 

233 394 
–
3 

233 397 

Non-current assets includes property, plant and equipment, goodwill and the investment accounted for using the equity 
method.

5.

Revenue

2018
Revenue

Variable revenue based on initial results
Quantity adjustments
Revenue based on fixed selling prices
Freight services

Fair value adjustments

Total revenue

2017

Total revenue

PGM
US$’000

Chrome
US$’000

Agency 
and trading
US$’000

Total
US$’000

110 619 
254
–
–

110 873

6 508

169 092 
(1 041)
62 464
19 836

250 351

–

33 957 
42
915
3 622

38 536

–

313 668
(745)
63 379
23 458

399 760

6 508

117 381 

250 351 

38 536 

406 268 

90 924 

252 869 

5 650 

349 443 

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  119

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

5.

Revenue continued

Variable revenue recognised 
PGM revenue recognised in preceding year based on initial results
PGM revenue based on final results

PGM revenue adjustment recognised in current year

Chrome revenue recognised in preceding year based on initial results
Chrome revenue based on final results

Chrome revenue adjustment recognised in current year

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

(28 994)
30 823 

1 829 

(41 197)
41 177 

(20)

–
–

– 

–
–

–

The period ended 30 September 2018 includes PGM revenue of US$42.5 million and chrome revenue of US$48.5 million that 
was based on provisional results as final prices and surveys were not yet available at the date of this report. 

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 120

6.

Cost of sales

Mining
Salaries and wages
Utilities
Diesel
Materials and consumables
Re-agents
Steel balls
Overhead
State royalties
Depreciation – property, plant and equipment
Cost of commodities
Impairment and write off of property, plant and equipment
Change in inventories – finished products and ore stockpile

Total cost of sales excluding selling costs
Selling costs
Freight services

Cost of sales

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

105 376 
15 124 
10 319 
650 
11 174 
4 471 
6 715 
4 117 
2 916 
29 008 
18 644 
3 630 
3 781 

215 925 
58 453 
23 404 

297 782 

96 005 
12 467 
9 495 
705 
8 274 
3 653 
6 757 
8 055 
1 665 
16 476 
4 241 
–
(1 582)

166 211 
46 290 
14 288 

226 789 

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  121

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

612 
15 459 
3 262 
1 707 

21 040

490 
90 
2 611 
157 
850 
701 
4 019 
206 
461 
1 019 
267 
697 
634 
37 
1 296 
1 776 
1 374 
504 
410 
593 

536 
9 213 
1 339 
1 405 

12 493

429 
–
2 773 
73 
453 
516 
4 342 
–
260 
300 
–
914 
873 
196 
660 
828 
719 
313 
358 
403 

7.

Administrative expenses

Directors’ and staff costs
Non-executive directors
Employees:  salaries
bonuses
pension fund, medical aid and other contributions 

Audit – external audit services
Audit – other services*
Consulting
Corporate and social investment
Depreciation
Discount facility and related fees
Equity-settled share-based payment expense
Internal audit
Listing fees and investor relations
Health and safety
Impairment and write off of property, plant and equipment 
Insurance
Legal and professional
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Office administration, rent and utilities
Security
Telecommunications and IT related
Training
Travelling and accommodation
Sundry

* Other services paid to the former external auditor relates to tax and accounting services as approved by the Audit Committee.

39 232 

26 903 

Number of employees

2018

1 758

2017

701

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW  
 
122

8.

Tax

Corporate income tax for the year

Cyprus
South Africa

Special contribution for defence in Cyprus
Deferred tax

Originating and reversal of temporary differences (note 13)

Dividend withholding tax

Tax charge

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

2 913 
3 002 

5 915 
5 

7 933 
158 

14 011 

1 554 
2 596 

4 150 
4 

19 162 
–

23 316 

Reconciliation between tax charge and accounting profit at applicable tax rates
Profit before tax

Notional tax on profit before taxation, calculated at the rates applicable in the jurisdictions 
concerned

64 983 

90 989 

10 181 

23 165 

Non-taxable income
Profits on revaluation of intergroup US$ denominated preference shares
Gain on bargain purchase
Intergroup dividends received
Interest received
Non-deductible expenses
Losses on revaluation of intergroup US$ denominated preference shares
Intergroup dividends paid
Investment related
Interest paid
Capital expenses
Other
Recognition of deemed interest income for tax purposes

–
(516)
(4 300)
(13)

4 070 
3 001 
877 
10 
161 
472 
68 

(695)
–
(2 423)
(6)

–
2 415 
526 
51 
170 
73 
40 

Tax charge

14 011 

23 316 

Tax is recognised on management’s best estimate of the weighted average annual income tax rate expected for the full 
financial year applied to the pre-tax income of the year. 

Under certain conditions interest income may be subject to defence contribution at the rate of 30.0% in Cyprus. Such interest 
income is treated as non-taxable in the computation of corporation taxable income. In certain instances, dividends received 
from abroad may be subject to defence contribution at the rate of 17.0%.

The Group’s consolidated effective tax rate for the year ended 30 September 2018 was 21.6% (2017: 25.6%).

At 30 September 2018, the Group’s unredeemed capital balance available for offset against future mining taxable income in 
South Africa amounted to US$111.1 million (2017: US$99.6 million). 

Special contribution for defence is provided in Cyprus on certain interest income at the rate of 30%. 100% of such interest 
income is treated as non-taxable in the computation of chargeable income for corporation tax purposes.

Other than Cyprus and South Africa, no provision for tax in other jurisdictions was made as these entities either sustained 
losses for taxation purposes or did not earn any assessable profits.

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  123

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

9.

Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share has been based on the following profit attributable to the ordinary 
shareholders of the Company and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding. Treasury shares are excluded 
from the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding. Vested share appreciation rights (‘SARS’) issued to 
employees at award prices lower than the current share price, results in a potential dilutive impact on the weighted average 
number of issued ordinary shares and have been included in the calculation of dilutive weighted average number of issued 
ordinary shares. Vested SARS issued to employees at award prices higher than the current share price, were excluded from the 
calculation of diluted weighted average number of issued ordinary shares because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. 
Vested but unissued conditional awards (‘LTIP’) have been included in the calculation of dilutive weighted average number of 
issued ordinary shares. The average market value of the Company’s shares for the purposes of calculating the potential dilutive 
effect of SARS was based on quoted market prices for the year during which the options were outstanding.

Profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders (US$’000)
Weighted average number of issued ordinary shares for basic earnings per share (‘000)
Weighted average number of issued ordinary shares for diluted earnings per share (‘000)
Earnings per share
Basic (US$ cents)
Diluted (US$ cents)

2018

2017

48 433 
260 329 
264 531 

19 
18 

57 601 
257 393 
257 393 

22 
22 

Headline and diluted headline earnings per share
The calculation of basic and diluted headline earnings per share has been based on the following profit attributable to the 
ordinary shareholders of the Company and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding. Treasury shares are 
excluded from the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding. Vested SARS issued to employees at award prices 
lower than the current share price, results in a potential dilutive impact on the weighted average number of issued ordinary 
shares and have been included in the calculation of dilutive weighted average number of issued ordinary shares. Vested 
SARS issued to employees at award prices higher than the current share price, were excluded from the calculation of diluted 
weighted average number of issued ordinary shares because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Vested but unissued 
LTIP have been included in the calculation of dilutive weighted average number of issued ordinary shares.

Headline earnings for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders (US$’000)
Weighted average number of issued ordinary shares for basic headline earnings per share 
(‘000)
Weighted average number of issued ordinary shares for diluted headline earnings per share 
(‘000)
Headline earnings per share
Basic (US$ cents)
Diluted (US$ cents)

2018

Gross
US$’000

Tax
US$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest
US$’000

(1 884)
3 897 
–
36 

–
(1 091)

(10)

490 
(730)
–
(7)

Reconciliation of profit to headline earnings
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Adjustments:

Gain on bargain purchase
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Impairment losses on goodwill
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Headline earnings

2018

2017

49 134 

57 799 

260 329 

257 393 

264 531 

257 393 

19 
19 

22 
22 

2017

Net
US$’000

Net
US$’000

48 433 

57 601 

(1 394)
2 076 
–
19 
49 134 

–
–
57 
141 
57 799 

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 124

10.

Property, plant and equipment

30 September 2018
Cost
Balance at 30 September 2017
Adoption of IFRS 16 (refer note 3)

Balance at 1 October 2017
Additions
Business combination (note 21)
Transfers
Disposals
Assets written off
Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2018

Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 30 September 2017
Adoption of IFRS 16

Balance at 1 October 2017
Charge for the year
Transfers
Disposals
Impairment/assets written off
Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2018

Freehold land 
and buildings
US$’000

Mining 
assets and 
infrastructure
US$’000

Mining 
fleet
US$’000

Right-of-use 

asset: 

mining fleet

US$’000

Computer 

community 

Right-of-use 

Motor 

vehicles

US$’000

equipment 

and site office 

and software

improvements

US$’000

US$’000

asset: 

Leasehold 

buildings

US$’000

improvements

US$’000

Total

US$’000

Office 

equipment 

and furniture, 

15 354 
–

15 354 
150 
–
–
–
–
(643)

14 861 

592 
–

592 
188 
–
–
–
(40)

740 

266 019 
–

266 019 
21 429 
1 886 
–
–
(266)
(12 723)

276 345 

59 337 
–

59 337 
16 761 
–
–
–
(3 708)

72 390 

7 030 
–

7 030 
16 473 
21 466 
(2 203)
(145)
(2 539)
(3 210)

36 872 

299 
–

299 
7 700 
(80)
–
1 020 
(665)

8 274 

6 910 

6 527 

2 203 

(159)

(1 299)

14 182 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2 963 

80 

–

(88)

(223)

2 732 

594 

594 

88 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(31)

651 

289 

289 

69 

(17)

341 

5 542 

–

–

5 542 

2 167 

(15)

(97)

(1)

(373)

7 223 

1 914 

–

1 914 

1 712 

(6)

(87)

–

(193)

3 340 

796 

796 

147 

–

–

–

(114)

(29)

(29)

771 

518 

–

518 

93 

(23)

(28)

–

(19)

541 

1 503 

1 503 

791 

129 

–

–

–

–

(127)

2 296 

–

164 

164 

372 

29 

–

–

(33)

532 

220 

(220)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

47 

(47)

295 555 

1 283 

296 838 

48 155 

29 879 

–

(271)

(2 965)

(18 435)

353 201 

62 996 

117 

63 113 

29 858 

–

(115)

932 

(4 898)

88 890 

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  125

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

10.

Property, plant and equipment

30 September 2018

Cost

Balance at 30 September 2017

Adoption of IFRS 16 (refer note 3)

Balance at 1 October 2017

Business combination (note 21)

Additions

Transfers

Disposals

Assets written off

Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2018

Accumulated depreciation

Balance at 30 September 2017

Adoption of IFRS 16

Balance at 1 October 2017

Charge for the year

Transfers

Disposals

Impairment/assets written off

Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2018

Freehold land 

and buildings

US$’000

Mining 

assets and 

infrastructure

US$’000

Mining 

fleet

US$’000

Right-of-use 
asset: 
mining fleet
US$’000

Motor 
vehicles
US$’000

Computer 
equipment 
and software
US$’000

Office 
equipment 
and furniture, 
community 
and site office 
improvements
US$’000

Right-of-use 
asset: 
buildings
US$’000

Leasehold 
improvements
US$’000

15 354 

266 019 

15 354 

150 

(643)

14 861 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

592 

592 

188 

(40)

740 

266 019 

21 429 

1 886 

(266)

(12 723)

276 345 

59 337 

59 337 

16 761 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3 708)

72 390 

7 030 

–

7 030 

16 473 

21 466 

(2 203)

(145)

(2 539)

(3 210)

36 872 

299 

–

299 

7 700 

(80)

–

1 020 

(665)

8 274 

–
–

–
6 910 
6 527 
2 203 
–
(159)
(1 299)

14 182 

–
–

–
2 963 
80 
–
(88)
(223)

2 732 

594 
–

594 
88 
–
–
–
–
(31)

651 

289 
–

289 
69 
–
–
–
(17)

341 

5 542 
–

5 542 
2 167 
–
(15)
(97)
(1)
(373)

7 223 

1 914 
–

1 914 
1 712 
(6)
(87)
–
(193)

3 340 

796 
–

796 
147 
–
(114)
(29)
–
(29)

771 

518 
–

518 
93 
(23)
(28)
–
(19)

541 

–
1 503 

1 503 
791 
–
129 
–
–
(127)

2 296 

–
164 

164 
372 
29 
–
–
(33)

532 

220 
(220)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

47 
(47)

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

Total
US$’000

295 555 
1 283 

296 838 
48 155 
29 879 
–
(271)
(2 965)
(18 435)

353 201 

62 996 
117 

63 113 
29 858 
–
(115)
932 
(4 898)

88 890 

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 126

10.

Property, plant and equipment continued

Mining 
assets 
and 
infra-
structure
US$’000

Freehold 
land and 
buildings
US$’000

Mining 
fleet
US$’000

Leasehold 
improve-
ments
US$’000

Computer
equip-
ment and 
software
US$’000

Motor 
vehicles
US$’000

Office 
equip-
ment and 
furniture, 
community
 and site 
office 
improve-
ments
US$’000

Total
US$’000

14 504 
666 
– 
184 

248 588 
14 602 
(231)
3 060 

– 
7 124 
– 
(94)

130 
189 
(99)
– 

2 077 
3 504 
(19)
(20)

515 
73 
– 
6 

554 
240 
– 
2 

266 368 
26 398 
(349)
3 138 

15 354 

266 019 

7 030 

220 

5 542 

594 

796 

295 555 

414 
174 
– 
4 

43 429 
15 570 
(35)
373 

– 
303 
– 
(4)

127 
16 
(99)
3 

1 203 
725 
(19)
5 

198 
90 
– 
1 

463 
51 
– 
4 

45 834 
16 929 
(153)
386 

592 

59 337 

299 

47 

1 914 

289 

518 

62 996 

Balance 30 September 
2016
Opening balance
Additions
Disposals
Exchange differences

Balance at 
30 September 2017

Accumulated 
depreciation
Balance at 
30 September 2016
Charge for the year
Disposals
Exchange differences

Balance at 
30 September 2017

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  127

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

10.

Property, plant and equipment continued

Net book value
Freehold land and buildings
Mining assets and infrastructure
Mining fleet
Right-of-use mining fleet
Motor vehicles
Computer equipment and software
Office equipment and furniture, community and site office improvements
Right-of-use buildings and premises
Leasehold improvements

30 September 
2018
US$’000

30 September 
2017
US$’000

14 121 
203 955 
28 598 
11 450 
310 
3 883 
230 
1 764 
–

264 311 

14 762
206 682
6 731
–
305
3 628
278
–
173

232 559

Included in additions to mining assets and infrastructure are additions to the deferred stripping asset of US$1.3 million 
(2017: no additions).

The estimated economically recoverable proved and probable mineral reserve was reassessed at 1 October 2017 which gave 
rise to a change in accounting estimate. The remaining reserve that management had previously assessed was 100.3 Mt (at 30 
September 2016) and at 30 September 2017 was assessed to be 97.0 Mt. 

As a result, and taking into account depletion of the reserve during the year ended 30 September 2017 (5.0 Mt), the expected 
useful life of the plant increased. The impact of the change on the actual depreciation expense, included in cost of sales, is a 
reduced depreciation charge of US$0.2 million.

Included in mining assets and infrastructure are projects under construction of US$20.5 million (2017: US$9.0 million).

Freehold land and buildings comprises various portions of the farms Elandsdrift 467 JQ, Buffelspoort 343 JQ and 342 JQ, 
North West province, South Africa. All land is freehold.

Property, plant and equipment, with the exception of motor vehicles, is insured at approximate cost of replacement. Motor 
vehicles are insured at market value. Land is not insured.

Capital commitments
At 30 September 2018, the Group’s capital commitments for contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment amounted 
to US$6.0 million (2017: US$6.5 million).

Securities
At 30 September 2018, US$11.4 million of the carrying amount of the Group’s mining fleet was pledged as security against 
the equipment loan facility. At 30 September 2017, US$213.5 million was secured against the secured bank borrowings. 
The secured bank borrowings was settled in full during the year ended 30 September 2018.

Assets written off/impairment
During the year ended 30 September 2018, the Group impaired and scrapped assets totalling US$3.9 million. The impairment 
and assets written off relate to costs capitalised to the construction of a new plant and to yellow fleet equipment identified 
as no longer fit for use and premature component failures. The Group decided not to proceed with the construction of the 
new plant.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 128

11.

Investment accounted for using the equity method
The Group acquired 26.8% of the issued share capital of Karo Mining Holdings Limited (‘Karo Holdings’), a company 
incorporated in Cyprus, for a total cash consideration of US$4.5 million from the Leto Settlement, a related party. 

Karo Holdings entered into an Investment Project Framework Agreement with the Republic of Zimbabwe in terms of which 
Karo Holdings, through any of its subsidiaries, has undertaken to establish a platinum group metals mine, concentrators, 
smelters, a base metal and precious metals refinery as well as power generation capacity for the operations with surplus 
energy capacity made available to the Zimbabwe power grid (collectively referred to as ‘the project’).

Karo Holdings’ principal place of business is in Cyprus. The table below details Karo Holdings’ interest in subsidiaries as at 
30 September 2018:

Company name

Effective interest

Country of 
incorporation 
and principal 
place of 
business

Principal activity

Karo Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited
Karo Platinum (Private) Limited*
Karo Coal Mines (Private) Limited**
Karo Power Generation (Private) Limited**
Karo Refinery (Private) Limited**

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe

Investment holding
Platinum mining 
Coal
Power generation
PGM smelting and refining

*    In terms of the Investment Project Framework Agreement, 50% of the shareholding in this company will transfer to an investment entity wholly 

owned by the Republic of Zimbabwe.

**  In terms of the Investment Project Framework Agreement, 25% of the shareholding in these companies will transfer to an investment entity wholly 

owned by the Republic of Zimbabwe.

The Group entered into a shareholders’ agreement with Leto Settlement whereby management of the project will exclusively 
vest in the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Any decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the 
shareholders. The Group has determined that a joint arrangement exists and consequently has classified its investment in Karo 
Holdings as a joint venture. The Group accounts for joint ventures using the equity method in the consolidated financial 
statements. 

Investment in Karo Holdings
Opening balance
Shares acquired
Share of total comprehensive loss

Total share of comprehensive loss from joint venture

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

–
4 500 
(62)

4 438 

(62)

–
–
–

–

–

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  129

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

11.

Investment accounted for using the equity method continued

Summarised consolidated financial information of Karo Holdings
Summarised statement of financial position
Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities

Net deficit (100%)

Summarised statement of comprehensive income
Operating expenses
Tax

Total comprehensive loss

Carrying amount of investment in joint venture
Group’s share of net deficit (26.8%)
Purchase consideration

Carrying amount

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

122 
3 
(264)
(91)

(230)

(290)
60 

(230)

(62)
4 500 

4 438 

–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

Contingencies and commitments
The Group has undertaken to provide funding up to US$8.0 million to Karo Holdings as a repayable debt facility. This will be 
utilised to undertake initial geological exploration and sampling work to determine a compliant mineral resource which will 
enhance the value of the investment in Karo Holdings.

Unrecognised losses
The Group has not recognised any cumulative losses in relation to its interest in Karo Holdings.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 130

12. Other financial assets

Non-current assets
Investments in money markets, current accounts, cash funds and 
income funds

Current assets
Investments in equity instruments 
Forward exchange contracts 
Option to acquire shares in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited

Fair value
 hierarchy

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

Level 2

5 012 

3 767 

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

40 
804 
142 

986 

49 
–
–

49 

Investments in money markets, current accounts, cash funds and income funds – fair value through profit or loss
Investment in money market and current accounts totalling US$3.8 million (2017: US$2.6 million) is managed by Centriq 
Insurance Company Limited (‘Centriq’) (2017: Guardrisk Insurance Company Limited). The investment serves as security for the 
guarantee issued by Centriq (2017: Guardrisk Insurance Company Limited) to the Department of Mineral Resources (‘DMR’) 
for the rehabilitation provision. The guarantee issued by Centriq has a fixed cover period from 1 December 2014 to 
30 November 2020.

Investment in cash funds and income funds of US$1.2 million (2017: US$1.2 million) managed by Stanlib 
Collective Investments. The investment is ceded to Lombard Insurance Group (‘Lombard’) against a ZAR12.0 million 
(2017: ZAR12.0 million) guarantee issued by Lombard on behalf of Arxo Logistics Proprietary Limited to Transnet Freight Rail, 
a division of Transnet SOC Limited.

The investments in cash funds and income funds are unsecured and held at fair value through profit or loss (designated). 
The underlying investments are in money market and other funds and the fair value has been determined by reference to 
their quoted prices.

Investments in equity instruments – fair value through profit or loss
Investments at fair value through profit or loss are valued based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period 
without any deduction for transaction costs. The investment represents shares in the Bank of Cyprus Public Co Limited.

Forward exchange contracts – fair value through profit or loss
The Group entered into a number of forward exchange contracts to hedge certain aspects of the foreign exchange 
risk associated to the conversion of the US$ to the ZAR. The net exposure of these contracts is US$28.6 million 
(2017: US$36.2 million) with various expiries no later than 20 December 2018 (2017: no later than 30 November 2017). 

Option to acquire shares in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited
The Company has been granted a call option to acquire a 90.0% shareholding in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited 
(‘Salene’) a company incorporated in Zimbabwe from the Leto Settlement, a related party. Salene has been awarded three 
Special Grants under the Zimbabwe Mines and Minerals Act covering an area of approximately 9 500 hectares (95 km2) on the 
eastern side of the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe, which entitles it to mine the minerals thereon including illuvial chrome, being at 
surface chrome fines generated from seams as a result of weathering. The call option is exercisable upon completion of an 
initial exploration programme. In consideration of the call option, the Group will undertake the initial exploration programme 
including the costs thereof up to an amount of US$3.2 million. The decision to exercise the call option is at the Group’s 
election.

At the date of this report, insufficient information was available to accurately determine the fair value of the call option, more 
specifically the value of the net assets of the Special Grants or the profits attributable thereto. The Group believes this may 
only be possible once the initial exploration programme has been completed. As a result, the fair value represents the 
aggregate of the initial exploration programme costs incurred to 30 September 2018.

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  131

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

13. Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax liability

Deferred tax assets
Property, plant and equipment
Unrealised foreign currency exchange losses
Accrued leave
Share-based payments
Other

Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment
Tax losses not utilised
Accrued leave
Share-based payments
Other

Reconciliation of deferred tax liability
Balance at the beginning of the year
Adoption of IFRS 16 (refer note 3)

Temporary differences recognised in profit or loss and equity in relation to:

Capital allowances on property, plant and equipment
Provisions
Tax losses
Other

Exchange differences

Balance at the end of the year

Amounts recognised in:
Profit or loss (note 8)
Equity

2018
US$’000

1 880 
(29 892)

(28 012)

(35)
610 
165 
1 040 
100 

1 880 

63 212 
(28 755)
(3 573)
(782)
(210)

29 892 

(21 871)
7 

(21 864)

(8 470)
440 
(79)
482 

(7 627)

1 479 

2017
US$’000

1 952 
(23 823)

(21 871)

(54)
752 
164 
1 073 
17 

1 952 

57 765 
(30 065)
(1 977)
(809)
(1 091)

23 823 

(3 878)
–

(3 878)

(2 731)
649 
(17 364)
1 145 

(18 301)

308 

(28 012)

(21 871)

(7 933)
306 

(7 627)

(19 162)
861 

(18 301)

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are not offset unless the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset such 
assets and liabilities.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 132

13. Deferred tax continued

All of the above amounts have used the currently enacted income taxation rates of the respective tax jurisdictions the Group 
operates in. South African taxation losses normally expire within 12 months of the respective entities not trading. The 
deductible temporary timing differences do not expire under current taxation legislation. Deferred tax assets have only been 
recognised in terms of these items when it is probable that taxable profit will be available in the immediate future against 
which the respective entities can utilise the benefits therefrom.

The estimates used to assess the recoverability of recognised deferred tax assets include a forecast of the future taxable 
income and future cash flow projections based on a three-year period. The Group did not have tax losses and temporary 
differences for which deferred tax was not recognised.

14.

Inventories

Finished products
Ore stockpile
Consumables

Impairment of consumables

Total carrying amount

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

7 199 
1 338 
14 623 

23 160 
(117)

23 043 

6 620 
5 807 
8 399 

20 826 
(24)

20 802 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realisable value. The Group impaired certain consumables and spares as the 
operational use became doubtful with no anticipated recoverable amount or value in use. The impaired consumables are 
allocated equally to the PGM and chrome operating segments (2017: 35.0% and 65.0% respectively to the PGM and chrome 
operating segments). There were no write-downs to net realisable value during the year (2017: no write-downs).

15.

Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 
PGM receivable

Total trade receivables
Other receivables – related parties (note 23)
Deposits, prepayments and other receivables
Accrued income
Value added tax receivable (‘VAT’)
Provision for royalty tax

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

38 645 
25 355 

64 000 
417 
1 000 
5 088 
14 577 
1 120 

86 202 

55 602 
–

55 602 
59 
1 081 
3 167 
9 327 
1 138 

70 374 

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  133

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

15.

Trade and other receivables continued
Trade and other receivables of the Group are expected to be recoverable within one year from each reporting date. Trade 
receivables’ terms vary from 0 to 120 days (2017: 0 to 120 days). No impairment of trade receivables was recognised during 
the year ended 30 September 2018 (2017: no impairment).

The Group applies a simplified approach to measure the loss allowance for trade receivables classified at amortised cost, using 
the lifetime expected loss provision. The expected credit loss on trade receivables is estimated using a provision matrix by 
reference to past default experience and credit rating if available, adjusted as appropriate for current observable data. The 
following table details the risk profile of trade receivables based on the Group’s provision matrix. 

Current
Less than 90 days past due but not impaired
Greater than 90 days past due but not impaired

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

61 674 
2 143 
183 

64 000 

43 677 
7 540 
4 385 

55 602 

Included in VAT is an amount of US$10.0 million (ZAR141.3 million) (2017: US$5.9 million (ZAR79.5 million)) that relates to 
diesel rebates receivable from the South African Revenue Service (‘SARS’) in respect of the mining operations. The Group 
received a letter of intent from SARS disputing the refundability of this amount. The Group is strongly of the view that it fully 
complies with all the regulations to be entitled to this refund and is opposing SARS’s intent not to pay out this claim. The 
Group will take the necessary legal action to recover the amount due.

Based on current observable data, available credit quality information of clients and clients’ past default experience, 
management believes that no impairment allowance (2017: no impairment allowance) is required in respect of the trade and 
other receivables as balances are still considered fully recoverable. The Group does not hold any collateral over these balances.

16.

Cash and cash equivalents

Bank balances
Short-term bank deposits

2018
US$’000

55 433 
11 358 

66 791 

2017
US$’000

39 983
9 759

49 742

The amounts reflected above approximate fair value.

Cash at banks earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are generally call deposit 
accounts and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates.

At 30 September 2018, an amount of US$1.6 million (2017: US$1.6 million) was provided as security for a bank guarantee 
issued in favour of a trade creditor of a subsidiary of the Group and US$0.3 million (2017: US$0.3 million) was provided as 
security against certain credit facilities of the Group. 

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 134

17.

Share capital and reserves
Share capital

Authorised – ordinary shares of 
US$0.001 each
As at 30 September

Authorised – convertible redeemable 
preference shares of US$1 each
As at 30 September

Issued 
Ordinary shares
Balance at the beginning of the year
Issued as part of management share award plans
Issued to treasury shares

Balance at the end of the year

Treasury shares
Balance at the beginning of the year
Issued
Transferred as part of management share 
award plans

Balance at the end of the year

Issued and fully paid

30 September 2018

30 September 2017

Number 
of shares

US$’000

Number 
of shares

US$’000

10 000 000 000 

10 000 

10 000 000 000 

10 000

1 051 

1 

1 051 

1

261 000 000 
–
4 000 000 

265 000 000 

987 274 
4 000 000 

(889 703)

4 097 571 

261 
–
4 

265 

1 
4 

(1)

4 

256 981 571 
2 984 853 
1 033 576 

261 000 000 

–
1 033 576 

(46 302)

987 274 

257 
3 
1 

261 

–
1 

–

1 

260 902 429 

261 

260 012 726 

260

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  135

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

17.

Share capital and reserves continued
Share premium

Balance at the beginning of the year
Capital reduction
Shares issued 

Balance at the end of the year

30 September 2018

30 September 2017

Number 
of shares

260 012 726 
–
889 703 

260 902 429 

US$’000

280 082 
–
463 

280 545 

Number 
of shares

256 981 571 
–
3 031 155 

260 012 726 

US$’000

456 181 
(179 175)
3 076 

280 082 

Share capital
Allotments during the year were in respect of 4 000 000 (2017: 1 033 576) ordinary shares issued as treasury shares to satisfy 
the vesting of conditional awards and potential future settlement of appreciation rights of the participants’ of the Tharisa 
Share Award Plan. Allotments during the previous year were in respect of the award of 2 984 853 ordinary shares granted in 
terms of the Share Award Plan (conditional awards) of the participants’ of the Tharisa Share Award Plan. 

During the year ended 30 September 2018, 889 703 (2017: 46 302) ordinary shares were transferred from treasury shares to 
satisfy the exercise of appreciation rights by the participants of the Tharisa Share Award Plan.

At 30 September 2018, 4 097 571 (2017: 987 274) ordinary shares were held in treasury.

All shares rank equally with regard to the Company’s residual assets. The holders of ordinary shares, other than treasury 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.

Share premium
The share premium represents the excess of the issue price of ordinary shares over their nominal value, to the extent that 
it is registered at the Registrar of Companies in Cyprus, less share issue costs. The share premium is not distributable for 
dividend purposes.

During the year ended 30 September 2017, the share premium account was reduced by US$179.2 million with a 
corresponding increase in the retained earnings to reduce the accumulated losses to US$nil. The required Court Order was 
obtained on 8 March 2017 and filed at the Registrar of Companies on 9 March 2017. 

The distribution during the year ended 30 September 2017 of US$2.6 million (US$1 cent per share) was approved by way of 
a special resolution on 1 February 2017. The special resolution was ratified by the Court Order on 8 March 2017.

During the years ended 30 September 2018 and 30 September 2017, the increases in the share premium account related to 
the issue and allotment of ordinary shares granted in terms of the Share Award Plan.

Other reserve
Other reserve represents the discount between the fair value and the acquisition consideration paid at the time for the 
Company’s 74.0% shareholding in Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited. The Company acquired the shares from its non-
controlling shareholders and in accordance with the requirements of IAS 1, the gain on bargain purchase was recognised 
in equity. 

Retained earnings
The retained earnings includes the accumulated retained profits or losses of the Group and the share-based payment reserve. 
Retained earnings are distributable for dividend purposes.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 136

18.

Provisions
Provision for rehabilitation

2018
Decommis-
sioning
US$’000

Restoration
US$’000

Total 
provision
US$’000

Restoration
US$’000

2017
Decommis-
sioning
US$’000

Total 
provision
US$’000

4 607 
1 340 

451 
–
494 
31 

Opening balance
Recognised in profit or loss
Capitalised to mining assets 
and infrastructure
Business combination (note 21)
Unwinding of discount
Exchange differences

Closing balance

3 962 
1 693 

–
76 
529 
(339)

5 921 

2 961 
–

3 922 
57 
212 
(439)

6 713 

6 923 
1 693 

3 922 
133 
741 
(778)

2 343 
1 340 

–
–
269 
10 

2 264 
–

451 
–
225 
21 

12 634 

3 962 

2 961 

6 923 

The Group has a legal obligation to rehabilitate the mining area, once the mining operations cease. The provision has been 
calculated based on total estimated rehabilitation costs, discounted back to their present values. The pre-tax discount rates are 
adjusted annually and reflect current market assessments. These costs are expected to be utilised mostly towards the end of 
the life of mine and associated infrastructure, which is currently estimated to be within 15 years. The provision is determined 
using commercial closure cost assessments and not the inflation adjusted Department of Mineral Resources published rates as 
were used during 2017. 

The table below illustrates the movement in the provision as a result of mining operations, changes in variables and adopting 
commercial rates in comparison to the previously used Department of Mineral Resources rates.

Opening 
balance
US$’000

Mining 
operations
US$’000

Changes in 
variables
US$’000

Commercial 
rates
US$’000

Exchange 
differences
US$’000

Closing 
balance
US$’000

30 September 2018
Provision for 
restoration
Provision for 
decommissioning

3 962 

2 961 

6 923 

1 839 

(597)

1 242 

882 

368 

1 250 

(423)

4 420 

3 997 

(339)

(439)

(778)

5 921 

6 713 

12 634 

The current estimated rehabilitation cost to be incurred mostly at the end of the life of mine taking escalation factors into 
account is US$21.8 million (2017: US$13.7 million). The estimate was calculated by an independent external expert.

In determining the amounts attributable to the rehabilitation provisions at 30 September 2018, management used a discount 
rate of 9.4% (2017: 8.6%) which represents the rate associated to a 10-year and longer daily average yield based on South 
African government bonds (2017: R186 government bond of South Africa), estimated rehabilitation timing of 15 years 
(2017: 18 years) and an inflation rate of 6.3% (2017: 4.5%).

An insurance company has provided a guarantee to the Department of Mineral Resources to satisfy the legal requirements 
with respect to environmental rehabilitation and the Group has pledged as collateral its investments in interest-bearing debt 
instruments to the insurance company to support this guarantee.

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  137

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

2018
US$’000 

2017
US$’000

13 711 
1 931 
7 505 
4 134 
–

27 281 

9 104 
5 564 
4 299 
1 928 
29 243 
–
–

50 138 

–
–
1 497
–
2 878 

4 375 

–
–
847 
–
29 072 
14 876 
231 

45 026 

19.

Borrowings

Non-current
Facilities
Equipment loan facility
Finance leases
Loan
Secured bank borrowings 

Current
Facilities
Equipment loan facility
Finance leases
Loan
Bank credit facilities
Secured bank borrowings
Guardrisk loan

Facilities
Effective 28 March 2018, the Group concluded the ZAR800 million facilities which comprises:
•• a three-year senior secured amortising term loan of ZAR400 million (‘term loan’)
•• a three-year secured committed revolving facility of ZAR300 million (‘revolving facility’)
•• an overdraft facility of ZAR100 million (‘overdraft’). 

The financing was obtained by Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited and guaranteed by the Company.

The term loan bears interest at the three-month JIBAR plus 320 basis points nominal annual compounded quarterly and is 
repayable in 12 equal consecutive quarterly instalments commencing on 30 June 2018. The revolving facility is available for 
three years and bears interest at the one-month JIBAR plus 340 basis points nominal annual compounded quarterly and is 
repayable in full at least once every 12 months. Interest is payable monthly in arrears. The overdraft facility is available for 
one year and bears interest at the South African prime rate payable monthly in arrears.

The facilities contains the following financial covenants for Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited: 
•• Debt to equity ratio of less than 0.67 times
•• Net debt to EBITDA of less than 2.0 times
•• EBITDA to interest of greater than 4.0 times.

At 30 September 2018, Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited complied with all financial covenants.

The term loan was utilised, inter alia, to settle the secured bank borrowings at 29 March 2018 and in part to settle the bridge 
loan at 31 March 2018. The unutilised facilities at 30 September 2018 amounted to ZAR400 million.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 138

19.

Borrowings continued
Equipment loan facility
Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited entered into an equipment loan facility of US$25 million with Caterpillar Financial Services 
Corporation for the funding of certain Caterpillar mining equipment. The funding was partially utilised for the purchase 
of existing mining equipment acquired from MCC Contracts Proprietary Limited as well as replacement parts and new 
mining equipment. The loan is structured in three tranches and repayment of each tranche varies between 24 and 48 equal 
monthly instalments, payable in arrears. Interest is calculated on the three month US$ LIBOR plus between 350 and 400 basis 
points.

The equipment loan facility is secured by a first notarial bond over the equipment and is guaranteed by the Company.

The equipment loan facility contains the following Group financial covenants: 
•• Net debt to tangible net worth not higher than 1.4 times
•• Net debt to EBITDA lower than 2.0 times
•• EBITDA to interest greater than 4.0 times.

At 30 September 2018, the Group complied with all financial covenants.

Finance leases
The Group entered into a number of lease arrangements for the renting of office buildings, premises, computer equipment, 
vehicles and mining fleet. The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases 
of vehicles that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets such as computer equipment. 

Lease expenses of US$0.2 million (2017: US$nil) and US$0.1 million (2017: US$0.7 million) were included in cost of sales and 
administrative expenses respectively for the year ended 30 September 2018.

The duration of leases relating to buildings and premises are for a period of five years, payments are due at the beginning of 
the month escalating annually on average by 8.0%. At 30 September 2018, the remaining term of these leases vary between 
four and four and a half years. These leases are secured by cash deposits varying from one to three times the monthly lease 
payments.

The duration of leases relating to the mining fleet are for periods between 14 and 36 months and bear interest at interest 
rates between the South African prime interest rate and the South African prime interest rate plus 300 basis points. The leases 
are secured by the mining fleet leased.

Minimum lease payments due:

Within one year
Two to five years

Less: Future finance charges

Present value of minimum lease payments due

Present value of minimum lease payments due:

Within one year
Two to five years

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

5 284 
8 930 

14 214 
(2 410)

11 804 

4 293 
7 511 

11 804 

1 046 
1 620 

2 666 
(322)

2 344 

847 
1 497 

2 344 

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  139

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

19.

Borrowings continued
Loan
A subsidiary of the Company, Arxo Metals Proprietary Limited, entered into a loan agreement with Rand York Minerals 
Proprietary Limited for the advance of ZAR90 million. The loan is repayable in 36 equal monthly instalments that commenced 
on 31 August 2018. The loan is unsecured and interest is calculated at the South African prime rate plus 100 basis points.

Bank credit facilities
The bank credit facilities relate to the discounting of the letters of credit by the Group’s banks following performance of the 
letter of credit conditions by the Group, which results in funds being received in advance of the normal payment date. Interest 
on these facilities at the reporting date was US LIBOR plus 1.6% (2017: US LIBOR plus 1.6%) pa.

Secured bank borrowings
Effective 29 March 2018, the secured bank borrowings of ZAR1 billion obtained from a consortium of banks was prepaid 
and settled in full. The financing was obtained by Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, and was 
for a period of seven years repayable in 22 equal quarterly instalments with the first repayment date at 31 December 2013. 
The Group was required to maintain funds in a debt service reserve account, which was consequently released.

Guardrisk loan
The loan payable at 30 September 2017 was settled in full during the year ended 30 September 2018. 

Bridge loan
During the year ended 30 September 2018, Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited concluded a bridge loan of ZAR250 million 
from Absa Bank Limited. The bridge loan part funded the acquisition of mining fleet and equipment of MCC Contracts 
Proprietary Limited (refer to note 21). The bridge loan was repayable by 31 March 2018 and carried interest at JIBAR plus 
325 basis points. The bridge loan was repaid in full on 29 March 2018.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 140

19.

Borrowings continued

Balance 30 September 2017
Adoption of IFRS 16 (refer note 3)

Balance at 1 October 2017

Changes from financing cash flows
Advances: bank credit facilities
Repayment: bank credit facilities

Net repayment of bank credit facilities
Advances received
Repayment of borrowings
Lease payments
Repayment of interest

Changes from financing cash flows

Foreign currency translation differences

Liability-related changes
Lease agreements entered into
Business combination (note 21)
Interest expense
Revaluation of foreign denominated loan

Total liability-related changes

Balance at 30 September 2018

Non-current borrowings
Current borrowings

Total borrowings

Facilities
US$’000

Equipment 
loan facility
US$’000

Finance 
leases
US$’000

Bank credit 
facilities
US$’000

Loan 

borrowings

US$’000

US$’000

Guardrisk 

loan

US$’000

Bridge 

loan

US$’000

Total 

borrowings

US$’000

–
–

–

–
–

–
29 523 
(5 099)
–
(1 464)

22 960 

(1 865)

–
–
1 720 
–

1 720 

22 815 

13 711 
9 104 

22 815 

–
–

–

–
–

–
12 694 
(5 295)
–
(528)

6 871 

(612)

–
–
708 
528 

1 236 

7 495 

1 931 
5 564 

7 495 

2 344 
1 205 

3 549 

29 072 
–

29 072 

–
–

192 834 
(192 720)

–
–
–
(6 463)
–

(6 463)

(982)

7 656 
7 003 
1 086 
(45)

15 700 

11 804 

7 505 
4 299 

11 804 

114 
–
–
–
(395)

(281)

–

–
–
452 
–

452 

29 243 

–
29 243 

29 243 

Secured 

bank 

17 754 

17 754 

(18 424)

(1 088)

(19 512)

661 

1 097 

1 097 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6 883 

(326)

(62)

6 495 

(495)

–

–

–

62 

62 

6 062 

4 134 

1 928 

6 062 

231 

231 

(239)

(7)

(246)

–

–

–

–

–

–

8 

–

–

7 

–

7 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

19 120 

(19 120)

(889)

(889)

889 

889 

49 401 

1 205 

50 606 

192 834 

(192 720)

114 

68 220 

(48 503)

(6 463)

(4 433)

(8 935)

(3 285)

7 656 

7 003 

6 021 

483 

21 163 

77 419 

27 281 

50 138 

77 419 

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  141

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

19.

Borrowings continued

Balance 30 September 2017

Adoption of IFRS 16 (refer note 3)

Balance at 1 October 2017

Changes from financing cash flows

Advances: bank credit facilities

Repayment: bank credit facilities

Net repayment of bank credit facilities

Advances received

Repayment of borrowings

Lease payments

Repayment of interest

Changes from financing cash flows

Foreign currency translation differences

Liability-related changes

Lease agreements entered into

Business combination (note 21)

Interest expense

Revaluation of foreign denominated loan

Total liability-related changes

Balance at 30 September 2018

Non-current borrowings

Current borrowings

Total borrowings

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

29 523 

(5 099)

(1 464)

22 960 

(1 865)

1 720 

1 720 

22 815 

13 711 

9 104 

22 815 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

12 694 

(5 295)

(528)

6 871 

(612)

708 

528 

1 236 

7 495 

1 931 

5 564 

7 495 

2 344 

1 205 

3 549 

–

–

–

–

–

–

(6 463)

(6 463)

(982)

7 656 

7 003 

1 086 

(45)

15 700 

11 804 

7 505 

4 299 

11 804 

29 072 

–

29 072 

192 834 

(192 720)

114 

(395)

(281)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

452 

452 

29 243 

29 243 

29 243 

Facilities

US$’000

Equipment 

loan facility

US$’000

Finance 

leases

US$’000

Bank credit 

facilities

US$’000

Secured 
bank 
borrowings
US$’000

Loan 
US$’000

Guardrisk 
loan
US$’000

Bridge 
loan
US$’000

Total 
borrowings
US$’000

–
–

–

–
–

–
6 883 
(326)
–
(62)

6 495 

(495)

–
–
62 
–

62 

6 062 

4 134 
1 928 

6 062 

17 754 
–

17 754 

–
–

–
–
(18 424)
–
(1 088)

(19 512)

661 

–
–
1 097 
–

1 097 

–

–
–

–

231 
–

231 

–
–

–
–
(239)
–
(7)

(246)

8 

–
–
7 
–

7 

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–
19 120 
(19 120)
–
(889)

(889)

–

–
–
889 
–

889 

–

–
–

–

49 401 
1 205 

50 606 

192 834 
(192 720)

114 
68 220 
(48 503)
(6 463)
(4 433)

(8 935)

(3 285)

7 656 
7 003 
6 021 
483 

21 163 

77 419 

27 281 
50 138 

77 419 

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 142

20.

Trade and other payables

Trade payables 
Accrued expenses
Interest-bearing – accrued dividends
Leave pay accrual
Value added tax payable
Other payables – related parties (note 23)
Operating lease payable
Other payables

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

18 363 
8 314 
–
3 738 
794 
2 175 
–
19 

33 403 

14 958 
9 922 
4 750 
1 932 
192 
123 
18 
21 

31 916 

The amounts above are payable within one year from the reporting period.

21.

Business combination
Effective 1 October 2017, the acquisition of mining equipment, spares and consumables from MCC Contracts Proprietary 
Limited (‘MCC’), the previous mining contractor of Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited, became unconditional. The 
transaction included the transfer of the employment of 876 personnel of MCC. In addition, Tharisa Minerals Proprietary 
Limited took cession and assignment of certain leases entered into by MCC.

The fair value of plant and equipment and inventories acquired was determined by an external independent valuator. 
The carrying values of trade and other receivables acquired and liabilities assumed were equal to their fair values on date of 
acquisition. The bargain purchase gain arose due to differences in the carrying values and fair values of plant and equipment.

The total cash consideration paid for the acquisition was ZAR279.5 million. No deferred consideration or contingent 
consideration exists.

The purchase consideration was funded by a bridge loan from Absa Bank Limited and an original equipment manufacturer 
finance facility from Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation (refer to note 19).

The fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of MCC as at the date of acquisition were:

Assets
Property, plant and equipment (note 10)
Inventories
Trade and other receivables

Liabilities
Borrowings (note 19)
Provisions (note 18)
Trade and other payables

Total identifiable net assets at fair value
Bargain purchase arising on acquisition

Purchase consideration transferred

Net cash flow on acquisition

Fair value
 recognised on 
acquisition
US$’000

29 879 
1 051 
150 

31 080 

(7 003)
(133)
(220)

(7 356)
23 724 
(1 884)

21 840 

21 840 

Transaction costs of US$0.1 million relating to the acquisition were included in administrative expenses during the year ended 
30 September 2018.

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  143

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

22.

Financial risk management

Fair value
level

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

30 September 2018
Financial assets measured at fair value

Investments in equity instruments
Forward exchange contracts
Investments in money markets, current accounts, cash funds and income 
funds
Option to acquire shares in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited

Level 1
Level 2

Level 2
Level 3

40 
804 

5 012
142 

49 
–

3 767
–

Trade and other receivables measured at fair value
PGM receivable

Financial liabilities measured at fair value

Level 2

25 355 

17 254 

Discount facility
Forward exchange contracts

Financial assets at amortised cost
Long-term deposits
Trade and other receivables
Contract assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities at amortised cost
Borrowings
Contract liabilities
Trade and other payables

Level 2
Level 2

1 000 
–

–
38 645
2 229 
66 791 

77 419 
2 229 
18 363 

449 
150 

4 505 
55 602 
–
49 742 

49 401 
–
19 708 

There were no transfers between level 1 and level 2 fair value measurements during the year.

The Group considers that the fair values of the financial assets and financial liabilities approximate their carrying values at each 
reporting date.

Fair value hierarchy
All financial instruments for which fair value is recognised or disclosed are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, based on 
the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole, as follows:
Level 1  –  fair values measured using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical financial instruments (highest 

level)

Level 2  –  fair values measured using quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, or using valuation 

methodologies in which all significant inputs are directly or indirectly on observable market data.

Level 3  –  fair values measured using valuation methodologies in which any significant inputs are not based on observable 

market data.

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 144

23.

Related-party transactions and balances
In the normal course of the business, the Group enters into various transactions with related parties. Related party transactions 
exist between shareholders, directors, directors of subsidiaries and key management personnel. Outstanding balances at the 
year-end are unsecured and settlement occurs in cash. All intergroup transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

Transactions and balances with related parties:
Trade and other receivables (note 15)
The Tharisa Community Trust
Rocasize Proprietary Limited
Karo Mining Holdings Limited
Karo Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited
Karo Platinum (Private) Limited
Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited
Salene Technologies Proprietary Limited
Salene Mining Proprietary Limited

Trade and other payables (note 20)
The Leto Settlement
Rocasize Proprietary Limited

Amount due to directors
A Djakouris
JD Salter
OM Kamal
C Bell
R Davey
J Ka Ki Chen
ZL Hong

Total other payables

Interest-bearing – accrued dividends to related parties
Arti Trust
Ditodi Trust
Makhaye Trust
The Phax Trust
The Rowad Trust
MJ Jacquet-Briner

1 
71 
20 
254 
40 
12 
4 
15 

417 

2 000 
31 

2 031 

22 
31 
16 
25 
20 
11 
19 

144 

2 175 

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

5
54
–
–
–
–
–
–

59

–
–

–

21
30
16
26
19
11
–

123

123

2 486
214
214
425
213
213

3 765

Acquisition of 26.8% of Karo Mining Holdings Limited from:
The Leto Settlement

4 500 

–

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  145

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

234 

32 
128 

234 
17 

–
514 
47 
47 
93 
47 
47 

795 

–

–
–

–
–

3
262
27
27
53
27
27

426

23.

Related-party transactions and balances continued
Transactions and balances with related parties continued

Cost of sales
Rocasize Proprietary Limited

Consulting fees received
Rocasize Proprietary Limited
Karo Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited

Consulting fees paid
Rocasize Proprietary Limited
Salene Mining Proprietary Limited

Interest expense
Langa Trust
Arti Trust
Ditodi Trust
Makhaye Trust
The Phax Trust
The Rowad Trust
MJ Jacquet-Briner

Compensation to key management

2018
Non-executive directors
Executives directors
Other key management

2017
Non-executive directors
Executives directors
Other key management

Salary 
and fees
US$’000

Expense 
allowances
US$’000

Share-based 
payments
US$’000

612 
1 361 
932 

2 905 

536
1 333
865

2 734

–
9 
31 

40 

–
9
27

36

–
760 
1 222 

1 982 

–
821
518

1 339

Provident 
fund and 
risk 
benefits
US$’000

–
83 
107 

190 

–
73
95

168

Bonus
US$’000

Total
US$’000

–
700 
420 

1 120 

–
143
117

260

612 
2 913 
2 712 

6 237 

536
2 379
1 622

4 537

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 146

23.

Related-party transactions and balances continued
Awards to the key management in the period under review are as follows:

2018 ordinary shares
LTIP – executive directors
LTIP – key management

2017 ordinary shares
LTIP – executive directors
LTIP – key management

Opening 
balance

Allocated

Vested*

Forfeited

Total

1 808 316
1 202 153

697 206
483 348

(900 099)
(586 062)

1 723 522
1 115 106

842 682
564 792

(757 888)
(477 745)

–
–

–
–

1 605 423
1 099 439

1 808 316
1 202 153

* At 30 September 2018 the vested shares have not yet been transferred to the respective employees.

2018 ordinary shares
SARs – executive directors
SARs – key management

2017 ordinary shares
SARs – executive directors
SARs – key management

Opening 
balance

Allocated

Vested

Forfeited

Total

1 362 327
924 136

697 206
483 348

(940 986)
(641 740)

1 243 870
885 344

842 682
564 792

(724 225)
(526 000)

–
–

–
–

1 118 547
765 744

1 362 327
924 136

Relationships between parties
The Tharisa Community Trust and Rocasize Proprietary Limited
The Tharisa Community Trust is a shareholder of Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited and owns 100% of the issued ordinary 
share capital of Rocasize Proprietary Limited.

Langa Trust, Arti Trust, Phax Trust and Rowad Trust
A director of the Company is a beneficiary of these trusts.

Ditodi Trust and Makhaye Trust
Certain of the non-controlling shareholders of Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited are beneficiaries of these trusts.

MJ Jaquet-Briner
MJ Jaquet-Briner is a director of Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited and is a shareholder in the non-controlling interest of 
Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited.

The Leto Settlement
The beneficial shareholder of Medway Developments Limited, a material shareholder in the Company.

Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited
This company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leto Settlement, the beneficial shareholder of Medway Developments Limited, a 
material shareholder in the Company.

Salene Mining Proprietary Limited and Salene Technologies Proprietary Limited
A director of the Company is a director of these entities.

Karo Mining Holdings Limited, Karo Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited and Karo Platinum (Private) Limited
The Company owns 26.8% of the issued share capital of Karo Mining Holdings Limited. Karo Mining Holdings Limited owns 
100% of the issued share capital of Karo Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited and Karo Platinum (Private) Limited.

FINANCIAL  REVIEW CONTINUEDNotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  147

Condensed consolidated 
financial statements
>  Notes to the annual 
financial statements

24.

Contingent liabilities
As at 30 September 2018, there is no litigation (2017: no litigation), current or pending, which is considered likely to have a 
material adverse effect on the Group.

25.

Capital commitments and guarantees

Capital commitments
Authorised and contracted
Authorised and not contracted

2018
US$’000

2017
US$’000

4 929 
1 091 

6 020 

6 455
25

6 480

The above commitments are with respect to property, plant and equipment and are outstanding at the respective reporting 
period. All contracted amounts will be funded through existing funding mechanisms within the Group and cash generated 
from operations. Balances denominated in currencies other than the US$ were converted at the closing rates of exchange 
ruling at 30 September 2018.

The Company has made a commitment to Karo Mining Holdings Limited to fund the initial exploration programme, feasibility 
study and development of the projects in Zimbabwe not exceeding US$8.0 million. Refer to note 11.

Guarantees
The Company issued a guarantee to Absa Bank Limited and Nedbank Limited amounting to ZAR800 million for the facilities 
entered into with Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited.

Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited entered into an equipment loan facility of US$25.0 million with Caterpillar Financial 
Services Corporation. The equipment loan facility is secured by a first notarial bond over the equipment and is guaranteed by 
the Company.

The Company issued a guarantee to Absa Bank Limited which guarantees the payment of certain liabilities of Arxo Logistics 
Proprietary Limited to Transnet totalling ZAR19.4 million (2017: ZAR19.4 million).

The Company guarantees performance of payment due from time to time between a third-party supplier and Tharisa Minerals 
Proprietary Limited for the supply and sale of mining materials.

The Company issued guarantees limited to US$12.5 million (2017: US$12.5 million) and US$20.0 million (2017: no guarantee) 
as securities for trade finance facilities provided by two banks to Arxo Resources Limited.

A guarantee was issued to Lombard Insurance Company Limited which guarantees the payment of certain liabilities of 
Arxo Logistics Proprietary Limited to Transnet totalling ZAR12.0 million (2017: ZAR12.0 million).

The Company and Arxo Metals Proprietary Limited jointly indemnify a third party for any claims which may result from 
negligence or breach in terms of the plant operating agreement between Arxo Metals Proprietary Limited and the third party.

The Company holds an indirect 100% equity interest in Tharisa Fujian Industrial Co., Limited, the registered capital of which is 
US$10.0 million. Up to 30 September 2018, US$6.5 million has been paid up. The remaining US$3.5 million needs to be paid 
up by 14 February 2021.

26.

Events after the reporting period
On 26 November 2018, the Board has proposed a final dividend of US$ 2 cents per share, subject to the necessary shareholder 
approval at the Annual General Meeting.

The Board of Directors are not aware of any matter or circumstance arising since the end of the financial year that will impact 
these financial results.

27. Dividends and capital distribution

During the year ended 30 September 2018, the Company declared and paid a final dividend of US$ 5 cents per share in 
respect of the year ended 30 September 2017. 

During the year ended 30 September 2018, an interim dividend of US$ 2 cents per share was declared and paid. 
On 26 November 2018, the Board has proposed a final dividend of US$ 2 cents per share with respect to the year ended 
30 September 2018. The proposed dividend is subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting.

A capital distribution of US$2.6 million (US$ 1 cent per share) was declared as a reduction of share premium during the year 
ended 30 September 2017. 

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 30 September 2018Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018FINANCIAL REVIEW 148

INVESTOR RELATIONS  
REPORT

Share information
Tharisa plc is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange

Company
JSE share code
LSE share code
Sector
Issued share capital as at 30 September 2018 
Issued share capital (excluding treasury shares) as at 30 September 2018

Market capitalisation as at 30 September 2018
Closing share price as at 30 September 2018
12-month high
12-month low

Shareholder analysis
Analysis of shareholders as at 30 September 2018

Tharisa plc
THA
THS
General mining
265 000 000
260 902 429

JSE

LSE

ZAR4.6 billion GBP249.1 million
94.00p
142.50p
87.00p

ZAR17.50
ZAR23.40
ZAR16.00

Analysis of ordinary shareholders

Holding 1 to 10 000 shares
Holding 10 001 to 100 000 shares
Holding 100 001 to 1 000 000 shares
Holding 1 000 001 to 5 000 000 shares
Holding 5 000 001 to 100 000 000 shares
Holding > 100 000 000 shares
Treasury shares

Total 

Major shareholders

Shareholders holding 10% or more
Medway Developments Limited
Rance Holdings Limited
Shareholders holding 5% or more
Fujian Wuhang Stainless Steel Co., Limited
Maaden Invest Limited

Number of 
shareholders

Number 
of shares

Percentage 
of issued 
share capital

Percentage of 
voting rights

748
94
41
11
8
1
–

903

420 464
3 074 582
11 316 140
25 520 281
108 943 956
111 627 006
4 097 571

265 000 000

0.16
1.16
4.27
9.63
41.11
42.12
1.55

0.16
1.18
4.34
9.78
41.76
42.78
–

100.00

100.00

Number 
of shares

Percentage 
of issued 
share capital

Percentage of 
voting rights

111 627 006
40 548 241

19 419 920
14 985 577

42.12
15.30

7.33
5.65

42.78
15.54

7.44
5.74

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  149

Public and non-public shareholders

Public
Non-public
Directors and associates of the Company and 
its subsidiaries
Persons interested (other than directors), 
directly or indirectly, in 10% or more

Total 

Number of 
shareholders

Number 
of shares

Percentage 
of issued 
share capital

Percentage of 
voting rights

886

100 553 040

37.94

38.54

15

2

903

8 174 142

152 175 247

260 902 429

3.08 

57.42

98.45

3.13

58.33

100.00

Disclosure of directors’ interests in the Company’s share capital
The aggregate direct and indirect interests of the directors in the issued share capital of the Company are as follows:

2018

2017

Beneficial

Direct

Indirect

Non-beneficial
Direct

Indirect

Beneficial

Direct

Indirect

Non-beneficial
Direct

Indirect

Director

Loucas Pouroulis
Phoevos Pouroulis
Michael Jones
David Salter
Antonios Djakouris 
Omar Kamal
Carol Bell
Roger Davey
Joanna Cheng
Zhong Liang Hong

272 952
240 871
207 397
–
43 250
–
31 250
–
–
–

–
6 918 432
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Total 

795 720

6 918 432

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

10 000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

10 000

272 952
240 871
207 397
–
43 250
–
31 250
–
–
–

–
6 918 132
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

795 720

6 918 432

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

10 000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

10 000

There have been no changes in directors’ interests in the share capital between 30 September 2018 and the date of issue of this 
Annual Report.

> Investor relations reportNotice of annual general meetingGlossaryForm of proxyCorporate informationTharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 150

NOTICE OF   
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

THARISA plc
(Incorporated in the Republic of Cyprus with limited liability)
(Registration number: HE223412)
JSE share code: THA 
LSE share code: THS 
ISIN: CY0103562118
(‘Tharisa’ or the ‘Company’)

Notice is hereby given that the annual general meeting (‘AGM’) of shareholders of Tharisa will be held at 2nd Floor, The Crossing, 
372 Main Road, Bryanston, South Africa on Wednesday, 23 January 2019 at 10:00 SA time (UTC +2) to consider and, if deemed fit, 
pass, with or without modification, the ordinary and special resolutions as set out in this notice of AGM and to deal with such other 
business as may be dealt with at the AGM.

This notice of AGM, the Annual Report containing the condensed, consolidated financial statements and the audited annual 
financial statements together with all relevant reports, are available on the Company’s website www.tharisa.com and available for 
inspection at the registered office of the Company.

Under the Companies Law, a member has the right to request an item to be included in the agenda for an annual general meeting, 
as well as to request that a specific resolution be tabled and resolved upon, provided that such request is accompanied by an 
adequate explanation and justification for its inclusion which the Company deems to be reasonable and within the best interests 
of the Company and its stakeholders as a whole and provided further that such member, or members acting collectively, hold in 
aggregate 5% of the ordinary share capital of the Company and that such request is received by the Company in writing or 
electronically, at least 42 days before the scheduled date of the AGM.

IDENTIFICATION
Shareholders are advised that any person attending or participating in an AGM of shareholders must present reasonably satisfactory 
identification before being entitled to participate in and vote at the AGM and the person presiding at the AGM must be reasonably 
satisfied that the right of any person to participate in and vote (whether as shareholder or proxy for a shareholder) has been 
reasonably verified.

Forms of identification that will be accepted include original and valid identity documents, driver’s licences or passports.

IMPORTANT DATES

Record date to receive notice of the AGM
Last day to trade to be eligible to vote
Record date to be eligible to vote at the AGM
Last day for lodging forms of instruction (by 08:00 UK time)
Last day for lodging forms of proxy (by 10:00 SA time)
Annual general meeting (10:00 SA time (UTC +2))

Friday, 7 December 2018
Tuesday, 15 January 2019
Friday, 18 January 2019
Friday, 18 January 2019
Monday, 21 January 2019
Wednesday, 23 January 2019

Accordingly, the date on which a person must be registered as a shareholder in the register of the Company to be entitled to attend 
and vote at the AGM will be Friday, 18 January 2019.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  151

Investor relations report
>  Notice of annual general 

meeting

Glossary
Form of proxy
Corporate information

RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION
Ordinary business
1. 

 Ordinary resolution number 1
 Adoption of the annual financial statements
 To receive the audited annual financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2018, including the management report 
and the report of the independent auditor, such annual financial statements having been approved by the Board on 
26 November 2018.

Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 1
 The condensed consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2018 are included in the Annual Report of 
which this notice of AGM forms part. The complete audited annual financial statements, together with the relevant reports for 
the year ended 30 September 2018, are available on the Company’s website, www.tharisa.com. Copies of the audited financial 
statements, management report and report of the auditor are also available for collection at the registered office of the 
Company, and available for dispatch at the request of shareholders, free of charge and either in printed copy or in electronic 
(email) format, by contacting the Joint Company Secretaries at secretarial@tharisa.com.

 This resolution is non-binding, therefore no minimum voting threshold is required for ordinary resolution number 1.

2.  Ordinary resolution number 2

Reappointment of external auditor
 “RESOLVED THAT Ernst & Young Cyprus Limited, with Stavros Pantzaris being the designated registered auditor, be reappointed 
as the independent external auditor of the Company and of the Group for the financial year ending 30 September 2019, to 
hold office until conclusion of the next AGM of the Company, and that the remuneration for the financial year ending 
30 September 2019 be determined by the Audit Committee.”

 Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 2
In accordance with clause 195 of the Company’s Articles of Association and sections 153 to 155 of the Companies Law, 
Ernst & Young Cyprus Limited is proposed to be reappointed as the external auditor of the Company, until the conclusion 
of the next AGM. The Audit Committee conducted an assessment of the performance and the independence of the external 
auditor and compliance with the JSE Listings Requirements and recommends the reappointment as independent auditor of the 
Company and the Group. 

 The percentage of voting rights required for ordinary resolution number 2 to be adopted is more than 50% in favour, of the 
voting rights exercised on this resolution by all shareholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the AGM. 

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
152

NOTICE OF   
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING CONTINUED

3. 

 Ordinary resolution number 3 (comprising ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3)
 Election of directors appointed by the Board
3.1 

 “RESOLVED THAT Zhong Liang Hong, who retires in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association and who, 
being eligible, offers himself for election, be elected as a director of the Company.”

 Re-election of directors retiring by rotation
3.2 

 “RESOLVED THAT David Salter, who retires in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association and who, being 
eligible, offers himself for re-election, be re-elected as a director of the Company.”
 “RESOLVED THAT Antonios Djakouris, who retires in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association and who, 
being eligible, offers himself for re-election, be re-elected as a director of the Company.”

3.3 

Additional information in respect of ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3
 In terms of clause 110 of the Company’s Articles of Association, one-third of the non-executive directors of the Company for 
the time being are required to retire from office at each AGM. The directors of the Company to retire in every year shall be 
those who have been longest serving since their last election. A retiring director shall be eligible for re-election.

 In terms of clause 156 of the Company’s Articles of Association, the Board has the power to appoint any person as an 
additional director to the Board, provided that a director so appointed shall hold office only until the next AGM of the 
Company and shall then be eligible for election. Zhong Liang Hong was appointed by the Board as an additional director 
on 1 April 2018, and is accordingly required to retire. Being eligible, he is offering himself for election.

 A brief curriculum vitae in respect of the directors referred to in ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 above appears 
on pages 66 and 67 of the Annual Report of which this notice of AGM forms part and the Board recommends to shareholders 
the election and re-election of the retiring directors as set out in ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3.

The percentage of voting rights required for ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 to be adopted is more than 50% in 
favour, of the voting rights exercised on such resolution by all shareholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote 
at the AGM.

Special business
4. 

 Ordinary resolution number 4
 General authority to directors to allot and issue ordinary shares
 “RESOLVED THAT the authorised but unissued shares in the capital of the Company, limited to 26 500 000 (twenty-six million 
five hundred thousand) ordinary shares, being 10% of the number of listed equity securities in issue at the date of this notice, 
being 265 000 000 (two hundred and sixty-five million) ordinary shares (for which purposes any shares approved to be allotted 
and issued by the Company in terms of the Share Award Plan for the benefit of employees shall be excluded), be and are 
hereby placed under the control and authority of the directors and that they be and are hereby authorised to allot, issue and 
grant options over and otherwise dispose of such shares to such persons on such terms and conditions and at such times as 
they may from time to time and at their discretion deem fit, subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, as may be 
amended from time to time, the Company’s Articles of Association, the JSE Listings Requirements and the LSE Listing Rules and 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules which may apply to the Company. Such authority shall be valid until the conclusion of the 
next AGM of the Company.”

 Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 4
 The Board may only allot and issue shares or grant rights over shares if authorised to do so by the shareholders. This resolution 
seeks authority for the Board to allot, issue and deal in shares up to a maximum of 10% of the Company’s issued share capital.

 The percentage of votes required for ordinary resolution number 4 to be adopted is more than 50%, in favour, of the voting 
rights exercised on such resolution by all shareholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the AGM.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
153

Investor relations report
>  Notice of annual general 

meeting

Glossary
Form of proxy
Corporate information

5. 

 Ordinary resolution number 5
 Dis-application of pre-emption rights
“RESOLVED THAT, subject to the JSE Listings Requirements, the Board be and is hereby authorised to dis-apply the pre-emption 
rights, with respect to the authority conferred on the Board to issue and allot ordinary shares, up to a maximum of 10% of the 
Company’s issued share capital. This authority will expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next AGM.”

 Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 5
 In terms of section 60B of the Companies Law, if the Board wishes to allot any unissued shares, grant rights over shares or sell 
treasury shares for cash (other than pursuant to an employee share scheme) it must first offer them to existing shareholders in 
proportion to their holdings. There may be circumstances, however, where the Board requires the flexibility to finance business 
opportunities through the issue or sale of shares or related securities without a pre-emptive offer to existing shareholders. This 
can only be done under the Companies Law if the shareholders have first waived their pre-emption rights. This resolution seeks 
authority for the Board to dis-apply pre-emption rights for shares up to a maximum of 10% of the Company’s issued share 
capital. If granted, this authority will expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next AGM.

The percentage of votes required for ordinary resolution number 5 to be adopted is more than 50%, in favour, of the voting 
rights exercised on such resolution by all shareholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the AGM.

6. 

 Ordinary resolution number 6
General authority to issue shares for cash
 “RESOLVED THAT, subject to ordinary resolutions numbers 4 and 5 being passed, the Board be authorised, by way of a general 
authority, to allot and issue shares (and/or any options or convertible securities) for cash to such persons on such terms and 
conditions as the Board may from time to time in its discretion deem fit, subject to the provisions of the Company’s Articles 
of Association, the Companies Law, as may be amended from time to time, the JSE Listings Requirements and the LSE Listing 
Rules and Disclosure and Transparency Rules which may apply to the Company, and subject to the following limitations, 
namely that:

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

 The equity securities which are the subject of the issue for cash must be of a class already in issue, or where this is not 
the case, must be limited to such securities or rights that are convertible into a class already in issue.
 Any such issue will only be made to “public shareholders” as defined in the JSE Listings Requirements and not to related 
parties, unless the JSE otherwise agrees.
 In respect of securities which are the subject of the general issue of shares for cash, such issue may not exceed 
13 250 000 (thirteen million two hundred and fifty thousand) ordinary shares, representing 5% of the number of listed 
equity securities in issue as at the date of this notice, being 265 000 000 (two hundred and sixty-five million) ordinary 
shares, provided that:
 – any equity securities issued under this authority during the period must be deducted from the number above
 – in the event of a subdivision or consolidation of issued equity securities during the period contemplated above, 

the existing authority must be adjusted accordingly to represent the same allocation ratio

 – the calculation of the listed equity securities is a factual assessment of the listed equity securities as at the date of 

the notice of AGM, excluding treasury shares.

(iv) 
(v) 

(vi) 

 This authority shall be valid until the Company’s next AGM.
 A SENS announcement giving full details of the issue will be published at the time of any issue representing, on a 
cumulative basis within the period of this authority, 5% or more of the number of ordinary shares in issue prior to the 
issue concerned.
 The maximum discount permitted at which equity securities may be issued is 10% of the weighted average traded price 
on the JSE of those shares measured over the 30 business days prior to the date that the price of the issue is agreed 
between the Company and the party subscribing for the securities. The JSE should be consulted for a ruling if the 
Company’s securities have not traded in such 30 business day period.”

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
154

NOTICE OF   
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING CONTINUED

Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 6
In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, and the JSE Listings Requirements, the shareholders of the Company 
have to approve a general issue of shares for cash. The existing authority granted by the shareholders of the Company at the 
previous AGM held on 10 January 2018 expires at the AGM to be held on 23 January 2019, unless renewed. This authority 
will be subject to the Company’s Articles of Association, the Companies Law and the JSE Listings Requirements. The Board 
considers it advantageous to renew this authority to enable the Company to take advantage of any business opportunity that 
may arise in the future.

This ordinary resolution number 6 is required, under the JSE Listings Requirements, to be passed by achieving a 75% majority 
of the voting rights exercised on this resolution by all shareholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at 
the AGM.

7. 

 Ordinary resolution number 7 (comprising ordinary resolutions numbers 7.1 and 7.2)
7.1  Approval of remuneration policy

 “RESOLVED THAT the Group remuneration policy, as described in the Remuneration Report on pages 88 to 93 of 
the Annual Report of which this notice of AGM forms part, be approved by way of a non-binding advisory vote, as 
recommended in King IV.”

 Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 7.1
 In terms of King IV recommendations and the JSE Listings Requirements, the Company’s remuneration policy should be 
tabled for a non-binding advisory vote at every AGM.

 The purpose of the non-binding advisory vote is to enable shareholders of the Company to express their views on the 
Group’s remuneration policies. Accordingly, the shareholders of the Company are requested to endorse the Company’s 
remuneration policy as recommended by King IV.

 This resolution is non-binding, therefore no minimum voting threshold is required for ordinary resolution number 7.1.

7.2  Approval of Remuneration Implementation Report

 “RESOLVED THAT the Group Remuneration Implementation Report, as described in the Remuneration Report on 
pages 88 to 93 of the Annual Report of which this notice of AGM forms part, be approved by way of a non-binding 
advisory vote.”

 Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 7.2
 In terms of King IV recommendations and the JSE Listings Requirements, the Company’s Remuneration Implementation 
Report should be tabled for a non-binding advisory vote at every AGM.

 The purpose of the non-binding advisory vote is to enable shareholders of the Company to express their views on the 
Group’s implementation of the remuneration policy. Accordingly, the shareholders of the Company are requested to 
endorse the Company’s Remuneration Implementation Report.

 This resolution is non-binding, therefore no minimum voting threshold is required for ordinary resolution number 7.2.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
155

Investor relations report
>  Notice of annual general 

meeting

Glossary
Form of proxy
Corporate information

8. 

 Special resolution number 1
 General authority to repurchase shares
 “RESOLVED THAT the Company, and any of its subsidiaries, be authorised, by way of a general authority, in terms of the 
provisions of the JSE Listings Requirements, the Companies Law and as permitted by the Company’s Articles of Association, 
to acquire, as a general repurchase, the issued ordinary shares of the Company, upon such terms and conditions and in such 
manner as the Board may from time to time determine, but subject to the applicable requirements of the Company’s Articles of 
Association, the provisions of the Companies Law, the JSE Listings Requirements and the LSE Listing Rules and Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules, where applicable, and provided that:

(i) 

(ii) 

 The maximum number of ordinary shares to be acquired shall not exceed 10% of the Company’s ordinary shares in issue 
at the date on which this special resolution number 1 is passed. 
 The repurchase of shares will be effected through the order book operated by the JSE trading system and done without 
any prior understanding or arrangement between the Company and the counterparty (reported trades are prohibited).

(iii)   The Company has been given authority to repurchase its shares by its Articles of Association. 
(iv)   This general authority shall only be valid until the Company’s next AGM, provided that it shall not extend beyond 

(v) 

12 months from the date of passing of this special resolution number 1. 
 In determining the price at which the Company’s ordinary shares are acquired by the Company in terms of this general 
authority, the maximum premium at which such ordinary shares may be acquired shall not exceed the higher of:
 – 5% of the weighted average of the market price at which such ordinary shares are traded on the JSE, as determined 

over the five business days immediately preceding the date of the repurchase of such ordinary shares by the Company 
 – the price quoted for the last independent trade of, or the highest current independent bid for any number of shares on 

the JSE where the purchase is carried out. 

(vi)   At any point in time, the Company may only appoint one agent to effect any repurchases on the Company’s behalf. 
(vii)   A resolution has been passed by the Board confirming that the Board has authorised the repurchase and that the Company 

satisfied the net assets test contemplated under section 169A of the Companies Law. 

(viii)  The Company may not repurchase ordinary shares during a prohibited period, as defined in the JSE Listings Requirements 
or any applicable EU Market Abuse Regulations, unless the Company has a repurchase programme in place where the 
dates and quantities of the ordinary shares to be traded during the relevant period are fixed and not subject to any 
variation and full details of the programme have been disclosed to the JSE in writing prior to the commencement of the 
prohibited period. 

(ix)   A SENS announcement will be published giving such details as may be required in terms of the JSE Listings Requirements 
as soon as the Company has cumulatively repurchased 3% of the number of shares in issue at the date of the passing of 
this special resolution number 1 and for each 3% in aggregate of the initial number of shares acquired thereafter, and in 
the press when required in terms of the Companies Law. 
 The Board undertakes that it will not implement the proposed authority to repurchase shares, unless the directors are of 
the opinion that, for a period of 12 months after the date of the repurchase:
 – the Company and the Group will be able, in the ordinary course of business, to pay its debts 
 – the assets of the Company and the Group, fairly valued in accordance with IFRS, will be in excess of the liabilities of the 

(x) 

Company and the Group 

 – the share capital and reserves of the Company and the Group will be adequate for ordinary business purposes and
 – the working capital of the Company and the Group will be adequate for ordinary business purposes.” 

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
156

NOTICE OF  
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING CONTINUED

 Additional information in respect of special resolution number 1
 Under section 57A of the Companies Law, the Board must obtain authorisation by special resolution from the shareholders 
before they can effect the purchase by the Company of any of its own shares. In certain circumstances it may be 
advantageous for the Company to purchase its own shares and this resolution seeks authority to do so. The Board will 
exercise this power only in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Law and the JSE Listings Requirements, 
and when, in view of market conditions prevailing at the time, it believes that the effect of such purchases will be to 
increase earnings per share and is in the best interests of the shareholders generally. Save to the extent purchased pursuant 
to the Companies Law, any shares purchased in this way will be cancelled and the number of shares in issue will be 
reduced accordingly.

 The Company may hold in treasury any of its own shares that it purchases pursuant to the Companies Law and 
the authority conferred by this resolution. This gives the Company the ability to reissue treasury shares quickly and 
cost-effectively and provides the Company with greater flexibility in the management of its capital base. It also gives 
the Company the opportunity to satisfy awards under the Share Award Plan using treasury shares. Once held in treasury, 
the Company is not entitled to exercise any rights, including the right to attend and vote at meetings, in respect of 
the shares and no dividend or other distribution of the Company’s assets may be made to the Company in respect 
of treasury shares.

 In accordance with the Companies Law, this resolution specifies the maximum number of shares that may be acquired and 
the maximum and minimum prices at which shares may be bought. If granted, this authority will expire at the conclusion 
of the Company’s next AGM, provided that it shall not extend beyond 12 months from the date of passing of this special 
resolution number 1.

 Please refer to the additional disclosure of information contained in this notice of AGM, which disclosure is required in 
terms of the JSE Listings Requirements.

 The percentage of the voting rights required for special resolution number 1 to be adopted is 75%, in favour, of the voting 
rights exercised on this resolution by all shareholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the AGM.

 Additional disclosure requirements in terms of the JSE Listings Requirements
 In compliance with the JSE Listings Requirements, the information listed below has been included in the Annual Report of 
which this notice of AGM forms part:
 – Major shareholders – refer to page 148 of the Annual Report
 – Share capital of Tharisa – refer to pages 94 and 148 of the Annual Report.

 Material changes
 Other than the facts and developments reported on in the Annual Report, there have been no material changes in the 
affairs or the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries since the date of signature of the audit report and the 
date of this notice of AGM.

 Directors’ responsibility statement
 The directors, whose names appear on page 68 of this Annual Report, collectively and individually accept full responsibility 
for the accuracy of the information pertaining to this special resolution number 1 and certify that to the best of their 
knowledge and belief there are no facts that have been omitted which would make any statement false or misleading, and 
that all reasonable enquiries to ascertain such facts have been made and that the proposed resolution contains all such 
information required by law and the JSE Listings Requirements.

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>  Notice of annual general 

meeting

Glossary
Form of proxy
Corporate information

9. 

 Ordinary resolution number 8
Final dividend
 “RESOLVED THAT a final cash dividend in the amount of US$ 2 cents per ordinary share is declared for the financial year ending 
30 September 2018, such dividend being payable to shareholders registered on the register of members of the Company as of 
close of business on the record date, being Friday, 15 February 2019.”

 Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 8
 The Board has proposed a final cash dividend of US$ 2 cents per ordinary shares for the financial year ended 
30 September 2018.

 If approved by shareholders, the recommended final dividend will be paid on Wednesday, 27 February 2019. Shareholders 
on the principal Cyprus register will be paid in US dollar, shareholders whose shares are held through Central Securities 
Depositary Participants (‘CSDPs’) and brokers and are traded on the JSE will be paid in South African rand (‘ZAR’) and holders 
of depositary interests traded on the LSE will be paid in sterling (‘GBP’). The currency equivalents of the dividend will be based 
on the weighted average of the South African Reserve Bank’s daily rate at approximately 10:30 (UTC +2) on 28 November 
2018, being the currency conversion date.

 Tax implications of the dividend
 Shareholders are advised that the dividend declared will be paid out of income reserves and may therefore be subject to 
dividend withholding tax depending on the tax residency of the shareholder.

 South African tax residents
 South African shareholders are advised that the dividend constitutes a foreign dividend. For individual South African tax 
resident shareholders, dividend withholding tax of 20% will be applied to the gross dividend of US$ 2 cents per share. 
Shareholders who are South African tax resident companies are exempt from dividend tax and will receive the dividend 
of US$ 2 cents per share. This does not constitute legal or tax advice and is based on taxation law and practice in South Africa. 
Shareholders should consult their brokers, financial and/or tax advisers with regard to how they will be impacted by the 
payment of the dividend. 

UK tax residents
 UK tax residents are advised that the dividend constitutes a foreign dividend and that they should consult their brokers, 
financial and/or tax advisers with regard to how they will be impacted by the payment of the dividend. 

 Cyprus tax residents
 Individual Cyprus tax residents are advised that the dividend constitutes a local dividend and that they should consult their 
brokers, financial and/or tax advisers with regard to how they will be impacted by the payment of the dividend.

 Shareholders and depositary interest holders should note that information provided should not be regarded as tax advice. 

The timetable for the dividend declaration is as follows:

Declaration and currency conversion date
Currency conversion rates announced
Last day to trade cum dividend rights on the JSE
Last day to trade cum dividend rights on the LSE
Shares will trade ex dividend rights on the JSE
Shares will trade ex dividend rights on the LSE
Record date for payment on both JSE and LSE
Dividend payment date

Wednesday, 28 November 2018
Thursday, 24 January 2019
Tuesday, 12 February 2019
Wednesday, 13 February 2019
Wednesday, 13 February 2019
Thursday, 14 February 2019
Friday, 15 February 2019
Wednesday, 27 February 2019

 No dematerialisation or rematerialisation of shares within Strate will be permitted between Wednesday, 13 February 2019 
and Friday, 15 February 2019, both days inclusive. No transfers between registers will be permitted between Thursday, 
24 January 2019 and Friday, 15 February 2019, both days inclusive. 

 The percentage of the voting rights required for ordinary resolution number 8 to be adopted is 50%, in favour, of the voting 
rights exercised on this resolution by all shareholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the AGM. By virtue 
of Article 176 of the Articles of Association of the Company, shareholders are informed that they may vote to decrease the 
dividend declaration proposed by the Board but shall not be entitled to increase it.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
158

NOTICE OF  
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING CONTINUED

10. 

 Ordinary resolution number 9
 Directors’ authority to implement ordinary and special resolutions
 “RESOLVED THAT each and every director of the Company and/or the Joint Company Secretaries be and are hereby authorised 
to do all such things and sign all such documents as may be necessary for or incidental to the ordinary and special resolutions 
passed at the AGM.”

 Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 9
 The percentage of voting rights required for ordinary resolution number 9 to be adopted is more than 50% in favour, of the 
voting rights exercised on this resolution by all shareholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the AGM. 

 PROXIES
 An ordinary shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the AGM is entitled to appoint a proxy or proxies to attend and act in 
his/her stead. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. For the convenience of registered members of the Company, 
a form of proxy is attached hereto.

 In terms of section 128C of the Companies Law, shareholders and their proxies shall have the right to ask questions on the 
items to be discussed and resolutions proposed to be passed at the AGM. The Company shall endeavour to answer such 
questions, provided that they are relevant to the matters at hand, do not disrupt or delay proceedings, have not already been 
previously answered or contained in information readily available to shareholders elsewhere and the answers do not constitute 
sensitive information that may harm the Company or its business operations if disclosed.

 Voting by shareholders whose shares are registered on the Cyprus principal register and the South African branch register (‘JSE’)
 The attached form of proxy is only to be completed by those ordinary shareholders who:
 – hold ordinary shares in certificated form or
 – are recorded on the sub-register in ‘own name’ dematerialised form.

 Ordinary shareholders who have dematerialised their ordinary shares through a CSDP or broker other than with ‘own name‘ 
registration and who wish to attend the AGM, must instruct their CSDP or broker to provide them with the relevant letter of 
representation to attend the AGM in person or by proxy and vote. If they do not wish to attend in person or by proxy, they 
must provide the CSDP or broker with their voting instructions in terms of their custody agreement entered into between them 
and the CSDP or broker.

 Unless shareholders advise, their CSDP or broker, in terms of their agreement, by the cut-off time stipulated therein, that they 
wish to attend the AGM or send a proxy to represent them, their CSDP or broker will assume that they do not wish to attend 
the AGM or send a proxy.

 Shareholders who are unsure of their status or the action they should take, are advised to consult their CSDP, broker or 
financial adviser.

 The attached form of proxy must be executed in terms of the Company’s Articles of Association and in accordance with the 
relevant instructions set out on the form, and must be lodged with the Company’s transfer secretaries not less than 48 hours 
before the time set down for the AGM. If required, additional forms of proxy may be obtained from the transfer secretaries 
or through the Company’s website.

 Voting by depositary interest holders (‘LSE’)
 Holders of depositary interests will be sent a form of instruction separately to this Notice of AGM by the depositary, 
Computershare Investor Services PLC. On receipt, holders of depositary interests should complete the form of instruction 
in accordance with the instructions printed thereon to direct Computershare Company Nominees Limited as the custodian 
of their shares how to exercise their votes or (by following the instructions on the form of instruction) indicate that they intend 
to attend the AGM in person or by proxy. If a holder of depositary interests indicates, in this manner, that they intend to attend 
the AGM, Computershare Company Nominees Limited shall issue a letter of representation to the holder of depositary interests 
giving them authorisation to attend the AGM and vote. If any holder of depositary interests attends the AGM without a letter 
of representation they will only be allowed to enter the AGM as a guest and will not be allowed to vote. To be valid, the form 
of instruction must be completed in accordance with the instructions set out in the form and returned as soon as possible to 
the offices of the depositary at Computershare Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS99 6ZY, 
England so as to be received no later than 08:00 UTC on Friday, 18 January 2019.

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meeting

Glossary
Form of proxy
Corporate information

 Depositary interest holders who are CREST members and who wish to issue an instruction through the CREST 
electronic voting appointment service may do so by using the procedures described in the CREST manual (available from 
www.euroclear.com/CREST). CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members who 
have appointed a voting service provider(s), should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting services provider(s), who will be able 
to take the appropriate action on their behalf.

 In order for instructions made using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a CREST voting instruction) 
must be properly authenticated in accordance with the specifications of Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited (‘EUI’) and must contain 
the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST manual (available via www.euroclear.com/CREST).

 The message, regardless of whether it relates to the voting instruction or to an amendment to the instruction given to 
the depositary must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be received by the issuer’s agent (ID 3RA50) no later than 
08:00 UTC on Friday, 18 January 2019. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by 
the timestamp applied to the CREST voting instruction by the CREST applications host) from which the issuer’s agent is able 
to retrieve the CREST voting instruction by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST.

 CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers should note that EUI does not make 
available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in 
relation to the transmission of CREST voting instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if 
the CREST member is a CREST personal member or sponsored member or has appointed a voting service provider(s), to procure 
that the CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a CREST voting 
instruction is transmitted by means of the CREST service by any particular time. In this connection, CREST members and, where 
applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers are referred, in particular, to those sections of the CREST manual 
concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings.

 The Company may treat as invalid a CREST voting instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the 
Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.

VOTING
In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, all resolutions put to a vote at the AGM shall be decided on a poll. 
Every shareholder of the Company shall have one vote for every share held in the Company by such shareholder. If you are in any 
doubt as to what action you should take in respect of the resolutions provided for in this notice, please consult your CSDP, broker, 
banker, attorney, accountant or other professional adviser. An abstention from voting is not a vote and will accordingly not be 
counted in the calculation of votes for and against resolutions.

 LODGEMENT OF FORMS OF PROXY AND LETTERS OF REPRESENTATION
 Forms of proxy and letters of representation should be delivered or posted to the Company’s transfer secretaries, Computershare 
Investor Services Proprietary Limited, Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, 2196, South Africa (PO Box 61051, 
Marshalltown, 2107, South Africa), or can be emailed to Computershare at proxy@computershare.co.za or to the Company at 
ir@tharisa.com, so as to be received by no later than 10:00 (SA time) on Monday, 21 January 2019, in accordance with 
clause 99 of the Company’s Articles of Association. Any shareholder who completes and lodges a form of proxy will nevertheless 
be entitled to attend and vote in person at the AGM, provided that he has obtained a letter of representation to attend and vote 
at the AGM from his CSDP or broker.

By order of the Board

Sanet Findlay 
Joint Company Secretary 

South Africa 
4 December 2018 

Lysandros Lysandrides
Joint Company Secretary

Cyprus

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION   
 
 
 
 
160

GLOSSARY

In this Annual Report, unless otherwise indicated, the words in the first column have the meanings stated opposite them in the 
second column, words in the singular include the plural and vice versa, words denoting one gender include the other, and words 
denoting natural persons include juristic persons and associations of persons and vice versa.

4PGE or 3PGE + Au
5PGE + Au
6PGE + Au
AET
AGM
AMCU
Appreciation right

ART
Arxo Logistics

Arxo Metals

Arxo Resources

Award

Au
BAPS
BEE

BMI
Board
Bushveld Complex

Calibre

CBT
certificated shares

Challenger or 
Challenger Plant
Charter Scorecard

chemical grade 
concentrate

Platinum Group Metals comprising platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold
Platinum Group Metals comprising platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and gold
5PGE plus osmium
adult education and training
the Annual General Meeting of the Company
the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union of South Africa
the award which takes the form of a right to call for shares of an aggregate market value or receive a cash 
amount equal to the increase (if any) between the date an award is granted and the exercise date of the 
market value of such number of shares as is specified in the notice of award and has vested
antiretroviral treatment
Arxo Logistics Proprietary Limited (Registration number 2009/006720/07), a private company duly 
registered and incorporated in South Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company
Arxo Metals Proprietary Limited (Registration number 2011/143342/07), a private company duly registered 
and incorporated in South Africa, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company 
Arxo Resources Limited (Registration number HE221459), a public company duly registered and 
incorporated in Cyprus, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company 
the award granted under the Share Award Plan in the form of a conditional award or an appreciation 
right
gold
biodiversity action plans
black economic empowerment, as defined in the MPRDA and “broad-based socioeconomic 
empowerment” as defined in the Mining Charter
BMI Drilling Proprietary Limited (Registration number 2010/001913/07)
the Board of Directors of the Company
a major intrusive igneous body in the northern part of South Africa, that has undergone remarkable 
magmatic differentiation, and the leading source of PGMs and chromium
Calibre Clinical Consultants Proprietary Limited (Registration number 2005/005494/07), a private company 
duly registered and incorporated in South Africa
computer-based training
Shares which are held and represented by a share certificate or other tangible document of title, which 
shares have not been dematerialised in terms of the requirements of Strate
the integrated beneficiation plant adjacent to the Genesis Plant for the production of chemical and 
foundry grade concentrate owned by Arxo Metals
the Scorecard for the Mining Charter published pursuant to section 100(2)(a) of the MPRDA under 
Government Gazette No. 26661 of 13 August 2004, as amended by General Notice 1002 of 
27 September 2018
the main ingredient in the production of chrome chemicals. The critical specifications are a minimum 
of 45% Cr2O3, and a maximum of 1.28% SiO2
used to reference any form of chromium, Cr or chrome concentrate

chrome
chrome concentrate any combination of chemical, foundry and/or metallurgical grade concentrate with a predominance 

chrome alloys

chromite

chromitite

of metallurgical grade concentrate
a chrome alloy produced directly through smelting using carbon as a reducing agent in the presence 
of fluxes, which alloy is used as primary raw material in the production of stainless steel
a hard, black, refractory chromium-spinel mineral consisting of varying proportions of the oxides of iron 
chromium, aluminium and magnesium
a rock composed essentially of chromite, that typically occurs as layers or irregular masses exclusively 
associated with magmatic complexes. The bulk of the world’s exploitable chromitite occurs almost 
exclusively in layered complexes

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Notice of annual general meeting
>  Glossary
Form of proxy
Corporate information

chromitite layers

chromium or Cr

CIF
cm
Coffey

Company, Tharisa
Competent Person’s 
Report or CPR
Conditional award

CSE
CSI
Cr2O3
CREST

CSDP Markets Act
Cyprus
Cyprus Companies 
Law
dematerialise, 
dematerialised or 
dematerialisation
dematerialised 
shares
Depositary
Depositary interests 
or DI
Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules 
or DTR
DMR
DWS
EIA
EMP
EMPR
Eskom
Equator Principles

Euroclear UK & 
Ireland
the FCA
FCA

FEED
FIFR

thick accumulations of chromite grains to form monomineralic bands or layers, which chromitite layers are 
typically greater than 30 cm thick
the element chromium (Cr) is classified as a metal and is situated between other metals such as 
vanadium (V), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) in the periodic table of elements
cost, insurance and freight as defined in Incoterms 2010
centimetres
Coffey Mining (South Africa) Proprietary Limited (Registration number 2006/030152/07), a private 
company duly registered and incorporated in South Africa
Tharisa plc, a company incorporated under the laws of Cyprus with registration number HE223412
a report compiled by an independent Competent Person relating to the technical aspects of a mine that 
may include a techno-financial model
an award which takes the form of a contingent right to receive, at no or nominal cost, such number 
of ordinary shares or receive a cash amount as is specified in the notice of award and has vested
the Cyprus Stock Exchange
corporate social investment

chromium (III) oxide
the relevant system (as defined in the Uncertificated Securities Regulations) in respect of which Euroclear 
UK & Ireland is the operator
a Central Securities Depository Participant as defined in section 1 of the Financial Markets Act
the Republic of Cyprus
Companies Law, Chapter 113 of the laws of Cyprus, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified 
from time to time
the process by which physical share certificates are replaced with electronic records of ownership in 
accordance with the rules of Strate

shares which are held in electronic form as uncertificated securities in accordance with the requirements 
of Strate
Computershare Investor Services PLC
the dematerialised depositary interests issued by the Depositary in respect of the underlying ordinary 
shares
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules made by the FCA under Part VI of the Financial Markets Act, 2000

the South African Department of Mineral Resources
Department of Water and Sanitation, South Africa
environmental impact assessment
the environmental management plan in terms of the MPRDA
environmental management programme report
Eskom Holdings SOC Limited
the set of voluntary guidelines adopted and interpreted in accordance with International Finance 
Corporate Performance Standards and the World Bank’s EHS guidelines, adopted by Equator Principle 
Financial Institutions, as updated from time to time
Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited, the operator of CREST

the Financial Conduct Authority of the United Kingdom
Free carrier – a trade term requiring the seller to deliver goods to the carrier or another person nominated 
by the buyer at the seller’s premises or another named place. Costs for transportation and risk of loss 
transfer to the buyer after delivery to the carrier
front-end engineering and design
fatality injury frequency rate

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 162

GLOSSARY CONTINUED

foundry grade

g/t
GBP
Genesis or Genesis 
Plant
GHG
Group
HDSA
HRD
ICDA
IDP
IFRS
illuvial chrome
Impala Platinum

Incoterms 2010

Indicated Mineral 
Resource

Inferred Mineral 
Resource

Investec Bank

Investment 
agreement
Ir
IWUL
JSE or 
Johannesburg Stock 
Exchange
JSE Listings 
Requirements
K3 UG2 chrome 
plant
Karo Holdings

Karo Platinum

King IV
km

concentrate saleable chromium-rich product typically more than 45% Cr2O3 less than 1% SiO2 and 
a specific particle size distribution
grammes per tonne
British pound, the lawful currency of the United Kingdom
the 100 000 tpm nameplate capacity processing plant for the production of PGM and chrome 
concentrate, owned by Tharisa Minerals
greenhouse gas
the Company including all its subsidiaries
historically disadvantaged South Africans as defined in the MPRDA and the Mining Charter
human resources development
the International Chromium Development Association
Individual development plans
International Financial Reporting Standards
at surface chrome fines generated from seams as a result of weathering
Impala Platinum Limited, a subsidiary of Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Registration number 
1957/001979/06), a public company duly registered and incorporated in South Africa
the Incoterms rules are a series of predefined commercial terms published by the International Chamber 
of Commerce that are widely used in international commercial transaction or procurement processes
an Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, densities, shape, 
physical characteristics and mineral content can be estimated with a reasonable level of confidence. 
Designating a resource as “Indicated” is based on information from exploration, sampling and testing of 
material gathered from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. The locations 
are too widely or inappropriately spaced to confirm geological or grade continuity but are spaced close 
enough for continuity to be assumed
an Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which volume or tonnage, grade 
and mineral content can be estimated with only a low level of confidence. It is inferred from geological 
evidence and sample and assumed but not verified geologically or through analysis of grade continuity. 
Designating a Mineral Resource “Inferred” is based on information gathered through appropriate 
techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that may be limited 
in scope or of uncertain quality and reliability
Investec Bank Limited (Registration number 1969/004763/06), a public company duly registered and 
incorporated in South Africa
the Investment Project Framework Agreement entered into between Karo Holdings and the Republic of 
Zimbabwe on 22 March 2018
Iridium
integrated water use licence
JSE Limited (Registration number 2005/022939/06), a public company duly registered and incorporated 
in South Africa and licensed in terms of the Financial Markets Act, No. 19 of 2012

the Listings Requirements of the JSE, as amended from time to time

the chrome concentrate recovery plant associated with WPL’s K3 plant

Karo Mining Holdings Limited (Registration number HE380340), a public company duly registered and 
incorporated in Cyprus
Karo Platinum Mines (Private) Limited (Registration number 7178/2013), a private company duly registered 
and incorporated in Zimbabwe 
the King IV Code on Corporate Governance 2016 (South Africa)
thousand metres

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Notice of annual general meeting
>  Glossary
Form of proxy
Corporate information

koz
kt
ktpm
Leto Settlement 

Listing

Listing Rules
LOM

London Stock 
Exchange or LSE
Lonmin 

LTI

LTIFR
MCC

Main Market
Measured Mineral 
Resource

metallurgical grade 
concentrate

MG0

MG1

MG2

MG3

MG4

MG4A

thousand ounces
thousand tonnes
thousand tonnes per month
a discretionary trust established in accordance with the trusts (Guernsey) Law 1989 by Artemis Trustees 
Limited, in its capacity as trustee of the Zeus Settlement, out of a portion of the trust assets of the Zeus 
Settlement, for the benefit of Adonis Pouroulis, his wife and children
the primary listing of Tharisa, a foreign registered company, in the “General Mining” sector of the Main 
Board of the JSE under the abbreviated name “Tharisa”, JSE code “THA” and ISIN CY0103562118
the Listing Rules made by the FCA under Part VI of the Financial Markets Act, 2000
life of mine, being the expected remaining years of production based on production rates and ore 
Mineral Reserves
the London Stock Exchange plc

Lonmin plc (Registration number 103002), a public company duly incorporated and registered in 
England and Wales
lost-time injury resulting in the injured being unable to attend/return to work to perform the full duties of 
his/her regular work, as per advice of a suitably qualified medical professional, on the next calendar day 
after the injury
lost-time injury frequency rate, the number of lost-time injuries per 200 000 hours worked
MCC Contracts Proprietary Limited (Registration number 1983/008084), a subsidiary of Eqstra Holdings 
Limited, a company duly registered and incorporated in South Africa
the Main Market of the LSE
a Measured Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which the tonnage, densities, physical 
characteristics, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a high level of confidence. Describing a 
resource as “Measured” is based on detailed and reliable information from exploration, sampling and 
testing of material from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. The locations 
are spaced closely enough to confirm geological and grade continuity
saleable chromium-rich product typically of 42% Cr2O3

chromitite layer that consists of chromitite dissemination with more chromitite layers and stringers, that 
are developed in the footwall pyroxenite of the MG1 chromitite layer
chromitite layer that typically has a massive chromitite content with minor feldspathic pyroxenite partings 
or layering. In some areas the MG1 chromitite layer has developed into two chromitite layers separated 
by a feldspathic pyroxenite
chromitite layer that consists of three groupings of chromitite layers which from the base are the 
MG2A chromitite layer, MG2B chromitite layer and the MG2C chromitite layer. The partings are typically 
feldspathic pyroxenite. The parting between the MG2B chromitite layer and MG2C chromitite layer 
includes a platiniferous chromitite stringer
chromitite layer that is occasionally a massive chromitite layer but more often a very irregular assemblage 
of chromitite layers and stringers within a norite and/or anorthosite. The top of the package typically 
consists of thin chromitite stringers and dissemination of chromite in norite which develops into a massive 
layer at the base
the MG4 chromitite layer consists of a lower chromitite (MG4(0) chromitite layer) (approximately 
0.6 m thick) immediately overlain by a norite (approximately 0.85 m thick) followed by the chromitite 
layer of the MG4 chromitite layer (approximately 1.8 m thick), overlain by another parting, of feldspathic 
pyroxenite composition, some 3.2 m thick and finally overlain by the chromitite of the MG4A chromitite 
layer (approximately 1.5 m thick)
the MG4A chromitite layer consists of a number of chromitite layers within a pyroxenite host rock

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 164

GLOSSARY CONTINUED

MG Chromitite 
Layers
MHSA
MHSC
Mineral Reserve

Mineral Resource

Mines and Minerals 
Act
Mining Charter

Mining Right

MPRDA 
MQA
Mt
MTC
Mtpa
MW
MWh
NEMA
NEMWA
Noble

NQF
NUM
NWA
OEM
Official List
oz
ozpa
pa
Pd
Pivot

PGE
PGMs

group of five chromite layers that are known in the lower and upper critical zone of the Bushveld Complex

the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 of South Africa
the Mine Health and Safety Council of South Africa
the economically mineable material derived from a measured or indicated Mineral Resource or both, 
which includes diluting and contaminating materials and allows for losses that are expected to occur 
when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments to a minimum of a prefeasibility study for a project 
and a LOM plan for an operation must have been completed, including consideration of, and modification 
by, realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and 
governmental factors (the modifying factors)
a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the earth’s crust in such form, 
quality and quantity that there are reasonable and realistic prospects for eventual economic extraction. 
The location, quantity, grade, continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are 
known, or estimated from specific geological evidence, sampling and knowledge interpreted from an 
appropriately constrained and portrayed geological model. Mineral Resources are subdivided, and must 
be so reported, in order of increasing confidence in respect of geoscientific evidence, into Inferred, 
Indicated or Measured categories
the Mines and Minerals Act of Zimbabwe [Chapter 21:05]

the Broad-based Socio-economic Empowerment Charter for the South African Mining Industry 
(together with the Charter Scorecard), published pursuant to section 100(2)(a) of the MPRDA under 
Government Gazette No. 26661 of 13 August 2004 and thereafter amended by General Notice 1002 of 
27 September 2018
a new order Mining Right, granted by the DMR in terms of the MPRDA, which provides the holder 
thereof the required legal title to mine
the South African Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, No. 28 of 2002, as amended
Mining Qualifications Authority of South Africa
million tonnes
medical treatment case
million tonnes per annum
megawatt
megawatt hour
National Environmental Management Act of 2008 of South Africa
National Environmental Management Waste Act of 2008 of South Africa
Noble Resources International PTE Limited, (Registration number 201115304N), a company duly 
registered and incorporated in Singapore
National Qualifications Framework of South Africa
the National Union of Mineworkers of South Africa
National Water Act of 1998 of South Africa
original equipment manufacturer
the official list of the FCA
a troy ounce which is exactly 31.1034768 grams
oz per annum
per annum
Palladium
Pivot Mining Consultants Proprietary Limited (Registration number 2006/030152/07), a private company 
duly registered and incorporated in South Africa
Platinum group elements
platinum group metals being platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  165

Investor relations report
Notice of annual general meeting
>  Glossary
Form of proxy
Corporate information

PGM concentrate
PRC or China
prill split
Prospecting Right
Pt
reef
Rh
RNS
ROM
Ru
Salene Chrome

SAMREC Code

SAMVAL Code

SENS
SETA
Share Award Plan
Shares
SHE
SIB
SiO2
SLP

SOP
South Africa or SA
Standard listing
Strate

stripping ratio

STS
t
tCO2e 
TB
Tharisa
Tharisa Mine

Tharisa Minerals

The Disclosure and 
Transparency Law

Tisco
tpa

the commercially acceptable flotation concentrate containing PGMs
the Peoples Republic of China
a breakdown by mass of the various PGM metals contained in PGM containing materials
a prospecting right granted by the DMR in terms of the MPRDA
Platinum
in the context of this Annual Report, reef refers to any or all of the MG and UG chromitite layers
Rhodium
the Regulatory News Service of the LSE
run of mine, being the ore tonnage extracted to be processed
Ruthenium
Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited (Registration number 920/2015), formerly Maroon Blue 
Consultants (Private) Limited, a private company duly incorporated and registered in Zimbabwe
the South African Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Reserves 
(prepared by the South African Mineral Resource Committee (‘SAMREC’) Working Group) (2016)
the South African Code for the Reporting of Mineral Asset Valuation (2016) prepared by the South African 
Mineral Asset Valuation Committee (‘SAMVAL’) Working Group
the Stock Exchange News Service of the JSE
Sector Education Training Authority, South Africa
the Tharisa Share Award Plan approved by the shareholders
all the issued ordinary shares of the Company of nominal value of US$0.001 each
safety, health and environment
stay in business capital expenditure

silicon dioxide
Social and Labour Plan aimed at promoting employment and advancement of the social and economic 
welfare of all South Africans while ensuring economic growth and socioeconomic development as 
stipulated in the MPRDA
standard operating procedures
the Republic of South Africa
a listing on the standard segment of the official list
Strate Limited (Registration number 1998/022242/06), a limited liability public company duly registered 
and incorporated in South Africa, which is a registered central securities depositary and which is 
responsible for the electronic settlement system used by the JSE
the ratio, measured in m3 to m3 at which waste and inter-burden are removed, relative to ore mined
standard threshold shift
tonne
tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent
tuberculosis
Tharisa plc (Registration number HE223412), a public company duly registered and incorporated in Cyprus
Tharisa Minerals’ wholly owned PGM and chrome mining and processing operations located in the 
magisterial district of Rustenburg (North West region), South Africa, situated in the Bushveld Complex
Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited (Registration number 2006/009544/07), a company duly registered 
and incorporated in South Africa, held 74% by Tharisa 
Law 190(I)/2007, as amended (law providing for transparency requirements in relation to information 
about issuers whose securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market), governed by the Cyprus 
Securities and Exchange Commission
Taiyuan Iron and Steel’s Joint Venture Company Shanxi Taigang Wanbang Furnace Charge Co. Limited
tonnes per annum

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 166

GLOSSARY CONTINUED

tpm
Transnet
UG1

UG2

UG Chromitite 
Layers
UK or United 
Kingdom
UK Listing 
Authority or UKLA
US
US$
VCT
Voyager or Voyager 
Plant
Western Platinum 
or WPL
WPIC
ZAR or R or rand
Zimbabwe

tonnes per month
Transnet SOC Limited
the Upper Group 1 chromitite layer that is a well developed and consistent marker in the critical zone 
of the Bushveld Complex that consists of a massive chromitite, chromitiferous pyroxenite, bands of 
anorthosite, chromitite and norites and stringers of chromitites
the Upper Group 2 chromitite layer of the Bushveld Complex that is well known and typically contains 
PGMs in a concentration that is sufficient for economic extraction
the Upper Group chromitite layers of the Bushveld Complex

the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

the Financial Conduct Authority acting in its capacity as the competent authority for the purposes of 
Part VI of the FSMA and in the exercise of its functions in respect of admission to the official list
the United State of America
United States dollar, the lawful currency of the US
voluntary counselling and testing
a 300 000 tpm nameplate capacity processing plant for the production of PGM and chrome concentrate, 
owned by Tharisa Minerals
Western Platinum Limited (Registration number 1963/003589/06), a company duly registered and 
incorporated in South Africa and a subsidiary of Lonmin
World Platinum Investment Council
South African rand, the lawful currency of South Africa
the Republic of Zimbabwe

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018  167

Investor relations report
Notice of annual general meeting
Glossary
> Form of proxy
Corporate information

FORM OF  
PROXY

Tharisa plc
(Incorporated in the Republic of Cyprus with limited liability) 
(Registration number: HE223412)
JSE share code: THA 
LSE share code: THS 
ISIN: CY0103562118
(‘Tharisa’ or the ‘Company’)

This form of proxy relates to the annual general meeting (‘AGM’) of shareholders of the Company to be held at 2nd Floor, The Crossing, 
372 Main Road, Bryanston, South Africa on Wednesday, 23 January 2019 at 10:00 SA time (UTC +2) and should be completed by registered 
certificated shareholders and shareholders who have dematerialised their shares with “own name” registration.

All other dematerialised shareholders holding shares other than with ‘own name’ registration who wish to attend the AGM must inform their CSDP 
or broker of their intention to attend the AGM and request their CSDP or broker to issue them with the relevant letter of representation to attend the 
AGM in person or by proxy and vote. Shareholders who do not wish to attend the AGM in person or by proxy must provide their CSDP or broker with 
their voting instructions in terms of the relevant custody agreement entered into between them and the CSDP or broker. These shareholders must not 
complete this form of proxy.

This form of proxy should be read with the notice of AGM. Please print clearly and refer to the notes at the end of this form for an explanation on the 
use of this form of proxy and the rights of the shareholder and the proxy.

I/We

of address

being the holder of 

1. 

2. 

Tharisa shares, hereby appoint (see notes 1 and 3)

or failing him/her

or failing him/her 

the Chairman of the AGM, as my/our proxy to act for me/us and on my/our behalf at the AGM which will be held for the purpose of considering and, 
if deemed fit, passing, with or without modification, the resolutions to be proposed thereat and at any adjournment thereof; and to vote for and/or 
against the resolutions and/or abstain from voting in respect of the Tharisa shares registered in my/our name(s), in accordance with the following 
instructions (see note 3):

For

Against

Abstain

Ordinary business

Ordinary resolution 1 is non-binding and does not require a minimum threshold

Ordinary resolutions 2 and 3 require support of a simple majority (more than 50%) of the votes exercised in respect of 
each resolution adopted

Ordinary resolution number 1: Adoption of annual financial statements

Ordinary resolution number 2: Appointment of external auditor

Ordinary resolution number 3.1: Election of Zhong Liang Hong as a director

Ordinary resolution number 3.2: Re-election of David Salter as a director

Ordinary resolution number 3.3: Re-election of Antonios Djakouris as a director

Special business

Ordinary resolutions 4 and 5 require support of a simple majority (more than 50%) of the votes exercised in respect of 
each resolution to be adopted

Ordinary resolution 6 requires a 75% majority of the votes

Ordinary resolutions 7.1 and 7.2 are non-binding and do not require a minimum threshold

Special resolution 1 requires support of at least 75% of the votes exercised to be adopted

Ordinary resolutions 8 and 9 require support of a simple majority (more than 50%) of the votes exercised in respect of 
each resolution to be adopted

Ordinary resolution number 4: Control of authorised but unissued shares

Ordinary resolution number 5: Dis-application of pre-emptive rights

Ordinary resolution number 6: General authority to issue shares for cash

Ordinary resolution number 7.1: Approval, through a non-binding advisory vote, of the Group remuneration policy

Ordinary resolution number 7.2: Approval, through a non-binding advisory vote, of the Group Remuneration 
Implementation Report

Special resolution number 1: General authority to repurchase shares

Ordinary resolution number 8: Final dividend

Ordinary resolution 9: Directors’ authority to implement ordinary and special resolutions

Please indicate with an “X” in the space provided above how you wish your votes to be cast.

Signed at 

Signature

Assisted by (if applicable) (see note 7)

on 

2019

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION  168

NOTES TO THE  
FORM OF PROXY

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

 A registered shareholder may appoint an individual as a proxy, including an individual who is not a shareholder of the 
Company, to participate in, speak and vote at a shareholders’ meeting on his/her behalf. Should this space be left blank, the 
proxy will be exercised by the Chairman of the meeting.
 The person whose name appears first on the form of proxy and who is present at the AGM will be entitled to act as proxy to 
the exclusion of those whose names follow.
 A proxy may delegate his/her authority to act on your behalf to another person, subject to any restriction set out in this form 
of proxy.
 A shareholder’s instructions to the proxy must be indicated by the insertion of an “X”, or the number of votes exercisable by 
that shareholder, in the appropriate box provided. The proxy is entitled to exercise, or abstain from exercising, any voting right 
of the shareholder at the AGM, but only as directed on this form of proxy.
 If there is no clear indication as to the voting instructions to the proxy, the form of proxy will be deemed to authorise the proxy 
to vote or to abstain from voting at the AGM as he/she deems fit in respect of all the shareholder’s votes exercisable.
 To be valid and counted, the completed form of proxy must be lodged with the transfer secretaries of the Company, namely 
Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited, Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, 2196, South Africa 
(PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107, South Africa), so as to be received by them by no later than 10:00 SA time on Monday, 
21 January 2019, being no later than 48 hours before the AGM to be held at 10:00 SA time on Wednesday, 23 January 2019, 
provided that the Chairman of the AGM may, in his discretion, accept proxies that have been delivered after the expiry of the 
aforementioned period up to and until the time of commencement of the AGM, at his sole discretion. Letters of instruction 
must be lodged with Computershare Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS13 8AE, United Kingdom, 
so as to be received by them by no later than 08:00 on Friday, 18 January 2019.
 This form of proxy must be dated and signed by the shareholder appointing the proxy. The completion of blank spaces does 
not have to be initialled, but any alteration or correction made to this form of proxy must be initialled by the signatory/ies. 
A minor must be assisted by his/her parent or guardian unless the relevant documents establishing his/her legal capacity are 
produced or have been registered by the Company.
 Documentary evidence establishing the authority of a person signing this form of proxy in a representative capacity must be 
attached to this form of proxy unless previously recorded by the Company or waived by the Chairman of the AGM. CSDPs 
or brokers registered in the Company’s sub-register voting on instructions from beneficial owners of shares registered in the 
Company’s sub-register, are requested to identify the beneficial owner in the sub-register on whose behalf they are voting 
and return a copy of the instruction from such owner to the Company’s transfer secretaries, together with this form of proxy.
 The Chairman of the meeting shall be entitled to decline or accept the authority of a person signing the form under a power of 
attorney or on behalf of a company, unless the power of attorney is deposited at the Company’s transfer secretaries not later 
than 48 hours before the meeting.
 The appointment of the proxy or proxies will be suspended at any time to the extent that the shareholder chooses to act 
directly and in person in the exercise of any of his/her rights as a shareholder at the AGM.
 The appointment of the proxy is revocable unless expressly stated otherwise in this form of proxy. The proxy appointment 
may be revoked by cancelling it in writing, or making a later inconsistent appointment of a proxy and delivering a copy of 
the revocation instrument to the proxy and to the Company’s transfer secretaries. Please note the revocation of a proxy 
appointment constitutes a complete and final cancellation of the proxy’s authority to act on behalf of the shareholder, as of 
the date stated in the revocation instrument, if any, or the date on which the revocation instrument was delivered to the 
Company’s transfer secretaries and the proxy, as aforesaid.
 The appointment of the proxy remains valid only until the end of the AGM or any adjournment or postponement thereof, 
unless it is revoked by the shareholder before then on the basis set out above.
 Holders of depositary interests on the LSE must not complete this form of proxy. Holders of depositary interests will be sent a 
separate form of instruction by the depositary, Computershare Investor Services PLC. On receipt, holders of depositary interests 
should complete the form of instruction in accordance with the instructions printed thereon to direct Computershare Company 
Nominees Limited as the custodian of their shares how to exercise their votes.

Tharisa plc Integrated Annual Report 2018 CORPORATE  
INFORMATION

Tharisa plc
Incorporated in the Republic of Cyprus with limited liability
Registration number: HE223412
JSE share code: THA
LSE share code: THS
ISIN: CY0103562118

Transfer Secretaries
Cymain Registrars Limited
Registration number: HE174490
26 Vyronos Avenue
1096 Nicosia
Cyprus

Registered address
Office 108 – 110
S. Pittokopitis Business Centre
17 Neophytou Nicolaides and Kilkis Streets
8011 Paphos
Cyprus

Postal address
PO Box 62425
8064 Paphos
Cyprus

Website
www.tharisa.com

Directors of Tharisa
Loucas Christos Pouroulis (Executive Chairman)
Phoevos Pouroulis (Chief Executive Officer)
Michael Gifford Jones (Chief Finance Officer)
John David Salter (lead independent non-executive director)
Antonios Djakouris (independent non-executive director)
Omar Marwan Kamal (independent non-executive director)
Carol Bell (independent non-executive director)
Roger Davey (independent non-executive director)
Joanna Ka Ki Cheng (non-executive director)
Zhong Liang Hong (non-executive director)

Joint Company Secretaries
Lysandros Lysandrides
26 Vyronos Avenue
1096 Nicosia
Cyprus

Sanet Findlay
The Crossing 372 Main Road
Bryanston Johannesburg 2021
South Africa
Email: secretarial@tharisa.com

Investor relations
Daniel Thöle / Ilja Graulich
The Crossing 372 Main Road
Bryanston Johannesburg 2021
South Africa
Email: ir@tharisa.com

Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited
Registration number: 2004/003647/07
Rosebank Towers
15 Biermann Avenue
Rosebank 2196
South Africa

Computershare Investor Services PLC
Registration number: 3498808
The Pavilions Bridgwater Road Bristol BS13 8AE
England United Kingdom 

JSE sponsor
Investec Bank Limited
Registration number: 1969/004763/06
100 Grayston Drive
Sandown, Sandton 2196
South Africa

Auditors
Ernst & Young Cyprus Limited
Registration number: HE222520
Jean Nouvel Tower 6 Stasinos Avenue
1060 Nicosia
Cyprus

Brokers
Peel Hunt LLP (UK joint broker)
Moore House 120 London Wall EC 2Y 5ET
England United Kingdom
Contact: Ross Allister / David McKeown
+44 207 7418 8900

BMO Capital Markets Limited (UK joint broker)
95 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4HG
England United Kingdom
Contact: Jeffrey Couch / Thomas Rider
+44 020 7236 1010

Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG (UK joint broker)
60 Threadneedle Street London EC2R 8HP
England United Kingdom
Contact: Matthew Armitt / Sara MacGrath
+44 20 3207 7800

Financial public relations
Buchanan
107 Cheapside London EC2V 6DN
England United Kingdom
Contact: Bobby Morse / Augustine Chipungu
+44 020 7466 5000

Nedbank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment 
Banking division) (RSA broker)
135 Rivonia Road 
Sandown, Sandton 2196
South Africa 
Contact: Shabbir Norath / Reginald Demana
+27 11 295 6575 

 www.tharisa.com