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TreeHouse Foods

ths · LSE Consumer Defensive
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FY2019 Annual Report · TreeHouse Foods
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DISCOVER   DEVELOP   DELIVER   DIVERSIFY   

Integrated Annual Report 2019

CONTENTS

1 OVERVIEW
Group profile
Investment case
Group strategy
Competitive strengths
ESG highlights
Scope and boundary
Group statistics
Financial and non-financial highlights
Group structure and overview
Group history

2 STRATEGIC REVIEW
Chairman’s review
Chief executive officer’s review
Chief finance officer’s review
Market review
How Tharisa creates value
Stakeholder engagement
Principal business risks

3 OPERATIONAL REVIEW

4 SUSTAINABILITY
Safety and health
Human resources
Social development
Human rights
Environment

MINERAL RESOURCE AND MINERAL 
RESERVE STATEMENT

5

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

1 – 13
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
12

14 – 35
14
15
17
20
24
28
30

36 – 43

44 – 57
44
47
49
51
52

58 – 63

64 – 97
64
66
76
86
94
96

7 FINANCIAL REVIEW

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements
Notes to the annual financial statements

8 SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Investor relations report
Notice of annual general meeting
Glossary
Form of proxy
Corporate information

98 – 137

100
106

138 – 159
138
140
150
157
159

*  Copyright and trademarks are owned by the Institute of Directors 

in Southern Africa NPC and all of its rights are reserved.

INTEGRATED CO-PRODUCER 
OF PGM AND CHROME 
CONCENTRATES

www.tharisa.com

GROUP  
PROFILE

Engineering the mining 
company of the future

THARISA IS AN INTEGRATED 

RESOURCE GROUP INCORPORATING 

EXPLORATION, MINING, 

PROCESSING, AND THE 

BENEFICIATION, MARKETING, SALES 

AND LOGISTICS OF PLATINUM 

GROUP METALS (‘PGMS’) 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
(cid:3)• The safety and health of our people is a core value

(cid:3)• We take responsibility for the effect that our 
operations may have on the environment

(cid:3)• We are committed to the upliftment of our local 

communities

(cid:3)• We conduct ourselves with integrity and honesty

(cid:3)• We strive to achieve superior returns for our 

shareholders

(cid:3)• We originate new opportunities and will continue to 

challenge convention through innovation

Strategic initiatives

Leading natural resources group 
– Globally significant, diversified low-cost 
operations

Innovation – Innovative research and 
development feeding organic growth

Optimisation initiatives – Maximise 
value extraction through process 
engineering

Leveraging existing platforms – 
Marketing, sales and logistics, expansion 
into multi-commodities, building 
geographic diversity

Capital discipline – Disciplined capital 
distribution with a dividend policy of 
distributing at least 15% of net profit 
after tax (‘NPAT’) and capital allocation to 
low-risk projects

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

1

Group profile

ESG highlights

Scope and boundary

Group statistics

Financial and non-financial highlights

Group structure and overview

Group history

1

O
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•  Large-scale resource mining five MG Chromitite Layers

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

•  Highly prospective exploration projects in Zimbabwe

Discover

•  Innovative approach to viable mineral extraction and beneficiation 

•  Independent processing plants providing operational flexibility at 

the Tharisa Mine

•  Sustainable polymetallic business model

Develop

Deliver

•  Safe production, strive for zero harm

•  Integrated marketing, sales and logistics 

platforms

•  Disciplined capital allocation = growth + dividends

•  Cash generative through commodity cycles

•  Maximise value of the commodities we produce

Diversify

•  Into a multi-asset, multi-commodity, 

multi-jurisdictional business

• Using technology as our catalyst

2 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

INVESTMENT 
CASE

Positioned for value creation
The Tharisa Mine produced 139.7 koz of PGMs and 1.29 Mt of chrome concentrates in 
FY2019 and has provided FY2020 production guidance of between 155 koz and 165 koz of 
PGMs (on a 5PGE + Au basis) and 1.45 Mt to 1.55 Mt of 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.

(cid:3)• Tharisa is the only JSE and LSE listed co-producer of PGM and 

chrome concentrates

(cid:3)• It is the sixth largest South African PGM producer

(cid:3)• South Africa’s fourth largest chrome producer and the largest 

producer from a single resource

(cid:3)• One of the world’s largest producers of speciality grade 

chrome concentrates

(cid:3)• In FY2019, Tharisa’s production accounted for 11.3% of 

Chinese chrome ore concentrate imports from South Africa

(cid:3)• Developing PGM and chrome projects in Zimbabwe and fine 

chrome recovery project in South Africa

Marketing and sales
The majority of PGM concentrate is sold 
to Impala Platinum under an offtake 
agreement, and also to Sibanye-Stillwater 
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. 

Speciality chrome concentrates, which 
include chemical and foundry grades, 
are sold into European and Asian markets. 
Production of speciality grade chrome 
concentrates made up 24.2% of the 
year’s total chrome production.

Extraction and beneficiation
The Group’s key differentiators are its 
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, the 
world’s largest PGM deposit, taps into 
one of the world’s largest single chrome 
resources of 890.7 Mt.

The Tharisa Mine has a 14-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 lowest 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.

GROUP 
STRATEGY

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

3

Group profile

ESG highlights

Scope and boundary

Group statistics

Financial and non-financial highlights

Group structure and overview

Group history

1

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

We meet 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

DEVELOP

DELIVER

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 making low-risk 
entry options in two projects – Karo 
Holdings and Salene Chrome. Both 
are highly prospective opportunities 
on the mineral-rich Great Dyke in 
Zimbabwe.

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 
investment and development of 
new projects.

Tharisa is cash flow positive, which 
has allowed it to maintain its returns 
to shareholders. The company has a 
dividend policy of distributing a 
minimum of 15% of consolidated net 
profit after tax. It declared an interim 
dividend of US 0.50 cent per share 
in FY2019. A final dividend of 
US 0.25 cent per share was proposed, 
resulting in a proposed total dividend 
of US 0.75 cent per share for FY2019.

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 boundaries for its 
next low-cost, large-scale operation. Its 
innovative approach has ensured 
continual improvement through 
increased volumes and recoveries at 
its operations. 

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.

PGM recoveries at the Tharisa Mine 
have improved from 48.8% in 2014 to 
82.1% in 2019 and chrome recoveries 
of 62.0%.

At Tharisa Minerals, the Vision 2020 
projects aim to deliver 200 kozpa 
of PGMs and 2.0 Mtpa of chrome 
concentrates in 2020, on an 
annualised basis. 

DIVERSIFY

Strategically adding development projects to the portfolio that will ensure diversification 
while maintaining the focus on being a mechanised, low cost miner and beneficiator 
of metals.

We will use technology as our enabler and as our differentiator.

TOTAL PROPOSED DIVIDEND FOR THE YEAR

US 0.75 cent per share

4 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

COMPETITIVE 
STRENGTHS

>  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

>  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

>  Independent 

>  Exploring large-scale 

>  Capacity to produce 

processing plants 
providing operational 
flexibility 

>  Direct relationships 

with South African and 
international customers

Karo Platinum resource

>  Salene Chrome offers 
rapid path to production

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 a 

dividend policy of 
distributing 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

ESG 
HIGHLIGHTS

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

5

Group profile

ESG highlights

Scope and boundary

Group statistics

Financial and non-financial highlights

Group structure and overview

Group history

1

O
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Letter from the Chairman of the SHE Committee and Lead independent non-executive director, David Salter

2019 was an important year for Tharisa, as 
the business grew and we delivered a solid 
safety performance and continued to make 
real advances in ingraining sustainability in 
our operations. Key to this is the evolving 
manner in which we monitor, control and 
report on our activities that impact and 
benefit all elements of society that we 
work with and the environment.

Sustainability 

“Progressed development of a 
framework to evaluate and verify 
the benefits of our actions, in 
collaboration with others.”

Tharisa believes that sustainability should 
function as a type of blueprint for shared 
value. Sustainability enables Tharisa to 
create value for all of its stakeholders 
including employees, investors, contractors, 
suppliers, the communities in which it 
operates, and the governments, 
municipalities and provincial authorities 
which host our operations. 

One of the necessities of a modern mining 
company is its social licence to operate. 
We are proud of our relationships and 
commitments to our stakeholders and 
certainly believe in a life-long partnership. 
This, I believe, is one of the reasons why we 
have been successful in maintaining our 
social licence, no matter how tough the 
circumstances. We believe in effective 
stakeholder relationships based on shared 
value and mutual benefit.

At the highest level, Tharisa has built its 
sustainability strategy around the Equator 
Principles. We have also embraced the 
Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact 
(‘UNGC’). The Equator Principles comprise 
a risk management framework, adopted by 
financial institutions, for determining, 
assessing and managing the environmental 
and social risks facing projects. The 
Principles provide a minimum standard for 
due diligence to support responsible risk 
decision making.

operations with universal principles on 
human rights, labour, environment and 
anti-corruption. The Ten Principles of the 
UNGC aim to help advance societal goals.

In future, Tharisa will not only continue to 
exceed its obligations to create social 
capital as enshrined in South Africa’s 
MPRDA, but will also strive to replicate this 
approach in ways that create positive 
socioeconomic and environmental impacts 
in all the territories in which we operate. 

Much work remains to be done, but we 
will continue to minimise our 
environmental impact by reducing water 
and energy consumption, investigating the 
use of renewable energy solutions and 
creating further efficiencies in mining, 
processing and logistics. We also remain 
committed to continuing our work in close 
partnership with communities and host 
governments to entrench shared value, 
while delivering zero harm for our people.

The UNGC is the world’s largest corporate 
sustainability initiative. It calls for 
companies to align strategies and 

David Salter 

Highlights

(cid:3)• Total Tharisa operations achieved four years fatality free

(cid:3)• Tharisa Minerals achieved 5 000 fatality-free production shifts at its process plant operations and three 

million fatality-free shifts for the total Tharisa Minerals operations

(cid:3)• Tharisa Minerals is committed to the Minerals Council’s Khumbul’ekaya “remember home” safety initiative 

which aims to ensure that the mining industry becomes fatality free

(cid:3)• Enrolment for adult education and training (‘AET’) has grown from 82 learners to 224, including community 

members

(cid:3)• Tharisa Minerals trained 20 interns and graduates from local communities specialising in mining, 

metallurgy and engineering

(cid:3)• New environmental protection initiatives including launch of innovative soil remediation and bee 

conservation projects

 
6 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

SCOPE AND
BOUNDARY

Tharisa is pleased to present this, its sixth Integrated Annual Report, since listing on the JSE 
and the fourth since the standard listing of its depositary interests on the LSE. This Integrated 
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 2019.

Approach
The approach in this Integrated Annual 
Report is to inform investors and 
stakeholders of the fundamentals of 
Tharisa’s operating context and business 
model, risks and strategic approach to 
value creation to enable them to make a 
more informed assessment of Tharisa, its 
prospects and the sustainable value it 
creates. The Integrated 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 
Integrated Annual Report. The Audit 
Committee recommended the 2019 
Integrated 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 99 to 137 of this 
Integrated 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 150 to 156.

GROUP
STATISTICS

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

7

Group profile

ESG highlights

Scope and boundary

Group statistics

Financial and non-financial highlights

Group structure and overview

Group history

1

O
V
E
R
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I

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 for the year
EBITDA
Headline profit
Headline earnings per share
Gross profit margin
Net cash flows from operating activities
Net debt
Capital expenditure

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

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

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

4 627.1
8.3
4 836.0*
3 605.9
1.47
82.1
139.7
1 081
15 531
18.1
62.0
26.7
1 290.0
977.9
312.1
241.1

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

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

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
–

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 
–

kt

1 408.0

1 644.3

1 317.3

1 196.2

1 124.4

US$/t CIF China

162

186

200

120

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

2 322
14.4

342.9
60.4
8.4
51.6
12.8
5
17.7
69.9
12.0
43.9

0.27
2 826
129

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 

Includes the processing of 99.0 kt of commissioning tails through the processing plants

* 
**  Per 200 000 man hours worked 

 
8 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL AND 
NON-FINANCIAL 
HIGHLIGHTS

REEF MINED

4.63 Mt

down 5.3%

(2018: 4.88 Mt)

PGM PRODUCTION  
(5PGE + Au)

CHROME CONCENTRATE  
PRODUCTION

139.7 koz

1.29 Mt

down 8.2%

(2018: 152.2 koz)

down 10.9%

(2018: 1.45 Mt)

REVENUE

OPERATING PROFIT

EBITDA

US$342.9 m US$24.2 m

US$51.6 m

down 15.6%

(2018: US$406.3 m)

down 66.6%

(2018: US$72.5 m)

down 49.4%

(2018: US$101.9 m)

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

EARNINGS AND HEADLINE  
EARNINGS PER SHARE

PROPOSED TOTAL DIVIDEND*

US$11.2 m

US 4 c/5 c

US 0.75 cent

down 82.8%

(2018: US$65.0 m)

down 78.9%/73.7%

23.7% of NPAT 

(2018: US 19 cents/US 19 cents)

(2018: US 4 cents)
* Includes interim dividend of US$0.5 cent

PGM
production

Chrome
production

Group
revenue

(5PGE + Au koz)

(kt)

(US$ million)

160.0

140.0

120.0

100.0

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0.0

.

2
2
5
1

.

6
3
4
1

7

.

9
3
1

.

6
2
3
1

.

0
8
1
1

2015

2016 2017 2018 2019

1 600.0

1 400.0

1 200.0

1 000.0

800.0

600.0

400.0

200.0

0.0

0

.

8
4
4
1

0

.

0
9
2
1

.

2
1
3
3

1

.

7
3
4
2

1

.

2
2
2
1

1

2015

2016 2017 2018 2019

450.0

400.0

350.0

300.0

250.0

200.0

150.0

100.0

50.0

0.0

.

3
6
0
4

.

4
9
4
3

.

9
2
4
3

.

8
6
4
2

6

.

9
1
2

2015

2016 2017 2018 2019

 
 
 
 
 
THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

9

Group profile

ESG highlights

Scope and boundary

Group statistics

Financial and non-financial highlights

Group structure and overview

Group history

1

O
V
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SAFETY AWARDS*

NUMBER OF FATALITIES

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES WHO 
ATTENDED WELLNESS DAY

2

(2018: 2)

0

(2018: 0)

414

(2018: 400)

NUMBER OF PERMANENT  
EMPLOYEES*

NUMBER OF PERMANENT 
CONTRACTORS*

FEMALE EMPLOYEES*

1 747

(2018: 1 672)

1 079

(2018: 758)

21%

(2018: 20%)

TOTAL SPENT ON TRAINING

US$3.5 m

(2018: US$3.3 m)

* Data is applicable to Tharisa Minerals

EMPLOYEES AWARDED 
STUDY ASSISTANCE*

INTERNS AND GRADUATES*

20

(2018: 9)

20

(2018: 21)

Gross profit 
margin

EBITDA

Net cash flows from 
operating activities

(%)

.

1
5
3

7

.

6
2

.

8
4
2

.

5
7
1

7

.

7
1

2015

2016 2017 2018 2019

40.0

35.0

30.0

25.0

20.0

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0

(US$ million)

(US$ million)

140.0

120.0

100.0

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0.0

.

6
5
1
1

9

.

1
0
1

6
.
1
5

0
.
3
4

0
.
9
2

2015

2016 2017 2018 2019

100.0

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0.0

.

8
9
8

7

.

5
7

9

.

9
6

.

4
1
4

2
.
2
2

2015

2016 2017 2018 2019

10 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

GROUP STRUCTURE 
AND OVERVIEW

INVESTMENT 
HOLDING COMPANY

Tharisa plc (Cyprus) 

Operating/
producing companies 

1

Tharisa Minerals (South Africa) 74%

BEE shareholders

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.

2

3

4

Arxo Metals (South Africa) 100%

Thari Resources (South Africa) 20%

The Tharisa Community Trust (South Africa) 6% 

Arxo Metals produces specialised higher margin chemical and foundry grade chrome concentrates, 
operates Sibanye-Stillwater’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

5

Arxo Resources (Cyprus) 100%

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

6

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 Sibanye-Stillwater’s 
K3 UG2 chrome plant. These products are transported to customers in South Africa and 
international customers via port facilities in Richards Bay and Durban.

Exploration and
growth projects

7

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 PGM mining complex.

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

8

Salene Chrome  (Zimbabwe) Option for 90%

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

 
THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

11

Group profile

ESG highlights

Scope and boundary

Group statistics

Financial and non-financial highlights

Group structure and overview

Group history

1

O
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London

London - LSE: THS

UK

Europe

Africa

Russia

China

Tianjin

Lianyungang
Shanghai

5

Quinzhou

Asia

Indonesia

Bahodopi

Cyprus

7

5

China
China

India

Zimbabwe

Great Dyke

8

7

3

2

1

4

Johannesburg - JSE: THA

1

South Africa

6
Richards Bay

6
Durban

 
 
 
 
12 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

GROUP 
HISTORY

2012
February
Secured project finance facility of ZAR1 billion

May
First bulk rail shipment

July
Tharisa Minerals water use licence granted

December
Voyager Plant is commissioned at 300 ktpm capacity

1
2011
January
y
g
US$95 million investment by Fujian Wuhang and HongKong HeYi Mining

April
il
d
US$150 million prelisting capital raised

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

November
Tharisa Community Trust acquires 6% of Tharisa Minerals

February
Tharisa Limited incorporated

September
Mining rights for Tharisa Mine granted

October
Commenced trial mining

December
US$65 million seed capital raised
2008

2006

February
Prospecting rights granted

March
Tharisa Minerals incorporated

March
Acquired 74% 
shareholding
in Tharisa Minerals 

November
Commenced production 
of first chrome 
concentrate 
2009

 
THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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Group profile

ESG highlights

Scope and boundary

Group statistics

Financial and non-financial highlights

Group structure and overview

Group history

1

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2013
July
Challenger Plant
is commissioned

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

September
Commissioning of high 
energy PGM flotation circuit
2014

2016
March
Annualised steady state of mining and PGM production
June
Listed on the LSE
November
Project completion achieved
roject completion achieved
istribution to shareholders
Maiden distribution to shareholders

2017
May
Agreement entered into for the purchase of mining fleet and transfer of 
employees from mining contractor to move to an owner-operated mining model
August
upply
Entered into strategic cooperation 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

2019

Approval of 
Vulcan Plant, a 
groundbreaking use 
of existing technologies in 
fine chrome recovery

Secondary listing on A2X

Achieved three million 
fatality-free shifts

2018
2018
March
March
Maiden interim dividend declared
June
Shareholding acquired in Karo Holdings
September
Record operational year 
Salene Chrome’s shareholder grants call 
option for 90% shareholding

14 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

CHAIRMAN’S 
REVIEW

Dear Stakeholder
The year under review was an important one in Tharisa’s strategic development, as we 
progressed our plans to create a platform for both our organic and long-term growth following 
on from Tharisa’s acquisition of advanced exploration assets outside of South Africa. 

relationship with the people of Zimbabwe 
and their government.  

We will continue to create value from our 
stated intent – to discover, develop, 
deliver and now diversify our quality 
assets to create stakeholder value. This 
clear strategy is backed by our culture of 
innovation, skilled and resilient people 
and an approach to operating sustainably 
and with the highest ethical standards 
that has made Tharisa an investment and 
partner of choice. 

Loucas Pouroulis
Executive Chairman

In 2018 we announced our investment in Karo Mining and 
Salene Chrome, establishing a presence on the highly 
prospective Great Dyke of Zimbabwe, the world’s second largest 
(PGM) and chrome geological formation. 

The acquisition of Karo Mining and 
Salene Chrome is a strategic step in 
diversifying Tharisa’s geographic presence, 
and a compelling development in the 
Company’s continued growth and 
success. Based on preliminary exploration 
results, Karo Platinum represents a 
massive untapped palladium and 
platinum resource in close proximity to 
existing producing PGM mines, with the 
potential to become one of the world’s 
next generation low-cost PGM mines, 
with a potential prill split favouring metals 
in demand. We see immense promise 
given its large scale and shallow resource.  

The addition of these key assets into the 
Tharisa portfolio is in line with our stated 
intent of discovering next generation 
low-cost, large-scale operations through 
exploration of multi-commodities that 
provide us with geographic diversification. 
It will also contribute to our plans to 
develop our Company into a globally 
significant low-cost producer of strategic 
commodities. We will achieve this as we 
deliver growth from an established 
platform that maximises value extraction.

Our Group’s vision proven through the 
Tharisa Minerals model is based on 
approaching mining and processing 
differently. We have always looked for 
ways to operate more innovatively, and 
to realise opportunities and value in areas 
where others have not. This approach has 
enabled us to establish a track record of 
creating value, delivering projects of real 
scale and international significance.  

We broke through convention by 
successfully mining the full suite of the 
MG Chromitite Layers of the Bushveld 
Complex’s South-Western Limb ore 
bodies. To do this, we built on our 

collective prior experience as an early 
pioneer in UG2 mining and developed 
mining and processing solutions which 
brought these assets to account to create 
shareholder value through co-production 
of PGM and chrome concentrates.  

The success to date of Tharisa Mine, 
which owns one of the world’s single 
largest chrome resources, demonstrates 
that the heritage of innovation has 
allowed us to reduce project risk and 
deliver value. We are now well placed to 
bring this experience to bear as we 
develop our next generation of projects, 
from the innovative Vulcan Plant to Karo 
Platinum. This approach will also allow us 
to operate effectively in new jurisdictions 
and develop high-value assets in these 
territories. We are confident that our 
presence in Zimbabwe will help us reach 
a new scale and impact as we work to set 
Tharisa apart from its peers.

Tharisa has also demonstrated its ability 
to balance the complex needs of, and 
relationships with, a diverse range of 
stakeholders including investors, 
government, our exceptional staff, 
communities, suppliers and customers. 
This has created a strong reputation as 
an ethical operator as we have built our 
business in South Africa over the last 
decade. 

We look forward to working closely with 
the government in Zimbabwe. We will 
leverage our extensive experience in 
South Africa to deliver wider stakeholder 
value, job creation and investment in 
Zimbabwe. We will comply with the 
regulations governing mining, the 
environment and investment in this key 
mining jurisdiction and have already 
created a strong and effective working 

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15

Chairman’s review

Chief executive officer’s review

Chief finance officer’s review

Market review

How Tharisa creates value

Stakeholder engagement

Principal business risks

2

The year under review saw Tharisa position itself to deliver on our strategy to increase 
production of both PGM and chrome concentrates from the Tharisa Mine. At the same time, 
we have also made significant progress with our exploration assets in Zimbabwe.

We are immensely proud that we came through the year 
safely. I am pleased to report on another fatality free year, 
in which we achieved three million fatality free shifts. As 
members of the Minerals Council, we are participating in 
the Council’s recently launched “Khumbul’ekaya” 
“remember home” safety initiative to ensure that our 
industry becomes fatality free. 

FY2019 saw curtailed production at the 
Tharisa Mine, as we embedded our 
owner-miner approach at the asset and 
redesigned the mining operation with 
investment in training and machinery to 
support the long-term production goals. 

Despite the curtailed operational output, 
which effectively saw Tharisa run at 85% 
production efficiency, we managed to 
generate cash at the Tharisa Mine, which 
is testimony to both the engineering and 
operational skills, as well as the co-
product business model, coupled with the 
owner-mining operating model utilising a 
high skill set. 

In Zimbabwe our efforts to develop a 
significant new PGM and chrome complex 
were given a major boost with the 
granting of Special Economic Zone status 
post financial year end. This will add 
momentum to our strategy as we now 
have the key fiscal framework in place to 
guide development of the project. We 
have also progressed studies on the 
Salene Chrome asset after receiving 
approvals from the Environmental 
Management Authority (‘EMA’).

Tharisa has set itself high performance 
targets and Vision 2020 is one of these. 
It is the drive to attain the maximum value 
out of the non-renewable resource that 
we mine that delivers these ambitions. 
We have spent the last 15 months 
reconfiguring the open pit to allow us to 
access more ore. The pit progressed well 
in finalising hauling access, ensuring 
smoother transport routes that lead to 
longer benches, allowing more controlled 
blasting, all with the aim of achieving the 
economies of scale and mining 
efficiencies required to attain Vision 2020. 
The Vision 2020 target envisages 
production of 2 million tonnes of chrome 
concentrate and 200 000 ounces of 
PGMs on an annualised basis.

At the same time, we are acutely aware 
of our responsibilities towards our social 
licence to operate and in particular the 
environmental, social and governance 
requirements that investors are 
increasingly focused on. At Tharisa, we 
not only comply with our international 
sustainable development framework, but 
we endeavour to exceed these where we 
can and will continue to look for 
innovative ways that will help us create a 
mining company which is operationally, 
technically and socially fit for the future. 

Long-term shareholders that believe in 
impact investing as much as we do,  
ensure that the social licence under which 
we operate is maintained and endorsed 
by all stakeholders. We have included 
more information on our approach to 
sustainability in this report on page 44.

Mining plays a major role in the 
economies of the countries we operate 
in. In South Africa, mining accounts for 
7.7% of total GDP. Significantly, 
manganese, iron ore and chrome are the 
only commodities that have seen real 
production growth over the last 15 years. 
South Africa hosts the world’s largest 
chrome resources and the country 
remains the major supplier of chrome to 
the global ferrochrome industry. I firmly 
believe mining could play an even bigger 
role in South Africa, but the backlogs in 
critical infrastructure across the country 
and the mining value chain are hindering 
expansions by the chrome and other bulk 
miners, and thus the advantage to access 
competitively priced logistics and 
electricity to access downstream 
opportunities. 

Challenges remain for mining companies, 
and these are more pronounced in 
emerging markets. In South Africa, the 
precarious situation facing the state-
owned electricity provider, Eskom, not just 
operationally, but also financially, is 
having a stunting effect on the revival of 
the economy. Tharisa is a relatively 
modest user of power and given the 
modular nature of our processing plants, 
we have ensured we have been able to 
reduce our electricity demand at times 
when other users required power more 
urgently during times of load shedding. 
We have installed stand-by generator 
capacity that can sustain level 4 load 
shedding allowing us to continue 
operations.

 
16 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S 
REVIEW CONTINUED

In Zimbabwe, we have taken a proactive 
approach and are looking at developing 
two large scale solar power plants as part 
of our investment drive into the country. 
The aim is not to generate the power 
exclusively for our mining operations, but 
to feed it directly into the grid to benefit 
the country.

The mining industry’s evolving technical 
parameters, and the requirements of 
investors who focus increasingly on 
sustainability and climate change, means 
that change in the industry will continue 
to be at the rapid pace we have seen in 
recent years. Mining is changing, and at 
Tharisa we are nimble and flexible enough 
to lead this change and be at the 
forefront of it. In South Africa, the change 
has only been too evident, where the 
decline of deep level mining and the 
focus on lower cost opencast mechanised 
mining has had a profound effect on 
production of certain commodities, most 
notably gold. However, as evidenced in 
one of our primary commodities, chrome, 
production has increased over time. 

Opencast mining means grade profiles 
that were previously uneconomical have 
become more viable, but, while mining is 
one part, processing needs to be 
considered as part of the economic 
viability of an integrated mining complex.

Tharisa has always been at the forefront 
of innovation in methods of extracting 
maximum value out of the ore body we 
mine. We pushed the limits of PGM 
recoveries, and we achieved a step 
change in chrome recovery at the Tharisa 
Mine. Not content with this progress, our 
research team in Arxo Metals has proven 
our proprietary fine chrome recovery 
technology in a demonstration scale 
environment. This led to the Company 
approving an investment of US$54 million 
on constructing our new Vulcan Plant, 
which will increase production of chrome 
concentrate by some 25%, while 
lowering unit costs.

We firmly believe that technology and 
technological innovation are major 
enablers of our success. Although the 
concepts of mining and technology may 
seem inherently opposed to some, we 
have been advancing and sometimes 
leapfrogging existing status quos. 
Technology is central to our strategic drive 
and will be key to our future as we 
further explore vertical integration.

A critical aspect of Tharisa’s approach has 
been to create value throughout the 
commodity value chain – with an 
important contribution to the business 
made by our processing, logistics and 
marketing operations. 

The innovative, modern approach Tharisa 
has taken when developing its projects, is 
one of our key successes. I am confident 
that our growth ambitions, fulfilled by 
both external options and our innovative 
approach to organic growth via our 
chrome and platinum recovery projects, 
will be successful. Our established 
reputation as an ethical operator with a 
strong social conscience has guided our 
approach, and we will continue to add 
value to all our stakeholders as we 
deepen our commitment to the critical 
areas of ESG impacting our business, 
ultimately ensuring that we are well 
placed to achieving our ultimate goal of 
“Engineering the mining company of the 
future”.

I would like to thank the Board, 
management, employees, customers, 
suppliers and partners who have worked 
with us and I look forward to our 
continued partnership in the years ahead.

Phoevos Pouroulis
Chief Executive Officer

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THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

17

Chairman’s review

Chief executive officer’s review

Chief finance officer’s review

Market review

How Tharisa creates value

Stakeholder engagement

Principal business risks

2

With an operating environment of volatile commodity prices, and the requirement for 
sustaining investment in both the mining fleet and processing optimisation at the Tharisa 
Mine, together with investment in external growth opportunities, a strong focus during this 
year remained on the determination and implementation of the Company’s capital 
requirements. We matched these requirements with the internally generated cash and 
external forms of capital available to the Company. Critical in this process is an understanding 
of capital markets trends, the changing nature of the Company and the capital sources 
available in its lifecycle. 

Tharisa’s growth has been measured by, 
and aligned with, the above financial 
strategy, creating a business that is cash 
generative, with a development pipeline 
that sees both internal growth projects 
and external diversification projects being 
implemented within managed risk and 
return parameters. 

Balancing the above growth aspirations is 
the commitment to capital discipline and 
to provide returns to shareholders. Tharisa 
has a stated dividend policy of returning a 
minimum of 15% of consolidated NPAT 
to shareholders. The Board has proposed 
paying a dividend for the third successive 
year, comprising the interim dividend 
of US 0.5 cent per share and a 
US 0.25 cent per share final dividend, 
being 23.7% of NPAT. This dividend 
demonstrates our commitment to capital 
discipline notwithstanding the capital 
opportunities being pursued, including as 
part of Vision 2020.

The Group’s commodities are priced in 
US$ and the base cost currency for the 
Group’s South African mining operation, is 
mainly in ZAR. The ZAR exchange rate 
remained volatile on the back of global 
markets suffering from ‘trade wars’, a 
weak South African economy and a 
possible sovereign downgrade by Moody’s 
to sub-investment grade, with the ZAR 
depreciating on average against the 
US$ by 9.9% to ZAR14.4 (2018: ZAR13.1).

Group revenue totalled US$342.9 million 
(2018: US$406.3 million), of which 
US$130.1 million (2018: US$117.4 million) 
was derived from the sales of PGM 
concentrate and US$177.9 million (2018: 
US$250.4 million) derived from the sale of 
chrome concentrates. The agency and 
trading segment contributed 
US$34.9 million (2018: US$38.5 million). 
Overall, revenue decreased by 15.6%, as a 
result of lower sales volumes and a decrease 
in the chrome price compared to FY2018.

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 55% to the PGM segment 
and 45% to the chrome segment. This is 
in accordance with the accounting policy 
of the Group and IFRS. The comparable 
period allocations were equally to the 
PGM and chrome segments. The change 
to the basis of allocation of the shared 
costs is, in effect, a 10% increase in 
respect of the allocation to the PGM 
segment and a 10% decrease in respect 
of the allocation to the chrome segment.

Gross profit amounted to US$60.4 million 
(2018: US$108.5 million) with a gross 
profit margin of 17.7% (2018: 26.7%). 
The major factors contributing to the 
reduced gross margin were the lower 
production levels, with the embedded 
fixed cost component and an increase in 

The financial results of the Group once 
again benefited from the co-product 
business model for both PGMs and 
chrome concentrates, with prices for our 
key commodities reflecting vastly 
opposing trends. The PGM basket price 
on a 6E basis increased by 17.1% to 
US$1 081/oz (2018: US$923/oz), as 
palladium (16.7%) and rhodium (9.8%) 
showed robust price increases based on 
strong market fundamentals. The 
metallurgical grade chrome concentrate 
price, however, decreased by 12.9% to 
US$162/t (2018: US$186/t). 

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

30 September 2019

30 September 2018

US$ million

Revenue

Cost of sales

Manufacturing

Selling costs

Freight services

Gross profit

Gross profit margin

PGM

Chrome

130.1

101.7

100.8

0.9

–

28.4

21.8%

177.9

148.1

88.9

41.3

17.9

29.8

Agency
and
trading

34.9

32.7

17.0

10.0

5.7

2.2

Total

342.9

282.5

206.7

52.2

23.6

60.4

PGM

Chrome

117.4

88.2

87.8

0.4

–

29.2

250.4

174.7

106.5

48.4

19.8

75.7

Agency
and
trading

38.5

34.9

21.6

9.7

3.6

3.6

Total

406.3

297.8

215.9

58.5

23.4

108.5

26.7%

Sales volumes

134.7 koz 1 200.5 kt

207.5 kt

152.2 koz 1 429.6 kt

216.6 kt

16.9%

6.3%

17.7% 24.9%

30.2%

9.4%

 
18 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER’S 
REVIEW CONTINUED

the stripping ratio moving 0.7% more 
waste while producing 5.1% fewer 
ROM tonnes. 

Overall inflationary pressures in South 
Africa as measured by the PPI were well 
contained at 4.1% (2018: 6.2%), there 
were, however, a number of above 
inflation pricing pressures such as diesel 
and electricity. Diesel consumption 
comprises 14.3% of the on-mine cost 
of production, with an increase in the 
average price per litre of diesel from 
ZAR12.7 to ZAR14.25. Electricity costs, 
while not being a significant input cost at 
6.4% of the on-mine cost of production, 
increased by 6.8% per kilowatt hour.

On a unit cost basis, the reef mining cost 
per tonne increased by 17.6% from 

US$21.0/t to US$24.7/t. This cost per reef 
tonne was incurred on a stripping ratio of 
8.3 (m³ waste: m³ reef). On a per cube 
mined basis i.e. including both waste and 
reef, the cost increased by 11.0% from 
US$8.2/m³ to US$9.1/m³ (the prior year 
stripping ratio was 7.9).

The consolidated cash cost per tonne 
milled (i.e. including mining but excluding 
transport and freight) increased by 11.7% 
from US$37.5/t to US$41.9/t.

EBITDA amounted to US$51.6 million 
(2018: US$101.9 million).

Selling costs incurred with the transport 
of the metallurgical grade chrome 
concentrate from the mine to the 
customer at China main ports increased 
marginally by 1.6% from US$62.0/t to 
US$63.0/t.

Administrative expenses decreased from 
US$39.2 million to US$37.3 million. After 
accounting for administrative expenses, 
the Group achieved an operating profit of 
US$24.2 million (2018: US$72.5 million).

Finance costs (totalling US$8.8 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$11.2 million compared to the 
comparable period of US$65.0 million.

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

19

25

1

PGM cash cost of sales

Chrome cash cost of sales

27

24

%

%

15

8

5

27

5

(cid:79) Mining
(cid:79) Diesel
(cid:79) Utilities
(cid:79) Reagents

(cid:79) Steel balls
(cid:79) Labour
(cid:79) Overheads

(cid:79) Mining
(cid:79) Diesel
(cid:79) Utilities
(cid:79) Reagents

(cid:79) Steel balls
(cid:79) Labour
(cid:79) Overheads

24

13

7
0

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Chairman’s review

Chief executive officer’s review

Chief finance officer’s review

Market review

How Tharisa creates value

Stakeholder engagement

Principal business risks

transactions are disclosed in the ensuing 
condensed consolidated annual financial 
statements (refer to note 22).

Dividend
In accordance with Tharisa’s dividend 
policy of distributing at least 15% of 
annual NPAT, the Board has proposed a 
final dividend of US 0.25 cent per 
ordinary share subject to the necessary 
shareholder approval. The Company 
declared an interim cash dividend during 
the year of US 0.5 cent per share.

The tax charge amounted to 
US$2.8 million, an effective rate of 
24.9%. The cash tax paid amounted to 
US$4.4 million. The Group has fully 
utilised its tax losses, however, at the year 
end, the Group had unredeemed capex 
for tax purposes available for offset 
against taxable mining income of 
US$100.2 million. The net deferred tax 
liability amounted to US$25.0 million.

Basic earnings per share for the year 
amounted to US 4 cents 
(2018: US 19 cents) with headline 
earnings per share of US 5 cents 
(2018: US 19 cents). Diluted earnings per 
share were US 4 cents (2018: US 18 cents), 
with diluted headline earnings per share of 
US 5 cents (2018: US 19 cents).

The total debt amounted to 
US$71.2 million, resulting in a debt-to-
total equity ratio of 24.7% and a net 
debt-to-total equity ratio of 4.2%.

The current capex spend focused on stay 
in business capex, additions to optimise 
the mining 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$43.9 million of which US$27.5 million 
related to additions to the mining fleet. 

The depreciation charge amounted to 
US$27.2 million (2018: US$29.9 million).

In FY2018 Tharisa acquired 26.8% of the 
shares in Karo Holdings for a total cash 
consideration of US$4.5 million. An 
amount of US$2.5 million was paid to 
Leto Settlement in the prior financial year, 
with an amount of US$2.0 million paid 
during the period under review. This 
investment is equity accounted.

The Company has an option to acquire a 
shareholding in Salene Chrome. 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$69.9 million (2018: 
US$89.8 million) and after taking into 
account the capex, a free cash flow of 
US$26.0 million (2018: US$49.3 million). 
Cash on hand amounted to 
US$59.2 million (2018: US$66.8 million).

There is continued focus on working 
capital management, with the current 
ratio at 1.6 times.

From time to time the Group concludes 
transactions with related parties. These 

Michael Jones
Chief Finance Officer

 
20 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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. 

According to statistics published by South 
Africa’s Minerals Council, of which Tharisa 
is a member, South Africa hosts 70% of 
the world’s chrome resources and 80% 
of the world’s PGM reserves.

The US dollar PGM basket price continued 
to improve in the year under review, 
with a strong performance from all PGMs, 
but driven mainly by a continued strong 
performance in palladium and rhodium 
prices, resulting in an average contained 
metal basket price received of US$1 081, 
an improvement of over 17.1% versus 
the 2018 price of US$923.

The price of 42% metallurgical grade 
chrome concentrate declined in the year, 
from a high of US$190/t to a low of 
US$142/t, with an average price received 
by Tharisa for the year under review of 
US$162/t, a decline of 12.9% compared 
to the previous year. 

Tharisa is the fourth largest primary 
producer of chrome concentrates and 
the sixth largest producer of PGMs in 
South Africa, accounting for around 9% 
of South African chrome production.

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

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

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, responsible for roughly 70% of 
the total refined platinum production in 
2019.

The South African Minerals Council states 
that in 2018, South Africa accounted for 
4 318 koz out of a total world primary 
production of 5 959 koz. Tharisa’s 
production means the Company 
contributes roughly 3% of South Africa’s 
primary PGM production. Tharisa’s prill 
split also contains a higher content of 

rhodium and ruthenium than other 
Bushveld Complex concentrates. The 
increased demand for palladium, rhodium 
and ruthenium is likely to continue as 
structural demand changes take place in 
autocatalytic demand from India, China 
and Europe as a result of tightening 
emission standards. Further advances in 
the deployment of fuel cell technology, 
influenced by the pressure to reduce 
carbon footprints, should be supportive 
for continued platinum demand. 

PGM prices

(US$/oz)

5 000
4 500
4 000
3 500
3 000
2 500
2 000
1 500
1 000
500
0

7
1
0
2

r
e
b
o
t
c
O

8
1
0
2

y
r
a
u
n
a
J

l
i
r
p
A

8
1
0
2

y
l
u
J

8
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

r
e
b
o
t
c
O

9
1
0
2

y
r
a
u
n
a
J

l
i
r
p
A

9
1
0
2

y
l
u
J

9
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

r
e
b
m
e
t
p
e
S

(cid:81) Platinum

(cid:81) Palladium

(cid:81) Rhodium

(cid:81) Iridium

(cid:81) Ruthenium

Source: JPM

Global production

(Mt)

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

(cid:81) Stainless steel

(cid:81) High-carbon ferrochrome

(cid:81) Chrome ores

Source: ISSF

 
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Chairman’s review

Chief executive officer’s review

Chief finance officer’s review

Market review

How Tharisa creates value

Stakeholder engagement

Principal business risks

2

Chrome market
South Africa hosts the largest chromite 
reserves in the world with annual 
production, measured both in local sales 
and export sales making up two-thirds of 
the world’s total production. Of the total 
sales of over 21 Mt annually in 2018, just 
under half was exported (46.1%), with 
the remainder supplying mainly the local 
ferrochrome industry. Of South Africa’s 
exports, over 90% were destined for 
China, with Indonesia becoming 
increasingly important in the downstream 
chrome industry. China is heavily reliant 
on imports of chrome ores and 
concentrates to supply its ferrochrome 
and stainless steel manufacturing 
industries. A study released by PwC, 
“SA Mine 2018” stated that chrome was 
one of only three commodities in South 
Africa, the others being iron ore and 
manganese, which showed production 
growth over the past 15 years.

Chrome end uses
Chrome ore demand is driven by ferrochrome use, with more than 90% of chrome ore 
being used for metallurgical purposes. Approximately 4% of demand is derived from 
the 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 in the stainless steel industry have an impact on both the ferrochrome 
and chrome ore industries. 

93%

4%

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

 
22 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

MARKET 
REVIEW CONTINUED

To produce one tonne of stainless steel

CHROME ORE

0.6 tonnes

FERROCHROME

0.25 tonne

STAINLESS STEEL

1 tonne

Prices for metallurgical grade chrome concentrate ranged from US$190/t to a low of US$142/t for the year under review as trade 
war pressures had a marked impact on a commodity where demand remained strong, when measured against stainless steel 
demand. The product has seen compound annual growth rates of 5.84% since 1950 according to The International Stainless Steel 
Forum (‘ISSF’), with production of 50.7 Mt in 2018. The ISSF stated most recently that it sees demand year-on-year changes forecast 
at 2.4% for 2019 and at 4.4% for 2020. 

Tharisa commodity
prices

Chinese imports of chrome 2018

(Price re-based to 100)

2
2
8

1
1
1

85

%

120

115

110

105

100

95

90

8
1
0
2

r
e
b
o
t
c
O

8
1
0
2

r
e
b
m
e
v
o
N

8
1
0
2

r
e
b
m
e
c
e
D

9
1
0
2

y
r
a
u
n
a
J

9
1
0
2

y
r
a
u
r
b
e
F

9
1
0
2

h
c
r
a
M

(cid:81) Platinum

(cid:81) Chrome

l
i
r
p
A

9
1
0
2

y
a
M

9
1
0
2

e
n
u
J

9
1
0
2

y
l
u
J

9
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

t
s
u
g
u
A

9
1
0
2

r
e
b
m
e
t
p
e
S

(cid:79) South Africa
(cid:79) Turkey
(cid:79) Iran
(cid:79) Zimbabwe

(cid:79) Albania
(cid:79) Oman
(cid:79) Rest of world

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

23

Chairman’s review

Chief executive officer’s review

Chief finance officer’s review

Market review

How Tharisa creates value

Stakeholder engagement

Principal business risks

2

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24 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

HOW THARISA 
CREATES VALUE
Business model

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

The Group 
incorporates 
exploration, 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 and exploration rights
•   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 – capital markets

Innovation

•   Optimisation – mining and processing
•   Research and development

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

Stakeholders

•   Employees
•   Shareholders
•   Communities
•   Customers

Environment

•   Suppliers
•   Government
•   Municipalities
•   Regulators

•   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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Chairman’s review

Chief executive officer’s review

Chief finance officer’s review

Market review

How Tharisa creates value

Stakeholder engagement

Principal business risks

Outputs

2

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

Services
•  Marketing and sales
•  Logistics

Waste
•  Process tailings
•  Waste rock

Please see next page
for continuation of
How we create value

What we do

1

Mineral extraction
•  Mining of five MG Chromitite Layers
•  Owner model
•  Exploration for the future

2

Beneficiation
•  Producing PGM and chrome
    concentrates, including 
–  metallurgical grade
–  chemical grade
–  foundry grade

3

Research and development
•  Improving recoveries
•  1 MW DC furnace to pilot 
    production of PGM rich alloys

4

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

5

Logistics
•  Road transport of PGM concentrates
•  Road and rail transport of chrome
    concentrates to port
•  Shipment of product to customers

Mineral extractio

n

1

B

e

n

e

fi

c
i

a

t

i

o

n

2

t

n

e

What
we do

3

h
c
r
a
e
s
e
R

m
p
o

l

e
v
e
d
d
n
a

4

M arketing and sales

5

s

c

i

t

s

L o g i

 
 
26 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

HOW THARISA 
CREATES VALUE
Business model continued

Outcomes
People

 •  Employment: more than 500 people from local community
 • A total of 20 interns and graduates enrolled in intern programme
 •  Skills development: US$3.5 million spent on training
 •  Low LTIFR: 0.27 per 200 000 man hours worked
 •  Four years fatality free

For more on our people 
go to page 47.

Assets and infrastructure

 •  Production of saleable product: 4.8 Mt reef milled with 139.7 koz PGMs 

and 1.29 Mt chrome concentrates produced 

 •  Depletion of resources: 4.6 Mt reef mined
 •  Responsible management and efficient use

Financial

 •  Operating profit: US$24.2 million
 •  Cash generated from operations: US$69.9 million
 •  Social upliftment: US$0.2 million spent on CSI
 •  Direct and indirect taxes and royalties: US$56.7 million
 •  Total dividend: US 0.75 cent per share

For more on assets and 
infrastructure go to 
page 36.

For more on financials 
go to page 98.

Innovation

 •  Process improvements
  •  Operates across the value chain – from mine to end customer
 •   Large-scale open pit resource for extraction of five MG Chromitite Layers

Stakeholders

 •  Wages, salaries, bonus schemes and share award plans: US$36.7 million
 •  Shareholder returns (‘HEPS’): US 5 cent per share
 •  Community upliftment: US$0.3 million spent on education
 •  Customers – quality of products, consistent deliveries

For more on stakeholders 
go to pages 28 and 47.

Environment

 •  Total energy consumption: 175 329 MWh
 •  Cumulative rehabilitation provision: US$13.1 million
•  T otal water consumption: 4 082 908 m3
 •  Total CO2 emissions (Scope 3): 2 235 100 tCO2e

For more on environmental 
management go to 
page 52.

Our full 
value chain

1. Tharisa Minerals

Resource
• 890.7 Mt resources
  at 1.49 g/t 5PGE + Au
  and 20.3% Cr2O3

Mining
• 14-year open pit LOM
• 40-year underground  
  extension
• Mined 4.6 Mt
  of ROM reef

Processing
• 4.8 Mt nameplate
  design capacity
• Production of 
  139.7 koz of PGMs
• 1.29 Mt of chrome 
  concentrates

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

OUR FULL VALUE CH

Tharisa Minerals

1

2

AIN          

O

U

R

 F

U

L

L

Arxo Metals

V

A

L

U

E

C

H

A

I

N

Arxo Resources

O

U

R

F

U

L

L

V
A

L
U
E

C
H
A

I

N

4

Arxo Logistics

O
U
R
F
U
L
L
V
A
L
U
E C
H

Customers

AIN          O
UR FULL VALUE CH

3

5

Mid-tier
open pit
PGM & chrome 
concentrate co-
producer with
an integrated 
marketing, 
sales and
logistics
platform

66666666
6

7

Karo Holdings

Salene Chrome

U

R FUL

L

 VALUE CHAIN

AIN         O

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Chairman’s review

Chief executive officer’s review

Chief finance officer’s review

Market review

How Tharisa creates value

Stakeholder engagement

Principal business risks

2

2. Arxo Metals

Beneficiation
 •  Production of speciality grade chrome 

concentrates

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

1 MW DC smelter

Third party
 •  Improving quality of K3 UG2 chrome 

plant production

3. Arxo Resources

Marketing and sales
  •  Significant trader of chrome 

concentrates

  •  Global reach for speciality chrome 

concentrates

 •  Third-party trading

4. Arxo Logistics

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

5. Customers

 •  PGM offtake agreement – Impala 

Platinum and cooperation agreement 
with Sibanye-Stillwater

 •  Speciality chrome offtake/joint 

marketing agreement

 •  Metallurgical chrome agency agreement 

– Noble Group

 •  Strategic volume off-take chrome 

agreement – Tisco

 •  Relationships with stainless steel and 
ferrochrome producers and global 
commodity traders

6. Karo Holdings

 •  Development of highly prospective 
integrated PGM mining complex

 •  Replication of phased development and 

innovative approach

7. Salene Chrome

 •  Potential quick to market chrome 

business expansion

 •  Addition of higher grade chrome 

concentrate to the Tharisa basket of 
chrome products

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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 within the community. The Group’s stakeholder engagement strategy aims to 
maintain 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. 

SHAREHOLDERS

(cid:83)

(cid:3)• Interim and integrated annual 

reporting

(cid:3)• Quarterly production updates
(cid:3)• Annual general meeting (‘AGM’)
(cid:3)• SENS/RNS announcements 
(cid:3)• Annual report
(cid:3)• Company website

EMPLOYEES

(cid:83)

(cid:3)• Regular employee engagement forum meetings at the Tharisa Mine
(cid:3)• Tharisa newsletters and posters
(cid:3)• Tharisa induction and ongoing skills development training
(cid:3)• Company website
(cid:3)• Daily supervisor/manager interaction
(cid:3)• Ongoing safety training on the Tharisa Mine
(cid:3)• Tharisa wellness programmes and campaigns

LABOUR UNIONS

(cid:83)

(cid:3)• Union recognition and negotiations at 

Tharisa Minerals 

(cid:3)• Monthly liaison with shop stewards
(cid:3)• Regular contact with union leadership
(cid:3)• Tharisa Mine labour forum meets once a 

month

COMMUNITIES

(cid:83)

(cid:3)• AET, leadership and bursaries
(cid:3)• Community forums
(cid:3)• Local upliftment and wellness 

programmes and projects

(cid:3)• Regular meetings with various community 

leadership structures

(cid:3)• CSI programmes
(cid:3)• Career-sharing information for pupils

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Chairman’s review

Chief executive officer’s review

Chief finance officer’s review

Market review

How Tharisa creates value

Stakeholder engagement

Principal business risks

2

CUSTOMERS

(cid:83)

(cid:3)• Regular customer meetings
(cid:3)• Electronic and telephonic 

communication
(cid:3)• Customer site visits
(cid:3)• Commodity conferences

GOVERNMENT

(cid:83)

(cid:3)• Monthly, quarterly and integrated annual reports to the DMRE
(cid:3)• Regular engagement with local and provincial government and municipalities
(cid:3)• Scheduled and unannounced site visits by regulators

SUPPLIERS

(cid:83)

(cid:3)• Procurement policies, tender process
(cid:3)• Verbal and electronic communication
(cid:3)• Contract terms negotiated and agreed
(cid:3)• Standard contract terms for suppliers of goods

SOUTH AFRICAN 
STATE-OWNED 
ENTITIES

(cid:83)

(cid:3)• Regular face-to-face meetings
(cid:3)• Electronic communication
(cid:3)• Joint task team with Transnet to develop rail 

siding

FINANCIERS

(cid:83)

(cid:3)• Reporting on a monthly, 

bi-annual and annual basis
(cid:3)• Presentations and meetings 

with management

(cid:3)• Tharisa Mine site visits by debt 
providers at least twice a year

(cid:3)• Telephonic and electronic 

communication, particularly 
on working capital facilities
(cid:3)• Annual review of working 

capital facilities

ANALYSTS

(cid:83)

(cid:3)• Roadshows and analyst 

briefings

(cid:3)• Interim and annual 

reporting

(cid:3)• Annual report
(cid:3)• Company website
(cid:3)• SENS/RNS announcements

 
30 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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 which the Group is currently unaware of.

Material risks are considered and reported on, 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. They are 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

(cid:3)• Disruptions to operations 

pending root cause investigations
(cid:3)• Potential section 54 and section 

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

(cid:3)• Strive for zero harm working environment
(cid:3)• Comprehensive training on standard operating 

procedures

(cid:3)• Implement culture of safety risk intolerance
(cid:3)• Transparent and open relationships with DMRE 

inspectorate

(cid:3)• Key performance indicator in Group cash bonus 

scheme to incentivise safe behaviour

(cid:3)• Ensuring Zimbabwe operations align with Group 

safety standards 

Political uncertainty

South Africa – the burgeoning 
unemployment, increasing 
government debt and negligible 
GDP growth have been aggravated 
by political uncertainty

Negative business confidence

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

Hyperinflation and exclusion of 
foreign currencies as legal tender

Negative business confidence

Lack of currency liquidity

(cid:3)• Unattractive investment 

(cid:3)• State President Cyril Ramaphosa has shown 

destination(s) for international 
investors

(cid:3)• Potential for sovereign credit 

rating downgrade

(cid:3)• Political/civil unrest adversely 
impacting mine production

commitment and intent in ensuring South Africa 
remains politically stable and that the economy 
advances

(cid:3)• 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

(cid:3)• The President’s willingness to attract international 
investment by his declaration that “Zimbabwe is 
open for business”

(cid:3)• Investor-friendly laws and dispensations
(cid:3)• Lifting of certain indigenisation requirements 
(cid:3)• Establishment and awarding of Special Economic 

Zones to assist capital flows and investment

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Chief finance officer’s review

Market review

How Tharisa creates value

Stakeholder engagement

Principal business risks

2

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 DMRE 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 
mine logistics activities. Regular 
inspections are conducted by the 
DMRE 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 

Non-compliance with the Mines 
and Minerals Act of Zimbabwe and 
mining regulations promulgated 
under such Act

Production/location concentration

Tharisa currently owns and operates 
one producing asset, located in 
South Africa

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

(cid:3)• Cost of compliance to changes in 

(cid:3)• Ensure compliance with current MPRDA and 

the Mining Charter

applicable legislation

(cid:3)• Non-compliance resulting in 

(cid:3)• Mining Charter has been published and provides 

potential legal sanction including 
fines, penalties and risks to the 
right to mine via a forfeiture or 
cancellation

certainty

(cid:3)• Ensure compliance with the terms of the Mining 

Charter while making use of the phasing in period

(cid:3)• Ensure compliance with the Group’s Social and 

(cid:3)• Capital raising hindered

Labour Plan

(cid:3)• Engagement with regulatory authorities and industry 

organisations

(cid:3)• Ongoing communication and awareness with 

investors

(cid:3)• Ensure compliance with all relevant Zimbabwean 
legislation including the Mines and Minerals Act, 
Mining regulations promulgated under section 403 
of the Mines and Minerals Act, the Labour Act, 
Exchange Control regulations and other laws and 
enactments governing investment 

(cid:3)• Exposure to potential 

(cid:3)• Third-party operations such as the operations of 

macroeconomic, social and 
sociopolitical risks and instability
(cid:3)• Sovereign ratings downgrades of 
the country of operation can limit 
the Group’s ability to raise 
financing and increase the cost 
thereof

(cid:3)• Exposure to only two main 

commodities

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

(cid:3)• Exploration projects in Zimbabwe provide 

geographic diversification as well as higher grade 
chrome products

(cid:3)• Considering opportunities to diversify commodities 

as they arise

 
32 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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 demand and market prices 
for commodities

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

(cid:3)• Downward pressure on the prices 
of PGMs and/or chrome may 
negatively affect the Group’s 
profitability and cash flows

(cid:3)• The Group’s reporting currency is 

US$. The Group’s current 
operations are predominately 
based in South Africa, with a ZAR 
cost base while the majority of 
the revenue stream is in US$, 
exposing the Group to the 
volatility and movement in the 
currencies

(cid:3)• Risk of competitor product 
dumping and undercutting 
market prices

(cid:3)• Monitor costs closely to ensure that the Group 

remains in the lowest cost quartile

(cid:3)• Stringent cost control
(cid:3)• Improved operating efficiencies and production 

driving down unit costs

(cid:3)• Service providers appointed to manage the Group 

foreign exchange and PGM hedging policy

(cid:3)• Production of higher margin speciality grade chrome 
concentrates comprising 25% of Group chrome 
concentrate production

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

Relatively low share liquidity

(cid:3)• Significant changes in the 

(cid:3)• Positioned as a low-cost producer of both PGM and 

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

(cid:3)• Adverse impact on the ability to 
raise capital for growth and 
acquisitions

chrome concentrates

(cid:3)• Production of higher value-add speciality grade 

chrome concentrates

(cid:3)• Leveraging third-party operations
(cid:3)• Diversified customers and markets
(cid:3)• Stable Group performance assisted by free cash 

flows generated from operating activities

(cid:3)• Undrawn banking facilities
(cid:3)• Trade finance facilities assist with working capital 

requirements

(cid:3)• Secondary listing on the LSE and an additional listing 
on A2X in South Africa provide additional trading 
platforms and increased liquidity

(cid:3)• Marketing and roadshow efforts have enhanced the 

Group’s profile and investor awareness

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Chairman’s review

Chief executive officer’s review

Chief finance officer’s review

Market review

How Tharisa creates value

Stakeholder engagement

Principal business risks

2

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 in 
respect of chrome. For PGMs, we 
rely on Impala Platinum for the 
offtake of at least 80% of our PGM 
production.

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

Climate change as defined in global 
or regional climate patterns

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

Consultations with Zimbabwean 
stakeholders have taken place in 
line with legislated requirements

(cid:3)• Customer base largely located in 

(cid:3)• No reliance on a dominant customer within that 

China, with accompanying 
exposure to Chinese markets 

market

(cid:3)• Tharisa has strategically diversified its production 
through the increase of speciality grade chrome 
concentrates, which make up approximately 25% 
of Tharisa’s total chrome production

(cid:3)• Chemical and foundry grade chrome concentrates 

sold into diversified global markets

(cid:3)• Exploration project in Zimbabwe is focusing on 

higher grade chrome products

(cid:3)• PGM concentrate sold to leading precious metal 

refiners on a long-term offtake basis 

(cid:3)• Harm to the environment
(cid:3)• Increased costs of remediation 

and rehabilitation due to 
legislative changes

(cid:3)• Potential legal sanction and class 

action suits

(cid:3)• Conduct all mining and processing operations in an 

environmentally responsible manner

(cid:3)• Compliance with applicable national and local laws 

and regulations

(cid:3)• Monitor compliance against Equator Principles
(cid:3)• Financial provision for rehabilitation and mine 

(cid:3)• Poor image of mining companies

closure

(cid:3)• Ongoing environmental impact monitoring
(cid:3)• In Zimbabwe, we are fully compliant with all relevant 
legislation governing the environment, including the 
Environmental Management Act, and legislation 
covering air quality, emissions, land-use planning, 
soil conservation/soil improvement, waste 
management, hazardous substances, hazardous 
waste, water quality standards and biodiversity

(cid:3)• Impact on climatic working 

(cid:3)• Creating awareness of climate change and the 

conditions for employees possibly 
resulting in adverse health 
outcomes

impact on the individual and how individuals can 
contribute to mitigating this risk as individuals or as 
a collective

(cid:3)• Impact on seasonal weather 
patterns having an effect on 
operational availability or causing 
possible disruptions

(cid:3)• Use of new technologies and renewable energies, 
making older equipment more energy efficient, or 
changing management practices or consumer 
behaviour

(cid:3)• Local stakeholder discontent has 

the potential to disrupt 
operations

(cid:3)• Safety and health of community
(cid:3)• Complaints to regulatory 
authorities and risk of 
intervention

(cid:3)• Potential for adverse litigation
(cid:3)• Poor image of mining companies 

(cid:3)• Ongoing environmental impact monitoring
(cid:3)• Agreements concluded with local landowners
(cid:3)• Partner with government and local municipality to 
develop identified land within the municipal spatial 
development area to which the community may be 
relocated

(cid:3)• Ongoing discussions with the DMRE
(cid:3)• Positive engagements with the local community with 

focus on sustainable community projects

(cid:3)• Focus on recruiting from local communities as much 

as possible if there is a skills match

 
34 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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

(cid:3)• Production interruptions
(cid:3)• Failure to meet delivery 

commitments 

(cid:3)• Two independent processing plants provide flexibility 

in times of electricity and water curtailments
(cid:3)• Multi-modal transport optionality via bulk or 

containers, road and/or rail

(cid:3)• Integrated agreement for rail transportation and 

port facilities concluded with Transnet

(cid:3)• Improved water supply through application for a 
permanent conversion of temporary rights and 
transfer of water rights from Buffelspoort Dam
(cid:3)• Open pit diesel powered mining fleet reduces 

reliance on electricity

(cid:3)• Generators installed at the processing plants to 

mitigate load shedding

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

(cid:3)• Labour disruptions in South 

(cid:3)• Recognition agreement with the relevant trade 

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

(cid:3)• Potential damage to property
(cid:3)• Loss of production exacerbated 
by low ROM stockpiles ahead of 
the plants

union

(cid:3)• Two-year wage agreement with majority union 

provides certainty and stability

(cid:3)• Monthly liaison with shop stewards and regular 

contact with regional leadership

(cid:3)• Ongoing training programmes
(cid:3)• Adequate insurance cover in the event of damage to 

property arising from unrest

(cid:3)• All levels of employees incentivised through 

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

(cid:3)• Sub-optimal quantity and quality 
of reef results in poor processing 
plant recoveries, which impacts 
production and financial 
performance

(cid:3)• Sterilisation of resources reduces 
life of mine and inhibits mining 
flexibility

(cid:3)• Loss of production as a result of 

low ROM stockpiles ahead of the 
plants

(cid:3)• Owner mining model enables in-house management 
and control of all mining activities, with a focus on 
correct mining practices with optimal quality and 
quantity of ROM
(cid:3)• In-house mining skills
(cid:3)• Accuracy and execution of mine plan
(cid:3)• Mining employees managed on KPIs

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Chairman’s review

Chief executive officer’s review

Chief finance officer’s review

Market review

How Tharisa creates value

Stakeholder engagement

Principal business risks

2

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

Cybersecurity

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

(cid:3)• 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

(cid:3)• Loss of production as a result of 

low ROM stockpiles ahead of the 
plants

(cid:3)• Optimisation of the existing mining fleet 
(cid:3)• Developed engineering and geological skills that are 

integral to in-house mining

(cid:3)• Preventative maintenance programme for the fleet 

and plant

(cid:3)• Long lead item spares in stock
(cid:3)• Purchase of ROM from third parties to alleviate low 

ROM stockpiles

(cid:3)• 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

(cid:3)• 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
(cid:3)• The Group is implementing globally accepted 
best-in-class software and protocols to filter 
malicious and criminal content, as well as the latest 
antivirus and security programmes 

(cid:3)• Insurance against cyber attack including back-up 

and restoration assistance 

(cid:3)• Internal backups and scheduled backup tests for 

integrity and continuity

 
36 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

OPERATIONAL 
REVIEW

Tharisa’s operational performance 
in FY2019, despite a decline from 
record levels in FY2018, delivered 
strong production numbers at a 
time when the focus was on 
redeveloping the open pit to a 
more efficient model. The Tharisa 
processing plants continued to 
deliver industry leading recoveries, 
while the marketing and logistics 
businesses have benefited from 
the development of the third-party 
business.

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

37

Operational review

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REEF MINED

4.63 Mt

down 5.1%

(2018: 4.88 Mt)

PGM PRODUCTION  
(5PGE + Au)

139.7 koz

down 8.2%

(2018: 152.2 koz)

CHROME CONCENTRATE  
PRODUCTION

1.29 Mt

down 10.9%

(2018: 1.45 Mt)

CHROME CONCENTRATE  
SALES

1.40 Mt

down 15.1%

(2018: 1.65 Mt)

W3

PRODUCTION STATISTICS

FY2019

FY2018

LTIFR
Reef mined (ROM)
Stripping ratio
Rougher PGM grade
PGM recovery
PGM production
ROM chrome feed grade
Chrome recovery
Chrome yield
Chrome concentrate production
– Metallurgical grade
– Speciality grade
Third party

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

0.27
4 627.1
8.3
1.47
82.1
139.7
18.1
62.0
26.7
1 290.0
977.9
312.1
241.1

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
221.8

Tharisa Minerals
Tharisa Minerals is 74% owned by Tharisa 
and is uniquely positioned as the world’s 
only co-producer 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 – home 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.

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. 

Safety
Tharisa acknowledges that the safety of 
its people is critical to its success. The 
LTIFR for FY2019 was 0.27 (2018: 0.18) 
per 200 000 man hours worked. The 
mine achieved three million fatality-free 
shifts.

Refer to the Safety and Health section of the 
sustainability report on page 44.

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 MG Chromitite Layers which outcrop 
with a strike length of approximately 5 km.

The Tharisa Mine is a 14-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 62.

Mining

(Mt)

0
5

.

9
4

.

8
4

.

6

.

4

2
.
4

2015

2016 2017 2018 2019

5.2

5.0

4.8

4.6

4.4

4.2

4.0

3.8

 
38 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

OPERATIONAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

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 4.8 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 
comminution, spiral and flotation circuits).

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 
1.47 g/t, while the Cr2O3 ROM feed 
grade was virtually unchanged at 
18.1% for the year. 

Plant
feed

(Mt)

1
.
5

9
.
4

7
.
4

8
.
4

4
.
4

2015

2016 2017 2018 2019

PGM
production

(koz)

2
.
2
5
1

6
.
3
4
1

7
.
9
3
1

6
.
2
3
0 1
8
1
1

.

2015

2016 2017 2018 2019

5.2

5.0

4.8

4.6

4.4

4.2

4.0

160.0

140.0

120.0

100.0

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0.0

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

PGM recovery (%)

% x 100

The change in operating model from 
contractor to owner-operator mining was 
implemented in FY2018. This change 
represented a logical progression given 
the long life of the open pit, allowing 
Tharisa Minerals to take direct control of 
its mining operations, thereby controlling 
the reef grades and the delivery of 
improved quality ore to the processing 
plants and optimising the feed, 
throughout and  within the plants. 
FY2019 saw Tharisa Minerals invest 
heavily in new equipment and machinery 
including a new Caterpillar 6050 face 
shovel. 

Tharisa Minerals’ mining division mined 
4.6 Mt of ROM for FY2019, a 5.1% 
decrease year on year. A total of 11.1 
Mm3 of waste rock was mined for the 
year, as the stripping ratio improved to 
8.3 on a m3:m3 basis, representing a 
5.1% increase from the previous year. 
Mining for the year needs to be viewed in 
the context of Tharisa focusing on the 
development areas in its open pit; a 
redesign that saw over 1.7 Mm3 of 
previously mined material moved, with 
the aim of creating smoother benches 
and thus better drilling, blasting and 
hauling continuity. Hauling continuity was 
enhanced by access roads that previously 
ran north-south now running parallel to 
the pit as the pit advances. Capital 
investment into machinery increased to 
US$27.5 million as fleet replacement 
accelerated. 

Processing
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.

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Operational review

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Chrome
production

(Mt)

4
.
1

3
.
1

3
.
1

2
.
1

1
.
1

2015

2016 2017 2018 2019

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

Chrome recovery (%)

% x 100

Prill split for FY2019

%

55.1

(cid:79) Platinum
(cid:79) Palladium
(cid:79) Rhodium

(cid:79) Gold
(cid:79) Ruthenium
(cid:79) Iridium

Tharisa chrome production
split for FY2019

W3

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

FY2019
US$/oz

FY2018
US$/oz

Change
%

Platinum
Palladium
Rhodium
Ruthenium
Iridium

Source: Johnson Matthey

878
1 490
2 531
235
1 317

909
996
1 957
207
1 156

(3.4)
40.6
29.3
13.5
13.9

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.

%

42% metallurgical grade

162

186

(12.9)

Average chrome price

FY2019
US$/t

FY2018
US$/t

Change
%

63.9

(cid:79) Tharisa metallurgical grade
(cid:79) Tharisa specialty grade
(cid:79) Third-party product

4.3

14.0

0.2

9.5

16.9

15.7

20.4

 
40 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

OPERATIONAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Tharisa targets recoveries of 80.0% for 
PGMs and 65.0% for chrome. In FY2019 
PGM recoveries were 82.1% while 
chrome recoveries were 62.0%.

During the year, the Group produced 
PGM concentrates containing 139.7 koz 
of contained PGMs (5PGE + Au) and 
chrome concentrates of 1.29 Mt with 
312.1 kt being speciality grade 
concentrates. Third-party chrome 
concentrate produced was 241.1 kt.

Speciality 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 fellow subsidiary Arxo Metals, 
was commissioned in July 2013 and 
produces chemical and foundry grade 
chrome concentrates.

Production of speciality grade 
concentrates accounted for 24.2% of 
Tharisa’s chrome production in FY2019, 
and will be maintained at current levels 
to ensure that it maintains a strategic 
market share.

Vision 2020
The Vision 2020 projects are targeting an 
increase in Tharisa’s production to 200 
kozpa of PGMs and 2.0 Mt of chrome 
concentrates in 2020 on an annualised 
basis. The FY2020 production guidance 
for the Tharisa Mine is 155 koz to 165 
koz of PGMs and 1.45 Mt to 
1.55 Mt of chrome concentrates. 

Crusher circuit at the Genesis Plant
The additional crusher circuit at the 
Genesis Plant aims to increase the 
Genesis Plant throughput by 15% or 
about 180 ktpa, targeting an increase in 
the higher value speciality 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. The project is being 
implemented via a staged approach. 

Vulcan Plant
Tharisa’s R&D team has developed the 
Vulcan process to extract the fine chrome 
from current in-line tailings from the 
combined feed of the Genesis and 
Voyager Plants. The primary aim of the 
Vulcan Plant is to increase chrome 
recovery from the current 65% target to 
82% at the Tharisa Mine, capable of 
adding an additional 400 ktpa (ca. 30% 
of current production) of chrome 
concentrate output. Vulcan will use a 
proprietary process using existing 
technologies to improve chrome 
recoveries with the process having been 
rigorously tested and proven through pilot 
plant test work and the operation of a 
production scale demonstration plant. 
The total capital cost of US$54.2 million 
includes contingency and owner’s cost.

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 PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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

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 FY2019, Arxo Resources sold 1.1 Mt 
(2018: 1.3 Mt) metallurgical grade chrome 
concentrates, of which 0.9 Mt was 
produced by 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.

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 
17.1% to US$1 081/oz in FY2019.

Chrome concentrate sales totalled 1.4 Mt, 
314.7 kt of which was Tharisa’s higher 
margin speciality chemical and foundry 
grade chrome concentrates. The bulk of 
the Tharisa sales are derived from 
metallurgical grade chrome concentrate, 
sales of which included 207.5 kt of 
third-party chrome concentrates.

Speciality grade chrome concentrates 
produced within the Group 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, but overall lower than in the 
previous year, with prices received ranging 
between US$190/t and US$142/t with the 
average price for metallurgical grade 
chrome concentrate on a CIF main ports 
China basis decreasing in US dollar terms 
to US$162/t from US$186/t for the 
previous year.

The production of the higher value 
speciality chrome concentrates, which 
typically command a premium of greater 
than US$50/t provided additional margin.

The Group 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, Arxo 
Resources will supply Tisco with a 
minimum of 240.0 ktpa of metallurgical 
grade chrome concentrate.

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 speciality 
grade chrome concentrates, namely 
chemical and foundry grade concentrates. 
Speciality grade concentrates carry more 
stringent specifications and therefore 
fetch a higher selling price. Arxo Metals 
has an offtake agreement for the sale of 
its concentrates to customers in the 
chemical and foundry industries globally. 
Arxo Metals accounted for 64.3 kt of 
chemical grade chrome concentrate 
(2018: 81.9 t) and 15.5 kt of foundry 
grade chrome concentrate (2018: 26.0 kt) 
in FY2019. The decrease in production 
was driven both by the overall reduction 
in mining and milling, as well as a 
reduced demand for the product in the 
chosen markets.

In August 2017, Arxo Metals entered into 
an agreement with Western Platinum, a 
subsidiary of Lonmin (subsequently 
acquired by Sibanye-Stillwater), 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 from 
the K3 UG2 chrome plant using 
innovative processing already in use at our 
operations. The chrome production for 
FY2019 from K3 UG2 chrome plant was 
241.1 kt, up from 221.8 kt in FY2018. 

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.

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. 

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

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

 
42 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

OPERATIONAL  
REVIEW CONTINUED

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 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 1.1 Mt 
(2018: 1.3 Mt) of chrome concentrate in 
FY2019 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 renewable power generation 
capacity made available to the 
Zimbabwe power grid.

Karo Platinum, an indirect 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 

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Outlook 
We believe the fundamentals for PGMs 
and chrome remain solid. Our speciality 
chrome products are in demand and 
given the premium pricing of this product, 
we benefit from stronger margins.

With our solid foundation, we believe the 
planned organic and external growth 
opportunities are well suited to advancing 
our portfolio.

Tharisa’s FY2020 production guidance is 
155 koz to 165 koz PGMs (5PGE + Au 
basis) and 1.45 Mt to 1.55 Mt of chrome 
concentrates.

within the licence area. Karo Platinum will 
be responsible for the mine development 
and mining operations, which will deliver 
ROM ore to Karo Refining. Karo Refining, 
a subsidiary of Karo Holdings, will build, 
own and operate the concentrators and 
smelters, as well as the base metal and 
PGM refinery.

Most recently Karo Platinum completed 
238 boreholes, comprising 32 400 m 
drilled. Drilling has focused on the 
western boundary of the Great Dyke, 
with average depths of 50 m to 150 m 
below surface targeted. Various approvals 
have been received. Significantly, the 
Zimbabwe Special Economic Zones 
Authority has declared a portion of Selous 
measuring 50 667 hectares as a special 
economic zone. The zone is located on 
certain pieces of land covered by special 
mining grants issued to a subsidiary of 
Karo Holdings.

Karo Holdings, through its subsidiary, 
Karo Power, has agreed to identify and 
establish a 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.

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 the year under review, Salene Chrome 
completed 78 boreholes or 3 000 m of 
drilling, the ultimate aim being the mining 
of surface chrome and gravity separation 
with lumpy product being sold to local 
offtakers.

 
 
 
44 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

SUSTAINABILITY

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 continued to deliver a 
solid safety performance which compared 
well with the Company’s key industry 
peers. In recognition of these 
achievements, the Mine Health and Safety 
Committee (‘MHSC’) presented Tharisa 
Minerals an award for 5 000 fatality-free 
production shifts at its process plant 
operations and three million fatality-free 
shifts for the total Tharisa operations. 
Tharisa Minerals’ mining division achieved 
two million fatality-free shifts on the 
28 September 2019 and the total Tharisa 
operations achieved four years fatality 
free on the same day. 

Tharisa is pleased to report that there 
have been no fatalities during FY2016, 
FY2017, FY2018 and FY2019. We 
endeavour to replicate this performance 
at our Zimbabwe operations. 

Tharisa became a member of the Minerals 
Council in 2018 and as an active 
participant in all their structures, joined 
the Council’s recently launched the 
Khumbul’ekaya “remember home” safety 
initiative to ensure that our industry 
becomes fatality free.

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 
(‘SHE’) 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 2019, Tharisa Minerals 
achieved 29 175 020 fatality-free hours 
and 3 294 453 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 continuous 
risk assessments with the identification of 
appropriate control measures to mitigate 
these risks. Measures can include 
standards and procedures updates, 
operating checklists, 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 
SHE 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.

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 
through state funded and medical aid 
funded resources to eligible persons and 
the programme is managed through our 
wellness service provider.

SAFETY

0

NUMBER OF FATALITIES

0.00

FATALITY FREQUENCY RATE
(‘FIFR’)

5

SAFETY MILESTONES

11

NUMBER OF MEDICAL 
TREATMENT CASES

2

SAFETY AWARDS

9

NUMBER OF LOST-TIME
INJURIES
(‘LTI’)

0.00

TARGET LTIFR

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Safety and health

Human resources

Social development

Human rights

Environment

4

HEALTH

4 660

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND 
CONTRACTORS VOLUNTARILY 
TESTED FOR HIV/AIDS

536

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 
WHO TESTED POSITIVE FOR 
HIV/AIDS

12%

HIV/AIDS PREVALENCE RATE 
AMONG EMPLOYEES AND 
CONTRACTORS

5 784

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

5 784

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

414

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 
WHO ATTENDED WELLNESS 
DAYS

Data is applicable to 
Tharisa Minerals for FY2019

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

The HIV prevalence rate among Tharisa 
Minerals’ own employees is 13%. The 
prevalence rate, including contractors, is 
12%. 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 AIDS 
Day at which VCT engagements are 
undertaken. Through these processes, 
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 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 25 active 
peer educators and 43 trained peer 
educators. In 2019, 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. Tharisa 
Minerals also initiated an alcohol and 
drug support group where employees and 
community members can receive the 
necessary support in order to overcome 
their addictions.

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 Hz, 3 000 Hz and 
4 000 Hz in one or both ears by 
December 2016. This milestone is 
monitored during annual medical 
examinations. High-noise zone areas 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.

All cases of noise induced hearing loss 
have been reported to the DMRE as per 
the legislated requirements. 

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.

Tuberculosis
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 aim 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.

Where 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. 

46 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUED

Safety and health continued

To further prevent the spread of TB, 
contact screening is being done on 
employees who may have been exposed 
to the disease by being in contact with 
other employees working in the same 
homogenous exposure group as 
themselves.

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

HIV
As legislated, HIV screening at Tharisa 
Minerals 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 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. Tharisa Minerals has a 
Wellness Clinic, which will make the 
Employee Assistance Programme (‘EAP’) 
programme more accessible to both 
employees and community members.

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 occupational 
exposure limits (‘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 March 2019, where 
employees were encouraged to 
participate in an education programme. 
Other campaigns and interventions 
successfully held in the year under review 
include: 

Sexually transmitted infection (‘STI’) 
awareness presentation – February 2019
Community STI awareness – 
February 2019
Community TB campaign – March 2019
Wellness Days – September 2019

An innovative approach to safety 
performance 
Over the last three years, Tharisa has 
evolved its safety culture from one of 
compliance to one that places the 
individual at the heart of safety, as 
part of a system which sees safety 
driven by values. This innovative 
approach differs from industry norms 
in that it allows individuals to own 
their safety programme. 

Tharisa Minerals’ core values – care, 
safety, empowerment, integrity and 
innovation have supported this 
success. By placing people at the 
heart of the safety management 
system, the value of care 
is brought into effect to support 
safety performance. 

This approach has paid off with one 
of the lowest LTIFRs in the South 
African mining industry. Tharisa 
Minerals was recognised with the 
2019 Chrome Dinner Safety Award, 
and Tharisa Minerals’ soccer team 
won the most organised team at the 
South African Mining Soccer 
Association awards, a strong 
indication of the teamwork, 
camaraderie and focus that the 
Tharisa Mine’s people bring to their 
work and safety in particular.

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Safety and health

Human resources

Social development

Human rights

Environment

4

HUMAN RESOURCES

91%

HDSA

100%

HDSA MANAGEMENT 
(TOP MANAGEMENT PETERSON GRADE F)

44%

HDSA MANAGEMENT 
(SENIOR MANAGEMENT PETERSON GRADE E)

1 747

NUMBER OF PERMANENT EMPLOYEES

1 079

Human resources

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.

Subsequent to the announcement that 
Tharisa Minerals was to implement its 
vision of becoming an owner miner in 
FY2018, the employees were transferred 
to Tharisa Minerals’ business as from 
1 May 2017 and 1 October 2017. The 
departmental goals mentioned above 
were further rolled out and cascaded 
down to the entire workforce, including 
the mining divisions, through workshops. 
This approach aids in the alignment of the 
workforce to the vision, culture and 
values of Tharisa Minerals. As emanated 
from the concluded wage negotiations 
post-2018 financial year, the 
Harmonisation Task Team consisting of 
management and majority trade union 
stakeholders concluded terms of 
reference with an objective to harmonise 
the conditions of employment. The next 
round of wage negotiations will be held 
in the 2020 financial year.

Human Resources Development 
(‘HRD’)
Built on the solid foundation of 
accreditation by the Mining Qualifications 
Authority (‘MQA’), 41 of the 43 registered 
mineral processing learners have passed 
their examinations and obtained an 
NQF Level 2 qualification. As part of the 
quest for zero paper usage, the training 
centre has added standard operating 
procedures (‘SOPs’) for all occupations to 
the CBT grid. Re-certification of 
ISO 9001:2015 has also been achieved 
by the training centre. 

The subscription to the notion of being 
a “learning organisation” is demonstrated 
by 67% of Tharisa Minerals employees 
having approved individual development 
plans. A total of 239 mining employees 
were trained on the A-B-C of Mining, 
blasting ticket, trackless mining machinery 
skills programme and original equipment 
manufacturer technical competency. 
Educational assistance is also given to 
employees. The organisation’s culture is 
maintained through structured 
interventions like “Care and Growth” 
and “Grow to Care”. 

Enrolment for AET has grown from 82 
learners to 224. The table below shows the 
AET enrolment statistics for both own 
employees and community members in 
FY2019:

AET level

Enrolments Completed

NUMBER OF PERMANENT CONTRACTORS

0

LOST DAYS TO LABOUR ACTION

21%

WOMEN

51.3%

AMCU

9.7%

NUM

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4 
(NQF level 1)

50

46

71

57

9

9

11

13

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$3.5 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 monthly to the skills development levy. 

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 historically 
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48 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUED

Human resources continued

In FY2019, Tharisa Minerals had 20 interns 
and graduates from local communities 
specialising in the following disciplines:
(cid:3)• mining
(cid:3)• metallurgy
(cid:3)• engineering (mechanical, electrical and 

chemical).

During FY2019, 20 vacation students from 
various tertiary institutions completed their 
vacation work requirements at the Tharisa 
Mine.

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 FY2019 there were three bursaries 
awarded, and 20 employees studying at 
different institutions in South Africa. 

Training centre
As a centre of excellence, the training 
centre facilitates skills development via 
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. 

into the mining and minerals industry. 
Tharisa Minerals’ learnership programmes 
comply with the 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 22 learners in the 
learnership programme during FY2019. 

Internships and bursary plans
The internship and bursary plan supports 
the skills development plan and provides 
opportunities for entry into 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 internship 
opportunities 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 ZAR7 000 per month, 
per student, in line with the regulations 
stipulated by the MQA. 

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Environment

4

TRAINING AND 
DEVELOPMENT

5 343

EMPLOYEES AND 
CONTRACTORS RECEIVED 
INDUCTION

224

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND 
COMMUNITY MEMBERS ON 
AET PROGRAMMES

24

INTERNS AND GRADUATES

20

EMPLOYEES AWARDED 
STUDY ASSISTANCE

US$3.48 m

TOTAL SPEND ON TRAINING

Social development

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 areas of 
operation. Tharisa Minerals is 
committed to community 
initiatives through its SLP in 
South Africa, which addresses 
job creation, poverty alleviation, 
basic infrastructure, education 
and development needs. We 
have also begun the process of 
assessing the potential 
requirements of host 
communities around our 
operations in Zimbabwe. 

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 in greater depth with 
these communities. 

Within Ward 32, the municipal area in 
which Tharisa 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 
surrounds the mine. This resulted in a 
more inclusive engagement forum, which 
meets quarterly to address the issues that 
impact both Tharisa Mine and the 
communities. 

Monthly meetings are held with the ward 
committee to address issues affecting 
both 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.

Tharisa Minerals has an established 
engagement forum, which liaises with the 
steering committee for the local 
community neighbouring 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 SLP to address job creation, 
poverty alleviation, basic infrastructure 
and education and development needs.

Tharisa Minerals also supports informal 
enterprise development through 
engagement forums in the community.

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 
Tharisa Mine is located.

50 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUED

Social development continued

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 FY2019, 36 community members 
completed AET modules training provided 
by Tharisa Minerals. This training was at 
no cost to the beneficiaries. Other 

development interventions include the 
award of 22 engineering learnerships 
(2018: 4). 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 FY2019, 12 of 20 
interns and graduates were from the 
North West province, the province where 
Tharisa Mine is located. 

Being a mechanised operation, 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.

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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. 

colleagues or practices within the 
business or supply chain, without fear 
of reprisal. It is overseen independently 
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 are asked to grant 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. All D band 
employees undergo psychometric 
evaluation as part of the recruitment 
process.

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.

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 includes 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 

52 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUED

Environment

ENVIRONMENT

175 329 MWh

TOTAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION

2 235 100 tCO2e

TOTAL CO2 EMISSIONS (SCOPE 3)

US$13.1 m

CUMULATIVE REHABILITATION 
PROVISION

4 082 908m3

TOTAL WATER CONSUMPTION

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 changing 
energy and water costs 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 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’).

In Zimbabwe, we are fully compliant with 
all relevant legislation governing the 
environment, including the Environmental 
Management Act of 2007, and all 
relevant legislation covering air quality, 
emissions, land-use planning, soil 
conservation/soil improvement, waste 
management, hazardous substances, 
hazardous waste, water quality standards 
and biodiversity.

Tharisa’s material environmental matters 
are:
(cid:3)• resource management, particularly 
energy use and water availability

(cid:3)• land management, including 

biodiversity conservation, rehabilitation 
and closure planning

(cid:3)• environmental compliance – ensuring 

that operations remain legally 
compliant with new and changing 
legislation

(cid:3)• managing and minimising waste 

streams

(cid:3)• implementation of the new regulations 
on financial provisions 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
(cid:3)• climate change and the effects thereof.

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 

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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 
Group Chief Technical Officer and the 
Group Chief Operating Officer. The SHE 
policy is reviewed annually and was 
revised and signed off by the Chief 
Technical Officer and union 
representatives on 26 August 2019. 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, 
ZAR12.1 million was spent on 
environmental management including, 
among others, pollution control and 
prevention and environmental operational 
expenditure (2018: ZAR9.0 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 
operation is 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. Tharisa Mine has undertaken to 
educate the community and employees 
on the importance of conserving water 
as a natural resource 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 (strictly 
for agricultural usage), a portion from 
Randwater 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 Tharisa’s IWUL and regular reporting of 
the quality and quantities of the mine’s 
water is submitted monthly, (when 
necessary), quarterly and annually, 
respectively, to the Department of Water 
and Sanitation (‘DWS’). 

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 the DWS in September 2017 and 
although constant liaison is being 
maintained with DWS in this regard, the 
approval thereof is still outstanding. Tharisa 
Minerals is optimistic that its application 
will be approved soon.

Tharisa Mine provides water for the nearby 
community of Mmaditlhokwa 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

FY2019

FY2018

Explosives (t)

10 597

11 878

54 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUED

Environment continued

Energy
A consistent supply of electricity is critical 
for efficient operations. Electricity is 
sourced from the existing Eskom supply. 
From 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 
2018. Fuels consumed in operations 
include diesel, acetylene and liquid 
petroleum gas (‘LPG’). Diesel is the most 
used fuel at 28.7 million litres in FY2019 
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 175 329.7 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 FY2018 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.

The GHG inventory for FY2018 is 
provided in the infographic below. The 
assessment for FY2019 will be conducted 
from December 2019.

Emission sources: FY2018

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

84 000
tCO2e

Scope 2

156 200
tCO2e

Scope 3

2 235 100
tCO2e

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An additional water bowser was acquired 
to cater for dust suppression at the 
tailings facility. Dust suppression trials 
were undertaken in 2019 to determine a 
solution best suited for managing finer 
dust particles at the tailings.

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 of in tailings dams. These dams 

Tharisa Minerals’ direct (Scope 1) 
emissions for FY2018 amounted to 
84 000 tCO2e. Diesel purchased and 
consumed directly by the mine decreased 
by 5% in FY2018 when compared to 
FY2017. 

Energy indirect (Scope 2) emissions 
amounted to 156 200 tCO2e. Electricity 
consumption reduced by 4% between 
FY2017 and FY2018. This change is 
related to the increasing levels of 
renewable energy being fed into the 
national grid, which subsequently reduces 
the carbon intensity of the grid electricity 
and hence results in decrease in the grid 
emission factor. 

Tharisa commissioned a report from 
advisory firm Deloitte to fully understand 
the possible impact of carbon tax on the 
business. The key finding is that:

“Tharisa Minerals will not 
have a carbon tax liability, as 
all emissions from diesel 
consumption will be paid as 
part of the fuel levy paid at 
the pump.”

There are no processes or fugitive 
emissions source codes that describe the 
primary processing of PGMs or chrome 
that takes place at Tharisa.

Overall, Tharisa Mine’s Scope 3 emissions 
increased by 13% to 2 235 100 tCO2e in 
FY2018 compared to FY2017 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 89% of Scope 3 
emissions.

As a result, Tharisa Minerals will have a 
purely administrative burden in respect 
of carbon tax. Tharisa Minerals, will 
however, be required to register, licence 
and submit an annual return, based on 
the South African Revenue Service rules. 
It is important to note that some of the 
legislation governing these areas is still in 
draft form and may change. 

Air quality 
Dust originating from 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 through the use 
of water bowsers reduces fugitive dust 
levels from the respective crushers, 
conveyors and transfer points. In addition, 
Tharisa Minerals applies a dust 
suppressant on its access roads to further 
reduce the mine’s dependence on water 
for dust suppression.

Carbon tax
South Africa is a significant global emitter 
of GHG, with an ongoing reliance on 
fossil fuels. The country is therefore 
required to honour international emission 
reduction commitments and reduce its 
GHG emissions in line with the National 
Development Plan (‘NDP’) policy 
framework. 

As part of these commitments, the South 
African Carbon Tax Act was passed in 
Parliament on February 19, 2019. The Act 
includes a ZAR120 per tonne carbon tax 
for primary GHG emitters, a carbon tax 
on liquid fuels, economic incentives for 
energy efficiency and carbon offsets to 
reduce the tax burden and it will be 
introduced in a phased approach. 

Investor sentiment around the impact of 
the tax has been largely muted for Phase 
One, owing to carbon allowances and 
offsets, which will result in an effective 
tax rate of between ZAR6 and ZAR48 per 
tonne. Phase Two, from 2022 onwards, 
will see a higher tax as the programme 
aligns with global rates. 

56 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUED

Environment continued

FY2019 

FY2019 

11.1

3.5

697.6

330

258.9

10.8

2.1

525.9

82.7

271

Mm3

Mm3

t

kℓ

t

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.

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.

Waste produced

Waste rock 

Tailings

Domestic waste

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.

Hazardous waste: used oil

Hazardous waste: other

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. 

Case study: Environmental education 

The 22 May was proclaimed the International Day for Biological Diversity. The 2019 theme was “Our Biodiversity, Our Food, 
Our Health”. The theme aimed to spread awareness on biodiversity as the foundation for our food and health. The theme 
also celebrated the diversity provided by our natural systems for human existence and wellbeing.

From individual species through to entire ecosystems, biological diversity is vital for human health and wellbeing. The quality 
of the water we drink, the food we eat and the air we breathe all depend on keeping the natural world in good health.

To increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues, Tharisa Minerals’ environmental department in collaboration 
with the SLPs, celebrated the day in Machadam Secondary School raising awareness among grade 11 and 12 learners. Some 
of the topics covered were the meaning of biodiversity, the importance of biodiversity, threats faced by biodiversity as well as 
the role each one of us can play in protecting biodiversity. Tharisa Minerals also donated biodiversity banners, food and 
back-packs to learners.

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THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

57

Safety and health

Human resources

Social development

Human rights

Environment

4

Case study: Bee project 

Tharisa Minerals has adopted an innovative approach to reducing its workforce’s interaction with bee populations around 
the Tharisa Mine.

Recognising the critical importance of bees to the local ecosystem, the Tharisa Minerals safety team created a three-phase 
solution which prevents the workforce from encountering potentially dangerous bees, and stops the bees being removed in 
a manner which may impact the local ecology. 

The Tharisa Minerals safety team first created “lure boxes” to attract local bee populations. The boxes are then removed by 
trained Tharisa safety teams and relocated to local communities who have been trained in the responsible keeping and 
farming of bees. 

The community members benefit from the raw honey that the bees produce, and the bees are also used by local farmers to 
promote pollination. This solution clearly demonstrates Tharisa’s philosophy of shared value and mutual benefit.

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 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 DMRE.

The total cumulative mine closure and environmental rehabilitation provision is US$13.1 million (2018: US$12.6 million), refer to 
note 26 of consolidated annual financial statements, available on www.tharisa.com.

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 DMRE 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 DMRE by February 2020.

Case study: Bio remediation soil project 

Many mining processes produce hydrocarbon waste which can have a negative impact on soil and natural vegetation. 

In 2017, Tharisa Minerals launched a hydrocarbon waste clean-up programme to rehabilitate areas affected by hydrocarbon 
waste as the first step in returning the soil to its intended state.

Tharisa Minerals then created a bio remediation bay, which facilitates a four-stage soil rehabilitation process: 1) all carbon 
contaminated oil is brought to the bay; 2) an oxidiser is added to break down hydrocarbon chains in the oil; 3) microbials, 
or good bacteria are added to “eat” hydrocarbon chains; and 4) a nutrient blend is added to return the soil to a usable 
state.

This process allows soil which would have been treated as waste to be used as it was intended – to support natural 
vegetation, to be used for crops by local communities or for remediation in Tharisa Mine’s open pit if needed.

Furthermore, secondary contamination and the mine’s carbon footprint are reduced, and local communities are able to 
benefit from employment and skills training as they are trained to work on the bio remediation bay.

58 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

MINERAL RESOURCE 
AND MINERAL RESERVE 
STATEMENT

Introduction
The Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve 
of Tharisa Minerals was prepared under 
the guidance of the Competent Person 
(‘CP’) 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 2019.

The previous declaration of the Mineral 
Resource and Mineral Reserve was dated 
September 2018. The current Mineral 
Resource declaration relies on the 
geological model and resource model of 
April 2019 for the MG Chromitite Layers, 
the June 2018 model for the UG1 
chromitite layer and the end of FY2019 
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 was obtained from 
observation in the operating pits and 
resource drilling. The Mineral Resource 
and Mineral Reserve information in the 
tables on the following pages are based 
on information compiled by the CP.

Definitions
The declaration of the Mineral Resource 
and Reserve was 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 Person
Ken Lomberg of Pivot Mining Consultants 
Proprietary Limited (previously Coffey 
Mining South Africa Proprietary Limited), 
is the CP 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 34 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 Studies, 
who is the CP 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 
(2016) 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 Department of Mineral 
Resources and Energy (‘DMRE’) (then the 
Department of Minerals and Energy 
(‘DME’) in terms of 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).

Mineral Resource
Geology and mineralisation
The Tharisa Mine is situated on the 
southwestern 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 
is on the property, striking roughly east to 
west with a gentle change in strike to 
northwest-southeast 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.

P I C   T O   B E  
S U P P L I E D

Figure 1: Location of the Tharisa Mine

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

59

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve 
statement

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T5

 -2846000 N 

 -2848000 N 

4
6
0
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E
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4
8
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5
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E
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5

 -2846000 N 

 -2848000 N 

Figure 2: Image of the Tharisa Mine plan showing borehole locations and the extent of the open pits.

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 northwest-southeast 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 northwest-southeast 
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 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 and the rest of 
the critical zone below. No new major 
structural features were 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 Mineral Resource 
estimate was limited to the area within 
the planned pit perimeter.

The previous declaration of the Mineral 
Resource and Mineral Reserve was dated 
September 2018. The current Mineral 
Resource declaration relies on the 
geological model and resource model of 
April 2019 for the MG Chromitite Layers, 
the geological and resource model of 
June 2018 for the UG1 Chromitite Layer 
and the end of FY2019 mining faces. 
An additional 84 diamond drill boreholes, 
since the 2016 estimation, were included 
in the updated Mineral Resource and 
Mineral 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 and 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. 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 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 2019 is reported inclusive 
of Mineral Reserve. The drilling which was 
located ahead of the open pit mining 
faces has allowed the CP to declare 
additional Measured Mineral Resources. 
As the drilling has not occurred beyond 
the previously declared Indicated Mineral 
Resource, the Indicated Mineral Resource 
was reduced. Additional drilling further 
downdip is expected to allow the 
extension of the Indicated Mineral 
Resource downdip. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

MINERAL RESOURCE 
AND MINERAL RESERVE 
STATEMENT CONTINUED

As a result of the additional information, the boundary was moved northwards and downdip increasing the reported Measured 
Mineral Resource. The Indicated Mineral Resource was decreased as no additional information was obtained ahead of this boundary. 
Additional work was undertaken on the MG0 Chromitite Layer which resulted in a redefinition of the MG0 package into three 
identified units. These were reclassified as Indicated Mineral Resource. Work on the area in the far west was largely responsible for 
the increase in the reported tonnage of the Mineral Resource.

Sibanye-
Stillwater

Sibanye-
Stillwater

Figure 3: Map of the location of the Tharisa Mine

Mineral Resource estimate
2019

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

2018

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

Unit

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Mt
g/t
g/t
g/t

%
Moz
Moz
Moz
Mt

111.51
1.73
1.67
1.29

22.40
6.18
5.99
4.61
24.98

87.99
1.48
1.37
1.06

21.72
4.18
3.87
3.00
19.11

691.20
1.52
1.47
1.12

19.79
33.86
32.67
24.92
136.79

Unit

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

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

62.82
1.78
1.73
1.32
23.69
3.61
3.49
2.67
14.88

112.35
1.70
1.65
1.25
22.57
6.16
5.94
4.52
25.36

685.49
1.55
1.50
1.14
20.11
34.26
33.05
25.17
137.84

Total

890.70
1.54
1.49
1.14

20.31
44.22
42.54
32.53
180.88

Total

860.66
1.59
1.54
1.17
20.11
43.02
42.48
32.35
173.06

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

61

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve 
statement

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Mineral Reserve declaration
The Mineral Reserve estimate for 
September 2019 was based on a revised, 
updated LOM for the open pit and the 
underground mining areas. This  
re-estimation was underpinned by an 
updated mining model and incorporates 
the current economic conditions, current 
on-mine mining methodology and survey 
depletion. Appropriate technical aspects 
were considered in the mine design and 
schedule as basis for the Mineral Reserve 
estimate, including economic pit limits, 
underground target layers, 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 losses, 
mining dilution and metallurgical 
recovery. The variance between the 2018 
and 2019 Mineral Reserve estimation is 
due to: 
(cid:3)• depletion 
(cid:3)• updated LOM pit design
(cid:3)• geological structural updates
(cid:3)• revised underground design aligned 

with the open pit limits

(cid:3)• updated geotechnical parameters.

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

The Mineral Reserve tonnage increased by 
4.9% as a result of increasing the open 
pit and underground mining areas, 
geological structure changes, mining 
depletion and treatment with a decrease 
in PGM (3PGE + Au) and Cr2O3 grades by 
2.8% and 1.6% respectively. All previous 
Inferred Mineral Resources within the 
open pit economic limit were upgraded 
due to infill drilling. No Inferred Mineral 
Resources are included in the open pit 
LOM. 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 14-year LOM schedule targets an 
average of 5.69 Mtpa before tapering 
down in the last two years when the 
open pit transitions to underground 

mining. The final ore from the open pit is 
produced in 2033. The open pit LOM 
reduced by one year due to mining 
depletion and an increased ore 
production rate.

The Mineral Reserve declared for the 
underground project was derived from 
the Measured and 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 
pre-feasibility study was completed in 
2013 with an update of the study during 
2019 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, constrained by the Mineral 
Resource classification. However, the 
underground LOM can be expected to 
extend to a maximum depth of 700 m, 
pending further fieldwork and study 
work.

OPEN PIT 2019

Tonnes 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 3PGE + Au(1)
Contained Cr2O3 (2)

OPEN PIT 2018

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

Proved

Probable

Total

Unit

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

64.5
1.35
1.03
18.9
2.1
12.2

7.8
1.09
0.82
15.2
0.2
1.2

Unit

Proved

Probable

Mt
g/t
g/t
%

Moz

47.7
1.39
1.06
19.2

1.6

26.5
1.38
1.06
18.3

0.9

72.4
1.32
1.01
18.5
2.4
13.4

Total

74.2
1.39
1.06
18.9

2.5

 
 
 
 
 
62 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

MINERAL RESOURCE 
AND MINERAL RESERVE 
STATEMENT CONTINUED

Contained Cr2O3 

UNDERGROUND 2019

Tonnes 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 3PGE + Au(1)
Contained Cr2O3 (2)

UNDERGROUND 2018

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

TOTAL OPEN PIT AND UNDERGROUND 2019

Tonnes 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 3PGE + Au(1)
Contained Cr2O3 (2)

TOTAL OPEN PIT AND UNDERGROUND 2018

Mt

Unit

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

Unit

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

Unit

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

Unit

9.2

4.8

Proved

Probable

8.1
1.57
1.23
19.3
0.3
1.6

17.1
1.62
1.24
20.6
0.7
3.5

14.0

Total

25.1
1.60
1.24
20.1
1.0
5.1

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

Proved

Probable

Total

72.6
1.38
1.06
18.9
2.5
13.7

24.9
1.15
0.87
15.8
0.9
4.7

97.5
1.40
1.07
18.9
3.4
18.4

Proved

Probable

Total

Tonnes 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 3PGE + Au 
Contained Cr2O3 
(1) The contained metal is stated on a ROM basis. Plant recovery to convert to a saleable concentrate range from 81.3% to 85.7%
(2) The contained Cr2O3 is stated on a ROM basis. Plant yield to convert to a saleable product range from 37.3% to 40.9%

47.7
1.25
0.96
17.3
2.2
9.2

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

45.2
1.40
1.07
18.4
1.6
8.5

92.9
1.41
1.09
19.0
3.2
17.6

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 could 
add significant value to the appropriate 
understanding of the systematic 
contribution of process plant recoveries 
and dilution and losses on the mining 
operations related to plant feed grades, 
mining methodology and equipment 
allocation to sustain cost-effective 
production performance.

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 can 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 value and extended life strategy, 
sustained low cost and efficient mining 
with specific focus on waste backfill and 

processing recoveries are critical to 
creating sustained value from the open pit 
operation.

Reporting codes and compliance
The Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve 
estimates for Tharisa Minerals is stated 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.

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

63

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve 
statement

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T5

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, was based on the Group’s 
environmental policy, considering the 
current technological, environmental and 
regulatory requirements. Details of the 
Group’s environmental liability and 
funding can be found in note 26 of the 
annual financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
64 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS

Audit Committee

Risk Committee

Nomination Committee

Remuneration Committee

Safety, Health and Environment Committee

C = Chairman
I = By invitation

Social and Ethics Committee

New Business Committee

LOUCAS 
POUROULIS – 81

PHOEVOS 
POUROULIS – 45

MICHAEL 
JONES – 57  

DAVID 
SALTER – 61

ANTONIOS 
DJAKOURIS – 72

Chairman

Chief Executive Officer 
(CEO)

Chief Finance Officer 
(CFO)

Lead independent 
non-executive director

Independent non-
executive director

Appointed:  
27 October 2010

Appointed:  
27 October 2010

Appointed:  
30 January 2013

Appointed:  
27 October 2010

Appointed:  
11 October 2011

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

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

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 
17 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’). 

Michael Jones is the Chief 
Finance Officer of the Group 
and is responsible for the 
overall financial operation, 
funding and the financial 
reporting management of 
the Group. Michael has more 
than eleven 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 
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.

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. 

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. 

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

65

Board of directors

Corporate governance

King IV™ application

Remuneration report

Directors’ report

Report of the Audit Committee

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OMAR 
KAMAL – 48

CAROL 
BELL – 61

ROGER 
DAVEY – 74

JOANNA KA KI 
CHENG – 51

ZHONG LIANG 
HONG – 55

Independent non-
executive director

Independent non-
executive director

Independent non-
executive director

Non-executive director

Non-executive director

Appointed:  
11 June 2014

Appointed:  
22 March 2016

Appointed:  
1 June 2017

Appointed:  
1 February 2017

Appointed:  
1 April 2018

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

Bachelor (Ferrous Metallurgy) 
(Shanghai Metallurgy 
Technology Academy)

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.

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 
Limited (Hong Kong Stock: 
659). Before joining the NWS 
Holdings Limited group, 
Joanna worked at audit firms 
in Canada and Hong Kong.

Joanna will be retiring by 
rotation at the conclusion of 
the AGM and will not be 
available for re-election. The 
Board thanks Joanna for the 
contribution she has made 
to the Company since her 
appointment as non-executive 
director on 1 February 2017.

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)

Omar Kamal has more 
than 25 years’ international 
experience in banking, 
investment management, 
strategic advisory services and 
high-growth entrepreneurship. 
He has served at high-growth 
companies and multibillion-
dollar corporates in various 
executive capacities.

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, Crowdemotion, and 
Arab Bank Switzerland as 
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 
and a Board member of the 
London Stars Chapter in 
the UK. 

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 TransGlobe Energy and 
Bonheur. She is also a 
non-executive director of 
the BlackRock Energy and 
Resources Income Trust and 
serves on the Board of the 
Development Bank of Wales 
and The Football Association 
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.

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’)

C

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) (1998 to 2010) 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).

66 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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 the 
requirements of the South African Code of 
Corporate Practices and Conduct laid out in 
King IV. Tharisa also has a secondary 
standard listing of its depositary interests on 
the London Stock Exchange (‘LSE’) and is 
subject to the LSE Listing Rules and 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules applicable 
to a secondary standard listing. In addition, 
Tharisa listed on the A2X exchange in South 
Africa with effect from 6 February 2019. 
Tharisa’s primary listing on the JSE and 
secondary standard listing on the main 
board of the LSE remain unaffected by the 
secondary listing on A2X. The A2X is a 
licensed stock exchange authorised to 
provide a secondary listing venue for 
companies and is regulated by the South 
African Financial Sector Conduct Authority 
in terms of the Financial Markets Act 19 
of 2012. The listing on A2X provides an 
opportunity to improve liquidity and attract 
new investors through the lower trading 
costs offered by this trading platform. There 
are no additional regulatory requirements or 
ongoing obligations to comply with. 

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 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 are 
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 set 
out in King IV. The Company’s disclosure on 
its application of King IV principles is set out 
on pages 76 to 85. 

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 (CEO) 
Michael Jones (CFO)

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.

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. 

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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G
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Board of directors

Corporate governance

King IV™ application

Remuneration report

Directors’ report

Report of the Audit Committee

GENDER 

Male
8

80%

20%

Female
2

AGE
(%)

TENURE
(%)

20

30

Average: 
60 years

30

20

50

Average: 
4.5 years

30

20

(cid:81) 41 to 50 years
(cid:81) 51 to 60 years

(cid:81) 61 to 70 years
(cid:81) 71 to 80 years

(cid:81) 0 to 3 years
(cid:81) 3 to 5 years

(cid:81) 5 to 8 years

EXPERIENCE 

INDEPENDENCE
(%)

NATIONALITIES
(%)

10

50

30

30

30

10

20

10

10

(cid:81) Independent 

(cid:81) Executive
(cid:81) Non-executive  
  directors
* Includes a lead independent non-executive director

non-executive 
directors*

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. 

(cid:81) Cyprus
(cid:81) South Africa
(cid:81) Canada

(cid:81) Peoples Republic 

of China

(cid:81) United Kingdom
(cid:81) Jordan

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.

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. The 
Board will also pursue opportunities 
to increase the number of female and 

5

1

5

6

3

1

Mining and metallurgy

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

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. Whenever 
practically and commercially possible, the 
Board gives 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. The Board 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. 

 
68 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

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 and based on good 
communication. This approach has 
been 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 
Company Secretary, the Assistant Company 
Secretary 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 CEO. 
The Executive Chairman is responsible for 
ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of 
the Board and its committees, which 
includes:
(cid:3)• providing overall leadership to the Board, 
without limiting the principle of collective 
responsibility for Board decisions

(cid:3)• presiding over meetings of the Board and 

meetings of shareholders

(cid:3)• 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

(cid:3)• actively participating in the selection 
of Board members and overseeing a 
formal succession plan for the Board and 
certain senior management appointments

(cid:3)• encouraging collegiality among Board 

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

(cid:3)• 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 CEO
The Board’s authority conferred on 
management is delegated through the CEO 
and the authority and accountability of 
management is accordingly considered to be 
the authority and accountability of the CEO.

The CEO 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:
(cid:3)• recommending or appointing the 

executive members and ensuring proper 
succession planning and performance 
appraisals

(cid:3)• developing the Company’s strategy 
and vision for Board consideration 
and approval

(cid:3)• developing and recommending annual 

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

(cid:3)• monitoring and reporting to the Board on 
performance against and conforming 
with strategic imperatives

(cid:3)• ensuring that the Company has 

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

(cid:3)• ensuring that the assets of the Company 
are properly maintained and safeguarded 
and not unnecessarily placed at risk

(cid:3)• 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

(cid:3)• acting as the chief spokesperson of 

the Company.

The non-executive directors monitor and 
evaluate the CEO 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 CEO.

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 
CEO and leads the non-executive directors 
in the appraisal of the Executive Chairman 
and CEO. 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.

Role of the non-executive directors
The role of non-executive directors is to 
bring independent judgement and to 
challenge executive directors in a 
constructive manner, without becoming 
involved in the day-to-day running of 
the business. 

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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Board of directors

Corporate governance

King IV™ application

Remuneration report

Directors’ report

Report of the Audit Committee

G
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The key responsibilities of non-executive 
directors include oversight to the board on 
issues relating to:
(cid:3)• strategic direction, by providing an 

objective, informed and creative insight 
based on own experience, to act as a 
constructive critic in assessing the strategic 
objectives devised by the CEO and to 
ensure that the necessary financial and 
human resources are in place for the 
Company to meet its objectives

(cid:3)• monitoring performance of executive 

management with regard to the progress 
made towards achieving the Company’s 
strategy and objectives and, in doing so, 
playing an important role in key executive 
appointments, removals where necessary, 
and succession planning

(cid:3)• remuneration, through the work of 
the Remuneration Committee, by 
objectively and independently 
determining appropriate levels of 
remuneration of executive directors 

(cid:3)• risk and strategic risk in particular, 

through the work of the Risk Committee, 
by reviewing the risk philosophy, strategy 
and policies as recommended by 
executive management, ensuring 
compliance with such policies, and with 
the overall risk profile of the Company 
(cid:3)• integrity of financial information, through 
the work of the Audit Committee, by 
ensuring that the Company accounts 
properly to its shareholders by presenting 
a true and fair reflection of its actions and 
financial performance and that the 
necessary internal control systems are 
implemented and monitored on a regular 
basis

(cid:3)• standards of conduct.

Tharisa’s 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 
CEO 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 
typically involves 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 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. No new 

directors had been appointed during the 
financial year under review. 

In accordance with the Company’s Articles 
of Association, one-third of non-executive 
directors must retire from office at each 
AGM. Executive directors are not subject to 
retirement by rotation. The non-executive 
directors retiring at each AGM are 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. 
Omar Kamal, Carol Bell and Joanna Cheng 
will be retiring by rotation at the upcoming 
AGM. Both Omar and Carol will be available 
for re-election. Joanna will not be available 
for re-election. The Board thanks Joanna for 
the contribution she has made to the 
Company since her appointment as 
non-executive director on 1 February 2017. 
A brief curriculum vitae of each director 
standing for election or re-election appears 
on pages 64 and 65. 

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 Omar 
Kamal and Carol Bell be 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 receive notice and 
packs for committee meetings and are 
welcome to join meetings of Board 
committees of which they are not members. 
Terms of reference of the various 
committees are compliant with the 

70 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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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. 

The Company’s Board committees are constituted as follows:

Audit Committee 

Antonios Djakouris

Chairman

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 standing invitation

CFO
CEO 

COO
Group Executive: Legal 

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 committee’s 
members have the appropriate mix of 
qualifications and experience in order to 
fulfil their responsibilities appropriately. 
The Group’s independent external auditor, 
independent internal auditors, CFO and 
CEO 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 

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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.

The Audit Committee is satisfied as to 
the appropriateness of the expertise of 
Michael Jones, the CFO. The 
appropriateness of the expertise and 
experience of the CFO 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 
four 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. 
The Risk Committee 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 CEO 
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 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 once 
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 CEO and CFO 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, CEO, CFO and other members of 

the executive management of the Company 
and its subsidiaries, with reference to local 
and international benchmarks. As far as the 
remuneration of the Executive Chairman 
and the CEO is concerned, the committee 
considers and if appropriate, recommends 
the remuneration of the Executive Chairman 
and the CEO to the Board for final approval. 

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 86 to 93 of this Integrated 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 CEO and 
Chief Operating Officer attend the meeting 
by invitation.

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 

72 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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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, 
includes 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:
(cid:3)• upholding and respecting human 

rights

(cid:3)• fair labour practices, which include 
the freedom of association, right 
to collective bargaining and the 
elimination of forced labour, child 
labour and discrimination

(cid:3)• promotion of greater responsibility 

toward the environment

(cid:3)• prevention of bribery and corruption
(cid:3)• the Organisation for Economic 

Co-operation and Development’s 
recommendations regarding 
corruption

(cid:3)• the Equator Principles
(cid:3)• 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:
(cid:3)• 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

(cid:3)• the economy, by working towards 

economic transformation
(cid:3)• the prevention, detection and 

response to fraud and corruption
(cid:3)• society, by upholding public health 
and safety, consumer protection, 
community development and 
protection of human rights

(cid:3)• the environment, by ensuring the 

prevention of pollution, minimising 
waste disposal and protecting 
biodiversity.

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.

(iii)  Ethical leadership and ethical behaviour, 
by reviewing the Company’s Code of 
Ethics and making recommendations to 
the Board for approval, reviewing results 

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

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

Board

Audit 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remune-
ration 
Committee

Risk 
Committee

SHE 
Committee

Social and 
Ethics 
Committee

New 
Business 
Committee

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
2

4
–
4#
4#
4
4
4
4
–
3#
–

1
1
–
–
1
1
1#
–
–
1#
–

3
–
3#
3#
3
3
–
3
–
3
–

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
1

4
–
4#
1#
4
4
2#
4
–
4
–

1
–
1
–
1
1
1
1
–
–
–

5
3
5
5#
5
2#
2#
5
1#
5
–

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

# By invitation

Group Company Secretary
The role of the Group Company Secretary 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 her statutory duties, the 
Company Secretary provides 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.

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 acts as the Assistant 
Company Secretary and holds a Bachelor of 
Law 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 a company 
secretary and legal adviser to companies 
listed on the LSE and Cyprus Stock 
Exchange. 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. 

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

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, CEO, CFO, the Company 
Secretary 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 October 2019.

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.

Share dealing and insider trading
All directors of the Company and its major 
subsidiaries, senior executives, the Company 
Secretaries and employees and advisers 
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 pre-approved 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.

74 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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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 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 transactions 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.

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, as 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:
(cid:3)• act with honesty, integrity and fairness in 
all dealings, both internally and externally

(cid:3)• comply with all laws and regulations 

applicable to the Group

(cid:3)• comply with Group policies and 

procedures

(cid:3)• protect the health, safety and wellbeing 

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

(cid:3)• protect the environment by prudent use 
of resources such as water and energy 
and to limit waste disposal by recycling

(cid:3)• protect and not disclose Tharisa’s 

confidential information

(cid:3)• 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

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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 CEO and CFO, 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 South 
African and international conferences and 
conducts roadshows in South Africa and 
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.

(cid:3)• not give or accept gifts, gratuities, or 

hospitality from customers or suppliers of 
inappropriate value, that could incur 
obligations or that could influence 
judgement

(cid:3)• avoid any situations or relationships that 
could interfere with an individual’s ability 
to make decisions in Tharisa’s best 
interests

(cid:3)• 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 Tharisa’s equal 
employment opportunity policies.

Human Rights, modern slavery and 
human trafficking
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.

Modern slavery encapsulates slavery, 
servitude and forced or compulsory labour. 
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. 

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 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.

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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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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. 

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 
societies in which it operates.

2.  Organisational ethics

The governing body should govern 
the ethics of the organisation in a way 
that supports the establishment of 
an ethical culture

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 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:
(cid:3)• 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

(cid:3)• the economy, by working towards economic transformation
(cid:3)• the prevention, detection and response to fraud and corruption
(cid:3)• society, by upholding public health and safety, consumer protection, community 

development and protection of human rights and

(cid:3)• 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 CEO 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:
(cid:3)• developing the Company’s strategy and vision for Board consideration and 

approval

(cid:3)• developing and recommending annual business plans and budgets that support 

the Company’s long-term strategy to the Board

(cid:3)• monitoring and reporting to the Board on performance against and conformance 

with strategic imperatives

(cid:3)• 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 Integrated Annual Report. 
It is reviewed by the finance team, CFO, CEO, the 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:
(cid:3)• Adoption of any material change to or departure from the accounting policies 

and practices of the Company and its subsidiaries.

(cid:3)• 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 
are 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 Integrated 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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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, CEO and CFO, 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 high 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.

 
80 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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 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 non-executive 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 CEO and leads the non-executive directors in 
the appraisal of the Executive Chairman and CEO. 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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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 Integrated 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, CEO, CFO, 
Company Secretary 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 Company 
Secretary, coordinates the evaluation process.

CEO
The Board’s authority conferred on management is delegated through the CEO 
and the authority and accountability of management is accordingly considered to 
be the authority and accountability of the CEO. The CEO 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 CEO’s responsibilities relating to the development and 
implementation of the Group strategy, he is responsible for:
(cid:3)• recommending or appointing the executive members and ensuring proper 

succession planning and performance appraisals

(cid:3)• ensuring that the assets of the Company are properly maintained and 

safeguarded and not unnecessarily placed at risk

(cid:3)• 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

(cid:3)• acting as the chief spokesperson of the Company.

The CEO 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 CEO 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 CEO.

The Board and Nomination Committee oversee succession planning of the CEO 
and other senior executives and officers.

The roles of the Executive Chairman and the CEO are not fulfilled by the same 
person and there is a clear distinction between the roles and responsibilities of the 
Chairman and the CEO, 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.

Company Secretaries
The role of the 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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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 provide 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 dealing 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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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 Integrated Annual Report, and is 
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 provide 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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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 CEO and CFO, (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, Integrated 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.

 
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REPORT

The Remuneration Committee 
has engaged a global consulting 
firm to assess the Group’s 
existing executive remuneration 
structure and long-term 
incentive scheme and to assist 
the Committee in designing 
long-term incentive programmes 
that adequately motivate and 
retain key employees, while 
strengthening the relationship 
between rewards and employee 
performance, in line with best 
practice.

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, CEO, CFO 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 macroeconomic 

climate and the Group’s business 
objectives, among others:
(cid:3)• inflation
(cid:3)• commodity prices
(cid:3)• bargaining unit negotiations and 

settlements in the industry 

(cid:3)• production
(cid:3)• position on the cost curve
(cid:3)• profitability and cash flows
(cid:3)• skills availability and retention
(cid:3)• 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
(cid:3)• reviewed various aspects of the Group’s 
remuneration policy, structure, and 
performance-based remuneration 
schemes

(cid:3)• 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 and approved annual increases 
for all employment levels outside of 
the bargaining unit

(cid:3)• reviewed and approved targets for 

the cash bonus scheme

(cid:3)• reviewed and approved the vesting 
conditions for the awards made in 
terms of the Group’s long-term 
incentive scheme

(cid:3)• 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. At the AGM held on 23 January 
2019, the resolutions to approve the 
Group remuneration policy and the 
remuneration implementation report were 
passed, with both resolutions receiving 
89.9% support. The Remuneration 
Committee and the Board were grateful 
for this strong level of support from 
shareholders. During the financial year, 
the committee considered the views 
expressed by those shareholders who 
voted against the resolutions, recognising 
the varying expectations of investors 
based in different markets. As part of 
this process, independent advisory firm 

Korn Ferry was engaged to review the 
remuneration policy, with a particular 
focus on the extent of compliance with 
market practice for UK-listed companies, 
taking into account the views of 
institutional investors and proxy advisers. 
The review included a detailed assessment 
of the current long-term incentive scheme 
and identified a number of areas where 
amendments could be made to ensure 
the scheme is fully aligned with good 
practice in the markets in which Tharisa 
operates and is listed.

Following consideration of the findings of 
the review by the Remuneration 
Committee and the Board, Korn Ferry has 
been engaged to assist with the design of 
a new long-term incentive arrangement 
which supports Tharisa’s strategic 
objectives while reflecting the 
expectations of leading institutional 
investors. This project is ongoing and we 
expect to consult with major shareholders 
on any resulting proposals during the 
course of the financial year. Full details of 
our final conclusions and any related 
changes to the remuneration policy will 
be included in next year’s annual report.

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 2018 Integrated Annual 
Report, received the support of 89.94% 
of votes exercised at the AGM held on 
23 January 2019. Shareholders are 
thanked for their continued support of 
the Group remuneration policy. 
Shareholders’ contributions on the 
remuneration policy, including high level 
interactions on an individual basis with 

 
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some of the major shareholders, 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 
29 January 2020. 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:
(cid:3)• a fixed basic annual package, including 

benefits 

(cid:3)• variable performance bonuses
(cid:3)• 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 51% of Tharisa Minerals’ eligible 
employees are members of the 
Association of Mineworkers and 
Construction Union of South Africa 
(‘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 allowances are negotiated 
on a collective basis.

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 skills.

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 to reward superior 
performance, drive a culture of cost 
efficiency, and enhance teamwork and 
productivity.

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 

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of employment. The bonus formulae 
include a number of factors, with varying 
weighting, among others:
(cid:3)• 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 

(cid:3)• 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

(cid:3)• the key performance indicator (‘KPI’) 
factor, which is dependent on the 
individual’s performance assessment for 
the applicable bonus period

(cid:3)• 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

(cid:3)• 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: 
(cid:3)• the executive’s KPI factor 
(cid:3)• 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.

A new bonus scheme was implemented 
at the Tharisa Mine during 2019, 
applicable to employees working in 
various mining disciplines (drilling, 
blasting, loading and hauling, and 
engineering). The main purpose for 
establishing this new scheme was to pay 
bonuses based on individualised targets 
and performance, rather than on generic 
principles. This has a positive impact on 
individual performance. The bonuses are 
paid weekly and bonus calculations are 
based on individual performance per shift 
or per day, ensuring that employees are 
motivated to perform on a daily basis. 

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:
(cid:3)• to act as a retention tool
(cid:3)• to incentivise selected employees within 
the Group by rewarding the long-term 
sustained performance required for 
the ongoing performance and growth 
of the Group

(cid:3)• 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:
(cid:3)• 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 
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

(cid:3)• continued employment in good 

standing

(cid:3)• the achievement of certain PGM and 

chrome concentrate production metrics 

(cid:3)• the achievement of the individual key 

performance metrics set for the 
individual participant 

(cid:3)• 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:
(cid:3)• Conditional Awards represent 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.
(cid:3)• 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 

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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 prorated 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 
issued 5 000 000 new ordinary shares 
into the treasury share account and 
transferred 5 707 893 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, 
266 610 322 shares have voting rights 
and 3 389 678 were held in treasury 
at 30 September 2019.

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 
CEO and CFO 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.

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 AGMs 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.

Following a benchmarking exercise comparing the Company’s non-executive directors’ fees with those of mid-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 2020 financial 
year as follows:

US$

Annual fee
Committee chairman
Committee member

No changes to the remuneration policy are proposed. 

FY2020

FY2019

42 500
25 000
18 000

42 500
25 000
18 000

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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: 
(cid:3)• 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. 

(cid:3)• 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. 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:
(cid:3)• 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. 

(cid:3)• 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:
(cid:3)• 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. 

(cid:3)• 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, and the third 
tranche of the Conditional Awards vested 
on 30 June 2019. All the tranches of the 
2016 award have now vested.

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:
(cid:3)• 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. 

(cid:3)• 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, 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 2018 and 
30 June 2019 respectively. 

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2018 award
The fifth awards under the Share Award Plan were made on 30 June 2018, comprising both Conditional Awards and Appreciation 
Rights. The vesting of these awards is subject to:
(cid:3)• 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

(cid:3)• 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 determined that only 50% of the first tranches of both the Conditional Awards and Appreciation 
Rights vested on 30 June 2019. The remaining 50% was forfeited as a consequence of the production and EBITDA metrics not 
having been met.

The Remuneration Committee will consider further awards on an annual basis in terms of the approved Share Award Plan.

Executive directors’ remuneration 

US$’000

L Pouroulis 
P Pouroulis
M Jones

Provident 
fund 
contributions 
and risk 
benefits

Basic 
salary

Expense 
allowance

Share-based 
payments

Bonus 
paid

717
476
397

–
8
–

–
41
35

472
395
311

89
73
57

Total 
2019

1 278
993
800

Total 
2018

1 278
1 135
976

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 
2019

Total 
2018

JD Salter
A Djakouris
OM Kamal
C Bell
J Ka Ki Cheng
RO Davey
ZL Hong

43
43
43
43
43
43
43

18
25
18
18
–
–
–

25
18
–
–
–
–
–

18
25
–
18
–
18
–

25
18
–
18
–
18
–

[48]
–
–
–
–
–
–

177
129
61
97
43
79
43

182
129
61
97
43
79
21

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 FY2019 nor were any payments made to any former directors.

92 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

REMUNERATION 
REPORT CONTINUED

Executive directors’ interests in the Tharisa Share Award Plan
Conditional awards

As at 30 September 2019

Opening 
balance of 
unvested 
awards

Market 
value at 
date of 
award 

ZAR Allocated

Value at
date of 
award 
ZAR

Director and offer date

L Pouroulis 
30 June 2016
30 June 2017
30 June 2018
30 June 2019

Total

P Pouroulis 
30 June 2016
30 June 2017
30 June 2018
30 June 2019

Total

M Jones
30 June 2016
30 June 2017
30 June 2018
30 June 2019

Total

134 102
214 392
264 138
– 

612 632

111 751
188 588
239 592
– 

539 931

100 576
158 808
193 476
– 

452 860

10.14
17.53
17.96
– 

10.14
17.53
17.96
– 

10.14
17.53
17.96
– 

325 530

325 530

20.08

359 568

359 568

20.08

196 164

196 164

20.08

Vesting 
price 
ZAR

Forfeited

Total 
unvested

21.75
21.75
21.75
– 

21.75
21.75
21.75
 –

21.75
21.75
21.75
– 

–
107 196
176 092
325 530

44 023
– 

44 023

608 818

–
94 294
159 728
359 568

39 932
– 

39 932

613 590

–
79 404
128 984
196 164

32 246
– 

32 246

404 552

Vested

134 102
107 196
44 023
– 

285 321

111 751
94 294
39 932
– 

245 977

100 576
79 404
32 246
 –

212 226

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Appreciation rights

Director and offer date

Unvested 
balance

Market 
value at 
date of 
award 

ZAR Allocated

Value at
date of 
award 

As at 30 September 2019

Total 
vested 
but not 

Vested Exercised

exercised Forfeited

Lapsed

Total 
unvested

L Pouroulis 
9 April 2014
30 June 2015
30 June 2016
30 June 2017
30 June 2018
30 June 2019

Total

P Pouroulis 
9 April 2014
30 June 2015
30 June 2016
30 June 2017
30 June 2018
30 June 2019

Total

M Jones
9 April 2014
30 June 2015
30 June 2016
30 June 2017
30 June 2018
30 June 2019

Total

38.00
6.44
10.14
17.53
17.96
– 

38.00
6.44
10.14
17.53
17.96
– 

38.00
6.44
10.14
17.53
17.96
– 

160 794
264 138
– 

424 932

141 441
239 592
– 

381 033

119 106
193 476
 –

312 582

325 530

325 530

20.08

359 568

359 568

20.08

196 164

196 164

20.08

160 794
66 035
– 

226 829

141 441
59 898
– 

201 339

119 106
48 369
– 

167 475

80 526

79 192
402 306
321 588
66 035
– 

66 034
– 

132 069
325 530

869 121

66 034

80 526

457 599

67 105

65 993
335 255
282 882
59 898
– 

59 898
– 

119 796
359 568

– 

744 028

59 898

67 105

479 364

60 394

59 394
301 730
238 212
48 369
– 

48 369
– 

96 738
196 164

– 

647 705

48 369

60 394

292 902

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
94 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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 2019.

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 
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 98 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 2 cents per share was 
proposed by the Board on 27 November 
2018, approved by shareholders on 
23 January 2019 and paid on 
27 February 2019.

The following dividends were declared 
in respect of the year ended 
30 September 2019:
(cid:3)• An interim dividend of US 0.5 cent per 

share was declared by the Board 
on 14 May 2019 and paid on 
19 June 2019.

(cid:3)• A final ordinary dividend of 

US 0.25 cent per share was proposed 
by the Board on 26 November 2019, 
and is subject to shareholder approval 
at the AGM.

The total dividend for FY2019 is therefore 
US 0.75 cent per share, equating to 
23.7% of its consolidated net profit after 
tax (2018: US 4 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 8 August 2019, the Company issued 
5 000 000 shares in treasury shares. 
Of the 270 000 000 shares in issue at 
8 August 2019, 5 989 654 shares were 
in treasury to satisfy the Company’s 
obligations relating to the vesting of 
the Conditional Awards of the Tharisa 
Share Award Plan (‘TSAP’) on 30 June 
2019 and to make provision for the 
potential requirement to allot shares on 
participants in the TSAP exercising vested 
Appreciation Rights, and 264 010 346 
had voting rights. 

During the financial year, the Company 
transferred 5 707 893 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, 266 610 322 shares had 
voting rights and 3 389 678 were
held in treasury at 30 September 2019. 
At 30 September 2019, the issued and 
fully paid ordinary share comprised
270 000 000 ordinary shares.

Main risks
The main financial risks faced by the 
Group are disclosed in notes 3 and 33 of 
the consolidated annual financial 
statements which are available on the 
Company’s website, www.tharisa.com.

Future developments
During FY2018, 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. 
Tharisa is on track to achieve its Vision 
2020 targets of 2 Mt chrome concentrate 
and 200 koz of PGMs on an annualised 
basis by the end of calendar year 2020. 
Tharisa’s FY2020 production guidance is 
155 koz to 165 koz PGMs (6E basis) and 
1.45 Mt to 1.55 Mt of chrome 
concentrates.

Branches
The Group did not operate any 
branches during the financial year ended 
30 September 2019.

Members of the Board of Directors
The members of the Board as at 
30 September 2019 and at the date 
of this report are:
(cid:3)• Loucas Christos Pouroulis (Executive 

Chairman)

(cid:3)• Phoevos Pouroulis (CEO)
(cid:3)• Michael Gifford Jones (CFO)
(cid:3)• John David Salter (Lead Independent 

non-executive director)

(cid:3)• Antonios Djakouris (independent 

non-executive director)

(cid:3)• Omar Marwan Kamal (independent 

non-executive director)

(cid:3)• Carol Bell (independent non-executive 

director)

(cid:3)• Joanna Ka Ki Cheng (non-executive 

director)

(cid:3)• Roger Owen Davey (independent 

non-executive director)

(cid:3)• Zhong Liang Hong (non-executive 

director)

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Biographical details of the members 
of the Board appear in the Board of 
Directors section of the Integrated 
Annual Report, which is available at 
www.tharisa.com.

Events after the reporting period
Events after the reporting period are 
disclosed in note 38 of the consolidated 
financial statements, which are available 
on the Company’s website.

There has been no change in the 
allocation of responsibilities and the 
composition of the Board between 
30 September 2018 and 30 September 
2019.

Group Company Secretary
Sanet Findlay serves as the Company 
Secretary and Lysandros Lysandrides as 
the Assistant Company Secretary. 

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 has expressed its willingness to 
continue in office and its reappointment 
will be proposed at the AGM.

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:

On behalf of the Board

Phoevos Pouroulis
Michael Jones
Cyprus

26 November 2019

Sanet Findlay
2nd Floor, The Crossing
372 Main Road
Bryanston, 2191
South Africa

Lysandros Lysandrides
26 Vyronos Avenue
1096, Nicosia
Cyprus

96 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

REPORT OF THE 
AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee is pleased to present its report for the 2019 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 
integrated 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 integrated 
annual report, reporting process and 
governance and financial information 
included in the integrated annual report 
for accuracy and recommended to the 
Board that the annual financial 
statements and the financial information 
included in the integrated annual report 
be approved. 

External audit
During the year under review, 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. All non-audit 
services provided by the external auditor 
are preapproved 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:
(cid:3)• 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’)

(cid:3)• The most recent Association of 

Chartered Certified Accountants 
(‘ACCA’) and Institute of Certified 
Public Accountants of Cyprus (‘ICPAC’) 
inspection report of EY Cyprus as a firm 
(ISQC1 inspection) which also includes 
the engagement review inspection
(cid:3)• A summary of the outcome of the 

engagement partner’s latest internal 
quality review

(cid:3)• A copy of the EY Cyprus 2018 

Transparency Report which contains 
the ISQC1 information as specified by 
the JSE

(cid:3)• 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

(cid:3)• A summary of legal and disciplinary 
proceedings against EY Cyprus, 
which were concluded within the 
past seven years.

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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 29 January 2020.

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 external consultants 
for more specialised work, and findings 
are reported to the committee. This 
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 FY2020 budget for 
approval by the Board.

Dividend
The committee reviewed and 
recommended the interim and final 
dividend proposals for approval by 
the Board.

facing the Group were being 
appropriately addressed. To this end, 
the Audit Committee examined and 
encouraged the cooperation between 
the internal and external auditors. 

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, 
and the internal audit plan for FY2020. 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 

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:
(cid:3)• the annual financial statements for 
the year ended 30 September 2019
(cid:3)• the integrated annual report for the 
year ended 30 September 2019 and

(cid:3)• the notice of the annual general 

meeting to be held on 29 January 
2020.

For more information on the composition 
and responsibilities of the Audit 
Committee, please refer to page 70.

A Djakouris
Chairman of the Audit Committee

26 November 2019

98 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW

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99

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

INTEGRATED CO-PRODUCER OF PGM  
AND CHROME CONCENTRATES

7 FINANCIAL REVIEW

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements
Notes to the annual financial statements

98 – 137

100
106

8 SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

138 – 159

Investor relations report
Notice of annual general meeting
Glossary
Form of proxy
Corporate information

138
140
150
157
159

 
100 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Preparation and approval of condensed consolidated financial statements

The condensed consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2019 have been extracted from the audited 
financial statements of the Group, but have not been audited. The auditor’s report on the audited 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 financial statements and full audit report.

These condensed consolidated financial statements and the audited 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 consolidated 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 consolidated annual financial statements have been approved by the Board on 26 November 2019.

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101

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Condensed consolidated statement of profit or loss and other 
comprehensive income
for the year ended 30 September 2019

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)

The notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 Notes

5
6

7

8

9

9

 2019
US$’000 

342 885 
(282 461)

60 424 
687 
354 
(37 252)

24 213 
1 437 
(8 812)
312 
(4 343)
(1 652)

11 155 
(2 779)

8 376 

(13 985)

(13 985)

(5 609)

10 616
(2 240)

8 376 

1 835
(7 444)

(5 609)

4 

4 

 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 

 
102 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position
as at 30 September 2019

Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Investment accounted for using the equity method
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

 2019
US$’000 

 2018
US$’000 

10

11
12
13

14
15

12

16

17
17
17
17

17

18
19
13

19

20

263 980 
750 
8 781
6 080
1 013 

280 604

36 334 
73 857 
1 039 
1 390 
926 
59 201 

172 747 

453 351

285 193 
47 245 
(88 985)
79 318

322 771 
(33 982)

288 789 

13 101 
19 903 
25 984 

58 988 

51 313 
2 384 
60 
50 778 
1 039 

105 574 

164 562 

453 351 

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 

157 590 

455 924 

The consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 26 November 2019.

Phoevos Pouroulis
Director

Michael Jones
Director

The notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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103

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 30 September 2019

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share 
capital
US$’000

Share 
premium
US$’000

Other 
reserve
US$’000

Note

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
US$’000

Retained 
earnings
US$’000

Total
US$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest
US$’000

Total 
equity
US$’000

260

280 082

47 245

(73 561)

42 862 

296 888 

(25 057)

271 831 

–

–

–

–
1

–

–

1

1

–

–

–

–
463

–

–

463

463

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

26
17

13

– 

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)
– 

(18 214)
464 

3 638 

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 

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

The notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
104 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share 
capital
US$’000

Share 
premium
US$’000

Other 
reserve
US$’000

Note

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
US$’000

Retained 
earnings
US$’000

Total
US$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest
US$’000

Total 
equity
US$’000

261

280 545

47 245

(80 204)

77 025 

324 872 

(26 538)

298 334 

–

–

–

–
6

–

–

6

6

–

–

–

–
4 381

–

–

4 381

4 381

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

26
17

13

– 

10 616

10 616

(2 240)

8 376

(8 781)

– 

(8 781)

(5 204)

(13 985)

(8 781)

10 616 

1 835

(7 444)

(5 609)

– 
– 

– 

–

– 

– 

(6 594)
– 

(6 594)
4 387 

(859)

(870)

(859)

(870)

(8 323)

(3 936)

(8 323)

(3 936)

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(6 594)
4 387 

(859)

(870)

(3 936)

(3 936)

267

284 926

47 245

(88 985)

79 318

322 771

(33 982)

288 789 

Balance at 1 October 
2018

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 
2019

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 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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105

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

 Notes

 2019
US$’000 

 2018
US$’000 

8 376 

50 972 

10
7

11
14
10

10

11

19
19
19
19
26

16

27 236 
33 
– 
1 652 
114 
4 141 
(312)
4 343 
(354)
(1 437)
8 812 
2 779 
3 583 

58 996 

(15 207)
8 607 
21 734 
250 

74 350 
(4 408)

69 942 

1 333 
(43 881)
– 
403 
(7 995)
(2 277)
– 

(52 417)

(14 347)
28 476 
(19 024)
(6 647)
(6 594)
(4 665)

(22 801)

(5 276)
66 791 
(2 314)

59 201 

29 858 
37 
(1 884)
62 
117 
3 897 
(1 262)
(155)
(852)
(1 279)
10 189 
14 011 
4 019 

107 730 

(2 456)
(18 639)
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 

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 30 September 2019

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 and net realisable value write down of 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
Net foreign exchange gain
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 (payment of)/proceeds from bank credit facilities
Advances received
Repayment of borrowings
Lease payments
Dividends 
Interest paid

Net cash flows used in financing activities

Net (decrease)/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

The notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
106 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 September 2019

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 2019 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 and a secondary listing on the A2X Exchange in 
South Africa.

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 2018. These condensed consolidated financial 
statements do not include all the information required for full consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’). The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in 
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2019, 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 2019.

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 2019.

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.

Standards and interpretations adopted in the current year
The Group early adopted IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and IFRS 16 Leases 
with effect from 1 October 2017 and the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2018 were 
prepared in accordance with these standards.

The Group has adopted the following new and/or revised standards and interpretations which became effective for the year 
ended 30 September 2019:

IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transaction and Advance Consideration
IFRS 2 Classification and Measurement of Share-Based Payment Transactions (Amendment)

Standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective
A number of standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued but are not yet effective for annual 
periods beginning on 1 October 2018. Other than IFRS 16 Leases, the Group has elected not to early adopt any of these 
standards, amendments to standards and interpretations. Those that are relevant to the Group are presented below.

IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatment (effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019)
IAS 23 Borrowing Costs (Amendment) (effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019
IFRS 3 Business Combinations (Amendment) (effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020
IAS 1 and IAS 8 Definition of material (Amendment) effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020)

The Group will adopt these standards and interpretations as they become effective.

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107

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

3.

4.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with 
those applied in the preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2019.

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:
(cid:3)• PGM segment.
(cid:3)• Chrome segment.
(cid:3)• 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.

2019
Revenue

Cost of sales
   Manufacturing costs
   Selling costs
   Freight services

Gross profit

2018
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

130 064 

177 881 

34 940 

342 885 

(100 735)
(899)
– 

(101 634)

28 430 

(88 861)
(41 302)
(17 910)

(148 073)

29 808 

(17 061)
(10 012)
(5 681)

(32 754)

2 186 

(206 657)
(52 213)
(23 591)

(282 461)

60 424 

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 

 
108 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

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 2019, 
the relative sales value of PGM concentrate increased compared to the relative sales value of chrome concentrates and 
consequently the allocation basis of shared costs was amended to 55.0% for PGM concentrate and 45.0% for chrome 
concentrates. Shared costs were allocated equally in the comparative year.

Cost of sales includes a charge for the write off/impairment of property, plant and equipment totalling US$4.1 million 
(2018: US$3.6 million) which mainly relates to mining equipment. The write off/impairment has been allocated to the PGM 
and chrome segments in accordance with the allocation basis of shared costs as described in the preceding paragraph.

Geographical information
The following table sets out information about the geographical location of: 
(cid:3)• the Group’s revenue from external customers and 
(cid:3)• 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

2019
South Africa
China
Singapore
Hong Kong
Other countries

2018
South Africa
China
Singapore
Hong Kong
Other countries

 PGM
US$’000 

Chrome
US$’000

Agency and 
trading
US$’000

130 064 
– 
– 
– 
– 

130 064 

40 320 
53 070 
10 046 
67 106 
7 339 

177 881 

 PGM
US$’000 

Chrome
US$’000

695 
3 558 
30 182 
– 
505 

34 940 

Agency and 
trading
US$’000

117 381 
– 
– 
– 
– 

117 381 

62 464 
86 866 
10 942 
89 733 
346 

250 351 

969 
9 894 
17 088 
9 453 
1 132 

38 536 

Total
US$’000

171 079 
56 628 
40 228 
67 106 
7 844 

342 885 

Total
US$’000

180 814 
96 760 
28 030 
99 186 
1 478 

406 268 

Revenue represents the sales 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.

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109

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

4.

OPERATING SEGMENTS continued
Revenue from external customers continued

2019

2018

Segment

US$’000

Segment

Customer 1
Customer 2
Customer 3

Customer 4

Specified non-current assets
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Cyprus

PGM
Chrome
Chrome

Chrome

110 209 
42 582 
41 858 

39 769

PGM
Chrome
Chrome

Chrome

2019
US$’000

264 627 
8 781
103 

273 511

7

US$’000

101 560 
62 583 
46 186 

24 372

2108
US$’000

264 933 
4 438 
73 

269 444 

Non-current assets includes property, plant and equipment, goodwill and the investment accounted for using the equity 
method.

5.

REVENUE

2019
Revenue recognised at a point in time
   Variable revenue based on initial results
   Quantity adjustments
   Revenue based on fixed selling prices
Revenue recognised over time
   Freight services

Revenue from contracts with customers
   Fair value adjustments

Total revenue

2018
Revenue recognised at a point in time
   Variable revenue based on initial results
   Quantity adjustments
   Revenue based on fixed selling prices
Revenue recognised over time
   Freight services

Revenue from contracts with customers
   Fair value adjustments

Total revenue

 PGM
US$’000 

Chrome
US$’000

Agency and 
trading
US$’000

Total
US$’000

118 188 
1 788 
– 

– 

119 976 
10 088 

130 064 

110 619 
254 
– 

– 

110 873 
6 508 

117 381 

118 604 
1 048 
40 319 

17 910 

177 881 
– 

177 881 

169 092 
(1 041)
62 464 

19 836 

250 351 
– 

250 351 

28 891 
64 
304 

5 681 

34 940 
– 

34 940 

33 957 
42 
915 

3 622 

38 536 
– 

38 536 

265 683 
2 900 
40 623 

23 591 

332 797 
10 088 

342 885 

313 668 
(745)
63 379 

23 458 

399 760 
6 508 

406 268 

During the year ended 30 September 2019, revenue from freight services of US$2.2 million was recognised which was 
classified as a contract liability at 30 September 2018.

 
 
110 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

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

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

(29 352)
28 957 

(395)

(45 805)
45 618 

(187)

(28 994)
30 823 

1 829 

(41 197)
41 177 

(20)

The period ended 30 September 2019 includes PGM revenue of US$39.9 million and chrome revenue of US$37.7 million 
that was based on provisional results as final prices and surveys were not yet available at the date of this report.

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

* Not related to mining activities.

2019
US$’000

109 526 
13 906 
11 586 
640 
12 335 
4 267 
5 168 
3 067 
4 267 
26 420 
22 391 
4 141 
(11 057)

206 657 
52 213 
23 591 

282 461 

2018
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 

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111

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

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
Research and development
Security
Telecommunications and IT-related
Training
Travelling and accommodation
Sundry

Number of employees

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

629 
15 234 
1 518 

1 836 

19 217 
353 
6 
2 678 
198 
816 
759 
3 583 
60 
180 
1 132 
– 
743 
600 
33 
985 
351 
1 443 
2 331 
505 
702 
577 

37 252 

2019

1 872 

612 
15 459 
3 262 

1 707 

21 040 
490 
90 
2 376 
157 
850 
701 
4 019 
206 
461 
1 019 
267 
697 
634 
37 
1 296 
235 
1 776 
1 374 
504 
410 
593 

39 232 

2018

1 758 

*  Other services paid to the former external auditor relates to tax and accounting services as approved by the Audit Committee.

 
112 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

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

Reconciliation between tax charge and accounting profit at applicable tax rates:
Profit before tax
Add share of loss of investment accounted for using the equity method

Tharisa plc and subsidiary companies’ profit before tax

Notional tax on profit before tax, calculated at the Cypriot income tax rate of 12.5% 
(2018: 12.5%)

Tax effects of:
   Different tax rates from the standard Cypriot income tax rate
Tax exempt income
   Gain on bargain purchase
   Interest received
Non-deductible expenses
   Investment related
   Interest paid
   Capital expenses
   Other
Recognition of deemed interest income for tax purposes

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

1 243 
1 488 

2 731 
3 

45 
– 

2 779 

11 155 
1 652 

12 807 

2 913 
3 002 

5 915 
5 

7 933 
158 

14 011 

64 983 
62 

65 045 

1 601 

8 131 

860 

4 978 

– 
(2)

146 
8 
76 
13 
77 

(230)
(12)

856 
5 
63 
152 
68 

Tax charge

2 779 

14 011 

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 2019 was 24.9% (2018: 21.6%).

At 30 September 2019, the Group’s unredeemed capital balance available for offset against future mining taxable income in 
South Africa amounted to US$100.2 million (2018: US$111.1 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.

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113

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

9.

EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Basic and diluted earnings per share
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share and headline and diluted headline per share have been based on the 
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. 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)

Headline and diluted headline earnings per share
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)

Reconciliation of profit to headline earnings

2019

2018

10 616 

48 433 

263 131 

264 877 

260 329 

264 531 

4 

4 

19 

18 

2019

2018

12 840 

49 134 

263 131 

260 329 

264 877 

264 531 

5 

5 

19 

19 

Profit attributable to ordinary 
shareholders
Adjustments:
   Gain on bargain purchase
    Impairment of property, plant and 

equipment

    Loss on disposal of property, plant 

and equipment

Headline earnings

Gross
US$’000

Tax
US$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest
US$’000

2018
Net
US$’000

2018
Net
US$’000

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

10 616 

48 433 

– 

(1 394)

4 140 

(1 159)

(775)

2 206 

2 076 

33 

(9)

(6)

18 

19 

12 840 

49 134 

 
114 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

10.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

30 September 2019

Cost
Balance at 30 September 2018
Additions
Lease agreements entered into
Transfers
Disposals
Re–measurement
Impairment and write offs
Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2019

Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 30 September 2018
Charge for the year
Transfers
Disposals
Impairment
Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2019

Freehold 
land and 
buildings
US$’000

Mining 
assets and 
infrastructure
US$’000

Mining 
fleet
US$’000

Right-of-use 
asset: mining 
fleet
US$’000

14 861 
918 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(1 048)

14 731 

740 
185 
– 
– 
– 
(60)

865 

276 345 
12 620 
– 
3 528 
(86)
407 
(26)
(19 442)

273 346 

72 390 
12 691 
– 
(39)
(16)
(5 543)

79 483 

36 872 
27 474 
– 
1 622 
(1 278)
– 
(2 781)
(3 824)

58 085 

8 274 
8 763 
682 
(889)
955 
(1 066)

16 719 

14 182 
– 
5 854 
(1 622)
– 
2 
(733)
(1 140)

16 543 

2 732 
3 273 
(682)
– 
(346)
(303)

4 674 

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115

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

Office 
equipment and 
furniture, 
community 
and 
site office 
improvements 
US$’000

Computer 
equipment 
and 
software 
US$’000

Right-of-use 
asset: 
buildings 
US$’000

7 223 
2 061 
– 
(3 528)
(2)
– 
(26)
(390)

5 338 

3 340 
1 732 
1 
(2)
(25)
(305)

4 741 

771 
93 
– 
– 
(3)
– 
(7)
(47)

807 

541 
86 
– 
(3)
(5)
(33)

586 

2 296 
– 
70 
– 
– 
– 
(77)
(181)

2 108 

532 
421 
– 
– 
(72)
(85)

796 

Motor 
vehicles 
US$’000

651 
715 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(82)

1 284 

341 
85 
(1)
– 
– 
(27)

398 

Total
US$’000

353 201 
43 881 
5 924 
– 
(1 369)
409 
(3 650)
(26 154)

372 242 

88 890 
27 236 
– 
(933)
491 
(7 422)

108 262 

 
116 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

10.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT continued

30 September 2018

Cost
Balance at 1 October 2017
Additions
Business combination
Transfers
Disposals
Impairment
Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2018

Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 1 October 2017
Charge for the year
Transfers
Disposals
Impairment
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

15 354 
150 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(643)

14 861 

592 
188 
– 
– 
– 
(40)

740 

266 019 
21 429 
1 886 
– 
– 
(266)
(12 723)

276 345 

59 337 
16 761 
– 
– 
– 
(3 708)

72 390 

7 030 
16 473 
21 466 
(2 203)
(145)
(2 539)
(3 210)

36 872 

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 

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117

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

Office 
equipment and 
furniture, 
community 
and 
site office 
improvements 
US$’000

Computer 
equipment 
and 
software 
US$’000

Motor 
vehicles 
US$’000

Right-of-use 
asset: 
buildings 
US$’000

Leasehold
improvements
US$’000

594 
88 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(31)

651 

289 
69 
– 
– 
– 
(17)

341 

5 542 
2 167 
– 
(15)
(97)
(1)
(373)

7 223 

1 914 
1 712 
(6)
(87)
– 
(193)

3 340 

796 
147 
– 
(114)
(29)
– 
(29)

771 

518 
93 
(23)
(28)
– 
(19)

541 

1 503 
791 
– 
129 
– 
– 
(127)

2 296 

164 
372 
29 
– 
– 
(33)

532 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

Total
US$’000

296 838 
48 155 
29 879 
– 
(271)
(2 965)
(18 435)

353 201 

63 113 
29 858 
– 
(115)
932 
(4 898)

88 890 

 
118 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

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

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

13 866 
193 863 
41 366 
11 869 
886 
597 
221 
1 312 

263 980 

14 121 
203 955 
28 598 
11 450 
310 
3 883 
230 
1 764 

264 311 

Included in additions to mining assets and infrastructure are additions to the deferred stripping asset of US$0.2 million 
(2018: US$1.3 million).

The estimated economically recoverable proved and probable mineral reserve was reassessed at 1 October 2018 which gave 
rise to a change in accounting estimate. The remaining reserve that management had previously assessed was 97.0 Mt 
(at 1 October 2017) and at 1 October 2018 was assessed to be 92.9 Mt.

As a result, and taking into account depletion of the reserve during the year ended 30 September 2018 (4.9 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$0.1 million. The change in estimate was recognised prospectively.

Included in mining assets and infrastructure are projects under construction of US$14.8 million (2018: US$20.5 million).

Freehold land and buildings comprise 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 2019, the Group’s capital commitments for contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment 
amounted to US$17.9 million (2018: US$6.0 million).

Securities
At 30 September 2019, the majority of the Group’s mining fleet was pledged as security against the equipment loan facility.

Impairment
During the year ended 30 September 2019, the Group impaired and scrapped individual assets totalling US$4.1 million  
(2018: US$3.9 million). The impairment during year relates to yellow fleet equipment identified as no longer fit for use  
and premature component failures.

The impairment during the previous year relates to costs that were capitalised to the construction of a plant and to yellow 
fleet equipment identified as no longer fit for use. The Group decided not to proceed with the construction of the plant.

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119

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

11.

INVESTMENT ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD
During the year ended 30 September 2018, 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 functional and presentation currency of Karo Holdings and its 
subsidiaries is the US dollar. The table below details Karo Holdings’ interest in subsidiaries as at 30 September 2019 and 
30 September 2018.

Company name

Karo Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited
Karo Platinum (Private) Limited*
Karo Coal Mines (Private) Limited**
Karo Power Generation (Private) Limited**

Karo Refinery (Private) Limited**

Effective 
interest

100%
100%
100%
100%

100%

Country of 
incorporation 
and principal 
place of business

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Principal 
activity

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 is required to be transferred to an investment 

entity owned by the Republic of Zimbabwe, the communities and employees.

**  In terms of the Investment Project Framework Agreement, 25% of the shareholding in this company is required to be transferred to an investment 

entity owned by the Republic of Zimbabwe, the communities and employees.

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. 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
Loan receivable
Share of total comprehensive loss

Total share of comprehensive loss from joint venture

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

4 438 
– 
5 995
(1 652)

8 781 

(1 652)

– 
4 500 
–
(62)

4 438 

(62)

 
120 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

11.

INVESTMENT ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD continued

Summarised consolidated financial information of Karo Holdings

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

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
Opening carrying amount
Group’s share of net deficit (26.8%)
Loan receivable
Purchase consideration

Carrying amount

574 
27 
(5 995)
(1 000)

(6 394)

(6 106)
(60)

(6 166)

4 438 
(1 652)
5 995
– 

8 781 

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. At 30 September 2019, US$6.0 million had been advanced to 
Karo Holdings. The loan is unsecured, subordinated in favour of other creditors and no fixed repayment terms exist.

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

Prepaid investment in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

Fair value 
hierarchy

Level 2

6 080 

5 012 

Level 1
Level 2
Amortised 
cost

23 
– 

1 367 

1 390 

40  
804 

142 

986 

 
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121

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

12.

OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS continued
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$4.8 million (2018: US$3.8 million) is managed by Centriq 
Insurance Company Limited (‘Centriq’). The investment serves as security for the guarantee issued by Centriq to the DMRE 
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$1.3 million (2018: US$1.2 million) managed by Stanlib Collective 
Investments. The investment is ceded to Lombard Insurance Group (‘Lombard’) against a ZAR12.0 million 
(2018: 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 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. At 30 September 2018 the net exposure of these contracts was 
US$28.6 million with various expiries no later than 20 December 2018. 

Prepaid investment 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 (refer to note 22). Salene has been 
awarded special grants under the Zimbabwe Mines and Minerals Act covering an area of approximately 9 500 hectares 
(95 km²) on the eastern and western sides 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, the call option has not yet been exercised. 

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 that 
the fair value as at 30 September 2019 may only be possible to be determined once the initial exploration programme has 
been completed. At 30 September 2019, the Group has invested US$1.4 million (2018: US$0.1 million) in Salene which 
represents the costs of exploration activities. The exploration costs incurred will be capitalised to the cost of investment 
upon the exercise of the call option.

 
122 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

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
Provisions
Share-based payments
Other

Reconciliation of deferred tax liability

Balance at the beginning of the year

Temporary differences recognised in profit or loss and equity in relation to:
   Capital allowances on property, plant and equipment
   Provisions
   Tax losses utilised/available for future set off against profits
   Currency losses
   Share-based payments
   Other

Exchange differences

Balance at the end of the year

Amounts recognised in:
Profit or loss (refer to note 8)
Equity
   Share-based payments
       Foreign currency translation reserve: tax impact of currency movements relating to 

intergroup funding arrangements

2019
US$’000

1 013 
(25 984)
(24 971)

(7)
– 
188 
741 
91 

1 013 

(34 153)
3 144 
4 567 
393 
65 

(25 984)

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)

(28 012)

(21 864)

(3 722)
472 
2 062 
2 722 
(962)
744

1 316 

1 725 

(24 971)

(8 470)
440 
(79)
– 
– 
482 

(7 627)

1 479 

(28 012)

(45)

(7 933)

(870)

2 231

1 316 

306

–

(7 627)

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are not offset unless the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset such 
assets and liabilities.

 
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123

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

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

2019
US$’000

16 436 
3 158 
16 854 
36 448 
(114)

36 334 

2018
US$’000

7 199 
1 338 
14 623 
23 160 
(117)

23 043 

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 balance of the impaired 
consumables is allocated 55.0% and 45.0% respectively to the PGM and chrome operating segments) (2018: allocated 
equally to the PGM and chrome operating segments).

PGM finished products were written down to the net realisable value during the year ended 30 September 2019. The net 
realisable write down amounted to US$0.2 million (2018: no net realisable value write down) and is allocated to the PGM 
segment.

Inventories serve as collateral for the bank credit facilities, refer to note 19.

15.

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables 
PGM receivable
Total trade receivables
Other receivables – related parties (note 22)
Deposits, prepayments and other receivables
Accrued income
Value added tax receivable (VAT)
Provision for royalty tax

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

26 119 
33 686 
59 805 
342 
3 757 
1 659 
8 294 
– 

73 857 

38 645 
25 355 
64 000 
417 
1 000 
5 088 
14 577 
1 120 

86 202 

 
124 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

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 (2018: 0 to 120 days). No impairment of trade receivables was recognised during 
the year ended 30 September 2019 (2018: 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

2019
US$’000

58 714 

164 

927 

59 805 

2018
US$’000

61 674 

2 143 

183 

64 000 

Included in VAT is an amount of US$5.4 million (ZAR82.3 million) (2018: US$10.0 million (ZAR141.3 million)) that relates to 
diesel rebates receivable from the South African Revenue Service (‘SARS’) in respect of the mining operations. SARS has 
rejected the Group’s claim to the refund. The Group is strongly of the view that it fully complied with all the regulations to 
be entitled to this refund. The Group’s recourse is to appeal to the High Court of South Africa before May 2020.

Based on current observable data, available credit quality information of clients and client’s past default experience, 
management believes that no impairment allowance (2018: 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

2019
US$’000

55 409 

3 792 

59 201 

2018
US$’000

55 433 

11 358 

66 791 

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 2019, an amount of US$1.3 million (2018: 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 (2018: US$0.3 million) was provided as 
security against certain credit facilities of the Group.

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125

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

17.

SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Share capital

2019

2018

Number of
Shares

US$’000

Number of
Shares

US$’000

Authorised – ordinary shares of US$0.001 each

As at 30 September

10 000 000 000 

10 000  10 000 000 000 

10 000

Authorised – convertible redeemable preference 
shares of US$1 each

As at 30 September

Issued 

Ordinary shares

Balance at the beginning of the year

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

1 051 

1 

1 051 

1

265 000 000 

5 000 000 

270 000 000 

4 097 571 
5 000 000 
(5 707 893)

3 389 678 

265 

261 000 000 

5 

4 000 000 

270 

265 000 000 

4 
5 
(6)

3 

987 274 
4 000 000 
(889 703)

4 097 571 

261 

4 

265 

1 
4 
(1)

4 

Issued and fully paid

266 610 322 

267 

260 902 429 

261 

Share premium

2019

2018

Number of
Shares

US$’000

Number of
Shares

US$’000

Balance at the beginning of the year

260 902 429 

280 545 

260 012 726 

280 082 

Shares issued 

Balance at the end of the year

Total share capital and premium

5 707 893 

4 381 

889 703 

266 610 322 

284 926 

260 902 429 

285 193 

463 

280 545 

280 806 

Share capital
Allotments during the year were in respect of 5 000 000 (2018: 4 000 000) 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.

During the year ended 30 September 2019, 5 707 893 (2018: 889 703) 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 2019, 3 389 678 (2018: 4 097 571) ordinary shares were held in treasury.

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 years ended 30 September 2019 and 30 September 2018, the increases in the share premium account related to 
the issue and allotment of ordinary shares granted in terms of the Share Award Plan.

 
126 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

17.

SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES continued
Other reserve
Other reserve represents the excess of the issue price of the Company’s ordinary shares over the sum of their nominal value 
and share premium arising from such issuance, as registered with the Registrar of Companies in Cyprus. 

Foreign currency translation reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the 
financial statements of foreign operations with a functional currency other than US dollar and foreign currency differences 
relating to translation of intergroup loans and funding arrangements which are considered to be part of the Company’s net 
investment in a foreign operation.

Retained earnings
The retained earnings includes the accumulated retained profits and losses of the Group and the share-based payment 
reserve. Retained earnings are distributable for dividend purposes.

18.

PROVISIONS

Provision for rehabilitation

Opening balance

Recognised in profit and loss
(Reversal of)/capitalised to 
mining assets and 
infrastructure

Business combination

Unwinding of discount

Exchange differences

Closing balance

2019

Decommis-
sioning
US$’000

Restoration
US$’000

Total 
provision
US$’000

Restoration
US$’000

5 921 

415 

– 

– 

536 

(448)

6 424 

6 713 

12 634 

– 

415 

(166)

– 

604 

(474)

(166)

– 

1 140 

(922)

6 677 

13 101 

3 962 

1 693 

– 

76 

529 

(339)

5 921 

2018

Decommis-
sioning
US$’000

2 961 

– 

Total 
provision
US$’000

6 923 

1 693 

3 922 

3 922 

57 

212 

(439)

133 

741 

(778)

6 713 

12 634 

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127

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

18.

PROVISIONS continued
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 DMRE published rates.

The table below illustrates the movement in the provision as a result of mining operations and changes in variables. During 
the year ended 30 September 2018, the Group adopted commercial rates in comparison to the previously used DMRE rates.

2019

Provision for restoration

Provision for decommissioning

2018

Provision for restoration

Provision for decommissioning

Opening 
balance
US$’000

Mining 
operations
US$’000

Changes in 
variables
US$’000

Commercial 
rates
US$’000

Exchange 
differences
US$’000

5 921 

6 713 

12 634 

3 962 

2 961 

6 923 

3 057 

162 

3 219 

1 839 

(597)

1 242 

(2 106)

276 

(1 830)

882 

368 

1 250 

– 

– 

– 

(423)

4 420 

3 997 

(448)

(474)

(922)

(339)

(439)

(778)

Closing 
balance
US$’000

6 424 

6 677 

13 101 

5 921 

6 713 

12 634 

19.

BORROWINGS

Non-current
Facilities
Equipment loan facility
Finance leases
Loan

Current
Facilities
Equipment loan facility
Finance leases
Loan
Bank credit facilities

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

4 279 
7 901 
5 873 
1 850 

19 903 

25 000 
3 698 
5 707 
2 008 
14 900 

51 313 

13 711 
1 931 
7 505 
4 134 

27 281 

9 104 
5 564 
4 299 
1 928 
29 243 

50 138 

 
128 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

19.

BORROWINGS continued
Facilities
Effective 28 March 2018, the Group concluded the US$52.8 million (ZAR800 million) facilities which comprise:
(cid:3)• a three-year senior secured amortising term loan of US$26.4 million (ZAR400 million) (‘term loan’), 
(cid:3)• a three-year secured committed revolving facility of US$19.8 million (ZAR300 million) (‘revolving facility’); and
(cid:3)• an overdraft facility of US$6.6 million (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 twelve 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 twelve 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: 
(cid:3)• Debt to equity ratio of less than 0.67 times;
(cid:3)• Net debt to EBITDA of less than 2.0 times; and
(cid:3)• EBITDA to interest of greater than 3.0 times.

During the year ended 30 September 2019, the EBITDA to interest financial covenant was reduced from greater than 
4.0 times to greater than 3.0 times.

At 30 September 2019, 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 2019 amounted to US$9.9 million (ZAR150 million).

Equipment loan facility 
During the year ended 30 September 2018, Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited entered into an equipment loan facility of 
US$25 million with Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation for the funding of certain Caterpillar mining equipment. The 
funding was partially utilised for the purchase of existing mining equipment acquired from MCC, as well as replacement 
parts and new mining equipment. The loan is structured in three tranches and repayment of each tranche varies between 
twenty-four and forty-eight equal monthly instalments, payable in arrears. Interest is calculated on the three-month US$ 
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: 
(cid:3)• Net debt to tangible net worth not higher than 1.4 times.
(cid:3)• Net debt to EBITDA lower than 2.0 times.
(cid:3)• EBITDA to interest greater than 4.0 times.

At 30 September 2019, 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$0.1 million (2018: US$0.2 million) and US$0.1 million (2018: US$0.1 million) were included in cost of 
sales and administrative expenses respectively for the year ended 30 September 2019.

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 2019, the remaining term of these leases varies 
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 fourteen and thirty-six 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.

 
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129

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

19.

BORROWINGS continued

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

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

6 682 

6 491 

13 173 

(1 593)

11 580 

5 687 

5 893 
11 580 

5 284 

8 930 

14 214 

(2 410)

11 804 

4 293 

7 511 
11 804 

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 thirty-six 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 pre-shipment finance and 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 varied between US Libor plus 1.6% pa and 
US Libor plus 3.0% pa (2018: US Libor plus 1.6% pa).

Balance 30 September 2018

22 815 

7 495 

11 804 

29 243 

6 062 

77 419 

Facilities
US$’000

Equipment
loan facility
US$’000

Finance
leases
US$’000

Bank credit 
facilities
US$’000

Loan
US$’000

Total
borrowings
US$’000

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
Interest expense
Revaluation of foreign denominated loan

Total liability-related changes

Balance at 30 September 2019
Non-current borrowings
Current borrowings

Total borrowings

– 
– 
– 
17 426 
(9 294)
– 
(2 549)

5 583 

(1 986)

– 
2 867 
– 

2 867 

29 279 
4 279 
25 000 

29 279 

– 
– 
– 
11 050 
(7 831)
– 
(602)

2 617 

(764)

– 
759 
1 492 

2 251 

11 599 
7 901 
3 698 

11 599 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(6 647)
– 

(6 647)

(821)

5 924 
1 320 
– 

7 244 

11 580 
5 873 
5 707 

11 580 

151 626 
(165 973)
(14 347)
– 
– 
– 
(524)

(14 871)

– 

– 
528 
– 

528 

14 900 
– 
14 900 

14 900 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(1 899)
– 
(570)

(2 469)

(305)

– 
570 
– 

570 

3 858 
1 850 
2 008 

3 858 

151 626 
(165 973)
(14 347)
28 476 
(19 024)
(6 647)
(4 245)

(15 787)

(3 876)

5 924 
6 044 
1 492 

13 460 

71 216 
19 903 
51 313 

71 216 

 
 
130 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

19.

BORROWINGS continued

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
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

– 

– 
– 

– 
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 

Finance
leases
US$’000

Bank credit 
facilities
US$’000

3 549 

29 072 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
(6 463)
– 

(6 463)

(982)

7 656 
7 003 
1 086 
(45)

15 700 

11 804 
7 505 
4 299 

11 804 

192 834 
(192 720)

114 
– 
– 
– 
(395)

(281)

– 

– 
– 
452 
– 

452 

29 243 
– 
29 243 

29 243 

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131

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

Secured
bank
borrowings
US$’000

17 754 

– 
– 

– 
– 
(18 424)
– 
(1 088)

(19 512)

661 

– 
– 
1 097 
– 

1 097 

– 
– 
– 

– 

Loan
US$’000

– 

– 
– 

– 
6 883 
(326)
– 
(62)

6 495 

(495)

– 
– 
62 
– 

62 

6 062 
4 134 
1 928 

6 062 

Guardrisk
loan
US$’000

Bridge
loan
US$’000

231 

– 
– 

– 
– 
(239)
– 
(7)

(246)

8 

– 
– 
7 
– 

7 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
19 120 
(19 120)
– 
(889)

(889)

– 

– 
– 
889 
– 

889 

– 
– 
– 

– 

Total
borrowings
US$’000

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 

 
132 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

20.

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables 
Accrued expenses
Leave pay accrual
Value added tax payable
Other payables – related parties (note 22)
Other payables

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

34 381 
11 670 
3 990 
436 
27 
274 

50 778 

18 363 
8 314 
3 738 
794 
2 175 
19 

33 403 

The amounts above are payable within one year from the reporting period. The amounts reflected above approximate fair 
value.

21.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

30 September 2018
Financial assets measured at fair value
   Investments in equity instruments
    Investments in money markets, current accounts, cash funds and 

income funds

   Forward exchange contracts

Trade and other receivables measured at fair value

Fair value level

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

Level 1

Level 2
Level 2

23 

6 080 
– 

40 

5 012 
804 

PGM receivable

Level 2

33 686 

25 355 

Financial liabilities measured at fair value
   Discount facility
   Forward exchange contracts

Financial assets at amortised cost
Prepaid investment in Salene Chrome (Private) Limited
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

2 085 
299 

1 367
26 119 
1 039 
59 201 

71 216 
1 039 
34 381 

1 000 
– 

142
38 645 
2 229 
66 791 

77 419 
2 229 
18 363 

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.

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133

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

21.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT continued

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 based on observable market data.
Level 3:  fair values measured using valuation methodologies in which any significant inputs are not based on observable 

market data.

22.

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, joint ventures, 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.

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

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

Karo Power Generation (Private) Limited

Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited

Salene Technologies Proprietary Limited

Salene Mining Proprietary Limited

Trade and other payables (note 20)
The Leto Settlement

Karo Mining Holdings Limited

Karo Platinum (Private) Limited

Rocasize Proprietary Limited

Amounts due to directors

A Djakouris

JD Salter

OM Kamal

C Bell

R Davey

J Ka Ki Chen

ZL Hong

Total other payables

Acquisition of 26.8% of Karo Mining Holdings Limited from:

The Leto Settlement

4 

13 

– 

26 

18 

2 

264 

– 

15 

342 

– 

5 

21 

1 

27 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

27 

– 

1 

71 

20 

254 

40 

– 

12 

4 

15 

417 

2 000 

– 

– 

31 

2 031 

22 

31 

16 

25 

20 

11 

19 

144 

2 175 

4 500 

 
134 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

22.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES continued
Transactions and balances with related parties: (continued):

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

Loan receivable
Karo Mining Holdings Limited

Cost of sales
Rocasize Proprietary Limited

Other income
Karo Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited
Karo Platinum (Private) Limited
Karo Power Generation (Private) Limited
Rocasize Proprietary Limited
Salene Chrome Proprietary Limited

Consulting fees received
Rocasize Proprietary Limited
Salene Chrome Proprietary Limited
Karo Platinum (Private) Limited
Karo Power Generation (Private) Limited
Karo Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited

Consulting fees paid
Rocasize Proprietary Limited
Salene Mining Proprietary Limited

Donations paid
The Music for the Children Foundation

Interest expense
Arti Trust
Ditodi Trust
Makhaye Trust
The Phax Trust
The Rowad Trust
MJ Jacquet-Briner

5 995 

393 

42 
37 
3 
9 
2 

15 
43 
189 
59 
213 

– 
– 

12 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

234 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

32 
– 
– 
– 
128 

234 
17 

4 

514 
47 
47 
93 
47 
47 

795 

 
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135

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

22.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES continued

Compensation to key management:

2019

Non-executive directors
Executive directors
Other key management

2018
Non-executive directors
Executive directors
Other key management

Salary 
and fees
US$’000

Expense
allowances
US$’000

Share-based 
 payments
US$’000

Provident 
fund and 
risk benefits
US$’000

629 
1 590 
1 196 
3 415 

Salary 
and fees
US$’000
612 
1 361 
932 
2 905 

– 
8 
29
37 

– 
1 178 
907 
2 085 

– 
76 
129 
205 

Expense
allowances
US$’000
– 
9 
31 
40 

Share-based 
 payments
US$’000
– 
760 
1 222 
1 982 

Provident 
fund and 
risk benefits
US$’000
– 
83 
107 
190 

Bonus
US$’000

Total
US$’000

– 
219 
190 
409 

629 
3 071 
2 451 
6 151 

Bonus
US$’000
– 
700 
420 
1 120 

Total
US$’000
612 
2 913 
2 712 
6 237 

Awards to key management in the period under review are as follows:

2019 Ordinary shares
LTIP – executive directors
LTIP – key management

2018 Ordinary shares
LTIP – executive directors
LTIP – key management

2019 Ordinary shares
SARS – executive directors
SARS – key management

2018 Ordinary shares
SARS – executive directors
SARS – key management

Opening
balance
1 605 423
1 099 439

1 808 316
1 202 153

Opening
balance
1 118 547
765 744

1 362 327
924 136

Inclusion of
additional
employee
–
286 656

Allocated
881 262
587 838

Vested
(743 524)
(619 289)

Forfeited
(116 201)
(108 398)

Total
1 626 960 
1 246 246 

–
–

697 206
483 348

(900 099)
(586 062)

–
–

1 605 423
1 099 439

Inclusion of
additional
employee
–
221 868

Allocated
881 262
587 838

Vested
(595 643)
(499 821)

Forfeited
(174 302)
(162 597)

Total
1 229 864
913 032

–
–

697 206
483 348

(940 986)
(641 740)

–
–

1 118 547
765 744

* At 30 September 2018 the vested shares have not yet been transferred to the respective employees.

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.

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.

The Music for the Children Foundation
A director of the Company is a Trustee of the non-profit organisation.

 
136 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL 
REVIEW CONTINUED

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

22.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES continued
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 the Leto Settlement, the beneficial shareholder of Medway Developments 
Limited, a material shareholder in the Company.

Salene Mining Proprietary Limited 
A director of the Company is a director.

Karo Mining Holdings Limited, Karo Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited, Karo Platinum (Private) Limited and 
Karo Power Generation (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, Karo Platinum (Private) Limited and Karo 
Power Generation (Private) Limited.

23.

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
As at 30 September 2019, there is no litigation (2018: no litigation), current or pending, which is considered likely to have a 
material adverse effect on the Group. Refer to note 24 for guarantees.

24.

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES

Capital commitments

Authorised and contracted
Authorised and not contracted

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000

17 062 
805 

17 867 

4 929 
1 091 

6 020 

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 dollar were converted at the closing rates of 
exchange ruling at 30 September 2019.

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 16.

Guarantees
The Company issued a guarantee to Absa Bank Limited and Nedbank Limited amounting to US$52.8 million 
(ZAR800 million) (2018: 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 US$1.3 million (ZAR19.4 million) (2018: 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 (2018: US$12.5 million) and US$20.0 million 
(2018: US$20.0 million) 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 US$0.8 million (ZAR12.0 million) (2018: ZAR12.0 million).

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137

Condensed consolidated financial 
statements

Notes to the annual financial statements

7

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 September 2019

24.

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES continued
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 2019, US$6.0 million has been paid up. The remaining US$4.0 million needs to be 
paid up by 14 February 2021.

25.

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
Effective 1 October 2019, the Company acquired 100.0% of the issued share capital of a company that manufactures 
equipment used in the mining industry for a total purchase consideration of US$2.6 million (ZAR40.0 million). Of the 
total purchase consideration, US$1.8 million (ZAR27.5 million) was settled in cash on the effective acquisition date 
while US$0.8 million (ZAR12.5 million) will be settled in cash after one year from the acquisition date. Settlement of the 
US$0.8 million is subject to the Company achieving certain profit targets which represents a contingent consideration. 
The Company has recognised the total contingent consideration as a liability at 1 October 2019.

The following summarises the initial fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities at the acquisition date:

Assets
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Liabilities
Borrowings
Other financial liabilities
Trade and other payables

Total identifiable net assets at fair value
Goodwill arising on acquisition

Purchase consideration

Fair value 
recognised on 
acquisition
US$’000

1 420 
39 
580 
332 
116 

2 487 

(660)
(22)
(189)

(871)
1 616 
1 022 

2 638 

The purchase consideration was funded by existing cash resources of the Group. The transaction cost is anticipated to be 
US$0.1 million.

Management is currently in the process of finalising the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The goodwill 
recognised is attributed to existing relationships with customers, industry knowledge and technical expertise relating to the 
manufacture of the mining equipment.

On 26 November 2019, the Board proposed a final dividend of US 0.25 cent 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.

26.

DIVIDENDS
During the year ended 30 September 2019, the Company declared and paid a final dividend of US2 cents per share in 
respect of the year ended 30 September 2018. In addition, an interim dividend of US0.5 cent per share was declared and 
paid in respect of the financial year ended 30 September 2019.

During the year ended 30 September 2018, a final dividend of US5 cents per share was declared and paid in respect of the 
financial year ended 30 September 2017. In addition, an interim dividend of US2 cents per share was declared and paid in 
respect of the financial year ended 30 September 2018.

 
138 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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
A2X share code
Sector
Issued share capital as at 30 September 2019 
Issued share capital (excluding treasury shares) as at 30 September 2019

Tharisa plc
THA
THS
THA
General mining
270 000 000
266 610 322

JSE

LSE

ZAR5.75 billion GBP313.2 million
116.00p
121.50p
94.00p

ZAR21.30
ZAR22.00
ZAR16.00

Number of
shareholders

Number
of shares

Percentage
of issued
share capital

Percentage 
of voting 
rights

846
89
43
8
9
1
–

996

886 305
2 981 444
13 136 191
19 862 150
120 117 226
109 627 006
3 389 678

0.33
1.10
4.86
7.36
44.49
40.60
1.26

270 000 000

100.00

0.33
1.12
4.93
7.45
45.05
41.12
–

100.0

Number
of shares

Percentage
of issued
share capital

Percentage 
of voting 
rights

109 627 006
40 548 241

19 419 920
11 587 917

40.60
15.02

7.19
4.29

41.12
15.21

7.28
4.35

Market capitalisation as at 30 September 2019
Closing share price as at 30 September 2019
12-month high
12-month low

Shareholder analysis
Analysis of shareholders as at 30 September 2019

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

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

139

Investor relations report

Notice of annual general meeting

Glossary

Form of proxy

Corporate information

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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

979

107 098 098

39.67

15

9 336 977

3.46 

2

150 175 247

996

266 610 322

55.62

98.74

40.17

3.50

56.33

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:

2019

2018

Beneficial

Non-beneficial

Beneficial

Non-beneficial

Director

Direct

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

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

630 711
546 384
474 172
–
43 250
–
31 250
–
–
–

–
6 918 432
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Total 

1 725 767

6 918 432

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

10 000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

272 952
240 871
207 397
–
43 250
–
31 250
–
–
–

–
6 918 132
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

10 000

795 720

6 918 432

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

10 000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

10 000

There have been no changes in directors’ interests in the share capital between 30 September 2019 and the date of issue of this 
Integrated Annual Report.

 
140 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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
A2X share code: THA
ISIN: CY0103562118
LEI: 213800WW4YWMVVZIJM90
 (‘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, 29 January 2020 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 Integrated 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 AGM, 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. Requests of this nature are to be 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, 6 December 2019
Tuesday, 21 January 2020
Friday, 24 January 2020
Friday, 24 January 2020
Monday, 27 January 2020
Wednesday, 29 January 2020

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, 24 January 2020.

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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 2019, including the management 
report and the report of the independent auditor, such annual financial statements having been approved by the Board 
on 26 November 2019.

Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 1
The condensed consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2019 are included in the Integrated 
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 2019, 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 Company Secretary 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 2020, to hold office until conclusion of the next AGM of the Company, and that the remuneration for 
the financial year ending 30 September 2020 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. 

3. 

Ordinary resolution number 3 (comprising ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1 and 3.2)
Re-election of directors retiring by rotation
3.1  “RESOLVED THAT Omar Kamal, 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.”

3.2  “RESOLVED THAT Carol Bell, who retires in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association and who, being 

eligible, offers herself for re-election, be re-elected as a director of the Company.”

Additional information in respect of ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1 and 3.2 
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. Omar Kamal, 
Carol Bell and Joanna Cheng are retiring by rotation. Joanna Cheng is not available for re-election.

A brief curriculum vitae in respect of the directors referred to in ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1 and 3.2 above appears 
on pages 64 and 65 of the Integrated Annual Report of which this notice of AGM forms part and the Board recommends to 
shareholders the re-election of the retiring directors as set out in ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1 and 3.2.

The percentage of voting rights required for ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1 and 3.2 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
142 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTICE OF ANNUAL 
GENERAL MEETING CONTINUED

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 27 000 000 (twenty seven 
million) ordinary shares, being 10% of the number of listed equity securities in issue at the date of this notice, being 
270 000 000 (two hundred and seventy 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. This is 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.

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Corporate information

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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.  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.

ii.  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.

iii.  In respect of securities which are the subject of the general issue of shares for cash, such issue may not exceed 

27 000 000 (twenty seven million) ordinary shares, representing 10% of the number of listed equity securities in issue 
as at the date of this notice, being 270 000 000 (two hundred and seventy million) ordinary shares, provided that:
(cid:3)• any equity securities issued under this authority during the period must be deducted from the number above
(cid:3)•  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

(cid:3)•  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.  This authority shall be valid until the Company’s next AGM.
v.  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.

vi.  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.”

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. 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.

Any issue of shares for cash will be subject to approval by 90% of the Board members.

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
144 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTICE OF ANNUAL 
GENERAL MEETING CONTINUED

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 86 to 93 of 
the Integrated 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 86 to 93 of the Integrated 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.

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.  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. 

ii.  The repurchase of shares will be effected through the order books operated by the JSE and LSE 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 and/or discount at which such ordinary shares may be acquired shall not exceed the 
lesser of:
(cid:3)•  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 

(cid:3)•  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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 media when required in terms of the Companies Law. 

x.  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:
(cid:3)•  the Company and the Group will be able, in the ordinary course of business, to pay its debts 
(cid:3)•  the assets of the Company and the Group, fairly valued in accordance with IFRS, will be in excess of the liabilities 

of the Company and the Group 

(cid:3)•  the share capital and reserves of the Company and the Group will be adequate for ordinary business purposes and
(cid:3)•  the working capital of the Company and the Group will be adequate for ordinary business purposes.” 

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. Repurchased shares may be held in treasury for a period not exceeding a maximum of two 
calendar years from the repurchase date. 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.

 
 
 
 
 
146 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTICE OF ANNUAL 
GENERAL MEETING CONTINUED

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 Integrated Annual 
Report of which this notice of AGM forms part:
(cid:3)•  Major shareholders – refer to page 138 of the Integrated Annual Report
(cid:3)•  Share capital of Tharisa – refer to pages 125 and 126 of the Integrated 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 64 of this Integrated 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, 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.

9. 

Ordinary resolution number 8
Final dividend
“RESOLVED THAT a final cash dividend in the amount of US 0.25 cent per ordinary share is declared for the financial year 
ending 30 September 2019, 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, 14 February 2020.”

Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 8
The Board has proposed a final cash dividend of US 0.25 cent per ordinary shares for the financial year ended 
30 September 2019.

If approved by shareholders, the recommended final dividend will be paid on Wednesday, 26 February 2020. 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 
26 November 2019, 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 0.25 cent per share. 
Shareholders who are South African tax resident companies are exempt from dividend tax and will receive the dividend of 
US 0.25 cent 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 

Tuesday, 26 November 2019
Thursday, 30 January 2020
Tuesday, 11 February 2020
Wednesday, 12 February 2020
Wednesday, 12 February 2020
Thursday, 13 February 2020
Friday, 14 February 2020
Wednesday, 26 February 2020

No dematerialisation or rematerialisation of shares within Strate will be permitted between Wednesday, 12 February 2020 
and Friday, 14 February 2020, both days inclusive. No transfers between registers will be permitted between Thursday, 
30 January 2020 and Friday, 14 February 2020, 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.

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 Company Secretary 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
148 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTICE OF ANNUAL 
GENERAL MEETING CONTINUED

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:
(cid:3)•  hold ordinary shares in certificated form or
(cid:3)•  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, 24 January 2020.

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).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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, 24 January 2020. 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, 27 January 2020, 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 
Company Secretary 

10 December 2019 

 
 
 
 
 
150 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

GLOSSARY

In this Integrated 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

Platinum Group Metals comprising platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold

5PGE + Au

6PGE + Au

AET

AGM

AMCU

Appreciation right

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

ART

antiretroviral treatment

Arxo Logistics

Arxo Metals

Arxo Resources

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 

Award

Au

BAPS

BEE

BMI

Board

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

Bushveld Complex

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

CBT

Calibre Clinical Consultants Proprietary Limited (Registration number 2005/005494/07), a private 
company duly registered and incorporated in South Africa

computer-based training

certificated shares

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

Challenger or 
Challenger Plant

Charter Scorecard

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

chemical grade 
concentrate

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

chrome

used to reference any form of chromium, Cr or chrome concentrate

chrome concentrate

any combination of chemical, foundry and/or metallurgical grade concentrate with a predominance 
of metallurgical grade concentrate

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chrome alloys

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

chromite

chromitite

chromitite layers

chromium or Cr

CIF

cm

Coffey

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

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

Company, Tharisa

Tharisa plc, a company incorporated under the laws of Cyprus with registration number HE223412

Competent Person’s 
Report or CPR

a report compiled by an independent Competent Person (CP) relating to the technical aspects of a 
mine that may include a techno-financial model

Conditional award

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

CSE

CSI

Cr2O3

CREST

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

CSDP Markets Act

a Central Securities Depository Participant as defined in section 1 of the Financial Markets Act

Cyprus

the Republic of Cyprus

Cyprus Companies Law Companies Law, Chapter 113 of the laws of Cyprus, as amended, supplemented or otherwise 

modified from time to time

dematerialise, 
dematerialised or 
dematerialisation

dematerialised shares

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

Depositary

Computershare Investor Services PLC

Depositary interests or 
DI

the dematerialised depositary interests issued by the Depositary in respect of the underlying ordinary 
shares

Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules or 
DTR

the Disclosure and Transparency Rules made by the FCA under Part VI of the Financial Markets Act, 
2000

DMRE

DWS

EIA

EMP

EMPR

the South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy

Department of Water and Sanitation, South Africa

environmental impact assessment

the environmental management plan in terms of the MPRDA

environmental management programme report

 
152 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

GLOSSARY CONTINUED

Eskom

Eskom Holdings SOC Limited

Equator Principles

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

Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited, the operator of CREST

the FCA

FCA

FEED

FIFR

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

foundry grade

concentrate saleable chromium-rich product typically more than 45% Cr2O3 less than 1% SiO2 and 
a specific particle size distribution

g/t

GBP

grammes per tonne

British pound, the lawful currency of the United Kingdom

Genesis or Genesis 
Plant

the 100 000 tpm nameplate capacity processing plant for the production of PGM and chrome 
concentrate, owned by Tharisa Minerals

GHG

Group

HDSA

HRD

ICDA

IDP

IFRS

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

illuvial chrome

at surface chrome fines generated from seams as a result of weathering

Impala Platinum

Incoterms 2010

Indicated Mineral 
Resource

Inferred Mineral 
Resource

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

Investec Bank Limited (Registration number 1969/004763/06), a public company duly registered and 
incorporated in South Africa

Investment agreement

the Investment Project Framework Agreement entered into between Karo Holdings and the Republic 
of Zimbabwe on 22 March 2018

Ir

Iridium

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Notice of annual general meeting

Glossary

Form of proxy

Corporate information

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IWUL

integrated water use licence

JSE or Johannesburg 
Stock Exchange

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

JSE Listings 
Requirements

the Listings Requirements of the JSE, as amended from time to time

K3 UG2 chrome plant

the chrome concentrate recovery plant associated with Sibanye-Stillwater’s K3 plant

Karo Holdings

Karo Platinum

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 

King IV

the King IV Code on Corporate Governance 2016 (South Africa)

km

koz

kt

ktpm

Leto Settlement 

Listing

thousand metres

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

Listing Rules

the Listing Rules made by the FCA under Part VI of the Financial Markets Act, 2000

LOM

life of mine, being the expected remaining years of production based on production rates and ore 
Mineral Reserves

London Stock Exchange 
or LSE

the London Stock Exchange plc

LTI

LTIFR

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

Main Market

the Main Market of the LSE

Measured Mineral 
Resource

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

metallurgical grade 
concentrate

saleable chromium-rich product typically of 42% Cr2O3

MG0

MG1

MG2

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

 
154 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

GLOSSARY CONTINUED

MG3

MG4

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)

MG4A

the MG4A chromitite layer consists of a number of chromitite layers within a pyroxenite host rock

MG Chromitite Layers

group of five chromite layers that are known in the lower and upper critical zone of the 
Bushveld Complex

MHSA

MHSC

Mineral Reserve

Mineral Resource

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 pre-feasibility 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

Mines and Minerals Act

the Mines and Minerals Act of Zimbabwe [Chapter 21:05]

Mining Charter

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

Mining Right

a new order Mining Right, granted by the DMRE in terms of the MPRDA, which provides the holder 
thereof the required legal title to mine

MPRDA 

the South African Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, No. 28 of 2002, as amended

MQA

Mt

MTC

Mtpa

MW

MWh

NEMA

NEMWA

Noble

NQF

NUM

NWA

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

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Investor relations report

Notice of annual general meeting

Glossary

Form of proxy

Corporate information

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OEM

original equipment manufacturer

Official List

the official list of the FCA

oz

ozpa

pa

Pd

Pivot

PGE

PGMs

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

PGM concentrate

the commercially acceptable flotation concentrate containing PGMs

PRC or China

the Peoples Republic of China

prill split

a breakdown by mass of the various PGM metals contained in PGM containing materials

Prospecting Right

a prospecting right granted by the DMRE in terms of the MPRDA

Pt

reef

Rh

RNS

ROM

Ru

Salene Chrome

SAMREC Code

SAMVAL Code

SENS

SETA

Platinum

in the context of this Integrated 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

Share Award Plan or 
TSAP

the Tharisa Share Award Plan approved by the shareholders

Shares

SHE

SIB

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

Sibanye-Stillwater

Sibanye Gold Limited (Registration number 2002/031431/06), a public company duly incorporated 
and registered in South Africa

SiO2

SLP

SOP

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

South Africa or SA

the Republic of South Africa

 
156 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

GLOSSARY CONTINUED

Standard listing

a listing on the standard segment of the official list

Strate

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

stripping ratio

the ratio, measured in m3 to m3 at which waste and inter-burden are removed, relative to ore mined

STS

t

tCO2e 

TB

Tharisa

Tharisa Mine

Tharisa Minerals

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 

The Disclosure and 
Transparency Law

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

Tisco

tpa

tpm

Transnet

UG1

UG2

Taiyuan Iron and Steel’s Joint Venture Company Shanxi Taigang Wanbang Furnace Charge Co. Limited

tonnes per annum

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

UG Chromitite Layers

the Upper Group chromitite layers of the Bushveld Complex

UK or United Kingdom the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

UK Listing Authority or 
UKLA

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

USA

US$

VCT

the United States of America

United States dollar, the lawful currency of the US

voluntary counselling and testing

Voyager or Voyager 
Plant

a 300 000 tpm nameplate capacity processing plant for the production of PGM and chrome 
concentrate, owned by Tharisa Minerals

WPIC

World Platinum Investment Council

ZAR or R or rand

South African rand, the lawful currency of South Africa

Zimbabwe

the Republic of Zimbabwe

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
A2X share code: THA
ISIN: CY0103562118
LEI: 213800WW4YWMVVZIJM90
(‘Tharisa’ or the ‘Company’)

THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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Investor relations report

Notice of annual general meeting

Glossary

Form of proxy

Corporate information

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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, 29 January 2020 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 number 1 is non-binding and does not require a minimum threshold

Ordinary resolutions numbers 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: Reappointment of external auditor

Ordinary resolution number 3.1: Re-election of Omar Kamal as a director

Ordinary resolution number 3.2: Re-election of Carol Bell as a director

Special business

Ordinary resolutions numbers 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 number 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 number 1 requires support of at least 75% of the votes exercised to be adopted

Ordinary resolutions numbers 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 number 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 

2020

 
158 THARISA PLC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NOTES TO THE 
FORM OF PROXY

1.  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.

2. 

3.  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.

4.  A shareholder’s instructions to the proxy must be indicated by the insertion of an “X”, or the number of votes exercisable by 

5. 

6. 

7. 

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, 
27 January 2020, being no later than 48 hours before the AGM to be held at 10:00 SA time on Wednesday, 29 January 2020, 
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, 24 January 2020.
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.

8.  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.

9. 

10.  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.

11.  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.

12.  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.

13.  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.

CORPORATE 
INFORMATION

Tharisa plc
Incorporated in the Republic of Cyprus with limited liability
Registration number: HE223412
JSE share code: THA
LSE share code: THS
A2X share code: THA
ISIN: CY0103562118
LEI: 213800WW4YWMVVZIJM90

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)

Group Company Secretary
Sanet Findlay
The Crossing, 372 Main Road
Bryanston, Johannesburg 2021
South Africa
Email: secretarial@tharisa.com

Assistant Company Secretary
Lysandros Lysandrides
26 Vyronos Avenue
1096 Nicosia
Cyprus

Investor relations
Ilja Graulich
The Crossing, 372 Main Road
Bryanston, Johannesburg 2021
South Africa
Email: ir@tharisa.com

Financial public relations
Buchanan
107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN
England, United Kingdom
Contact: Bobby Morse/James Husband
+44 020 7466 5000

Transfer Secretaries
Cymain Registrars Limited
Registration number: HE174490
26 Vyronos Avenue
1096 Nicosia
Cyprus

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: Thomas Rider/Neil Elliot/Michael Rechsteiner
+44 020 7236 1010

Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG (UK joint broker)
60 Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8HP
England, United Kingdom
Contact: Matthew Armitt/Detlir Elezi
+44 20 3207 7800

Nedbank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment 
Banking division) (RSA broker)
135 Rivonia Road 
Sandown, Sandton 2196
South Africa 
Contact: Shabbir Norath 
+27 11 295 6575

www.tharisa.com