Quarterlytics / Consumer Defensive / Packaged Foods / TreeHouse Foods

TreeHouse Foods

ths · LSE Consumer Defensive
Claim this profile
Ticker ths
Exchange LSE
Sector Consumer Defensive
Industry Packaged Foods
Employees 1001-5000
← All annual reports
FY2021 Annual Report · TreeHouse Foods
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
2021 integrated annual report

CHROMIUM

PLATINUM

PALLADIUM

RHODIUM

enriching lives through innovating the resources company of the future

PtCrPdRhRhPdCrPt Purpose statement

Enriching lives through innovating the 
resources company of the future

VALUES

The safety and health of our people is 
a core value

We take responsibility for the effect that 
our operations may have on the environment

We are committed to reducing carbon 
emissions by 30% by 2030 and have a plan 
in motion to be net carbon neutral by 2050

We are committed to the upliftment of 
our local communities

We conduct ourselves with integrity 
and honesty

We strive to achieve superior returns 
for our shareholders

We originate new opportunities and will 
continue to challenge convention through 
innovation

VISION
To generate value by 
becoming a GLOBALLY 
SIGNIFICANT, LOW-COST 
PRODUCER OF STRATEGIC 
COMMODITIES THAT ARE 
REQUIRED TO DELIVER 
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

www.tharisa.com

 
CONTENTS

01

Overview

IFC Scope and boundary

01 Why invest in Tharisa

02 Our strategy

04

Safety and ESG – Foundations for 
sustainable growth

06

Financial and non-financial highlights

08 Where we operate

10 Group operational structure

12 Group history

14

Ten-year review

16

Strategic Review

16 Chairman’s review

18 How Tharisa creates shared value

22 Chief Executive Officer’s review

26 Chief Finance Officer’s review

30 Market review

32

Principal business risks

38

Operational Review

46

Sustainability

56

Tharisa Minerals: Mineral Resource and 
Mineral Reserve Statement

62

Governance

62

Board of Directors

64 Corporate governance

76

85

King IVTM* application

Remuneration report

96 Directors’ report

98

Report of the Audit Committee

100

Financial Review

102 Condensed consolidated financial statements

108 Notes to the annual financial statements

142

Shareholder Information

142 Investor relations report

144 Notice of annual general meeting

153 Form of proxy

155 Glossary

163 Stakeholder engagement

164 Corporate information

* Copyright and trademarks are owned by the Institute of Directors 

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

  
2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc

THARISA IS AN INTEGRATED RESOURCE 
GROUP CRITICAL TO THE ENERGY 
TRANSITION AND DECARBONISATION 
OF ECONOMIES. It incorporates 
mining, processing, exploration and 
the beneficiation, marketing, sales, 
and logistics of PGMs and chrome 
concentrates, using innovation 
and technology as enablers. 

www.tharisa.com

Connect with us:
We encourage and welcome 
feedback on our reporting 
suite from our stakeholders.  
Please send any comments 
or suggestions to: 

Investor relations:

Ilja Graulich
Email: ir@tharisa.com 

Scope and boundary

Tharisa (or the Company) is pleased to present this, its 
eighth Integrated Annual Report since listing on the JSE, 
and the sixth 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 
development activities in Zimbabwe, as well as its 
environmental, social and governance (ESG) , governance, 
strategy, risks, opportunities, and prospects. The report 
covers the financial year from 1 October 2020 to 
30 September 2021.

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 its 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 to be important to a wide 
range of stakeholders.

Frameworks
Tharisa applies the principles of King IV to its decision making, strategy 
formulation, and implementation. These principles have also been 
applied in compiling this report. The Company further adheres to the 
Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Listings Requirements and 
complies with the London Stock Exchange (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 Tharisa 
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 2021 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 102 to 
141 of this Integrated Annual Report and the consolidated annual 
financial statements on Tharisa’s website have been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and the 
Cyprus Companies Law.

A glossary of abbreviations, definitions, and technical terms appears 
from pages 155 to 162.

Report navigation guide

COVID-19

And the impact it has had 
on our organisation

Page reference

Online link

More information can be 
found online

SustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview 01

WHY INVEST IN THARISA

Safety is a CORE VALUE

Six years 
fatality free

Five million  
fatality-free shifts

Lost Time Injury Frequency 
Rate (LTIFR) of 0.34 per 
200 000 man hours 
worked

Not a single employee 
has lost their job as a direct 
result of COVID-19 since the 
beginning of the pandemic

Established a COVID-19 command centre, clinic, and on-site vaccination site for 
employees, contractors, family, and communities in line with government regulations

1

Production and margin growth

Tharisa has consistently grown its production profile. With the extension of the 
open-pit life of mine (LOM) and the addition of the Vulcan fine chrome recovery 
and beneficiation plant, this production profile is set to grow further, while 
margins are set to increase due to an overall lowering of production unit costs. 
Significantly, unit output of carbon emissions will also reduce, aligned with 
Tharisa’s decarbonisation plan for 2030 and 2050.

The Tharisa Mine produced 157.8 koz of PGMs and 1.51 Mt of chrome 
concentrates in FY2021 and has provided FY2022 production guidance of 
between 165 koz to 175 koz PGMs (6E basis) and 1.75 Mt to 1.85 Mt of 
chrome concentrates. COVID-19 remains a risk to the Company and guidance 
is premised on the current level of economic activity being maintained.

2 Real portfolio optionality and diversification

With a solid foundation over the past decade, and a balance sheet supportive 
of a diversification strategy, Tharisa has commenced its ambitions to diversify, 
both in commodity and geographically, while at the same time increasing its 
beneficiation capacities, aligned with its ambitions of maximising value additions 
to the commodities it produces.

Salene Chrome, a high value chrome operation in Zimbabwe, has commenced 
mining. The construction of the Chrome Plant is nearing completion and 
commissioning of the Chrome Plant is expected in Q1 FY2022.

Karo Platinum’s implementation studies have been completed, showing a clear 
path to mechanised open-pit platinum group metals (PGM) production, 
commencing within two years, while the option over Salene Manganese may be 
exercised within the year.

The Arxo Metals Beneficiation Site has been expanded and has continued to 
produce PGM metal and various alloys using the Company’s own raw materials.

3 Operational flexibility

The Group’s key differentiator is its large-scale and open-pit resource that 
allows for the extraction of five Middle Group (MG) Chromitite Layers using 
mechanised mining. The Tharisa Mine has a 20-year open-pit LOM and 
the ability to extend operations underground by at least 40 years.

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

Tharisa Minerals has two independent processing plants. 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.

4

Integrated marketing and sales with logistical support

The majority of PGM concentrate is sold to Impala Platinum and to Sibanye-
Stillwater under offtake agreements.

The Group has a marketing platform for the sale of its metallurgical chrome 
concentrate to ferrochrome producers, stainless steel producers, and global 
commodity traders.

Metallurgical chrome concentrate is mainly shipped to China and Indonesia, 
where it is utilised primarily by the stainless steel industry.

Specialty chrome concentrates, which include chemical and foundry grades, 
are sold into global diversified markets. Production of specialty grade chrome 
concentrates made up 24.2% of the year’s total own chrome production.

Arxo Logistics manages all of Tharisa’s commodity movements, as well as 
movements on behalf of third-party customers, ensuring on-time delivery 
of materials.

5 Capital growth and capital returns

Tharisa had a cash balance of US$83.4 million at the end of the year and debt 
of US$36.9 million, resulting in a positive net cash position of US$46.6 million, 
with a significant portion of capital spent on the construction of the Vulcan Plant 
being internally funded. The Company’s strong balance sheet, with low leverage, 
positions it to fund its growth aspirations.

When making investment decisions, the Board factors in ESG criteria to ensure 
that the Group’s business model is sustainable. All opportunities must meet 
Tharisa’s stringent investment criteria, which include generating a minimum 
return on investment of 25%.

A final dividend of US 5c has been proposed, bringing the cash return to 
US 9c per share for FY2021, a payment ratio of 18.5% of NPAT.

All of this is aligned with our innovative thinking philosophy and agility, making use of technology 
as our enabler and as our differentiator.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 02

OUR STRATEGY

Our philosophy is to 
enrich lives responsibly.

Tharisa’s core strategy is to 
GENERATE VALUE BY BECOMING 
A GLOBALLY SIGNIFICANT, 
LOW-COST PRODUCER OF 
STRATEGIC COMMODITIES 
that are required to deliver 
a sustainable future.

The foundation of the Company 
is built on the 4 Ds

DISCOVER

DEVELOP

DELIVER

DIVERSIFY

Long-life, low operating cost assets

Impactfully develop these assets, 
sustainably, using modern 
engineering and technology

Safely deliver maximum value 
from the assets in the portfolio and 
maximise returns for stakeholders

Diversify into a multi-asset, multi-
jurisdictional, multi-commodity 
business innovatively using 
technology as our catalyst

The success of the 4 Ds is enveloped by a stringent 
focus on capital discipline that balances the capital 
needs of growth, continuous investment, and returns 
for shareholders.

Total proposed dividend for the year

+157.1%

cents per shareUS 9

We help to meet global demand for our products 
using an integrated model of mining, processing, 
beneficiation, marketing, sales, and logistics 
operations, which we believe adds maximum value 
to the commodities we mine.

The Group’s expansion strategy focuses on diversified 
growth through organic project sourcing and 
development, but is mindful of acquisition 
opportunities in a non-renewable operating 
environment.

The goal is creating a circular economy, beneficiating 
our products, and producing critical metals for the 
decarbonisation of the global economy.

Six pillars driving growth

The Company has a stated growth and diversification 
strategy, built on six pillars, with maximum impact 
for both shareholders and stakeholders, balancing 
the need for growth with care for the environment 
in which we operate.

Expand and roll out the 
business sustainably

Further optimise existing 
operations

Continue to invest in 
innovative thinking

Become a global and  
diversified business

Be the investment of choice  
in our chosen sector

Responsibly enrich the lives  
of all our stakeholders

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  03

The past year has seen the Company deliver on these pillars and Tharisa has further elevated its foundation to ensure 
that future investments remain value additive and continue to enhance the Company’s strong cash generation and 
return ability.

Expand and roll out the business 
sustainably

Further optimise existing 
operations

Continue to invest in innovative 
thinking

	• Vulcan Plant built and 

commissioning

	• Salene Chrome acquisition – 
mining commenced, plant 
cold commissioning

	• Karo Project implementation 

study completed

	• Throughput increased leading 

	• Commercialisation of Vulcan fine 

to increase in PGM and 
chrome output

	• Improved recoveries and 
continuous improvement

	• MetQ manufacture of Vulcan Plant 
key equipment and Salene Chrome 
plant, with Arxo Logistics delivering 
Salene Chrome mobile plant

chrome recovery technology
	• Expansion of Arxo Metals R&D 
Beneficiation Site and alloy 
production

	• Production of PGM alloy 
and further development 
of downstream processes
	• Investigate alternative energy 
solutions using own products

Become a global and diversified 
business

Be the investment of choice in 
our chosen sector

Responsibly enrich the lives of all 
our stakeholders

	• Salene Chrome acquisition – 
mining commenced, plant 
cold commissioning

	• Karo Project implementation 

study completed

	• Tharisa evaluating option to 
acquire controlling interest in 
Karo Project

	• Improved share liquidity and 

JSE index inclusion

	• Expanded shareholder base
	• De-leveraged balance sheet 

positioned for growth

	• Record dividend

	• + Six years fatality free
	• Carbon reduction targets 

announced

	• Continued investment in 
community upliftment

Supporting these pillars are unique competitive strengths including the following:
	• Shallow and large-scale PGM and chrome resource – one of the world’s largest chrome resources from a single pit – enabling Tharisa to be 

a large-scale producer for several decades

	• Mechanised operations and skilled labour force

	• Independent processing plants providing operational flexibility

	• Capacity to produce PGMs and metallurgical and specialty grade concentrates for differentiated markets

	• Positioned on the lower end of the PGM cost curve; profitable throughout the cycle

	• Integrated marketing, sales, and logistics platforms

	• Extensive research and development programmes, developing new technologies and viable mineral extraction and beneficiation capabilities

	• Capital discipline with a dividend policy of distributing at least 15% of NPAT

	• Proven management track record

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 04

SAFETY AND ESG – FOUNDATIONS FOR 
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH 

Letter from the chairman of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee and 
Lead Independent Non-Executive Director, Dr Carol Bell

This is the first time I write to you as chair of our newly formed Climate Change and Sustainability Committee. Given the importance of addressing 
climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for Tharisa, we concluded that this Committee should include all members of the Board of 
Directors, such that the Board is fully informed to make strategic investment decisions in the context of our plans to deliver a sustainable future.

The Committee’s activities complement those of our SHE Committee and Risk Committee 
and ensure that we have a clear picture of our current carbon footprint and the pathway to 
net zero. I look forward to reporting back to you in a year’s time on the initial achievements 
of the programme we have in mind.

Just as our business is continuously evolving, so do the risks and challenges a modern 
resource company such as ours must address. Having become the standard for risk analysis 
in our industry, the annual EY Mining Risk report this year highlights Environment and 
Social and Decarbonisation as risks numbers 1 and 2 respectively. Our licence to operate 
(risk number 3 this year and number 1 in 2020) is something that we have always focused on 
as a right that must be earned through being better custodians of the environment, having 
better relationships with our communities and stakeholders, and making our world a better 
place to live. Mitigating the potentially adverse impacts of mining on the environment and 
human health and wellbeing have always been a priority for Tharisa. We must now also 
concentrate on ensuring that our values on sustainability and mitigating climate change 
are reflected through our value chain.

The safety and health of our people is a core 
value, and it is a privilege to report to you 
that in the year under review we achieved 
five million fatality-free shifts with the 
Company being six years fatality free. While 
our lost time injury frequency rate at the end 
of September was 0.34, up from previous 
quarters, we are only all too acutely aware 
of the psychological impact that COVID-19 
has had on the focus of our employees, and 
their general wellbeing. With a devastating 
4th wave hitting South Africa where we 
operate from, I can only compliment our 
team wholeheartedly on how they, despite 
these circumstances, managed to not only 
produce output safely but managed to 
improve on all matrixes on a year-by-year 
basis. I salute the Tharisa Team.

The first step for Tharisa this year was to calculate our baseline from which future 
improvements would be calculated. We have set achievable and realistic goals in our 
endeavours to contribute to meeting global carbon reduction targets. We are committed 
to reducing our carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 (from a 2020 financial year baseline that 
uses 2019 data). We are also developing a roadmap to be net carbon neutral by 2050 
(decarbonisation targets). As already stated, investment decisions taken by Tharisa’s Board will be informed by these decarbonisation targets, 
alongside the current financial investment criteria.

Our care for our employees during the COVID-19 pandemic is something about which the Board is proud. Not a single employee lost their job as a 
direct result of COVID-19, and we have upgraded our medical facilities substantially to become an accredited vaccination site available to not only 
our employees but also to the community neighbouring the Tharisa Mine. It is also worth noting that our community is a 6% shareholder in the 
Tharisa Mine and has benefited financially, alongside other stakeholders, from the strong return generated by the Company over the past year.

Bearing in mind the evolving requirements of stakeholders, we have improved our disclosure on various levels and enhanced disclosure of our 
activities beyond mining.

Our ambition is to provide stakeholders with a more holistic perspective of our business, our values, and how we are approaching the globally 
significant challenge of addressing climate risk. This will be with us for decades and we appreciate that there will be many additional challenges 
on the road ahead. With the right application and focus throughout the organisation, we look forward to reporting our progress to you in a 
measurable and proportionate way as Tharisa delivers its contribution to decarbonisation and greater sustainability while continuing to deliver 
economic returns.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. I would like to pay tribute to the Tharisa management team, which has worked tirelessly and risen to the 
challenge again over the past year to ensure the wellbeing of colleagues and safe operations at the mine. They are ready, as is this Committee and 
the Board, for what lies ahead.

Dr Carol Bell

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  05

Social
Environment

Governance

To generate value by becoming a globally significant,  
low-cost producer of strategic commodities that are 
required to deliver a sustainable future

Safety

Environment

	• + Six years fatality free
	• Five million fatality-free shifts
	• Employees offered private medical aid and 

provident fund

	• COVID-19 clinic, isolation, and vaccination facilities at 

Tharisa Minerals

	• Planned 30% reduction in carbon footprint  

by 2030

	• Net carbon neutral by 2050
	• On-site solar solutions being evaluated
	• R&D for renewable energy projects progressing

Social

Governance

	• Community is a 6% shareholder in Tharisa Minerals
	• Provide infrastructure services to the community
	• Direct employment of more than 700 people from 

local community

	• Interns, graduates and learnership programmes
	• 60 learners in AET programme

	• Direct taxes paid of US$39.3 million
	• Indirect taxes paid of US$22.3 million
	• US$55 million spent on Vulcan Plant with 90% local 
spend and ~1 000 contractors for construction and 
new direct employment of over 100 people

	• Establishment of Climate Change and Sustainability 

Committee

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 06

FINANCIAL AND NON-FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Safety

Six years

Fatality
free

Reef mined

5.38 Mt
+ 8.2%

2020:  
4.97 Mt

PGM production  
(5PGE + AU)

157.8 koz
+ 11.0%
Recovery of 77.6%

2020:  
142.1 koz

Chrome concentrate 
production

1.51 Mt
+ 12.7%
Recovery of 63.3%

2020:  
1.34 Mt

Revenue

US$596.3 m

+ 46.9% 

2020:  
US$406.0 m

Total dividend 

US 9 c

+ 157.1%

2020:  
US 3.5 c

Operating profit

US$178.8 m
+ 104.1%

2020:  
US$87.6 m

EBITDA

US$224.3 m

+ 97.8%

2020:  
US$113.4 m

Profit 
before tax

US$185.3 m
+ 144.5%

2020:  
US$75.8 m

Headline earnings  
per share

US 38.3 c
+ 126.6%

2020:  
US 16.9 c

Earnings  
per share

US 37.4 c
+ 130.9%

2020:  
US 16.2 c

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  PGM production (koz) and recovery (%)

Chrome concentrate production (Mt) 
and recovery (%)

160.0

155.0

150.0

145.0

140.0

135.0

130.0

.

2
2
5
1

.

6
3
4
1

.

1
2
4
1

.

7
9
3
1

8
.
7
5
1

100.0

90.0

80.0

70.0

60.0

50.0

40.0

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.2

3

.

1

5

.

1

3

.

1

4
3

.

1

5
.
1

07

80.0

70.0

60.0

50.0

40.0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

■ PGM production

■ PGM recovery

■ Chrome concentrate production

■ Chrome recovery

Group revenue (US$m)

Gross profit (US$m) and margin (%)

700.0

600.0

500.0

400.0

300.0

200.0

100.0

0.0

3
.
6
0
4

4
.
9
4
3

9
.
2
4
3

0
.
6
0
4

3
.
6
9
5

100.0

90.0

80.0

70.0

60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0

240.0

210.0

180.0

150.0

120.0

90.0

60.0

30.0

0.0

7
.
2
2
1

5
.
8
0
1

4
.
0
3
1

2
.
0
6

4
.
7
0
2

40.0

35.0

30.0

25.0

20.0

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

■ Group revenue

EBITDA (US$m)

■ Gross profit

■ Gross profit margin

Net operating cash flow (US$m) 
and dividend  (US cents)

250.0

200.0

150.0

100.0

50.0

0.0

■ EBITDA

3

.
4
2
2

100.0

90.0

80.0

70.0

60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0

250.0

200.0

150.0

100.0

50.0

0.0

6
.
5
1
1

9
.
1
0
1

4
.
3
1
1

5
.
1
5

8
.
9
8

7
.
5
7

0
.
0
7

0
.
3
7

3

.
8
0
2

10.0

8.0

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

■ Net cash flows from operating activities (US$m)

■ Dividend (US cents)

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
08

WHERE WE OPERATE

This WHERE WE OPERATE section links to the  
GROUP OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE that follows on pages 10 and 11

Tharisa’s strategy to DEVELOP  
THE COMPANY INTO A GLOBALLY 
SIGNIFICANT, LOW-COST PRODUCER  
OF METALS, critical to the energy 
transition and decarbonisation  
of economies, remains firmly  
on track.

UNITED 
KINGDOM

Scotland

UK

Northern Ireland

England

Ireland

Wales

London - LSE:THS

CYPRUS

Tharisa plc

Arxo 
Resources

6

8

Karo Mining 
Holdings

Cyprus

3

Number of operating companies

Acquired the entire issued share capital of Salene 
Chrome on 31 March 2021 for a cash consideration 
of US$3.0 million

ZIMBABWE

Great Dyke

Salene 
Chrome 9

8

Karo 
Project

2

Zimbabwe

Number of operating companies

South Africa

Tharisa is a 26.8% shareholder in Karo Mining Holdings, 
owner of a Tier 1 PGM Project on the Great Dyke

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  09

CHINA AND 
INDONESIA

China

Tianjin

Lianyungang

Shanghai

Qinzhou

Bahodopi

Tharisa sells and 
exports to China

Provides China with 10% 
of all its chrome concentrate, 
with 80% in total from 
South Africa

Demand driven by Chinese 
domestic consumption and 
export

Indonesia

Sells and exports 
to Indonesia

SOUTH 
AFRICA

The Tharisa 
Community Trust

3

Thari 
Resources

2

MetQ 5

1

4

Salene 
Manganese

10

Tharisa Minerals
Johannesburg 
- JSE:THA

Arxo 
Metals

7

Arxo 
Logistics
Richards 
Bay

7

Arxo 
Logistics
Durban

More information can be found  
at www.tharisa.com/ourfootprint

SOUTH 
AFRICA
continued

4

Tharisa 
Minerals

1

Number of operating companies

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 10

GROUP OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Group has a FOCUSED OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE TO DELIVER  
ON AND SUPPORT ITS STRATEGY.

08

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc

09

Overview

Strategic Review

Operational Review

Sustainability

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Statement

Governance

Financial Review

Shareholder Information

WHERE WE OPERATE

This WHERE WE OPERATE section links to the 
GROUP OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE that follows on pages 10 and 11

UNITED 
KINGDOM

Scotland

UK

Northern Ireland

China

England

Ireland

Wales

London - LSE:THS

CHINA AND 
INDONESIA

Tianjin

Lianyungang

Shanghai

Qinzhou

Bahodopi

Arxo 
Resources

6

8

Karo Mining 
Holdings

Cyprus

Tharisa’s strategy to DEVELOP 
THE COMPANY INTO A GLOBALLY 
SIGNIFICANT, LOW-COST PRODUCER 
OF METALS, critical to the energy 
transition and decarbonisation 
of economies, remains fi rmly 
on track.

CYPRUS

Tharisa plc

3

Number of operating companies

Acquired the entire issued share capital of Salene 
Chrome on 31 March 2021 for a cash consideration 
of US$3.0 million

ZIMBABWE

Great Dyke

Salene 
Chrome 9

8

Karo 
Project

2

Number of operating companies

South Africa

Tharisa is a 26.8% shareholder in Karo Mining Holdings, 
owner of a Tier 1 PGM Project on the Great Dyke

Zimbabwe

SOUTH 
AFRICA

The Tharisa 
Community Trust

3

Thari
Resources

2

MetQ 5

1

4

Salene 
Manganese

10

Tharisa Minerals
Johannesburg
- JSE:THA

Arxo
Metals

7

Arxo
Logistics
Richards 
Bay

7

Arxo
Logistics
Durban

More information can be found 
at www.tharisa.com/ourfootprint

SOUTH 
AFRICA
continued

4

Tharisa 
Minerals

1

Number of operating companies

Tharisa sells and 
exports to China

Provides China with 10% 
of all its chrome concentrate, 
with 80% in total from 
South Africa

Demand driven by Chinese 
domestic consumption and 
export

Indonesia

Sells and exports 
to Indonesia

This GROUP OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE links to the  
WHERE WE OPERATE section on pages 8 and 9

INVESTMENT 
HOLDING 
COMPANY
Tharisa plc (Cyprus)

Registered in Cyprus
Listed on the JSE (THA) and 
the LSE (THS)

Although the Group has a 
centralised support structure 
and levels of authority with 
uniform policies and 
procedures, each distinct 
revenue stream is required to 
retain full ownership and 
accountability for its 
alignment to the Group 
strategy, its performance, 
its growth and ultimately its 
value-add to the Group.

1

Operating and producing companies

1

Tharisa Minerals

74%

Tharisa Minerals is 74% owned by Tharisa and is uniquely positioned 
as a significant co-producer of both PGMs and chrome concentrates. 
Located in the south-western limb of the Bushveld Complex, in 
South Africa, the mechanised mine has a 20-year open-pit life and 
the ability to extend operations underground by at least an additional 
40 years.

6

Arxo Resources

Arxo Resources markets and sells chrome concentrates to 
customers globally.

7

Arxo Logistics

100%

100%

Arxo Logistics manages the rail, shipping and road distribution of PGM 
concentrate and chrome concentrates produced by the Tharisa Mine, and 
chrome concentrates from 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

9

Salene Chrome

Open-pit high value chrome mine adjacent to the Great Dyke  
in Zimbabwe.

5

MetQ

100%

100%

MetQ manufactures equipment used in the mining industry, with a 
particular focus on beneficiation.

2

Growth and development projects

8

Karo Mining Holdings

26.8%

Karo Mining Holdings’ strategy is to establish an integrated PGM mining 
and refining complex in Zimbabwe. Karo Platinum, an indirect subsidiary 
of Karo Holdings, was awarded a Special Grant over 23 903 ha in the 
Great Dyke to develop a PGM mining complex, and has completed 
implementation studies for phase I.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  11

1

For more information on our OPERATING 
COMPANIES see pages 38 to 45

2

Thari Resources

BEE SHAREHOLDERS

3

Tharisa Community Trust

4 Arxo Metals

20%

6%

100%

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 
operates a 1MW DC furnace to produce PGM-rich metal alloys. Arxo Metals 
conducts extensive research and development into technologies and 
beneficiation opportunities.

10

Salene Manganese

Option for
70%

Salene Manganese’s principal activity is a manganese exploration and mining 
company. The mining right is for the mining of iron ore and manganese ore.

2

Find further information on our EXPLORATION 
AND GROWTH PROJECTS on pages 38 to 45

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 12

GROUP HISTORY

2006

February
Prospecting rights granted

March
Tharisa Minerals incorporated

2011

January
US$95 million investment by Fujian 
Wuhang and Hong Kong HeYi Mining

April
US$150 million pre-listing capital raised

August
Genesis Plant is commissioned at 
100 ktpm capacity

Tharisa Community Trust registered

November
Tharisa Community Trust receives 6% of 
Tharisa Minerals donated by Tharisa PLC

2008

February
Tharisa Limited incorporated

October
Commenced trial mining

September
Mining rights for Tharisa Mine granted

December
US$65 million seed capital raised

March
Acquired 74% shareholding in Tharisa Minerals

November
Commenced production of first chrome 
concentrate

2009

We are committed to 
REDUCING CARBON  
EMISSIONS by 30% by  
2030 and have a plan  
in motion TO BE NET  
CARBON NEUTRAL by 2050.

2012

February
Secured project finance facility 
of ZAR1 billion

July
Tharisa Minerals water use 
licence granted

May
First bulk rail shipment

December
Voyager Plant is commissioned 
at 300 ktpm capacity

July
Challenger Plant is 
commissioned

2013

2014

April
Listed on JSE, capital raised US$47.9 million

September
Commissioning of high energy PGM flotation circuit

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  13

2021

SIX YEARS fatality 
free, FIVE million 
fatality-free shifts

Cold commissioning of the 
Vulcan fine chrome recovery 
plant, adding further product 
beneficiation

Exercised option to acquire 
100% of Salene Chrome. 
Commenced mining and plant 
commissioning.

March

COVID-19 
pandemic

2020

September
Five years fatality free

2019

October 
Vulcan Plant restarts construction

February
Listed on A2X 

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

September 
Achieved three million fatality-free shifts

October 
Acquisition of MetQ

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

2018

2017

May
Agreement entered into for 
the purchase of mining 
fleet and transfer of 
employees from mining 
contractor to owner-
operated mining model

August
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

June
Listed on the LSE

November
Maiden distribution to shareholders

2016

The SAFETY AND 
HEALTH of our 
people is a  
CORE VALUE.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 14

TEN-YEAR REVIEW

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

Reef mined
Stripping ratio
Reef milled
PGM flotation feed
PGM rougher feed grade
PGM recovery
6E PGMs produced
Average PGM contained metal basket price
Average PGM contained metal basket price
Cr2O3 ROM grade
Chrome recovery
Chrome yield
Chrome concentrates produced (excluding third party)

Metallurgical grade
Specialty grades

Third-party chrome production
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 flow from operating activities
Net (cash)/debt
Capital expenditure
Dividend

Unit

2021 

0.34
4 412***
57

5 379.9
11.6
5 600.0
4 248.2
1.49
77.6
157.8
3 074
45 336
17.9
63.3
26.9
1 506.1
1 141.5
364.6
223.0

Year ended 30 September

2020 

0.09
3 082
48

4 971.1
12.1
5 036.1
3 765.9
1.46
80.1
142.1
1 704
27 691
18.2
62.1
26.7
1 344.8
1 023.2
321.6
169.8

2019

0.27
2 826
129

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

2018

0.18
2 430
86

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

2017

0.07
2 256
75

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

154

140

162

186

200

2 284
14.8

596.3
207.4
131.5
224.3
103.1
38.3
34.8
208.4
(46.6)
106.0
9.0

2 231
16.2

406.0
130.4
54.9
113.4
44.9
16.9
32.1
73.0
21.1
70.6
3.5

2 322
14.4

342.9
60.4
8.4
51.6
12.8
5
17.7
69.9
12.0
43.9
0.75

2 415
13.1

406.3
108.5
51.0
101.9
49.1
19
26.7
89.8
10.6
48.2
4.0

2 667
13.4

349.4
122.7
67.7
115.6
57.8
22
35.1
75.7
(0.1)
26.4
5.0

kt
m3:m3 
kt
kt
g/t
%
koz 
US$/oz
ZAR/oz
%
%
%
kt 
kt
kt 
kt 
US$/t 
CIF China
ZAR/t 
CIF China
ZAR:US$

US$m
US$m
US$m
US$m
US$m
US cents
%
US$m
US$m
US$m
US cents

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

* 
**  Per 200 000 man hours worked 
***  Including Vulcan contractors

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  15

2012

0.19
1 562
67

1 433.1
10.9
1 094.0
693.1
1.27

8.0
28.3
1 104
8 855
22.1
–
31.0
338.8
338.8
0.0

Year ended 30 September

2016

0.36
2 187
52

4 837.2
7.3
4 656.3
3 575.6
1.65

132.6
69.9
736
10 881
18.0
62.7
26.7
1 243.7
974.3
269.4

2015

0.06
2 000
59

4 183.2
10.7
4 400.4
3 446.2
1.62

118.0
65.8
885
10 593
18.3
58.0
25.5
1 122.2
1 009.4
112.8

2014

0.14
1 938
66

3 908.5
10.6
3 913.1
3 060.4
1.63

78.2
48.8
1 103
11 622
19.4
59.4
27.7
1 085.2
937.0
148.2

2013

0.14
1 688
67

3 305.6
8.4
3 865.7
2 894.2
1.41

57.4
43.7
1 132
10 617
20.7
–
30.9
1 192.8
1 130.3
62.5

120

158

158

165

191

1 751
14.8

219.6
54.5
22.2
15.8
43.0
14.3
6
24.8
41.4
12.3
1.0

1 903
12.0

246.8
43.1
41.4
6.0
29.0
4.7
2
17.5
40.7
24.6
–

1 676
10.6

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

1 546
9.2

215.5
25.9
(3.0)
(47.4)
13.9
(46.8)
(19)
12.0
105.9
24.3
–

1 534
8.1

53.9
(8.2)
(9.2)
(30.0)
(28.3)
(26.0)
(340)
(15.3)
84.5
189.0
–

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

Reef mined
Stripping ratio
Reef milled
PGM flotation feed
PGM rougher feed grade
PGM ounces produced

PGM recovery
Average PGM basket price
Average PGM basket price
Cr2O3 ROM grade
Chrome recovery
Chrome yield
Chrome concentrates produced

Metallurgical grade
Specialty grades

Metallurgical grade chrome concentrate  
contract price
Metallurgical grade chrome concentrate  
contract price
Average exchange rate

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

Unit

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

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

Includes deferred stripping of US$2.4 million (2015: US$15.2 million)

* 
**  Per 200 000 man hours worked

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 16

CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW

Dear Stakeholder
I am proud of Tharisa and our people who 
have pursued significant and sustainable 
growth in extraordinary times as the world 
is firmly focused on the impacts of climate 
change. The world’s drive to reduce our 
carbon footprint while simultaneously 
dealing with the continued disruptive effects 
of COVID-19, are two key points of reflection 
as I look back at our FY2021 achievements.

Safety is a core value in our business to which we are committed and 
so it is pleasing to celebrate an excellent safety record which has led 
to six fatality-free years. Tharisa has proven its ability to grow during 
challenging times, delivering on improved operational performance, 
which has led to significant financial returns for all stakeholders.

With focus on our growth strategy and maximising the value of the 
resources under our control, we have extended the mineral inventory 
life of the open-pit mine by seven years at the Tharisa Mine, achieved 
record production for FY2021, commenced with the commissioning 
of the Vulcan Plant using proprietary groundbreaking technology. 
In Zimbabwe we have commenced with open-pit mining and the 
construction and commissioning of our chrome plant at Salene Chrome 
and completing the implementation study for the Karo Project.

These achievements are at a time when the global resources 
industry is undergoing one of its most dramatic changes. Focus on 
environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues is reaching a zenith, 
with regulatory overlays, both push and pull factors, driving this 
change. But we should not be afraid of this regulation; we must 
embrace it and the opportunities it presents. At Tharisa we have 
an ability, both singularly and collectively, to move ahead of these 
regulations. Resource companies are by their nature agile, even 
adventurous, given we are often the first to explore new areas that 
other industries would never dare venture to. At Tharisa we are 
embedding the ethos of sustainability into all facets of our organisation 
through ESG integration.

Mining is not an option but the way in which it is done is. The changing 
world that we live in needs the resources industry, just as the mega 
trends we are witnessing need the raw materials to flourish. Economic 
growth, while temporarily stunted by COVID-19, will continue, with 
renewed urbanisation, both from rural to urban and existing urban to 
new urban economies, following this growth trajectory. All commodities 
are required to ensure this transition happens and it must be done in 
a way that benefits all participants. With climate change being a major 
topic, the commodities that both we and our counterparts produce are 
vital in ensuring that this development, and growth are achieved with a 
low-carbon and sustainable world in mind.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationStrategic ReviewOverview  17

Innovating the resources company of the future

1

2

3

4

5

6

Integrated
PGM and chrome 
co-producer 
located in prime 
geological area

10-year
operational track 
record

20-year
LOM open pit

+40 years
underground

R&D
developing 
innovative 
end-use products 
and technologies

Profitable
throughout 
the cycle

Consistent
dividend payer

Our commodities are in high demand, and we are constantly striving 
to capture more of the value chain to increase financial returns to 
our stakeholder. We continue to invest in our innovative thinking, 
with research and development having expanded our beneficiation 
capabilities, not only with our Vulcan fine chrome recovery plant but 
also with major developments at our beneficiation site, operated by 
Arxo Metals. I look forward to sharing these successes with you all 
as they reach commercial status and viability.

Sustainability is core to everything we do and to achieve this from 
a long-term business perspective, we will not stray from our drive to 
achieve further vertical integration, another trend that is clear in our 
industry, where companies strive to capture the value chain to the 
fullest and move away from the previous trend of specialisation.

Underpinning the pillars of our growth strategy is our commitment 
to enriching the lives of all our stakeholders and so I am excited 
about the prospects and successful development of the Tharisa 
growth strategy.

To my colleagues, I thank you all for being a part of this exciting 
journey and together we will deliver again.

Loucas Pouroulis
Executive Chairman

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 18

HOW THARISA CREATES SHARED VALUE

Business model

Inputs

The Group is engaged  
in EXPLORATION, 
MINING, PROCESSING, 
BENEFICIATION, 
MARKETING, SALES,  
AND LOGISTICS. 

Tharisa Minerals is a  
low-cost producer of 
PGMs 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.

E
U
L
A
V
G
N
T
A
E
R
C

I

Through our PEOPLE

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

With our ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

	• Mining and exploration rights
	• Significant resource
	•   Long-term open-pit life of mine
	• Processing plants
	• Regulatory compliance
	•   Access to road and rail networks
	• Access to port facilities

With our FINANCIAL management

	•   Operationally cash flow positive
	• Capital expenditure – stay-in-business capex and optimisation 

projects

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

Through consistent INNOVATION

	• Optimisation – mining and processing
	•   Research and development

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

From our STAKEHOLDERS

	•   Employees
	• Shareholders
	•   Communities
	• Customers

	• Suppliers
	• Government
	• Municipalities
	• Regulators

With careful ENVIRONMENTAL awareness

	•   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

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
Our activities

What we do

19

Outputs

Pt

Platinum

Rh

Rhodium

Pd

Palladium

Cr

Chromium

More information can be found at  
www.tharisa.com/corporate-strategy.php

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

Beneficiation
 ‚  Producing PGMs and chrome 

concentrates, including metallurgical 
grade and specialty grade

Research and development
 ‚ Improving recoveries
 ‚ 1 MW DC furnace to produce PGM-rich 

alloys

 ‚ Development of Vulcan process

Marketing and sales
 ‚ Sales of PGM concentrate
 ‚ Marketing and sales of chrome 

concentrates to customers globally
 ‚ Agency agreement with third-party 

businesses

Logistics
 ‚ Road transport of PGM concentrates
 ‚ Road and rail transport of chrome 

concentrates to port

 ‚ Shipment of product to customers

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 20

HOW THARISA CREATES SHARED VALUE continued

Outcomes

PEOPLE

Over 700 people employed from the local community
US$4.9 million spent on skills development training
88 interns, graduates, and learnerships
Six years fatality free
0.34 LTIFR per 200 000 man hours worked

ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Production of saleable product: 5.60 Mt reef milled with 157.8 koz 
PGMs and 1.51 Mt chrome concentrates produced
Depletion of resources: 5.38 Mt reef mined
Responsible management and efficient use of our assets

FINANCIAL

Operating profit: US$178.8 million
 Cash generated from operations: US$208.4 million
 Direct and indirect taxes and royalties: US$61.6 million
Total dividend: US 9 cents per share

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
Vulcan Plant and Salene Chrome Plant

STAKEHOLDERS

Total salary cost: US$59.6 million
 Shareholder returns (HEPS): US 38.3 cents per share
Customers: quality of products, consistent deliveries

ENVIRONMENT

 Total energy consumption: 202 256 MWh
 Cumulative rehabilitation provision: US$21.1 million
T otal water consumption: 1 591 031 m3
Total CO2 emissions (Scope 1): 98 815 tCO2e

Our full value chain

Tharisa Minerals

RESOURCES

MINING

PROCESSING

E
U
L
A
V
G
N
T
A
E
R
C

I

LARGE SCALE

MECHANISED

DERISKED

Find further information on our VALUE 
CREATION PROCESS see page 1

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
21

Tharisa Minerals

ARXO METALS

 ‚ 854.4 Mt resources at 1.47 g/t 
5PGE + Au; and 20.02% Cr2O3

 ‚ 20-year open-pit LOM
 ‚ 40-year underground extension
 ‚ Mined 5.4 Mt of ROM reef

 ‚ Milled 5.6 Mt of ROM
 ‚ 157.8 koz of PGMs produced
 ‚ 1.51 Mt of chrome concentrates

 ‚ One of the world’s largest single 

chrome resources

 ‚ Mechanised open-pit mining

 ‚ In production
 ‚ Operational flexibility
 ‚ Major capex complete

 Production of specialty grade chrome concentrates

 New technologies

Beneficiation
 ‚
Research & Development
 ‚
 ‚ Development of niche products
 ‚
Third party
 ‚

 Piloting PGM-rich alloy technology with 1 MW DC smelter

  Improving recovery of K3 UG2 chrome plant production

ARXO RESOURCES

Marketing and sales
 ‚
 ‚
 ‚

   Significant trader of chrome concentrates
 Global reach and platform for chrome concentrate trading
 Third-party trading

ARXO LOGISTICS

Logistics
 ‚ Road transport of PGMs
 ‚

 Road/rail transport, warehouse and port facilities for bulk chrome 
concentrates

 ‚ Shipping of bulk chrome concentrates

METQ

Manufacturing
 ‚ Equipment used in the mining industry, with a particular focus on 

beneficiation

 ‚ Supply key equipment for Vulcan
 ‚ Manufactured Salene Chrome Plant

CUSTOMERS

 PGM offtake agreement – Impala Platinum and Sibanye-Stillwater

 ‚
 ‚ Relationships with stainless steel and ferrochrome producers and global 

commodity traders
  Specialty chrome offtake/joint marketing agreement

 ‚
 ‚ Strategic volume offtake chrome agreements

KARO MINING HOLDINGS

 ‚ Development of highly prospective integrated PGM mining complex
 ‚ Replication of phased development and innovative approach

SALENE CHROME

 ‚ Mining and chrome plant commission commenced
 ‚ Addition of higher grade chrome concentrate to the Tharisa basket of 

chrome products

SALENE MANGANESE

 ‚ A manganese and iron ore mining company.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 22

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REVIEW

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH is our stated strategy.

“Sustainability” at Tharisa is integral to every facet of our 
business, including the PROTECTION OF OUR PEOPLE, the 
DELIVERY OF SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE 
and LIFE IMPROVEMENTS for the communities within which we 
operate, MAXIMISING THE MITIGATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL 
IMPACT from our operations through our carbon emission 
reduction plan, and the delivery of value to all our stakeholders.

The measures taken with the Tharisa Mine in South Africa over the past 
three years have delivered that growth – the delivery of sustainable 
safety, sustainable production, sustainable reserve growth, and 
sustainable cash flow generation. Yet this is only the first phase of our 
growth strategy as we look to continue improving our performance and 
broadening our business through diversification for the benefit of all 
our stakeholders.

Safety is the core value of our sustainability strategy at Tharisa. It is the 
foundation on which we will achieve our strategic goals. With more 
than 3 000 employees and contractors at the Tharisa Mine, plus up to 
1 000 contractors for the Vulcan Plant build, we celebrated six 
fatality-free years and five million fatality-free shifts this year.

We continue to deal with COVID-19, a pandemic that has impacted 
South Africa particularly hard, yet we have successfully provided 
tangible measures to protect our employees. With the onset of the new 
Omicron variant, we believe that these measures will allow us to 
manage the potential onset of Southern Africa’s fourth wave, ensuring 
the livelihoods and lives of our employees are prioritised. Not a single 

employee has lost their place of employment as a direct result of 
COVID-19. This is how we see “sustainability”, where Tharisa 
is a market leader, not only in South Africa, but globally as an 
internationally renowned mining organisation.

The Tharisa Mine, the core of our operations with vast strategic value, 
has one of the longest life PGM and chrome reserves in South Africa, 
with over 50 years of mining ahead of us. It is the driver of our business 
and the template for growth into the next phases of our development. 
Over the past four years, the mine has experienced a double-digit 
increase in production in both PGM ounces and chrome concentrate 
tonnes. Shareholders have benefited from this platform and our 
constant increased production, with growth in production of PGMs and 
chrome of approximately 11% and 19% respectively since FY2019, 
encapsulating two years of COVID-19-impacted challenges. 
Shareholders have also been rewarded through the payment of 
dividends over the past year in the order of US$21.3 million excluding 
the proposed year-end dividend of US 5 cents per share.

Reef mined
PGMs produced (6E)
Chrome concentrates produced (excluding third party)

kt
koz
kt

FY2021 

FY2020 

5 379.9
157.8
1 506.1

4 971.1
142.1
1 344.8

%
change 

8.2 
11.0 
12.0 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationStrategic ReviewOverview   
23

Phoevos Pouroulis
Chief Executive Officer

The alignment of purpose, and 
the delivery on commitments in 
a safe and sustainable manner, have 
allowed us to continue to make 
a positive impact.

Tharisa has always been a responsible corporate citizen. In FY2021, 
we paid more than US$61 million in direct and indirect taxes, nearly 
doubling our payments from FY2020, boosting South Africa’s economy 
during a challenging year. These tax contributions, including Income 
Tax, Pay as You Earn Tax (PAYE) and Mining Royalties, increased by over 
114%, making up 63% of the tax spend by the Company. Currently, 
Tharisa employs more than 700 people from the local community; has 
a comprehensive intern, graduates and learnership programme in place; 
and more than 60 people are enrolled in adult education and training, 
which is open to anyone from the community, not just Tharisa 
employees.

To ensure sustainable returns, we have adopted an integrated approach 
and created a multi-faceted model with mining, processing, marketing, 
sales, and logistics operations. This sustainability is clearly demonstrated 
with the construction and commissioning of the Vulcan fine chrome 
recovery and beneficiation plant, on budget, which will increase 
Tharisa’s production of chrome concentrates by approximately 20% 
through processing what was previously waste material and improving 
chrome recoveries from approximately 60% to over 80%. The Vulcan 
beneficiation plant saw 90% of the capital expenditure spent through 
local and regional suppliers and will see the creation of 100 permanent 
new jobs, further benefiting the communities within which we operate.

With our innovative thinking we 
are perfectly positioned to 
support and provide critical 
metals and solutions to the 
challenge of decarbonisation. 
Through becoming a globally 
diversified resources company, we 
are making steady progress in 
fulfilling our strategy of 
becoming the investment of 
choice in our sector. I would like 
to thank our Board, shareholders, 
and all contributors to the success 
of Tharisa over the past year and 
welcome all of you to join us for 
the next chapter in our growth.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 24

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REVIEW continued

Looking to the fiscal year ahead, our growth trajectory is underpinned 
by the ongoing development and implementation of our ESG strategy 
and policies. We have invested through the appointment of dedicated 
in-house specialists to ensure we achieve the goals we have set 
ourselves, as well as establishing a Climate Change and Sustainability 
Committee, which will function alongside the Safety, Health and 
Environment Committee and the Social and Ethics Committee. We have 
defined our path to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and reducing our 
carbon footprint by 30% by 2030 and are well on the way to achieving 
both these goals.

With the new Vulcan Plant set to deliver significant increases in our 
chrome production, as well as our unstinting focus on research and 
development in further beneficiation activities through Arxo Metals, 
our sustainable growth strategy remains entrenched in the year 
to come.

The importance of extending the open-pit LOM by seven years has 
not been fully appreciated but in essence is an extension of 50% 
of our open-pit mine, with minimal capital expenditure, allowing 
us to continue production at the current rates while deferring 
underground mining and minimising the transition risk from open 
pit to underground operations.

Tharisa continues to evaluate other accretive opportunities, including 
further leveraging our wholly owned logistics business in the face 
of global headwinds in freight and logistics challenges.

Wholly owned Salene Chrome Zimbabwe, a low cost open-pit chrome 
deposit, is in production with the commissioning of the chrome plant 
underway, providing us with in-country operating experience and cash 
flows as we gear up to develop the larger Karo Platinum project. Two 
phases of exploration drilling have been completed over the Karo 
Platinum project area, which has an historical estimated 96m PGM 
ounces of JORC-compliant resource in its licences, where 22 000 assays 
were processed. A maiden long-life open pit mineral resource and 
mineral reserve for Phase 1 of the operations has been declared. 
On 12 October 2021, Tharisa announced that the Karo Platinum 
implementation studies had been completed and the project is 
now progressing into project execution and development. Tharisa 
is evaluating its option to acquire a controlling interest and execute 
on the project development.

Our sustainable growth strategy is based on six pillars, which have since 
been stress-tested by the extraordinary circumstances of volatile global 
economics, COVID-19, and a logistics complexity that looks set to 
remain challenging for the medium term. In our report this year, we 
show that we have achieved and delivered under each of these pillars. 
Success to date with this growth platform gives the Tharisa Board 
the utmost confidence that we will further build on these pillars 
and transform Tharisa into a unique, sustainable resources business, 
incorporating all aspects of the value chain and fulfilling our purpose 
of, ‘Enriching lives through innovating the resources company of 
the future’.

Six pillars driving growth

Sustainable growth strategy is 
firmly entrenched built on the 
six strategic pillars

Continued focus on technology as 
an enabler is the differentiator

Delivery on these pillars will ensure 
a stronger foundation – proven 
resilience through the pandemic

Firmly positioned to play a critical role 
in the global energy transition 
through the metals we mine

Realistic forecasts that stretch our 
operating ability 

Our safety focus and  
ESG remain core 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationStrategic ReviewOverview  25

This past financial year has been the best performance year on record. 
With the Vulcan Plant scheduled to generate significant chrome 
production growth and excellent PGM production performance in the 
new financial year, we are positioned to achieve production guidance 
while expanding our footprint into Zimbabwe.

The team’s focus on maximising returns through innovation is gaining 
momentum and our R&D projects are progressing to capture value in 
a unique manner. The reliance on one industry and end market has 
proven challenging with global supply chain issues, reinforcing our drive 
for diversification of products and markets. Creating higher value, lower 
volume products mitigates many of these challenges.

As a company that is playing a critical role in the energy transition 
through the metals, we mine, we believe Tharisa must embrace the 
future through the application of innovation and technology to support 
the global imperative. Our commitment to improving the lives of those 
we employ and the communities within which we work, combined with 
the returns we deliver for all our stakeholders, can only be achieved 
with sustainability at the core of Tharisa’s strategy.

Our sincere gratitude goes out to the Tharisa team, the lifeblood of 
our organisation. The alignment of purpose, and the delivery on 
commitments in a safe and sustainable manner have allowed us to 
continue to make a positive impact. These are exciting times and the 
global objective to decarbonise the planet through new processes and 
technologies allow Tharisa to play an even greater role in creating the 
resources company of the future. With our innovative thinking we are 
perfectly positioned to support and provide critical metals and solutions 
to this challenge. Through becoming a globally diversified resources 
company, we are making steady progress in fulfilling our strategy of 
becoming the investment of choice in our sector. I would like to thank 
our Board, shareholders, and all contributors to the success of Tharisa 
over the past year and welcome all of you to join us for the next 
chapter in our growth.”

Phoevos Pouroulis
Chief Executive Officer

Positioned for growth

Delivery on operational 
performance

Favourable 
commodity pricing

Healthy cash flow 
generated

1

PGM

2

PGM

+11% at 157.8 koz

+80.4% at US$3 074/oz

CHROME

CHROME

+12% at 1 506.1 kt

+10.0% at US$154/t

3

Net cash flows from 
operations

US$208.4 m
+
De-leveraging of the 
balance sheet

Net cash of US$46.6 m
+

Investment for the future

Capex spend US$106.0 m
+

Record dividend payment

US 9 cents = US$24.3 m

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 26

CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER’S REVIEW

Positioned to fund the sustainable growth strategy.

Our strong operational performance, as we delivered increased and 
sustainable PGM ounces and chrome tonnes into a rising commodity market, 
set the foundation for an exceptional suite of financial numbers, with the 
cash we have generated being used for continued on-mine investment, 
growth capital and return of cash to shareholders.

The return on invested capital, calculated as the net operating profit 
after tax divided by the average invested capital (comprising total assets 
less cash and non-interest-bearing short-term liabilities) for the period 
under review was 25.5% (2020: 18.8%).

Revenue for the year was US$596.3 million (2020: US$406.0 million), 
an increase of 46.9% on the previous year. Gross profit amounted 
to US$207.4 million (2020: US$130.4 million), an increase of 59.0%, 
benefiting from the increase of 80.4% in the PGM basket price for 
the period, and a 10.0% increase in the metallurgical grade chrome 

concentrate price on the back of increased sales volumes of 6.5% 
and 17.4% for PGMs and chrome respectively.

A breakdown of the PGM revenue is depicted in the graphs below, 
reflecting the strong increase in the rhodium price, which averaged 
US$19 473/oz (2020: US$8 368/oz) for the period, an increase of 
132.7%, and therefore increased contribution to the revenue basket. 
Platinum prices averaged US$1 074/oz (2020: US$876/oz), an 
increase of 22.6%, and palladium prices averaged US$2 506/oz 
(2020: US$2 053/oz), an increase of 22.1%.

Revenue (%)

Revenue (%)

1.8 5.0

0.1

19.5

2021

12.7

61.0

PGM production (koz)

0.21.3 2.6

2020

51.5

25.5

18.9

● Pt 

  ● Pd 

  ● Rh 

  ● Au 

  ● Ru 

  ● Ir
Prill split
FY2021

● Pt 

0.2
  ● Pd 

  ● Rh 

  ● Au 

  ● Ru 

  ● Ir

54.9

15.8 9.8

14.7

4.6

■ Pt 

  ■ Pd 

  ■ Rh 

  ■ Au 

  ■ Ru 

  ■ Ir

The strong rhodium prices resulted in rhodium contributing the dominant share of revenues at 61% of PGM revenue.

The chrome revenue comprises US$166.4 million from the sale of metallurgical grade chrome concentrates and US$37.5 million from the sale 
of specialty grade chrome concentrates (chemical and foundry), with the specialty grades typically commanding a pricing premium of between 
US$30/t and US$50/t.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationStrategic ReviewOverview   
 
 
27

Michael Jones
Chief Finance Officer

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, allocating 80% 
(2020: 75%) to the PGM segment and 20% (2020: 25%) to the 
chrome segment.

However, cost pressures including mining costs, as the drill and blast 
pattern was changed, and the increase in logistics costs (inland logistics 
and sea freight) with constraints on the global supply chain, impacted 
on the profitability of the Group. Regulatory payments such as the 
mining royalty, which is effectively the cost for the lease of the mining 
right due to the government, increased on the back of the increased 

commodity prices and full utilisation of the available tax shield. With 
the ongoing commitment to limiting the impact of our operations 
on the environment, a revised Environmental Management Plan has 
been submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy 
(DMRE) with an alternative plan building on the establishment of a 
post-mining economy with socioeconomic benefits. Accordingly, the 
Group has provided an additional amount of US$6.3 million as a charge 
through the statement of profit or loss for rehabilitation.

The major on-mine segmental cash cost of sales (excluding selling 
expenses) are summarised in the following graphs.

On mine cash costs of sales (%)

On mine cash costs of sales (%)

15.0

32.1

16.0

33.5

20.2

2021

21.6

2020

4.6

12.2

6.4

9.5

4.8

6.6

5.4

12.1

● Mining 
● Royalties 
● Diesel 
● Consumables  ● Labour  ● Overheads

● Mining 

  ● Diesel 

● Electricity and utilities
  ● Royalties 

  ● Electricity and utilities 

● Mining 
● Royalties 
● Diesel 
● Consumables  ● Labour  ● Overheads

  ● Consumables 

  ● Labour 

  ● Overheads

● Electricity and utilities

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
28

CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER’S REVIEW continued

Cash costs (i.e., excluding non-cash flow items such as depreciation) 
on a per cube and per run of mine (ROM) tonne mined basis are 
detailed below, together with the cash costs per tonne milled. Costs 

relating to deferred stripping (which are capitalised) of US$25.4 million 
(2020: US$22.7 million) were excluded from the per tonne 
milled analysis.

Cubes mined
Cost per cube mined
Reef tonnes mined
Cost per reef tonne mined
Tonnes milled
On-mine cash cost per tonne milled
Consolidated cash cost per tonne milled

Units

Mm3
US$/m3
Mt
US$
Mt
US$
US$

30 September
2021

30 September
2020

Change %

19.2
8.9
5.4
31.9
5.6
40.5
44.4

18.9
6.9
5.0
26.3
5.0
34.8
38.6

1.6
29.0
8.2
21.3
11.2
16.4
15.0

Mining costs per cube increased primarily due to a change in the drilling 
pattern to improve grades and fragmentation.

Unredeemed capex available within the Group for set-off against future 
profits has been fully utilised.

The overall inflation environment in South Africa, as measured by the 
PPI, reflected increasing inflationary pressures at 7.8% (2020: 0.5%), 
with the US$ZAR exchange rate strengthening on average by 8.6%. In 
South Africa, diesel costs, which comprise 12% of Tharisa’s on-mine 
cash costs, increased by 3.6% per litre from ZAR13.08 (US$0.8) per litre 
to ZAR13.55 (US$0.9) per litre. Electricity costs, while not being 
a significant input cost at approximately 6% of the on-mine cash 
costs, increased by 11.1% per kilowatt hour.

Selling costs (inland logistics and sea freight) incurred with the transport 
of the metallurgical grade chrome concentrate from the mine to the 
customer at China Main ports increased by 22.3% from US$59.2/t 
to US$72.4/t.

Gross profit amounted to US$207.4 million (2020: US$130.4 million), 
with a gross profit margin of 34.8% (2020: 32.1%). 

Other operating expenses amounted to US$44.8 million 
(2020: US$35.3 million), an increase of 26.9%. The major 
cost within other operating expenses was employee costs 
at US$25.3 million (2020: US$19.9 million), comprising 56.6% 
(2020: 56.3%).

EBITDA amounted to US$224.3 million (2020: US$113.4 million).

Finance costs of US$4.9 million (2020: US$6.9 million) related primarily 
to the term loan in Tharisa Minerals (settled on 31 March 2021), asset 
equipment finance, and trade finance facilities utilisation.

The Group generated a profit before tax of US$185.3 million 
(2020: US$75.8 million).

The tax charge amounted to US$53.7 million (2020: US$20.8 million), 
an effective charge of 29.0% (2020: 27.4% charge). A normalised 
tax rate should be circa 25%. Cash taxes paid amounted to 
US$17.4 million.

Basic earnings per share for the period amounted to US 37.4 cents 
(2020: US 16.2 cents).

Of the total capex spend for the period of US$106.0 million, 
approximately US$26.6 million related to additions to the mining 
fleet and US$73.0 million related to other mining assets. Of the 
US$73.0 million, US$33.0 million related to expansion capital, 
principally the Vulcan Plant construction with US$25.4 million being 
capitalised deferred stripping costs.

For FY2022, the Company has guided capital expenditure 
of US$80.8 million (excluding capitalised deferred stripping costs 
and capital expenditure on the Karo Project where the option 
has not yet been exercised by the Company), with a focus on 
fleet management.

Budgeted CAPEX (US$m)

16.7

0.5

14.3

2022

38.9

10.4

● Mining 
● Other

  ● Processing 

  ● Optimisation 

  ● Manufacturing 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationStrategic ReviewOverview   
29

Free cash flow amounted to US$102.4 million, an increase of some 
US$100.0 million compared to the previous year (2020: US$2.4 million).

After taking into account, inter alia, debt and interest repayments, 
there was a net increase in cash and cash equivalents for the period 
of US$32.3 million.

The senior debt facilities comprising a term loan, revolving credit 
facilities, and an overdraft were repaid on 31 March 2021. Of the total 
interest-bearing debt of US$35.8 million, US$31.1 million was 
US$ denominated and US$4.7 million was ZAR denominated. Tharisa 
Minerals has negotiated further asset-backed finance facilities in the 
amount of US$15.0 million and an overdraft of US$10.0 million.

Debt position (%)

2

5

9

12

2021

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 5 cents 
per ordinary share subject to the necessary shareholder approval. This is 
in addition to the interim dividend of US 4 cents per ordinary share. The 
total dividend amounts to US 9 cents per ordinary share, a payout ratio 
of 18.5%.

Consistent dividend payer

19.2

0
0
.
5

20.5

0
0
.
4

10.00

8.00

6.00

4.00

2.00

0.00

17.8

17.1

18.5

0
5
.
3

5
7
.
0

0
0
.
9

25.0

20.0

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0

72

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

■ US cents

■ ■ ■  Dividend policy

■ % NPAT

Michael Jones
Chief Finance Officer

● Asset finance 
● Term loan 

  ● Finance leases 

  ● Trade finance

● Revolver

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 September 2021 amounted to 
US$83.4 million, resulting in a favourable net debt to equity ratio 
of -10.3%.

There is continued focus on working capital management, with the 
current ratio at 2.4 times.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our financiers, key 
suppliers, and customers for their continued support contributing 
to the successful financial year.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
30

MARKET REVIEW

South Africa is home to the world’s largest PGM and chrome resources.

South Africa, with its rich mineral wealth, hosts approximately 
80% of the world’s PGM and 70% of the world’s chrome resources. 
These industries have benefited from significant investment, increased 
employment, and community upliftment, while the country benefits 
from foreign revenue generation and resulting taxes, including 
significant royalty payments, as the companies involved in the 
sustainable extraction of these resources continue to invest.

South Africa’s mining industry remains essential to the global 
commodity supply chain, with a particular emphasis on the PGM and 
chrome sectors, without which major global industries would not be 
able to deliver.

PGM market – standout performer of 
the year (again)
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.

South Africa is responsible for roughly 75% of the total refined 
platinum production.

The PGM basket price increased by over 80% on an annual basis 
and achieved record basket prices for the second year in a row.

The average basket price for the year was US$3 074/oz, up from 
an average price of US$1 704/oz for the 2020 financial year. The 
ZAR/US$ exchange rate was volatile throughout the year, averaging 
ZAR/US$14.83 versus ZAR/US$16.22 for the prior period. PGM basket 
price in ZAR terms was ZAR45 336/oz, up from ZAR27 690/oz in 2020, 
as compared to ZAR15 531/oz in 2019.

Tharisa believes in the unique properties of PGMs, which will 
mean the long-term demand for the metals remains healthy, coupled 
with reduced and disciplined producer supply of new ounces into 
the market.

While the upside price movement may be perceived to have overrun, 
the fundamentals of PGMs in the longer term remain robust, “driven” 
by a healthy outlook for the internal combustion engine (in the short 
and medium term), investment demand, and industrial demand. While 
substitution will take place between palladium and platinum in catalytic 
converters over time, the inability to substitute the minor metals, the 
major of these being rhodium, ensures that the PGM basket price will 
remain robust for at least the next five-year period.

PGM price chart

US$/oz

3 500

3 000

2 500

2 000

1 500

1 000

500

0

Rh US$/oz

35 000

30 000

25 000

20 000

15 000

10 000

5 000

0

7
1
0
2

t
c
O

8
1
0
2

r
p
A

8
1
0
2

t
c
O

9
1
0
2

r
p
A

9
1
0
2

t
c
O

0
2
0
2

r
p
A

0
2
0
2

t
c
O

1
2
0
2

r
p
A

1
2
0
2

t
c
O

■ Pt 

  ■ Pd 

  ■ Rh

The Company’s favourable prill split towards palladium and rhodium, 
the latter of which Tharisa produced over 15.4 koz for the year, means 
it has an exposure to the two PGM metals that remain in deficit from 
a primary production point of view, with rhodium irreplaceable 
in the catalytic process of an internal combustion engine. The increased 
demand for palladium and rhodium is likely to continue as structural 
demand changes continue to take place in autocatalytic demand from 
India, China, and Europe, as a result of tightening emission standards.

Rhodium production (%)

9

7

2021

Platinum production (%)
● South Africa 

  ● Russia 

  ● Zimbabwe

10

8

12

2021

84

70

● South Africa 

  ● Russia 

  ● Zimbabwe 

  ● ROW

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationStrategic ReviewOverview   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31

The ever-rapid deployment of fuel cell technology and the hydrogen 
economy, influenced by the pressure to reduce carbon footprints, 
should be supportive for continued platinum demand. As the World 
Platinum Investment Council stated in their most recent outlook, 
“Longer term, however, signs of an established recovery are present, 

benefiting in particular the industrial and automotive sectors. Demand 
growth appears likely due to higher loadings and rising production of 
heavy-duty vehicles, increasing platinum substitution for palladium, 
industrial demand growth, and growing investor interest in the 
burgeoning hydrogen economy.”

Average PGM basket price
Average metallurgical grade chrome concentrate contract price

US$/oz
US$/t 

3 074
154

1 704
140

80.4 
10.0 

Year ended 
30 September 
2021 

Year ended 
30 September 
2020 

Year-on-year 
movement 
% 

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. China imported 
approximately 90% of South Africa’s exports. Indonesia remains an 
important player in the downstream chrome industry, with Tharisa 
supplying some of the most modern and largest mills in Indonesia.

Chrome prices and sales improved year on year, with Tharisa increasing 
year-on-year output by 12% to 1.50 Mt, with an average metallurgical 
price received of US$154/t, an increase of 10%.

Chrome production (%)

24.2

2021

75.8

● Metallurgical grade 

  ● Specialty grades

Metallurgical chrome prices traded at the US$165/t level at the end of 
the reporting period. An alleviation of power control measures in China 
is anticipated post the reporting period, which will spur production and 
consequently the demand for the consumption of chrome ore. Global 
supply chain disruptions are likely to contribute to the decline in port 
inventory in China. Increased costs (particularly with regards to logistics) 
will disrupt supply/demand balances, unless prices are significantly 
elevated to absorb these additional expenses.

Tharisa remains a significant player in the global chrome industry, 
supplying approximately 12% of China’s annual demand for the metal.

Tharisa remains a significant player in the speciality chrome market, 
with roughly a quarter of annual chrome output being delivered into 
these markets. The prices of these products (chemical and foundry 
chrome) attract a premium over metallurgical grade chrome ore.

Uses of chrome concentrates

93%

Metallurgical grade
	• Cr2O3 – 30% to 45%
	• SiO2 – <4%
	• Key ingredient for stainless steel

4%

2%

Chemical grade
	• Cr2O3 – 45% to 47%
	• SiO2 – <1.2%
	• Used to produce sodium dichromate

Foundry grade
	• Cr2O3 – >46%
	• SiO2 – <1%
	• High-thermal conductivity and low-thermal 

expansion

	• Moulds for metal castings

<1%

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

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.

To produce one tonne of stainless steel requires:

CHROME ORE

0.6 tonnes

FERROCHROME

0.25 tonne

STAINLESS STEEL

1 tonne

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
32

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS RISKS

Principal business risks are those that, if they materialise, have the capacity 
to materially affect the Group’s ability to create and sustain value in the 
short, medium and long term. The material risks, i.e. the possibility of loss 
or harm occurring, whether permanent or causing significant damage, 
whether physical, financial or reputational, to Tharisa and its stakeholders 
are identified through 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 considers known risks, and these are assessed regularly, updated and included 
in the organisational risk matrix.

Material risks are considered and reported on an ongoing basis by those members of the management team responsible for risk management. The 
Tharisa Risk Committee comprises all members of the Board. Risks are identified in the Group Risk Register and are considered by management 
quarterly and reported to the Board at least twice a year.

Mitigation of risks, whether partial or full, forms part of management’s responsibility and is aligned with the Group’s strategy.

The following tables summarise 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

The safety and health of our people 
is our core value

Harm to people, the environment 
and assets

Operating in a safe manner is a 
key performance indicator for all 
executives and managers at Tharisa 
and its subsidiaries

Potential Section 54 and Section 55 
instructions from the DMRE in terms 
of the South African Mine Health and 
Safety Act and the impact on 
production

COVID-19 pandemic

Keeping people safe is of paramount 
importance to Tharisa 

Employees contracting COVID-19

Decrease in face-to-face safety 
interaction and reinforcement

High absenteeism

Loss of cohesive operating teams

Remote access failure

Logistics constraints

Global economic slowdown

Cybercrime targeting business 
operations

The impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic is as yet not fully 
quantifiable as the pandemic 
is ongoing

Strive for zero-harm working environment

Implement a culture where safety risks will not be tolerated

Comprehensive training on mandatory code of practices and 
standard operating procedures

Continuous training and adherence to global best practices

Transparent and open relationships with DMRE inspectorate 
and other regulatory bodies

Key performance indicator in Group cash bonus scheme to 
incentivise safe behaviour

Ensure alignment and standardisation across all jurisdictions 
and operations

Tharisa has put measures in place that at a minimum comply 
with government regulations and adhere to best practices. 
Rigorous screening and testing measures are in place. 
Succession planning is in place in the event of illness. 
Quarantine and health facilities have been established, as well 
as a vaccination site where employees and contractors can 
receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

A comprehensive communication strategy to employees and 
contractors is in place to provide educational awareness 
to employees on the impact, prevention and treatment of 
COVID-19

The Company has taken these steps proactively but there 
are no guarantees that the measures put in place will ensure 
the Company and its operations will not be affected by the 
pandemic

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  33

RISK

IMPACT

MITIGATION

Political uncertainty

South Africa – the burgeoning 
unemployment, increasing 
government debt and negligible 
GDP growth has led to a negative 
response to political certainty

Negative business confidence

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

Hyper-inflation and monetary policy 
uncertainty

Negative business confidence and 
political uncertainty

Lack of currency liquidity

Regulatory compliance

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

Non-compliance with the Mineral and 
Petroleum Resources Development 
Act (MPRDA) and/or Mining Charter 
and/or the Group’s Social and 
Labour Plan

The Group is required to comply with 
a range of health and safety laws and 
regulations in connection with its 
mining, processing, manufacturing 
and logistics activities. 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

Unattractive investment destination(s) 
for international investors

Potential for further credit rating 
downgrades

Political civil unrest adversely 
impacting mine production

The South African government has indicated commitment 
and intent in ensuring South Africa remains politically stable 
and that the economy advances

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

Continuous drive by the Republic of Zimbabwe to create 
investor-friendly environment

Establishment and awarding of Special Economic Zones 
in Zimbabwe to assist capital flows and investment

Cost of compliance to changes in the 
Mining Charter

Ensure compliance with current MPRDA and applicable 
legislation

Non-compliance, resulting in 
potential legal sanctions, including 
fines, penalties and risks to the right 
to mine via a forfeiture or 
cancellation

Access to forms of capital hindered

Mining Charter provides some certainty

Ensure compliance with the terms of the Mining Charter while 
making use of the phasing-in period

Ensure compliance with the Group’s Social and Labour Plan

Proactive engagement with regulatory authorities and industry 
organisations

Ongoing communication and awareness with investors

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

Routine audits are carried out by regulatory/competent 
authorities in line with the relevant legislative prescripts to 
ensure compliance

Regular internal inspections are conducted by the SHE 
Department to ensure compliance with regulatory 
requirements, including the MCOPs and SOPs

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 34

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS RISKS continued

RISK

IMPACT

MITIGATION

Production/location concentration

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

Exposure to potential 
macroeconomic, social and socio-
political risks and instability

Third-party operations such as the operations of Sibanye-
Stillwater’s K3 UG2 chrome plant provide additional revenue 
from an alternate operation

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

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

Exposure to only two main 
commodities

Diversification into higher grade chrome products has opened 
new markets for Tharisa

Development of the Salene Chrome project in Zimbabwe will 
provide geographic diversification, as well as higher grade 
chrome products

Considering opportunities to diversify commodities as 
they arise

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 
impacts on demand and market 
prices for PGMs and chrome

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

Downward pressure on the prices of 
PGMs and/or chrome may negatively 
affect the Group’s profitability and 
cash flows

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

Risk of competitor product dumping 
and undercutting market prices

Monitor costs closely to ensure that the Group remains in 
the lowest cost quartile

Stringent cost control

Improved operating efficiencies and production driving down 
unit costs

Service providers appointed to manage the Group’s foreign 
exchange and PGM hedging strategy

Production of higher value-add specialty grade chrome 
concentrates comprising ~25% of Group chrome concentrate 
production

Diversification into high-priced chrome products through the 
development of the Salene Chrome operation

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

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

Static share price trading

Non-compliance with ESG standards 
and requirements may affect 
capital-raising abilities

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

Positioned as a low-cost producer of both PGM and chrome 
concentrates

Production of higher value-add specialty grade chrome 
concentrates

Leveraging third-party operations

Diversified customers and markets

Stable Group performance assisted by free cash flows 
generated from operating activities

Undrawn banking facilities

Trade finance facilities assist with working capital 
requirements

Secondary listing on the LSE and an additional listing on A2X 
in South Africa provide additional trading platforms and 
increased liquidity

Marketing and roadshow efforts have significantly enhanced 
the Group’s profile and investor awareness and investor 
spread

Compliance and audit of ESG standards

Employment of relevant skills to manage ESG effectively

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  35

RISK

IMPACT

MITIGATION

Market/customer concentration

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

Proposal by the South African 
government to impose a chrome tax

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

No reliance on a dominant customer within that market

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

Chemical and foundry grade chrome concentrates sold into 
diversified global markets

The development of Salene Chrome in Zimbabwe will further 
broaden our chrome products, especially higher grade 
chrome products

PGM concentrate sold to leading precious metal refiners on 
a long-term offtake basis

Lobbying of government has thus far shelved the proposed 
chrome tax in South Africa

Environment

Tharisa is obliged in terms of its 
undertaking to stakeholders, 
including the 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

The Group is exposed to risks arising 
from climate change. The risks can be 
divided into physical risks, arising 
from the impact of climate change on 
operations, and reputational risk, 
arising from Tharisa being perceived 
as not contributing to addressing 
climate risk in a timely and 
meaningful way by providers 
of capital

Harm to the environment

Increased costs of remediation and 
rehabilitation due to legislative 
changes

Conduct all mining and processing operations in an 
environmentally responsible manner

Compliance with applicable national and local laws and 
regulations

Potential legal sanctions, including 
mine stoppage and class action suits

Monitor compliance against EMPR, licences and Equator 
Principles

Poor image of mining companies

Compliance with provision for rehabilitation and mine closure

Ongoing environmental impact monitoring, management and 
evaluation

Ongoing internal and external compliance audits/inspections

Update/amendment of licences, permits and authorisations

Community engagements through Social and Labour Plans 
(SLP) and local forums

Ongoing engagements with competent authorities to source 
advice on new or amended regulations

Rising temperature levels can affect 
the availability of natural elements 
that are required by the mine, such as 
access to water

Disclosure and reporting on Annual CO2 emissions
Expand and implement a roadmap to reduce operational CO2 
emissions with a targeted reduction of 30% set by 2030 and 
a drive to become net carbon neutral by 2050.

Rising temperatures can affect the 
physical wellbeing of the workforce

The availability of capital will reflect 
how well companies are seeking to 
decarbonise their operations and 
supply chains

Carbon taxes may be implemented to 
encourage companies to improve 
their carbon footprints

Engaging with our supply chain on their commitment to 
decarbonisation

Closer cooperation with suppliers and ensuring the latest 
technology is employed to reduce CO2 emissions
In South Africa:
Introduction and implementation of energy- and water-
efficient ways of product processing

Construction of new water storage facilities to cater for 
projected water shortages

Forming part of the water management forums in the 
catchment area

Electricity generation from renewable sources wherever 
possible

Fleet replacement with more modern and/or hybrid drivetrains

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 36

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS RISKS continued

RISK

Local stakeholders

IMPACT

MITIGATION

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

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

Local stakeholder discontent has the 
potential to disrupt operations

Safety and health of the community

Complaints to regulatory authorities 
and risk of intervention

Potential for adverse litigation

Poor image of mining companies 

Access to resources and infrastructure

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

Production interruptions

Failure to meet delivery and customer 
commitments and contracts 

Ongoing environmental impact monitoring

Property purchase agreements being concluded with local 
landowners

Partner with government and local municipality to develop 
identified land within the municipal spatial development area 
to which the community may be relocated

Ongoing discussions with the DMRE and other government 
bodies

Positive engagements with the local community with a focus 
on sustainable community projects

Focus on recruiting from local communities as much as 
possible if there is a skills match

Rolling out our vaccination site to the greater community 
as per government regulations

Two independent processing plants provide flexibility in times 
of electricity and water curtailments

Multi-modal transport optionality via bulk or containers, road 
and/or rail

Integrated agreement for rail transportation and port facilities 
concluded with Transnet

Improved water supply through close collaboration with the 
custodian of the water resource. Agricultural water rights 
from Buffelspoort as a result of the additional properties that 
were purchased

Mine water reticulation system and construction of new water 
storage facilities

Salt and water balancing have improved water quality. Supply 
potable water from Samancor Mine (Randwater line)

Drilling and licensing of new boreholes to ensure water supply 
volumes remain positive

The increased depth of the mine pit is providing more 
ingression of water, which is dewatered for surface use

The deeper the open pits (current mining area), the more 
water ingression into the pit, leading to more water being 
dewatered to the surface for use

Open-pit diesel-powered mining fleet reduces reliance on 
electricity

Generators installed at the processing plants to mitigate 
electrical supply curtailments

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  37

RISK

Labour

IMPACT

MITIGATION

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

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

Potential damage to property

Loss of production

Monthly liaison with shop stewards and regular contact with 
regional leadership

Ongoing training programmes

Adequate insurance cover in the event of damage to property 
arising from unrest

All levels of employees are incentivised through bonus and 
incentive schemes, leading to improved productivity and 
employee retention

Tharisa has completed year 1 of a four-year wage agreement 
without disruptions, providing certainty for both parties

Care for employees during COVID-19, with additional safety 
and health measures put in place, while Tharisa managed to 
survive the first, second and third waves without any 
retrenchments of workforce

Management of resources and reserves

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

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

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

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

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

Owner mining model enables in-house management and 
control of all mining activities, with a focus on correct mining 
practices with optimal quality and quantity of ROM

Investment in the latest technology and machinery for optimal 
mining practices

In-house mining skills

Accuracy and execution of mine plan

Mining employees managed on KPIs

Unscheduled breakdowns

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

Cyber security

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

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

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

Optimisation of the existing mining fleet

Developed engineering and geological skills that are integral 
to in-house mining

Preventative maintenance programme for the fleet and plant

Long-lead item spares in stock

Ensure adequate ROM stockpiles (target two months) while 
supplementing times of low ROM with purchase of ROM from 
third parties 

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 
backup system is operational or a 
work-around solution is obtained

The Group has carried out an audit of its potential exposure 
to a cyber-attack in respect of all its IT and has implemented 
mitigating measures that limit its exposure to internal and 
third-party access.

The Group has implemented and continuously uses globally 
accepted best-in-class software and protocols to filter 
malicious and criminal content. It also uses the latest antivirus 
and security programmes

Insurance against cyber-attacks, including backup and 
restoration assistance

Internal backups and scheduled backup tests for integrity 
and continuity

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 38

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

Tharisa’s co-product model UTILISING 
A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE USING 
MODERN, MECHANISED MINING IN AN 
OPEN-PIT ENVIRONMENT proved effective 
during this difficult period. 

Expansion and
project roll-out

Innovative thinking 
(Technology)

Reef mined

5.38 Mt
+ 8.2%

2020:  
4.97 Mt

PGM production  
(5PGE + AU)

157.8 koz
+ 11.0%

2020:  
142.1 koz

Chrome concentrate 
production

1.51 Mt
+ 12.7%

2020:  
1.34 Mt

Tharisa acknowledges 
that the SAFETY OF 
ITS PEOPLE IS CRITICAL 
TO ITS SUCCESS.

Open-pit extension by

Seven years

Optimised existing 
operations

Tharisa continues to 
DELIVER OPERATIONAL 
IMPROVEMENTS 
FOLLOWING 
INVESTMENT IN OUR 
ASSETS, the ongoing 
optimisation of the open 
pit, and the flexibility of 
the processing and 
distribution capacity.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  39

Tharisa’s ability to mine and beneficiate its products was evidenced in 
FY2021, where the Company improved across major metrics and the 
sustainable operational outlook continues to be aligned with the 
consistent improvements of these parameters.

Tharisa recorded its sixth fatality-free year and achieved a milestone 
of five million fatality-free shifts on 1 June 2021.

Driven by a strong volumetric performance that has seen run of 
mine (ROM) volume increase by 8.2% to 5.38 Mt (2020: 4.97 Mt), 
including creating additional crushing flexibility and further de-risking 
the operations with a stockpile build-up, the Company was able to 
increase grade steadily and consistently throughout the year, setting 
a new benchmark. With the plant design based on performing best 
with consistent and correct feed grade, recoveries at both the smaller 
volume Genesis Plant (focused more on chrome recovery) and the larger 

volume Voyager Plant (designed to extract maximum value out of 
the PGMs) increased, leading to better PGM and chrome concentrate 
production year on year, with PGM output up by 11% to 157.8 koz 
(2020: 142.1 koz) and chrome concentrate production up 12% 
to 1.51 Mt (2019: 1.34 Mt), with specialty grade making up 24% of 
total chrome concentrate production at 364.6 kt (2020: 321.6 kt).

Third-party chrome production was up 31.3% to 223.0 kt 
(2020: 169.8 kt).

As detailed in the market review, the prices of the two commodity 
groups improved year on year, up 80.4% for the PGM basket to 
US$3 074/oz (2020: US$1 704/oz), while the average metallurgical 
grade chrome concentrate contract price was up 10% to US$154/t 
CIF China (2020: US$140/t).

Key operating numbers

Reef mined
PGMs produced (6E)
Chrome concentrates produced (excluding third party)
Average PGM basket price
Average metallurgical grade chrome concentrate contract price

Year ended 
30 Sep 2021 

Year ended 
30 Sep 2020 

Year-on-year 
movement 
% 

kt
koz 
kt 
US$/oz
US$/t 

5 379.9
157.8
1 506.1
3 074
154

4 971.1
142.1
1 344.8
1 704
140

8.2 
11.0 
12.0 
80.4 
10.0 

Tharisa’s FY2022 production guidance is between 165 koz to 175 koz PGMs (6E basis) and 1.75 Mt to 1.85 Mt of chrome concentrates. COVID-19 
remains a risk to the Company and guidance is premised on the current level of economic activity being maintained.

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 (also known as the Coronavirus)  
outbreak to be a pandemic in recognition of its rapid spread across the globe.

Many governments took and continue to take stringent and economically costly steps to help contain the spread of the virus.  
Initial steps included self-isolation/quarantine by those potentially affected, implementing social distancing measures, controlling or 
closing borders, and “locking-down” cities/regions, or even entire countries. In addition, many countries, while slowly opening up their 
economies, remain cautious. Working from home and limited public engagements are still common while immunisation drives are being 
implemented. While economies have opened, they are by no means back to their full capacity, and this has a continued effect on economic 
growth and activity.

The financial effect of this pandemic continues to have an impact on the global economy, and overall business activities cannot be estimated 
with reasonable certainty at this stage, although a better understanding of the effects has been documented. Management continues to 
consider the unique circumstances and the risk exposures of the Group and has concluded that the main impact on the Group’s business 
may arise from:
	• an interruption of production either on a partial or whole basis;
	• a disruption of the logistics operations;
	• partial supply chain disruptions;
	• the unavailability of personnel; and
	• the impact on the demand fundamentals for its products, thereby impacting on commodity prices.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
40

OPERATIONAL REVIEW continued

Safety
The safety and health of our people is a core value and Tharisa 
acknowledges that the safety of its people in turn is critical to its 
success. The LTIFR for FY2021 was 0.34 (2020: 0.09) per 200 000 man 
hours worked. The mine achieved six years fatality free and five million 
fatality-free shifts.

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

Its dual revenue streams provide a natural hedge against different 
commodity cycles with the products being used in different 
applications.

Tharisa Minerals
Tharisa Minerals is 74% owned by Tharisa and is uniquely positioned 
as a significant co-producer of both PGMs 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 plants extracting both PGMs and chrome 
concentrates. This reduces unit costs and positions Tharisa Minerals 
in the lower cost quartile of operating costs in South Africa for both 
PGMs and chrome concentrates.

On 18 November 2021 Tharisa Minerals announced an extension 
of the open-pit LOM following an annual review of its Mineral Resource 
and Mineral Reserve statement (see pages 56 to 61). Tharisa Mine’s 
open-pit mining will now continue through to 2041, seven years longer 
than previously indicated, while also de-risking the development of the 
operation for underground mining. This development further cements 
the reputation of the Tharisa Mine as a world-class, long-life asset that 
underpins our business and will continue to provide a sustainable, 
low-cost platform for over 50 years.

Reef mined
Stripping ratio
Reef milled
PGM flotation feed
PGM rougher feed grade
PGM recovery

6E PGMs produced

Platinum produced
Palladium produced
Rhodium produced

Average PGM contained metal basket price

Platinum price
Palladium price
Rhodium price

Average PGM contained metal basket price
Cr2O3 ROM grade
Chrome recovery
Chrome yield

Chrome concentrates produced (excluding third party)

Metallurgical grade
Specialty grades

Year ended 
30 Sep 2021 

Year ended 
30 Sep 2020 

Year-on-year 
movement 
% 

kt
m3:m3 
kt
kt
g/t
%

koz 
koz
koz
koz

US$/oz
US$/oz
US$/oz
US$/oz

ZAR/oz
%
%
%

kt 
kt
kt 

5 379.9
11.6
5 600.0
4 248.2
1.49
77.6

157.8
86.7
24.9
15.4

3 074
1 080
2 513
18 860

45 336
17.9
63.3
26.9

1 506.1
1 141.5
364.6

4 971.1
12.1
5 036.1
3 765.9
1.46
80.1

142.1
78.7
23.0
13.5

1 704
876
2 147
8 348

27 691
18.2
62.1
26.7

1 344.8
1 023.2
321.6

8.2 
(4.1)
11.2 
12.8 
2.1 
(3.1)

11.0 
10.2 
8.3 
14.1 

80.4 
23.3 
17.0 
125.9 

63.7 
(1.6)
1.9 
0.7 

12.0 
11.6 
13.4 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverviewStrategic ReviewOperational Review  41

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 has a remaining open pit life of 20 years with 
a projected 40-year underground mining operation. The open pit 
is divided into the east pit and west pit, and extracts reef from five 
MG Chromitite Layers.

In FY2019, the Company redesigned the open pit of the Tharisa Mine, 
in order to ensure optimal use of our non-renewable resource. With 
volume ramp up steady in FY2020, despite the impact of COVID-19, 
the reconfiguration contributed to the mine improving operationally on 
nearly all metrics in both FY2020 and more significantly, in FY2021.

This led to Tharisa Minerals mining 8.2% more ROM tonnage at 
5.4 Mt of ROM for FY2020, while maintaining a healthy stripping ratio 
of 11.6 m3:m3 (2020: 12.1 m3:m3), again well ahead of the LOM 
requirements of 9.8 m3:m3. Together with the improvements already 
shown in FY2020, the operational flexibility created, in particular in 
the second half of FY2021, meant the mining mix once again 
approached close to optimal levels. The mine had approximately 
two-months ROM stockpile ahead of the plants at the end of FY2021.

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.

Tharisa Minerals’ two independent processing plants are designed 
specifically to treat the MG Chromitite Layers of the Bushveld Complex. 
The smaller volume Genesis Plant was commissioned in August 2011 
with the PGM circuit in December 2011. The larger volume Voyager 
Plant was commissioned in December 2012. Both plants operate at 
above nameplate capacity following various upgrades and milled 
5.6 Mt (2020: 5.0 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 milling, spiral, and flotation 
circuits). While Tharisa Minerals has stand-by generating capacity 
to withstand Stage 4 loadshedding, the operational flexibility of the 
two independent processing plants adds to continued production 

Together with the improvements 
already shown in FY2020, the 
operational flexibility created, 
in particular in the second half 
of FY2021, meant the mining mix 
once again approached close to 
optimal levels.

during times of loadshedding, which was prominent in the latter part 
of the financial year and has, unfortunately, continued into the 
new reporting period.

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

The PGM rougher feed grade for the year improved by 2.1% to 1.49 g/t 
(2020: 1.46 g/t), while the Cr2O3 ROM feed grade was marginally 
weaker at 17.9% (2020: 18.2%) for the year.

Tharisa Minerals targets recoveries of 85% for PGMs and 65.0% for 
chrome. In FY2020 PGM recoveries were 77.6%, below the targeted 
recovery of 85%, mainly due to weak recoveries in the first half. 
Chrome recovery improved to 63.3% from 62.1% in 2020.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 42

OPERATIONAL REVIEW continued

During the year, the Group increased PGM output by 11% to 157.8 koz 
(2020: 142.1 koz) and chrome concentrate production was up 12% to 
1.51 Mt (2020: 1.34 Mt), with specialty grades making up 24.2% of 
total chrome concentrate production at 364.6 kt (2020: 321.6 kt). 
Third-party chrome production was up 31.3% to 223.0 kt (2020: 
169.8 kt).

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

Vulcan Plant
Developed by Tharisa’s R&D team, the Vulcan Plant was cold 
commissioned in October 2021, and once fully commissioned, is 
expected to materially increase the chrome recoveries from ~62% to 
~82%, resulting in increased chrome production of approximately 20% 
at low incremental unit operating costs and driving Tharisa further 
down the cost curve. The plant, which will process live tailings produced 
by the independent Voyager and Genesis plants, will ensure further 
beneficiation of the Company’s chrome production at the Tharisa Mine, 
while reducing unit output of carbon emissions.

Vulcan is the first large-scale plant to produce chrome concentrates 
from chrome ultra-fines, consolidating Tharisa’s position as a key 
chrome producer. The concept of Vulcan was developed entirely 
in-house by the R&D team, to extract the ultra-fine chrome 
from tailings.

Of the total capex, over 90% was procured locally in South Africa, with 
up to 1 000 contractors locally sourced and over 100 new permanent 
jobs created.

Internally funded by Tharisa, Vulcan recommenced construction 
in October 2020, after the lifting of restrictions by the South African 
government during the height of the first wave of the COVID-19 
pandemic.

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

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

The average PGM basket price was US$3 074/oz, up 80.4% year 
on year.

Chrome concentrate sales totalled 1.50 Mt, 364 kt of which was 
Tharisa’s higher margin specialty chemical and foundry grade chrome 
concentrates. The bulk of Tharisa’s sales are derived from metallurgical 
grade chrome concentrate, which included 200.0 kt of third-party 
chrome concentrates.

Specialty 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 by Tharisa 
and an independent third party.

Chrome prices and sales improved year on year, with Tharisa increasing 
output by 12% to 1.6 Mt, with an average metallurgical price received 
of US$154/t, an increase of 10%.

Metallurgical chrome prices traded at the US$165/t level at the end of 
the reporting period. An alleviation of power control measures in China 
is anticipated post the reporting period, which will spur production 
and consequently the demand for the consumption of chrome ore.

The production of the higher value specialty chrome concentrates, 
which typically command a premium of US$30/t to US$50/t, provided 
additional margin.

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

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 chemical grade and foundry grade concentrates. 
Specialty grade concentrates carry more stringent specifications and 
therefore fetch a higher selling price. Arxo Metals has an offtake 
agreement for the sale of its concentrates to customers in the chemical 
and foundry industries globally. Arxo Metals accounted for the 
production of 127.5 kt of chemical grade chrome concentrate 
(2020: 83.9 kt) and 25.5 kt of foundry grade chrome concentrate 
(2020: 30.1 kt) in FY2021.

In August 2017, Arxo Metals entered into an agreement with Sibanye-
Stillwater on the operation 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 
FY2021 from the K3 UG2 chrome plant was 223.0 kt, up from 169.8 kt 
in FY2020, as more normal production was resumed following many 
months of COVID-19 induced curtailments in the prior year.

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 operates a 1 MW DC furnace, owned by Tharisa Minerals, 
which produces PGM alloy, and is continuing its research work into 
refining processes. Having recently expanded its facilities with new 
premises in Brits, South Africa, it now houses not only PGM alloy 
production but many metal production facilities, in line with the 
Company’s stated strategy of maximising value for the raw materials 
it produces.

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

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverviewStrategic ReviewOperational Review  43

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

Arxo Logistics shipped a total of 1.33 Mt (2020: 1.17 Mt) of chrome 
concentrate in FY2021, mostly to main ports in China, including 
third-party materials.

In FY2021, Arxo Resources sold 1.3 Mt (2020: 1.1 Mt) metallurgical 
grade chrome concentrates, of which 1.1 Mt was produced by 
Tharisa Minerals.

Of this, 99.6% was shipped in bulk, which is preferred by customers 
due to ease of handling and reduced port charges, as well as reduced 
levels of administration.

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

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

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.

During the year under review, more material has been moved utilising 
road transport, as transport disruptions by Transnet necessitated the 
switch to road usage. Notwithstanding this, all material was delivered 
on time by Arxo Logistics.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 44

OPERATIONAL REVIEW continued

MetQ
MetQ is a South African-based company that specialises in the 
manufacturing and distribution of mineral processing equipment, with 
a manufacturing facility based in Rosslyn, Pretoria, South Africa. It was 
acquired by Tharisa with effect from 1 October 2019.

The company was founded in 1979 with a good understanding of the 
problems faced by the South African mining industry. METQ developed 
and built its own polyurethane spraying equipment to spray solventless 
polyurethane as a wear-resistant coating. METQ could then recondition 
damaged spirals. This brought on an enormous cost saving for the 
mining industry, as mines no longer had to replace damaged spirals.

METQ later built spirals and hydrocyclones and assembled complete 
plants. The first such plant was built and exported in 1986. Since then, 
METQ has added more product ranges that includes hydrosizers, steel 
fabrication, building of modular plants, research and development, 
and other services associated with mining.

During this financial year MetQ manufactured key equipment for the 
Vulcan Plant, as well as the chrome plant for Salene Chrome.

Development 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, 
which hosts the Main Sulphide Zone (MSZ), is an elongated, slightly 
sinuous, 550-km long, layered igneous intrusion, with a width of 
4 – 11 km, in central Zimbabwe. The Great Dyke bisects the country 
in a north-north-east orientation and is a 2.5-billion-year-old layered 
igneous intrusion comprising igneous rocks ranging in composition 
from ultramafic to mafic.

Karo Holdings

Tharisa plc (Tharisa) has a 26.8% shareholding in Karo Mining Holdings 
Limited (KMH), with subsidiaries Karo Platinum Private Limited (Karo 
Platinum) and Karo Refining Private Limited (Karo Refining), which 
comprise the Karo Project, located on the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe.

The project is located in the Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe, 
approximately 80 km southwest of Harare and 35 km southeast of 
Chegutu. The country is well connected by road and rail infrastructure, 
with several border crossings from this landlocked country. The Karo 
Project area covers approximately 23 903 ha located on the Great Dyke.

The Great Dyke is a PGM-bearing geological feature that runs from 
a north to south direction, and it is approximately 550 km in length and 
up to 11 km wide, second to the Bushveld Complex of South Africa 
in terms of its PGM resource base. It is sub divided into distinct sub 
chambers, namely the Musengezi, Darwendale, Sebakwe, Wedza, and 
Selukwe sub chambers. The Zimplats Holdings Limited (Zimplats) 
operations are located in the Sebakwe sub chamber (Ngezi) and the 
Selous Metallurgical Plant is located in the Darwendale sub chamber. 
The Unki Mine is located in the Selukwe sub chamber, and the Mimosa 
operations are located in the Wedza sub chamber. All of the 
aforementioned mines target the PGMs contained in the MSZ.

The project is located south of the Zimplats Selous Metallurgical Plant 
and north of the Zimplats Ngezi operations. It is accessible by tar road 
from Harare, and the closest railway line is approximately 22 km direct 
distance from the project site. The Ngezi Mining Lease area borders 
directly to the south.

The project concession area, measuring 23 903 ha, was previously held 
by Zimplats under its Special Mining Lease. On 6 June 2018, Zimplats 
released the project concession area to the government, resulting in 
Zimplats holding two separate and non-contiguous mining leases over 
the Selous Metallurgical Complex (SMC) area and the Ngezi area. 
Due to the vast size of the mining concessions that Zimplats held, 
the project concession area was never developed.

Zimplats had declared an indicated and inferred resource over the 
Karo Project area, with the last declaration made in June 2017. The 
declaration states that the project area contains 96.4 Moz of PGMs 
(4E basis).

KMH acquired the project area in March 2018 and entered into the 
Investment Framework Agreement with the Republic of Zimbabwe.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverviewStrategic ReviewOperational Review  45

KMH has completed an implementation study and is busy finalising 
legal agreements with the Republic of Zimbabwe.

Salene Chrome

Tharisa acquired Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited (Salene 
Chrome) for US$D3.0 million with effect from 31 March 2021. Salene 
Chrome is a development stage, low-cost, open-pit asset, located in 
the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe. The acquisition provides geographic 
diversification with access to a premium chrome product, a short 
development timeline, and a low capital requirement.

The Salene Chrome project is located in a Special Economic Zone, 
which permits the import/export of capital without any trade barriers. 
Benefits beyond the expatriation of capital include a reduced tax rate, 
duty-free importation of raw materials and exchange control facilities.

Certain geological exploration work has been undertaken over a 
seven-kilometre strike from the south of the Salene Chrome East special 
grant areas, including trenching, pitting, and drilling, and limited trial 
mining (undertaken by Salene Chrome), as well as metallurgical test 
work and infrastructure planning, thereby de-risking the investment. 
Tharisa incurred an amount of US$2.0 million on the initial exploration 
programme. Based on the results of the exploration and metallurgical 
test work, an internal discounted cash flow model produced a net 
present value for Salene Chrome East of US$6.9 million, premised on a 
life of open pit of seven years, annual chrome concentrate production 
of 80 kt, a medium-term chrome concentrate price of US$252/t CIF 
China, capex spend of US$5.0 million, and applying a discount rate of 
11.8%. Salene Chrome, as a development stage asset, is not presently 
income producing.

Mineral Resource estimate

The internally generated resource estimate is based on the results of 
the drilling and pitting operations in the southeastern region over a 
strike length of 7 km. The statement is calculated on a vertical depth 
of up to 50 m below surface and is not code compliant. The combined 
chrome seams tonnage (1CR and 2CR) that would yield lumpy material 
is 1.6 Mt for a 50 m depth (excluding disseminated ore). At a mining 
depth of 13 m, the chrome seam tonnage equates to 415 kt of 
mineralised material.

Limited exploration work, including airborne geophysics, has to 
date been undertaken on the Salene Chrome West special grant area. 
Based on historical mining activity in the Salene Chrome West area, 
it is considered to be prospective for gold, copper, and nickel.

Mining has commenced and the construction of the Chrome Plant is 
nearing completion with commissioning planned for Q1 FY2022.

Outlook
The continued improved performance over the past 12 months 
was achieved safely, even in the face of COVID-19 uncertainty. The 
challenge of the pandemic persists on numerous fronts, yet Tharisa 
has set increased FY2022 production guidance provided for the Tharisa 
Mine, particularly due to the investment made in the Vulcan Plant. 
In Zimbabwe, the exciting developments with Salene Chrome, in the 
construction phase, as well as the progress on the development of Karo 
Platinum, will contribute to Tharisa’s growth trajectory over the next 
two years.

Tharisa remains a key participant in the global transition to a low-
carbon economy through the critical metals we produce. Not only will 
Tharisa contribute to this, but the Company will deliver on its stated 
goals of reaching 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 and carbon 
neutrality by 2050 through the extraordinary skills and initiatives of 
our own research and development team, as well as the adoption 
of leading technologies.

FY2022 guidance is between 165 koz to 175 koz PGMs (6E basis) and 
1.75 Mt to 1.85 Mt of chrome concentrates. COVID-19 remains a risk 
to the Company and guidance is premised on the current level of 
economic activity being maintained.

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 rhodium.

Average market price

Platinum
Palladium
Rhodium

FY2021
US$/oz

1 080
2 513
18 860

FY2020
US$/oz

876
2 147
8 348

Change
%

23.3
17.0
125.9

Metallurgical 
grade chrome 
concentrate

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

Chemical 
grade chrome 
concentrate

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

Foundry 
grade chrome 
concentrate

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

Average chrome price

FY2021
US$/t

FY2020
US$/t

Change
%

42% metallurgical grade

154

140

10.0

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 46

SUSTAINABILITY

Social
Environment

Governance

Safety

Environment

Social

Governance

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  Social

Environment

Governance

47

Safety milestones

28 September 2021

05 November 2021

Six

Fatality-free years  
– Mining

Seven

Fatality-free years  
– Process

01 June 2021

5 000 000

Fatality-free shifts  
(Tharisa Minerals)

01 June 2021

5 000

Fatality-free production shifts 
(Mining)

05 March 2021

Six years

LTI free  
– Process Laboratory

06 March 2021

365

MTC free days  
– Voyager Plant

10 February 2021

Three million

Fatality-free shifts  
– Mining

31 March 2021

7 000

Fatality-free production shifts 
– Process

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 48

SUSTAINABILITY continued

Safety

0

Fatalities

0

Fatality frequency rate

2 296

Health
13.7% employees

12.3% contractors

Employees and contractors 
voluntarily tested for HIV/Aids

HIV/Aids prevalence among  
employees and contractors

6 696

Number of COVID-19 screenings

7 608

5 140

Employees and contractors 
screened for TB/silicosis

Employees and contractors who 
underwent hearing tests

Employees vaccinated:

1 108

Family members:

23

* As at 12 December 2021

COVID-19*

Contractors vaccinated:

Total vaccinated:

1 030

2 138

200 256 MWh

Total energy consumption

Environment

98 815 tCO2e

Total CO2 emissions  
(Scope 1)

US$21.1 m

Cumulative rehabilitation  
provision

1 591 031 m3

Total water consumption

40.1 M litres

Total diesel usage

629.14 t

Domestic waste

Data is applicable to Tharisa Minerals for FY2021

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverviewStrategic ReviewSustainabilityOperational Review  49

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 harm to anyone.

Tharisa acknowledges the significance of all our stakeholders and the 
impact we may have on them, their businesses and their environment.

Tharisa is proud of its safety milestones. With more than 3 000 
employees and contractors at the Tharisa Mine, we celebrated 
six fatality-free years and five million fatality-free shifts with 
seven fatality-free years for the processing plants. These safety 
milestones are achieved through strict adherence to and reliance 
on safety, health and environmental monitoring, and management 
systems, which are complemented by operating procedures and highly 
skilled and trained employees.

Health Centre, which is open to both employees and contractors. This 
further ensures Tharisa complies with the Mine Health and Safety Act 
provision on annual medical fitness examinations.

Tharisa continues to show commitment to the health and safety of 
its employees and has deployed several programmes to ensure the 
wellbeing of its workforce. The programme on voluntary HIV/AIDS 
testing was well received with approximately 2 296 employees from 
Tharisa and its contractors participating. Employees who tested positive 
receive counselling, and are encouraged to participate in the ARV 
Programme, as advised by a suitably qualified health professional.

We continue to deal with COVID-19, a pandemic that has affected 
the globe and continues to impact the lives and livelihoods of all 
its people. We have put the infrastructure in place to care for our 
employees with an on-site COVID-19 command centre, and an isolation 
and vaccination facility. We are working closely with our healthcare 
provider to ensure we remain at the forefront of the latest advice and 
techniques in dealing with this pandemic. Tharisa’s vaccination drive 
is paying dividends and at the time of writing some two-thirds of the 
workforce was vaccinated. Tharisa has managed to limit the spread of 
the pandemic to single digits, while the COVID-19 committee continues 
to assess the situation within the organisation and ensure compliance 
with all regulations.

Tharisa employees who contract COVID-19 are fully cared for, and 
if necessary, specialist medical skills are used in private hospitals to 
care for employees during this difficult period. Tharisa’s COVID-19 
quarantine facility and clinic remain fully operational 24/7. The facility 
has helped with the safe quarantining of the employees while they wait 
for their results. This has assisted in curbing the rise in infections, all 
underpinned by the Company’s proactive approach to dealing with 
the pandemic.

In ensuring that employees are fit to perform their responsibilities, they 
undergo an annual medical fitness examination at the Occupational 

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

The natural environment remains the cornerstone of human existence. 
Mining is one of the ways through which economies around the 
world thrive on extraction or beneficiation. Tharisa aims to conduct 
its operations in a sustainable manner, which is ensuring that 
mitigation of environmental impacts is dealt with for the wellbeing 
of our stakeholders. The idea of co-existence and co-management 
of the natural environment is engraved in the principles of sustainability 
and stewardship.

The growing call to tackle climate change has not only increased 
regulatory scrutiny but the need to adopt resource-efficient 
management across value chains. Tharisa is no exception; the 
management of natural resource intakes, sustainability, and 
the principle of Re-use, Reduce and Recycling has become 
a business imperative.

Total energy consumption FY2021

200 256 MWh
Total CO2 emissions (Scope 1) FY2021
98 815 tCO2e

Total energy consumption FY2020

185 807 MWh
Total CO2 emissions (Scope 1) FY2020
82 829 tCO2e

Cumulative rehabilitation provision FY2021

Cumulative rehabilitation provision FY2020

US$21.1 million

US$17.3 million

Total water consumption FY2021

Total water consumption FY2020

1 591 031 m3

1 290 346 m3

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 50

SUSTAINABILITY continued

Monitoring
The management of natural resource intakes, such as raw water, 
is closely monitored and reported on monthly to assist Tharisa in 
understanding its resource consumption patterns throughout the 
business cycle. The monitoring and management of the resource intake 
have benefits for Tharisa and the natural environment and remain an 
integral part of ensuring the Company attains and maintains its social 
licence to operate.

Tharisa Minerals continues to monitor its raw water intake due to the 
scarcity of water in the region.

Supply of adequate and reliable energy to Tharisa Minerals from the 
state energy utility, Eskom, remains stable at the Tharisa Mine, but 

erratic in the country as a whole, and there are adequate internal 
mitigants in place in the case of unplanned power interruptions. 
The Tharisa Mine has enough standby generating capacity to 
withstand Stage 4 loadshedding, and given the operational flexibility 
of its processing plants, is able to manage electricity usage further 
should the need arise. Energy remains a critical part of Tharisa Minerals’ 
operations and the safety of employees.

Tharisa Minerals has the required and applicable legislative permits that 
legitimise its operations. Furthermore, Tharisa Minerals has an approved 
and amended EMPr regarding the MPRDA and approved ROD in terms 
of the National Environmental Management Act No. 107 of 1998 and 
an Integrated Water Use Licence in accordance with the National Water 
Act No. 36 of 1998.

Responsible 
authority

Legislation

Mineral and Petroleum Resources 
Development Act (MPRDA) No. 28 of 2002

Mineral and Petroleum Resources 
Development Act (MPRDA) No. 28 of 2002

Document type

Mining permit/licence

Mining permit/licence

Document

Registered Mining Right

TM Amended Mining Right 2016

WUL Tharisa Minerals 2012

Tharisa Minerals Amended WUL 2020

DMRE

DMRE

DWS

DWS

DACE ROD 26 Oct 2009

DACE/DEFF

DME ROD 19 Sept 2008

DMR Authorisation 24 June 2015

DMRE Environmental Authorisation 08 Aug 
2021 – Fuel and Waste Storage

DMRE ROD 14 Aug 2020 –
Tharisa WWTP

Radiation Control Authorisation

Municipal Health Services – Graves relocation

DMRE

DMRE

DMRE

DMRE

Department of 
Health

Municipal Health 
Services

National Water Act 36 of 1998

National Water Act 36 of 1998

Licence

Licence

National Environmental Management Act 
(NEMA) No. 107 of 1998

Authorisations

Mineral and Petroleum Resources 
Development Act (MPRDA) No. 28 of 2002

Authorisations

Mineral and Petroleum Resources 
Development Act (MPRDA) No. 28 of 2002

Authorisations

Mineral and Petroleum Resources 
Development Act (MPRDA) No. 28 of 2002

Authorisations

Mineral and Petroleum Resources 
Development Act (MPRDA) No. 28 of 2002

Authorisations

Hazardous Substances Act (15 of 1973)

Permit

National Health Act No. 61 of 2003

Authorisations

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverviewStrategic ReviewSustainabilityOperational Review  51

Tharisa’s disclosure on environmental matters that are regarded as 
material due to their impact on the business’ sustainability include:

Environmental Matters

Resource Efficiency (Energy and Water)

Conservation Management (Biodiversity, Land Use 
Management, and Closure and Rehabilitation)

Environmental Compliance

Waste Management 

Climate Change

Adoption and implementation of new legislative 
provisions

Impact 

High 

High

High

High

High

High

Non-compliance comes with serious reputational and financial 
implications for the Company, and the organisation must ensure there 
is internal capacity and alignment with any legislative developments 
and amendments that are relevant to the mine’s existence. Tharisa 
Minerals is aware of the legislative changes that have been effected 
within South Africa’s legal regime, which include the Carbon Tax 
Act 15 of 2019 and the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Regulations 
as amended.

Tharisa has been proactive in responding to climate change in terms of 
the Company’s impact on the sustainability of the mining operation and 
the short, medium, and long-term effects this phenomenon has on the 
health and wellbeing of the Company’s people. In responding to the 
effects of climate change, the leadership has taken decisive steps to 
contribute to the fight against climate change and started initiatives 
through which Tharisa can reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 
2030 and ultimately achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Biodiversity
Mining by its nature has an impact on the natural environment and 
managing this natural environment proactively and for the long term 
remains vital for the sustainability of the business and environment. 
Tharisa operates using procedures that safeguard the biodiversity within 
the mine’s vicinity. Tharisa Minerals has Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) 
in place and biodiversity stewardship remains an integral part of 
operations. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the removal of invasive 
species is the only biodiversity initiative that was implemented in 
FY2021. Tharisa has completed the eradication of invasive species 
on the western side of the mine and the team is mobilising to start 
on the east side of the mine in the new financial year. We are using 
an independent service provider to advise on the technical aspects 
of the project and the labour for execution is sourced from the 
local community.

Environmental rehabilitation
Tharisa Minerals takes careful consideration of the impact of its 
business and mining model throughout the lifecycle of the mine, 
ensuring that it conducts its mining and processing, in such a way 
that its impact on the environment is reduced as much as possible. 
Moreover, where it is possible and safe, operations are concurrently 
rehabilitated while mining.

In line with the legislative provisions regulating mines in South Africa, 
the rehabilitation provision is reviewed annually by independent and 
experienced specialists in line with the approved EMPr to ensure that 
there is compliance with the commitments. For 2020 and 2021 the 
rehabilitation provision is a cumulative figure of US$21.1 million.

Energy
A constant and reliable power supply is critical to the sustainability of 
the Tharisa Mine. The main source of electrical supply is the country’s 
power utility, Eskom. Power interruptions remain a threat to the safety 
of employees, production efficiencies, and increased maintenance costs 
on plant equipment. Furthermore, the power interruptions require 
Tharisa to utilise diesel generators to ensure continued supply and 
translate into increased Scope 1 emissions. Standby generating capacity 
is enough to withstand Stage 4 loadshedding, a problematic and 
sporadic occurrence that has been evident over the past few years, 
where Eskom does not have enough generating capacity available 
to meet demand and throttles usage to ensure grid stability.

Tharisa Minerals consumed 200 256 MWh of electricity in FY2021. 
Development of initiatives that will help reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 
emissions are underway. The type of fuel consumed in the year includes 
diesel, acetylene, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG). During the year 
under review, 40.1 million litres of diesel were utilised.

Carbon emissions
Tharisa’s management is committed to reducing its carbon emissions 
by 30% by 2030 (from its 2020 financial year baseline, which uses 
2019 data), and it continues to develop a roadmap to be net carbon 
neutral by 2050 (decarbonisation targets). Investment decisions taken 
by Tharisa’s Board will take into account these decarbonisation targets, 
alongside the current financial investment criteria. Furthermore, 
the development of this roadmap will ensure that the pre-defined 
decarbonisation targets are achieved through the deployment of 
numerous sustainability initiatives, including but not limited to 
renewable electricity generation and utilisation, reducing the use of 
electricity produced from fossil fuel and enabling electricity grid power 
purchases to be optimised. Tharisa will also look to reduce the carbon 
intensity of fuels used in its truck fleet as vehicles come to be replaced, 
taking advantage of advances in alternative fuels, including hydrogen 
and battery electric drivetrains.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 52

SUSTAINABILITY continued

Carbon emissions

Scope 1

FY2021

Scope 2

Scope 3

98 815 tCO2e 

212 272 tCO2e

4 926 110 tCO2e*

Scope 1

FY2020

Scope 2

Scope 3

82 829 tCO2e

182 343 tCO2e

2 285 059 tCO2e

* The Scope 3 values have increased due to a change in methodology. The benchmark values for ferrochrome smelting were published by the South African Government recently 

and the calculation for the downstream processing of sold products (Scope 3 Category 10) have been amended in line with the new methodology.

Carbon tax
South Africa remains a significant global emitter due to its reliance 
on electricity that is generated by fossil fuels. The country is a signatory 
of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and is compelled 
to adhere to the international emission reduction commitment to 
reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. In ensuring that these 
commitments are achieved, South Africa has a Carbon Tax Act, which 
is now law. As an open-pit operator, Tharisa does not have a carbon 
tax liability according to the study that was commissioned on 
understanding the legal implications of the Act on Tharisa. However, 
Tharisa has registered with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) 
for carbon tax returns, as prescribed by the provision of the SARS Act. 
Tharisa has filed its carbon tax returns for the year under review.

Materials
Tharisa continued to measure the tonnages of explosives material used 
for the financial year, as explosives are a contributor to GHGs. In 
ensuring that we measure the explosives materials used, disclosure 
of the consumed material is important.

Consumed material 

Explosives (t)

FY2021

18 272

FY2020

15 763

Water management
Water conservation management is one way of ensuring that one of 
the critical natural resources used throughout the mining value chain is 
managed in accordance with best practice and, where possible, water 
is recycled and reused in Tharisa’s operations. The local community has 
been made aware of the importance of water conservation, as the 
region is a drought-prone area, therefore awareness campaigns on 
water conservation are important.

Water shortages remain a business risk. Tharisa has invested in 
boreholes to ensure continued supply of water to the mine during 
water shortages, either due to reduced supply from the water scheme 
allocations or to natural droughts. Raw water is supplied from the 
Buffelspoort Dam and a specific allocation from Rand Water, in addition 
to the borehole water and excess water from the mining pits. Tharisa 
Mine has a positive water balance, which is closely monitored by an 
on-site team. Any changes that affect the water balance are dealt 
with swiftly.

Water quality is closely monitored to assess the impact of the water 
used in the milling operations and beneficiation on the receiving 
natural environment. Surface and groundwater monitoring is 
conducted regularly through biomonitoring of the water table 
as per licence conditions.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverviewStrategic ReviewSustainabilityOperational Review  53

Air quality
Dust monitoring is conducted across various locations within the mine 
and the nearby areas to ensure compliance with the relevant legislative 
prescripts. Dust suppressant is applied to reduce dependence on water 
for dust suppression, when necessary.

Waste management
Tharisa Minerals manages and monitors its activities to ensure 
compliance with the relevant legislative prescripts and to mitigate 
and reduce the impact of waste on the environment. The waste 
management activities of the mine are regulated in accordance with the 
MPRDA and not with the National Environmental Management Waste 

Act (NEMWA). The different waste produced by the mine is disposed 
of in accordance with the relevant procedures and legislative prescripts 
applicable to the waste generated. The waste rock is deposited on the 
permitted waste rock dumps, while it is also used for backfill in the 
mining pit.

Waste produced 

Unit

FY2021

FY2020

Waste rock
Tailings
Domestic waste 
Hazardous waste: Used oil
Hazardous waste: Other

Mm3
Mm3
t
kℓ
t

17.6
4.1
1501.3
393.4
671.5

16.1
3.7
637.4
357.8
356.4

Human resources
Human capital development

R38.5 million

Total amount spent  
on training

6 439

Training and development

R23.3 million

Amount spent  
compulsory training

43

R15.2 million

Amount spent  
on accredited training

45

Employees who received training

Employees received bursary

Learnerships/internships

Our people

1 831

Total number of employees at 
Tharisa Minerals

Diversity

1 372

Male
77%

411

Female
23%

Designated groups*

Non-designated

Male

Female

African 
1 261

Coloured 
21

Indian 
2

African 
375

Coloured
3

Indian
2

White
34

Male

White
112

Foreign Nationals

Male
20

Female
1

* “Designated groups” means black people, women and people with disabilities.

Tharisa Minerals

Our people at other Group companies

236

Total number of employees at 
other Group companies

161

Male
68%

75

Female
32%

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 54

SUSTAINABILITY continued

Psychometrics

Tharisa employs a full time Registered Industrial Psychologist, with 
a major focus on psychometric assessments, helping management 
understand employees needs and requirements, while contextualising 
the information and ensuring a better operational outcome. For the 
year under review, 80 Individuals were assessed and are in grade D2 
and higher in line with the Patterson grading system.

Coaching and counselling

Tharisa provides counselling sessions as part of its employee wellness 
programme. For the year under review, the Company conducted 
489 counselling screening sessions (average of 40 individuals 
per month), conducted by the Industrial Psychologist and 
two registered social workers.

External counselling referrals amounted to 542 sessions (average of 
45 individuals per month), conducted by three psychologists located 
in Rustenburg, Marikana and Brits. Tharisa continues to ensure that all 
cases are closed in accordance with the recommendations from the 
psychologists.

Adult education and training

Social review
Tharisa Minerals is committed to the socio-economic upliftment 
of the host communities in which the mine operates. The Company 
strives to minimise potentially negative social impacts while promoting 
opportunities for these local communities. Tharisa Minerals will 
continue its commitment to community initiatives through its social 
and labour plan to address job creation; poverty alleviation; and basic 
infrastructure, education and development needs.

Community

Total CSI/SLP spend

Number of active CSI/SLP projects

Areas of CSI/SLP spend

Basic needs

Education

Infrastructure development

Enterprise development

ZAR2.2 million

3

ZAR180 000

ZAR600 000

ZAR1.1 million

ZAR330 000

R4.4 million

Adult education and training enrolments

Dividend to Community Trust declared

20

15

10

5

0

7
1

7
1

2
1

8 8

7

7 7

2 2 2

%
0
0
1

%
8
8

3

%
3
4

%
7
7

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

■ Registered 

  ■ Wrote 

  ■ Passed 

  ■ Pass rate 

In FY2020, 50 adults had enrolled and in FY2021, 17 have enrolled. 
This drop is significant; however, the effect of COVID-19 continues to 
affect the programme negatively. We are hopeful that the number will 
improve with more of the population being vaccinated in the future.

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

Our strategy for the social and economic advancement of host 
communities is informed by the local municipality’s Integrated 
Development Plan (IDP) and is translated into action through local 
initiatives incorporated into the mine’s Social and Labour Plans (SLP). 
Key municipal initiatives include local economic development projects, 
bursary awards to qualifying Grade 12 graduates, internships, 
work-integrated learning opportunities, and apprenticeship 
opportunities for youths.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverviewStrategic ReviewSustainabilityOperational Review    
 
55

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

Within Ward 32, the municipal area in which the mine operates, 
are several villages and smallholdings, resulting in a diverse range of 
stakeholders from employee families to farmers. Tharisa engages with 
small farm owners separately from the other communities due to 
different and diverse needs and cultures.

The broader communities are represented by an elected ward 
committee as per different wards, led by a municipal ward councillor. 
Monthly meetings are held with the ward committee to address issues 
affecting both the mine and the communities.

Mine management is proactive in building and maintaining stakeholder 
relationships with the local communities and a dedicated management 
team monitors and manages Tharisa’s social and economic impacts in 
terms of SLPs and other CSI initiatives.

Tharisa Minerals has established engagement forums dealing with 
different community issues. These forums also engage with the steering 
committee for the local community neighbouring the Tharisa Mine. The 
Company furthermore maintains its relationship with the community 
through a dedicated community liaison officer and via these 
engagement forums, which include the local municipality.

SLPs and CSI
Tharisa Minerals will continue its commitment to community initiatives 
through its social and labour plan to address job creation; poverty 
alleviation; and basic infrastructure, education and development needs.

Consistent with its corporate and social responsibility, the Group 
established The Tharisa Community Trust, which holds a direct, 
unencumbered 6% equity interest in Tharisa Minerals, for the benefit of 
members of the local community in which the Tharisa Mine is located.

Tharisa Minerals aims to recruit from the local communities and 
surrounding areas where possible. To this end, several 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 FY2021, 60 community members benefited from basic 
numeracy and literacy training provided by Tharisa Minerals, at no cost 
to the beneficiaries. Other human development interventions include 
awarding 45 internships and learnerships and giving bursaries to 
43 employees.

Eight engineering learnerships were awarded to members of the local 
community and on completion of their training, these learners will 
qualify as fully fledged artisans. The interns are recently qualified 
graduates who require workplace experience before entering the 
job market. Although these graduates have been sourced nationally, 
46% of them are from the North-west Province, where the Tharisa 
Mine is situated.

Being a highly mechanised operation, the Tharisa Mine is not labour 
intensive, making it impossible for Tharisa Minerals to meet the 
employment needs of the local communities alone. A database from 
which people are identified for recruitment and training interventions 
has been established by the mine, in collaboration with the local 
communities. From the beginning of May to the end of November 
2021, a total number of 126 people from local communities were 
employed by contractors on site. 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 56

THARISA MINERALS: 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 2021.

The previous declaration of the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve 
was dated September 2020. The current Mineral Resource declaration 
relies on the geological model and Mineral Resource model of 
April 2021 for the Middle Group (MG) Chromitite Layers, the Upper 
Group (UG) 1 Chromitite Layer, the end of Aug FY2021 mining face 
and one-month forecast from the production schedule. The Mineral 
Reserve declaration is based on the latest pit design and LOM schedule.

The data referenced in this section “Tharisa Minerals: Mineral Resource 
and Mineral Reserve Statement” is reported on a 100% basis.

Overview

Since the commencement of operations at the Tharisa Mine, additional 
geological information was obtained from geological 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.

The Tharisa Mine is a mechanised open-pit operation.

Statement by Competent Person

Ken Lomberg of Pivot Mining Consultants Proprietary Limited 
(previously Coffey Mining South Africa Proprietary Limited) (Island 
House, Constantia Office Park, Cnr 14th Ave and Hendrik Potgieter Rd, 
Johannesburg, 1709), is the CP for the Mineral Resource declaration, 
and is 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 BSc (Hons) 
Geology, BCom and MEng (Mining Engineering) degrees. Mr Lomberg 
is a geologist with 35 years’ experience, including the Mineral Resource 
estimation in respect of PGM and chromitite in the Bushveld Complex.

The Mineral Reserve was prepared under the supervision of 
Jaco Lotheringen of Ukwazi Mining Studies in his role as Mineral 
Reserve CP. He holds a BEng (Mining) degree. He is registered with the 
Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA, Private Bag X691, Bruma, 
South Africa), registration number 20030022. The current address 
of the CP is Unit DSF01, 2nd Floor, Block D, Southdowns Office Park, 
22 Karee Street, Southdowns, Centurion, 0157. 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 Messrs Lomberg and 
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, one of the world’s largest layered mafic intrusions, which host 
layers rich in PGM, chromium and vanadium, and constitute the largest 
known resource of these metals. The Tharisa Mine is underlain by the 
MG and 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 
12° 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 
A, B and C 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.

Figure 1: Location of the Tharisa Mine

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverviewStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewSustainabilityMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Statement  57

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 2020. The current Mineral Resource declaration 
relies on the geological model and resource model of April 2021 for the 
MG Chromitite Layers, the geological and resource model of June 2018 
for the UG1 Chromitite Layer, and the end of FY2021 mining faces. 
Additional diamond drill boreholes were added to the database. Most 
significantly, the geological interpretation was reviewed with emphasis 
on the west and far-west pit areas. The geological interpretation 
includes the construction of three-dimensional models for each of 
the units estimated. Areas in the far west were redefined, where the 
individual layers were consolidated, requiring a revised perspective of 
the layer in the far-west mining area. Work on the area in the far west 
was largely responsible for the decrease in the reported tonnage of 
the Mineral Resource particularly in the Inferred category. The Mineral 
Resource, is restricted at a depth of 750 m below surface based on the 
“realistic expectations for eventual extraction”.

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 
by inverse distance weighting (power2). The classification of the Mineral 
Resource is predominately determined by the distribution of the 
boreholes, with the consideration of the complexity of the geology, 
especially in the extreme western side of the property. Changes to the 
Mineral Resource declaration are due to the production during the 
previous financial year and a revised interpretation in the west and 
far west. The estimated thickness in these areas are slightly thinner in 
the areas mostly affecting the Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources 
in these areas.

The Tharisa Minerals Resource at 31 September 2021 is reported 
inclusive of Mineral Reserve.

4
4
5
0
0
E

 -2844000 N 

 -2844500 N 

 -2845000 N 

 -2845500 N 

 -2846000 N 

 -2846500 N 

 -2847000 N 

 -2847500 N 

 -2848000 N 

4
5
0
0
0
E

4
5
5
0
0
E

4
6
0
0
0
E

4
6
5
0
0
E

4
7
0
0
0
E

4
7
5
0
0
E

4
8
0
0
0
E

4
8
5
0
0
E

4
9
0
0
0
E

4
9
5
0
0
E

5
0
0
0
0
E

5
0
5
0
0
E

5
1
0
0
0
E

Inferred

N

Indicated

5
1
5
0
0
E

 -2844000 N 

 -2844500 N 

 -2845000 N 

 -2845500 N 

 -2846000 N 

 -2846500 N 

Measured

 -2847000 N 

 -2847500 N 

 -2848000 N 

E
0
0
5
1
5

 -2848500 N 

Far-west Pit

West Pit

East Pit

0

500

E
0
0
5
4
4

1 000

E
0
0
0
5
4

1 500

E
0
0
5
5
4

2 000

E
0
0
0
6
4

2 500

E
0
0
5
6
4

E
0
0
0
7
4

 -2848500 N 

E
0
0
5
7
4

E
0
0
0
8
4

E
0
0
5
8
4

E
0
0
0
9
4

E
0
0
5
9
4

E
0
0
0
0
5

E
0
0
5
0
5

E
0
0
0
1
5

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.

Figure 3: Stratigraphic map

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58

THARISA MINERALS: MINERAL RESOURCE 
AND MINERAL RESERVE STATEMENT continued

Figure 4: Map of the location of the Tharisa Mine

Mineral Resource estimate

2021

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

2020

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

Unit

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

Unit

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

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

 109.16 
 1.77 
 1.69 
 1.33 
 22.42 
 6.21 
 5.99 
 4.65 
 24.47 

 112.56 
 1.41 
 1.35 
 1.02 
 19.37 
 5.11 
 4.47 
 3.68 
 21.80 

Measured

Indicated

 105.69 
 1.77 
 1.69 
 1.32 
 22.66 
 6.01 
 5.73 
 4.50 
 23.95 

 85.74 
 1.50 
 1.43 
 1.07 
 22.60 
 4.14 
 3.83 
 2.95 
 19.38 

 632.68 
 1.53 
 1.45 
 1.12 
 19.72 
 31.06 
 29.80 
 22.81 
 124.79 

Inferred

 668.15 
 1.52 
 1.45 
 1.12 
 19.26 
 32.63 
 31.10 
 24.13 
 128.67 

Total

 854.40 
 1.54 
 1.47 
 1.13 
 20.02 
 42.39 
 40.26 
 31.15 
 171.06 

Total

 859.58 
 1.55 
 1.47 
 1.14 
 20.01 
 42.79 
 40.67 
 31.57 
 172.00 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverviewStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewSustainabilityMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Statement  59

The Mineral Reserve tonnage increased by 16.7 Mt due to the final pit 
limit increase of the open pits. Pit design and updated MG Chromitite 
Layers accounted for a 26.4 Mt increase, mining depletion accounted 
for a 4.5 Mt decrease and the underground Mineral Reserves reduced 
by 6.2 Mt.

The PGM (3PGE + Au) and Cr2O3 grades remained similar to the 2020 
quality estimates. No Inferred Mineral Resources were included in the 
open-pit LOM plan. Inferred Mineral Resources formed part of the 
underground mine plan, but were not considered as part of the Mineral 
Reserve estimate. If excluded from the underground mine plan, the 
underground project may not be feasible.

The open-pit LOM schedule was based on a targeted ROM production 
rate of 5.64 Mtpa over a period of 15 years before the East open pit 
is depleted and up to the depletion of the West pit after an additional 
five years. The final open pit ROM material will be produced during 
2041. The open pit LOM increased by eight years due to the increase 
in the open pit limits. The East open pit transitions to underground 
mining from 2036 onwards and the West open pit from 2041 onwards.

The Mineral Reserve for the underground project was derived from the 
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource portion included as part of 
the underground LOM plan. The underground section was scheduled 
to ramp up during the final phase of the open pit operation, targeting 
the MG2 and MG4 Chromitite Layers from the final open pit highwall. 
The Mineral Reserve for the underground section extends to a 
maximum depth of 270 m, constrained by the Mineral Resource 
classification. It would be reasonable to expect that the underground 
LOM can be extended to a maximum depth of 700 m, pending further 
fieldwork and study work.

The 2021 Mineral Reserve estimate was based on the approved 
Mineral Resource models, modified mining models, and mine designs. 
An updated LOM production schedule was completed for the open 
pit as the basis for the 2021 Mineral Reserve estimate. The Proved 
Mineral Reserve was derived from the Measured Mineral Resource and 
the Probable Mineral Reserve from the Indicated Mineral Resource. 
No Probable Mineral Reserve was derived from the Measured 
Mineral Resource.

Mineral Reserve declaration

The Mineral Reserve estimate for September 2021 was based 
on a revised and updated LOM for the open pit. This 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 the basis for the Mineral Reserve estimate, 
including economic pit limits, geotechnical parameters, mining 
methodology and sequence, pit access, ramp placement, equipment 
capability, production rates, and practical mining considerations. The 
mining-related modifying factors applied included geological losses, 
mining losses, mining dilution, and metallurgical recovery. As part 
of the LOM process, a reconciliation was done as the basis for the 
modifying factors to be applied. The reconciliation completed with 
the below modifying factors on the different pits were deemed 
appropriate to form the basis of the Mineral Reserve estimate.

Parameter

Unit

MG4A dilution thickness
MG4 dilution thickness
MG3 dilution thickness
MG2 dilution thickness
MG1 dilution thickness
Mining losses
Geological losses

m
m
m
m
m
%
%

East 
pit

0.53
0.83
0.75
1.30
0.48
6.0
5.0

West 
pit

Far-west 
pit

0.51
0.71
0.60
0.83
0.44
6.0
7.5

0.51
0.71
0.60
0.83
0.44
10.0
15.0

The variance between the 2020 and 2021 Mineral Reserve estimation 
is due to:
	• Mining depletion
	• Updated geological model and an updated coding of the MG layers 

in the western pit area

	• Updated open pit design based on the updated pit optimisation 

results

	• Removal of a portion of the underground Mineral Reserves due to 

the increase of the open pit depths.

The pricing assumptions are the averages of individual estimates from 
local and international analysts, underpinned by averages from S&P’s 
CapitalIQ platform. The Chrome forecasts are further supported by 
historical data from Ferralloynet.

The LOM plan was designed to extract the MG Chromitite Layers, firstly 
from open-pit mining to a maximum depth of 260 m and subsequently 
from underground extraction (MG2 and MG4 Chromitite Layers) by 
means of a bord and pillar mining method. An underground mining 
pre-feasibility study was done during 2019. This was updated for the 
2021 Mineral Reserve estimate by removing the areas falling within the 
updated open pit economic pit limits. The increase in pit depths had 
no impact on the position of the underground portal positions.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 60

THARISA MINERALS: MINERAL RESOURCE 
AND MINERAL RESERVE STATEMENT continued

Open pit 2021

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

(2)

Open pit 2020

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

(2)

Underground 2021

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

(2)

Underground 2020

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

Total open pit and underground 2021

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

(2)

Total open pit and underground 2020

Tonnes 
5PGE + Au grade 
3PGE + Au grade 
Cr2O3 grade 
Contained 3PGE + Au 
Contained Cr2O3 
*  Due to rounding up of the figures, some totals may not add up in the table
(1)  Average PGE process plant recovery estimates range from 78.9% to 83.9%
(2)  Average chrome-yield estimates range from 33.9% to 37.8%

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

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

Unit

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

Unit

Mt
g/t
g/t
%
Moz
Mt

Proved

Probable

Total

77.7
1.42
1.10
18.7
2.7
14.6

16.5
1.31
1.01
17.2
0.5
2.8

Proved

Probable

66.2
1.40
1.08
18.4
2.2
12.2

6.1
1.09
0.84
14.1
0.3
0.9

94.2
1.40
1.08
18.5
3.3
17.4

Total

72.4
1.37
1.06
18.1
2.4
13.1

Proved

Probable

Total

5.7
1.51
1.22
18.7
0.2
1.1

13.3
1.63
1.24
20.6
0.5
2.7

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

Proved

Probable

83.4
1.43
1.11
18.7
2.9
15.7

29.7
1.45
1.11
18.7
1.0
5.6

Proved

Probable

74.3
1.42
1.09
18.5
2.5
13.8

23.2
1.48
1.13
18.9
1.0
4.4

19.0
1.60
1.23
20.0
0.8
3.8

Total

25.1
1.60
1.24
20.1
1.0
5.1

Total

113.1
1.42
1.11
18.7
4.0
21.3

Total

97.5
1.43
1.10
18.6
3.4
18.2

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverviewStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewSustainabilityMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Statement  61

Material risks

Reporting codes and compliance

The Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates for Tharisa 
Minerals were 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.

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 will be detailed in the consolidated financial statements.

Year-on-year deferral of waste could have a substantial impact on the 
open pit Mineral Reserve and sustained delivery of chrome and PGM 
product. Waste-stripping production risks are being addressed and 
year-on-year improvements are achieved, but it is still below current 
planned waste-stripping targets.

An auditable and ongoing 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. Plans are currently being investigated to address 
this risk. Flow diagrams were approved and will be implemented 
during the latter periods of 2021.

Current long-term PGM and chrome prices were adopted for the 
pit optimisation process as the basis for the open pit techno-economic 
mining limits. Sustained low commodity prices over the long term will 
materially impact on the overall value of the operation and can have 
a material impact on the size of the open pit Mineral Reserve.

Due to a pit selection strategy that was based on value and extended 
life, sustained low-cost and efficient mining, with a specific focus on 
waste backfill and processing recoveries, are critical to sustainably 
deliver value from the open pit operation.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 62

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive directors

Loucas Pouroulis (83)
Chairman
Appointed: 27 October 2010

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

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 
postgraduate 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.

Non-executive 
directors

Committee key:

Audit Committee

Risk Committee

Nomination Committee

Remuneration Committee

Safety, Health and Environment Committee

Social and Ethics Committee

New Business Committee

Climate Change and Sustainability Committee

Chairman

By invitation

Phoevos Pouroulis (47)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Appointed: 27 October 2010

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

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 19 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 
currently serves on the board of the World Platinum 
Investment Council. 

Michael Jones (59) 
Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
Appointed: 30 January 2013

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

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 12 years’ executive financial 
management experience in the mining sector. In addition, 
he has 20 years’ experience in investment banking, 
focusing on mergers and acquisitions and capital 
raisings of both equity and debt.

Shelley Wai Man Lo (46)
Non-executive director

Appointed: 10 February 2021

Bachelor of Economics (University of Hong Kong)

Shelley Wai Man Lo, a Chinese National, has more than 
20 years’ experience in accounting, project investment and 
management in the infrastructure business in Hong Kong 
and mainland China. She is the General Manager – Roads 
of NWS Holdings Limited. Before joining the NWS group, 
she worked in the audit department of Deloitte, Hong 
Kong. Ms Lo is a member of both the Hong Kong and 
American Institutes of Certified Public Accountants.

Zhong Liang Hong (58)
Non-executive director

Appointed: 1 April 2018

Bachelor (Ferrous Metallurgy) (Shanghai Metallurgy 
Technology Academy)

Zhong Liang Hong is a Chinese national with 35 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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  63

Roger Davey (76)
Independent non-executive director

Appointed: 1 June 2017

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)

Roger Davey, a British national, has more than 40 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 
was responsible 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 
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). Roger serves on a number of boards, 
including Atalaya Mining Plc, Central Asia Metals plc and 
Highfield Resources Limited.

Carol Bell (63)
Lead Independent Director
from 1 October 2021

Appointed: 22 March 2016

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

Carol Bell has more than 40 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 Bonheur board. 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 
one of the founder-directors of Chapter Zero, a network 
for non-executive directors to engage with climate risk. 
She is also Vice President the National Museum of Wales, 
Vice Chair of the Wales Millennium Centre, Chair of the 
British School at Athens, and Treasurer of the Institute for 
Archaeo-metallurgical Studies.

David Salter (63)
Independent non-executive director
(Former Lead Independent Director from  
13 February 2014 to 30 September 2021)

Appointed: 27 October 2010

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

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 serves on the board of Sirius 
Finance (Guernsey) Limited and is a non-executive director 
of a number of unlisted companies in the mining, property 
and agricultural sectors.

Independent 
non-executive 
directors

Antonios Djakouris (74)
Independent non-executive director

Appointed: 11 October 2011

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

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. 

Committee key:

Audit Committee

Risk Committee

Nomination Committee

Remuneration Committee

Safety, Health and Environment Committee

Social and Ethics Committee

New Business Committee

Climate Change and Sustainability Committee

Chairman

By invitation

Omar Kamal (49)
Independent non-executive director

Appointed: 11 June 2014

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

Omar Kamal has more than 27 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, 
Quiqup 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 (YPO) and a Learning Chair of 
the London Stars Chapter in the UK.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 64

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 84.

The Board believes that the Company is compliant with the Cyprus 
Companies Law and the Company’s Articles of Association.

In terms of King IV, independent non-executive directors serving for 
more than nine years are subject to a rigorous annual review by the 
Board to evaluate their continued independence. Having served for 

more than nine years, David Salter’s and Antonios Djakouris’ 
independence was considered and reviewed by the Board during the 
year under review. In doing so, the Board considered and assessed 
the presence or absence of any interest, position, association, or 
relationship that could potentially influence or cause bias in their 
decision-making process and concluded that it was satisfied that 
there were no such factors present that impaired David Salter’s and 
Antonios Djakouris’ independence. Both David Salter and Antonios 
Djakouris continued to bring an independent and objective view 
and unfettered judgement distinct from that of shareholders 
and management and continue to be classified as independent 
non-executive directors.

In light of his tenure on the Board and as Lead Independent Director, 
David Salter has handed over the reins of the Lead Independent Director 
role to Carol Bell. This change is effective from 1 October 2021.

The Board is also 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, which has been mitigated by the 
appointment of the Lead Independent Director.

Board composition
Executive directors

Loucas Pouroulis (Executive Chairman)
Phoevos Pouroulis (CEO)
Michael Jones (CFO)

Independent non-executive directors

Carol Bell (Lead Independent Director from 1 October 2021)
David Salter (Lead Independent Director until 30 September 2021)
Antonios Djakouris
Omar Kamal
Roger Davey

Non-executive directors

Zhong Liang Hong
Shelley Wai Man Lo

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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  65

80%

20%

Age (%)

Tenure (%)

Gender

10

20

30

Average:
60 years

20

20

4

4

Average:
6 years

Male 8

● 61 to 70 years

● 1 to 5 years 

  ● 5 to 10 years 

  ● >10 years

2

Female 2

● 41 to 50 years 
● 71 to 80 years 

● 51 to 60 years 
● >80 years

Independence (%)

50

2021

Nationalities (%)

10

30

10

30

2021

20

30

20

● Executive 
● Independent non-executive directors

  ● Non-executive directors 

● Cyprus 
● United Kingdom 

  ● South Africa 

  ● Peoples Republic of China

● Jordan

Experience

5 Mining and metallurgy

1 Energy, oil and gas

5 Finance

6 Strategy and risk

3 Commodity markets

1 Information technology

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

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:
	• experiential attributes such as skills, education, functional experience, 

industry experience and accomplishments;

	• demographic attributes such as gender, race, ethnicity, culture, 

religion, and generational cohort; and

	• personal attributes such as personality, interests and values. The 

Board recognises that having a blend of attributes across all facets 
of diversity will lead to more thorough and robust decision-making 
processes and direction and therefore strives to ensure its diverse 
composition.

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

Similarly, recognising the value of age, and ethnic and cultural diversity 
at Board level, the Board encourages the inclusion and consideration of 

prospective candidates backgrounds, and 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 are committed to 
maintaining a diverse Board of Directors with appropriate skills, without 
setting numerical targets. When undertaking searches for new Board 
members, diversity and inclusion are key considerations within these 
processes, alongside recruiting for skills and experience relevant to 
governing the Company effectively. The Board will also pursue 
opportunities to increase the number of female and racially and 
ethnically diverse Board members over time, provided that it is 
consistent with the skills and diversity requirements of the Board.

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 discharge the responsibilities 
of the Board effectively to achieve the Group’s objectives, promote 
shareholder interests, and to create value for stakeholders over the 
long term.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
66

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, 
and its approach to environmental stewardship. 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 and financial objectives and the 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 for 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 they 
operate. In recognition of the importance of this aspect of the Group’s 
business, the Board has established a Climate Change and Sustainability 
Committee. Read more about this committee on page 71.

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.

The Board is satisfied that the approved delegation of authority 
framework contributes to role clarity and the effective exercise of 
responsibilities.

All non-executive directors have unrestricted access to the chairman, 
management, the Group Company Secretary, the Assistant Company 
Secretary, and the external and internal auditors.

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:
	• providing overall leadership to the Board, without limiting the 

principle of collective responsibility for Board decisions;

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

	• actively participating in the selection of Board members and 

overseeing a formal succession plan for the Board and certain senior 
management appointments;

	• encouraging collegiality among Board members and management 
while at the same time maintaining an arm’s length relationship;

	• mentoring to enhance directors’ confidence, especially new or 

inexperienced directors, and encouraging them to make an active 
contribution at meetings.

The chairman’s performance is appraised by the non-executive directors 
on an annual basis 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:
	• recommending or appointing the executive members and ensuring 

proper succession planning and performance appraisals;
	• developing the Company’s strategy and vision for Board 

consideration and approval;

	• developing and recommending annual business plans and budgets 

that support the Company’s long-term strategy to the Board;

	• monitoring and reporting to the Board on performance against and 

conforming with strategic imperatives;

	• ensuring that the Company has appropriate management structures 
and a management team to effectively carry out the Company’s 
objectives, strategy, and business plans;

	• ensuring that the assets of the Company are properly maintained and 

safeguarded and not unnecessarily placed at risk;

	• setting the tone from the top in providing ethical leadership and 

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

The non-executive directors monitor and evaluate the 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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  67

Role of the Lead Independent Director
The Lead Independent Director:
	• chairs the Nomination Committee and is a member of all other 

Board committees;

	• facilitates meetings of the non-executive directors;
	• acts as a sounding board to the Executive Chairman and the CEO;
	• leads the non-executive directors in the appraisal of the Executive 

Chairman and CEO;

	• 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; and

	• 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.

The key responsibilities of non-executive directors include oversight 
to the Board on issues relating to:
	• strategic direction, by providing an objective, informed, and creative 
insight based on their 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;

	• 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;
	• remuneration, through the work of the Remuneration Committee, 
by objectively and independently determining appropriate levels of 
remuneration of executive directors;

	• 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 and ensuring compliance 
with such policies, and with the overall risk profile of the Company;

	• 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;

	• standards of conduct of the Board and executive management.

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 the 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. Non-executive directors 
met twice during the year under review.

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 and 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. Shelley 
Wai Man Lo was appointed on 10 February 2021 and will accordingly 
retire at the next AGM and will be eligible for election.

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. David Salter, Antonios Djakouris, and Shelley Wai Man Lo will be 
retiring by rotation at the upcoming AGM. All three directors have 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 68

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued

made themselves available for re-election. A brief curriculum vitae 
of each director standing for election or re-election appears on 
pages 62 and 63.

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, and specifically 
the independence of David Salter and Antonios Djakouris, it is the 
recommendation of the Board that all three directors be re-elected.

Board meetings
The Board meets formally 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. In addition, four informal mid-cycle briefing calls were 
held during the period. 

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 
encouraged to join meetings of Board committees of which they are 
not members. Terms of reference of the various committees are 
compliant with the provisions of the Company’s Articles of Association 
and the JSE Listings Requirements. The terms of reference are reviewed 
on a regular basis and are available on the Company’s website. All 
committees have satisfied their responsibilities in compliance with their 
respective terms of reference during the year under review.

The Company’s Board committees during the year were constituted as follows:

Audit Committee

Chairman

Antonios Djakouris

Risk Committee

Antonios Djakouris

Nomination Committee

David Salter

Remuneration Committee

Antonios Djakouris

Safety, Health and Environment Committee

David Salter

Social and Ethics Committee

David Salter

New Business Committee

Roger Davey

Climate Change and Sustainability Committee

Carol Bell

By standing invitation

CFO
CEO
Group Head of Internal Audit

Chief Operation Officer (COO)
Group Executive: Legal
Chief Technical Officer (CTO)
Group Head of Internal Audit

CEO

CEO
CFO

CEO
COO
CTO

CFO
COO
Group Executive: Legal
CTO

COO
Group Executive: Legal
CTO
Group ESG Manager

Members

David Salter
Omar Kamal
Carol Bell

Loucas Pouroulis
Phoevos Pouroulis
Michael Jones
David Salter
Omar Kamal
Carol Bell
Roger Davey
Zhong Liang Hong
Shelley Wai Man Lo

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

Loucas Pouroulis
Phoevos Pouroulis
Michael Jones
David Salter
Antonios Djakouris
Omar Kamal
Roger Davey
Zhong Liang Hong
Shelley Wai Man Lo

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  69

Post year-end changes to the composition and chairmanship of Board committees, effective from 1 October 2021

Nomination Committee

Chairman

Carol Bell

Remuneration Committee

Carol Bell

Members

By standing invitation

Loucas Pouroulis
David Salter
Antonios Djakouris

David Salter
Antonios Djakouris
Roger Davey

CEO

CEO
CFO

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 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 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 Lead Independent Director.

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 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.

In terms of the Audit Committee’s oversight role in the integrated 
reporting process, it takes into account all factors and risks that may 
impact on the integrity of the integrated report. In this regard, the 
committee considers and reviews the findings and recommendations 
of the Risk, Safety, Health and Environment, and Climate Change and 
Sustainability Committees insofar as they are relevant to the functions 
of the Audit Committee. The committee also reviews and evaluates the 
disclosure of material sustainability issues in the integrated report, in 
conjunction with the Risk, Safety, Health and Environment, and Climate 
Change and Sustainability Committees, with specific focus on ensuring 
that the disclosure is reliable and does not conflict with the financial 
information. It recommends and/or approves the engagement of 
external assurance providers on material sustainability issues and 
ensures that the appropriate measures of progress towards achieving 
disclosed climate change risk mitigation actions are included in the 
integrated report disclosures.

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

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

For more information on the activities of the committee during the 
year under review, refer to the report of the Audit Committee on 
pages 98 and 99.

The appropriateness of the expertise and experience of the CFO is 
considered on an annual basis and the committee is satisfied as to the 
appropriateness of the expertise of Michael Jones, the CFO.

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. 
Risk Committee meetings are attended by the Chief Operating Officer 
(COO), Group Executive: Legal, Chief Technical Officer (CTO), and 
Group Head of Internal Audit by invitation.

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, in-depth risk reviews were undertaken 
at operating subsidiary and business unit level throughout the Tharisa 
Group, with specific focus on COVID-19 specific risks. The committee 
conducted a high-level review of the residual risks identified by 
management during these reviews. 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 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 only once during the year under review due 
to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 70

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued

Nomination Committee
During the year under review, the Nomination Committee was chaired 
by David Salter in his capacity as the Lead Independent Director. Other 
members of the Nomination Committee were 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, the 
chairman of the committee 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 evaluating the Board performance, undertaking performance 
appraisals of the executive and non-executive 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. During 
the period under review, the committee considered the proposal to 
appoint Shelley Wai Man Lo as non-executive director to replace 
Vaneese Wing Ye Chu, who retired by rotation at the AGM held in 
February 2021, and recommended the appointment to the Board.

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

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

The Nomination Committee met formally once during the year 
under review.

Carol Bell has been appointed to, and has taken over the chairmanship 
of, the Nomination Committee in line with her appointment as Lead 
Independent Director, with effect from 1 October 2021.

Remuneration Committee
All members of the Remuneration Committee are independent 
non-executive directors. During the year under review, the committee 
was chaired by Antonios Djakouris and the other members of the 
committee were 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, and performance-
based remuneration schemes. The committee also deliberated 
extensively on the performance criteria of the 2018 and 2019 awards 
in terms of the Tharisa Share Award Plan, which had been based on 
the respective budgets at the time of the awards, and the performance 
criteria of the 2020 awards, which had been based on market 
guidance. Taking into account the excellent production results achieved 
by the Group, despite interruptions, and management’s outstanding 
response to the COVID-19 pandemic by keeping operations running 
and employees safe, the committee exercised its discretion and 
approved the full vesting of the respective tranches of the 2018, 2019, 
and 2020 awards on 30 June 2021. The main principles on which the 
committee based its decision were the outstanding performance 
of management and all employees of the Group under extremely 
challenging circumstances, the experience of employees during the 
period, the fact that there were no COVID-19 related layoffs, and the 
experience of shareholders during the period in the form of a significant 
improvement in the share price and return of cash to shareholders 
through the continued payment of dividends by the Company. In 
addition, the committee considered the impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic on the construction of the Vulcan Plant and the 
consequential impact on production and economic KPIs, which were 
not achievable as a result of COVID-19 induced delays. Construction 
recommenced early October 2020, the cost of which was being 
funded internally.

The committee met formally twice during the year under review.

Carol Bell has been appointed as chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee with effect from 1 October 2021. Antonios Djakouris, 
David Salter, and Roger Davey remain members of the committee.

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 COO 
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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  71

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

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

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

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

 Social and economic development, focusing on the Company’s 
standing in terms of the goals and purposes of the 10 United 
Nations Global Compact Principles, among others:
	• upholding and respecting human rights
	• fair labour practices, which include the freedom of association, 
right to collective bargaining, and the elimination of forced 
labour, child labour, and discrimination

	• promotion of greater responsibility toward the environment
	• prevention of bribery and corruption
	• the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s 

recommendations regarding corruption

	• the Equator Principles
	• the Employment Equity Act and the Broad-Based Black 

Economic Empowerment Act, applicable to South African 
subsidiaries.

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

remuneration, safety, health, dignity, and development of 
employees and the Group’s standing in relation to the 
International Labour Organisation Protocol on decent work 
and working conditions;

	• the economy, by working towards economic transformation;
	• the prevention, detection, and response to fraud and corruption
	• society, by upholding public health and safety, consumer 
protection, community development, and protection of 
human rights;

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

(iii)  Ethical leadership and ethical behaviour, by reviewing the 

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

The committee is pleased to report that it has fulfilled its mandate 
in terms of its terms of reference and that there are no instances 
of material non-compliance to report.

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. 
The CFO, COO, Group Executive: Legal, and CTO attend meetings 
as invitees.

During the year, the committee considered various opportunities 
presented to it and recommended the acquisition of 100% of the 
shareholding in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe to the Board for approval. 
The acquisition was approved by the Board, effective 31 March 2021.

The committee meets as often as necessary to undertake its 
role effectively. The committee met three times during the year 
under review.

Climate Change and Sustainability 
Committee
During the year under review, the Board established the Climate 
Change and Sustainability Committee, delegating the responsibility for 
overseeing the climate change and sustainability strategy, policies, and 
functions of the Group. This new committee functions alongside the 
Safety, Health and Environment and the Social and Ethics Committees. 
Given the significance of the subject matter, not only for the business, 
but also for all stakeholders and the planet, the committee comprises, 
for the time being, all members of the Board and is chaired by Carol 
Bell. Meetings of the committee are attended by the COO, Group 
Executive: Legal, CTO, Head of Investor Relations and Communications, 
and the Group ESG Manager by invitation.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 72

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued

The purpose of the committee is to provide stewardship and enhance 
the Group’s, and in particular Tharisa Minerals’, efforts in fighting 
climate change, driving sustainability and maintaining the social licence 
to operate within communities. Furthermore, the committee provides 
support to management in ensuring that the Company addresses issues 
of climate change and sustainability through the development and 
implementation of a climate change and sustainability policy and 
sustainability framework. The committee also provides oversight on 
the Company’s sustainability strategy and reporting and all matters 
under the theme of climate change and sustainability.

The focus of this committee, in the near term, is oversight of the 
implementation of the Company’s carbon action plan to becoming net 

carbon neutral by 2050. It will also guide the Group towards its goal 
of creating a circular economy while producing critical metals for the 
decarbonisation of global economies.

The committee shall have access to sufficient resources in order to 
carry out its duties, including the authority to obtain, at the Company’s 
expense, outside legal or other professional advice on any matter within 
its terms of reference and to invite those persons to attend meetings 
of the committee.

Meetings will be held as often as necessary, but at least twice a year. 
The committee held its first meeting in November 2021.

Attendance at meetings
Attendance at Board and committee meetings during the year under review is set out below:

Director

Number of meetings held
Loucas Pouroulis
Phoevos Pouroulis
Michael Jones
David Salter
Antonios Djakouris
Omar Kamal
Carol Bell
Roger Davey
Zhong Liang Hong
Vaneese Wing Ye Chu**
Shelley Wai Man Lo***

Audit
Committee

Nomination
Committee

Board

Remunera-
tion
Committee

Risk
Committee

SHE
Committee

Social and
Ethics
Committee

New
Business
Committee

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
1
3

5
–
4#
5#
5
5
5
5
1#
–
1#
3#

1
1
1#
–
1
1
–
1#
–
–
–
–

2
–
2#
2#
2
2
–
2
2
–
–
–

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
1

4
–
4#
–
4
4
3#
4
4
–
–
2#

1
–
1
–
1
1
1
0
–
–
–
–

3
2*
2*
3
3
2#
3#
3
3
1#
–
3#

By invitation
Recused from one meeting

# 
* 
**  Retired by rotation on 10 February 2021
***  Appointed 10 February 2021

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 
Guidance 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 Group 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 postgraduate qualification: Company Secretarial 
and Governance Practice, and has been an Associate member of the 
Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa (formerly Chartered 
Secretaries Southern Africa) since 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 postgraduate 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 has 
been appointed as an external adviser to Tharisa and its Cyprus 
subsidiaries and maintains an arm’s length relationship with the Board.

The Board assessed and considered the performance and qualifications 
of the Company Secretaries formally 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 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  73

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. An extensive 
evaluation was conducted during October 2019. There were no 
material findings and remedial action is being taken to address areas 
that can be improved upon. The Board is satisfied that the evaluation 
process assists in the improvement of performance and effectiveness 
of the Board.

Board evaluations are generally undertaken on an annual or biennial 
basis. Due to the challenges presented by the global COVID-19 
pandemic, the evaluation that was due to have been undertaken 
in 2021 has been postponed to 2022.

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 Persons 
Discharging Managerial Responsibilities (PDMRs) 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 
UK Market Abuse Regime for PDMRs and persons closely associated 
with them. The Company’s directors, executives and employees who are 
classified as insiders are not permitted to deal in the Company’s shares 
during closed periods or when they are in possession of non-public 
information.

An appropriate communication is sent to all such directors, PDMRs 
and 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 UK Market Abuse Regulation 
stipulates a closed period of 30 calendar days before the announcement 

of the interim and/or annual results. The Company applies the longer 
duration in any given financial reporting period.

Directors of the Company and its major subsidiaries and PDMRs were 
made aware of an amendment to the JSE Listings Requirements, which 
expands the definition of a transaction (for purposes of directors’ 
dealings in securities) to include the use of the issuer’s securities as 
security, guarantee, collateral or otherwise granting a charge, lien 
or other encumbrance over the securities. In the past, disclosure of 
such security arrangements had only been required at the time of 
enforcement against the security, and not at the time that the relevant 
security agreement was entered into. In terms of the amended Listings 
Requirements, separate transactions are regarded to occur, and an 
announcement is required at the time a security agreement is entered 
into, at the time when a right of the secured party is exercised, and at 
the time that an existing security agreement is amended or terminated. 
All existing transactions entered into prior to the amendment of the 
Listings Requirements must be disclosed in the annual report. None of 
the directors or Company Secretaries of the Company, or of its major 
subsidiaries, or any PDMRs had entered into any such transactions prior 
to the amendment to the Listings Requirements, which came into effect 
on 2 December 2019.

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, the accepting and granting of gifts and an 
approved delegation of authorities matrix that 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 Cyprus 
Companies Law, its Articles of Association, and 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 
holds 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, and 
procedures and processes are implemented in order to avoid or mitigate 
key IT-related business risks. The Board has delegated responsibility for 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 74

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued

the governing of IT to the Audit Committee. Assurance on the IT 
systems and processes is provided by the Group’s internal auditors, and/
or other professional consultants if required, and findings are reported 
to the Audit Committee, which ensures that any and all material 
findings are addressed appropriately.

Climate change governance
The Board is ultimately responsible for the strategic direction of 
the Group and monitoring that Tharisa and its subsidiaries are 
operating responsibly. Tharisa has evolved its approach to dealing with 
stakeholders, focusing on actively healing, rather than merely avoiding 
harm. Both the risks and opportunities presented by climate change are 
debated actively by the Board when developing the Group’s strategy. 
Investment decisions, likewise, factor in climate risk, as well as the 
business opportunities that arise from decarbonisation of energy in 
order that the Group’s capital investment is allocated appropriately 
and responsively to ensure that Tharisa’s business model remains both 
sustainable and competitive. The Group produces a number of raw 
materials required for decarbonising the global economy and it also 
directs its research and development activities towards not only 
minimising its direct carbon footprint, but also to contribute to the 
global goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Board 
supports the Paris Climate Agreement, which was adopted in 2015 to 
address the negative impact of climate change by substantially reducing 
global greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to limit the global increase 
in temperature.

During the year under review, the Board established the Climate 
Change and Sustainability Committee, delegating the responsibility for 
overseeing the climate change and sustainability strategy, policies, and 
functions of the Group. Read more about this committee on page 71.

Tharisa has been reviewing its operations with respect to establishing a 
corporate plan to reduce its carbon emissions while continuing to grow 
its operations in producing metals that are needed to effect the energy 
transition away from fossil fuels and deliver the decarbonisation of 
economies. Tharisa’s management is committed to reduce its carbon 
emissions by 30% by 2030 (from its FY2020 baseline, which uses 2019 
data) and the development of a roadmap is continuing to net carbon 
neutral by 2050. Investment decisions taken by Tharisa’s Board will 
be informed by these decarbonisation targets, alongside the current 
financial investment criteria. Furthermore, this roadmap being 
developed will ensure that the pre-defined decarbonisation targets are 
achieved through the deployment of numerous sustainability initiatives. 
The decarbonisation targets are one part of Tharisa’s broader 
sustainability programme, and a further detailed framework will be 
announced during FY2022.

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 February 2021. The external auditor has unrestricted 
access to the chairman of the Audit Committee and the Lead 
Independent Director.

Internal audit
The Audit Committee reviewed the need for an in-house internal audit 
function on a regular basis. During the year under review, the Audit 
Committee reached the conclusion that the Group had reached a size 
and stage of development that justified the creation of an in-house 
internal audit function and recommended the appointment of a Group 
Head of Internal Audit to the Board. Mr Suren Singh joined Tharisa as 
Group Head of Internal Audit on 1 June 2021. A Chartered Accountant 
by profession, he has spent three decades in internal audit, ranging 
from government to retail to automotive and most recently as Chief 
Internal Auditor at an international gold producer.

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 and 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:
	• act with honesty, integrity, and fairness in all dealings, both internally 

and externally;

	• comply with all laws and regulations applicable to the Group;
	• comply with Group policies and procedures;
	• protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of co-workers, suppliers, 

and the communities in which the Group operates;

	• protect the environment by prudent use of resources such as water 

and energy and to limit waste disposal by recycling;

	• protect and not disclose Tharisa’s confidential information;

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  75

	• 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, and involvement 
with any other businesses that have interests adverse to Tharisa, 
interests in Tharisa, or compete with Tharisa;

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

	• avoid any situations or relationships that could interfere with an 
individual’s ability to make decisions in Tharisa’s best interests;

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

Furthermore, it is Tharisa’s policy not to discriminate against any 
employee on the basis of race, religion, national origin, language, 
gender, sexual orientation, HIV status, age, political affiliation, or 
physical or other disability. Tharisa desires to create a challenging and 
supportive environment where individual contributions and teamwork 
are highly valued. In order to establish such an environment, all 
individuals are expected to support this policy of non-discrimination 
and 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 and steps to mitigate the risk of bribery 
and corruption, together with a reporting guideline. All employees, 
suppliers, and other associated persons are made aware of these 
policies and procedures with regard to ethical behaviour, business 
conduct, and transparency.

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

A 24-hour independent anonymous safety and ethics hotline monitored 
by an independent external party is fully operational and facilitates 
the reporting and resolution of safety and ethical violations. This 

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

Each report received via the safety and ethics hotline, or through 
any other channel, is considered and assessed by the Group Head 
of Internal Audit in terms of the nature of the incident and the level of 
staff implicated. For the following instances, the Group Head of Internal 
Audit consults with the Audit Committee Chairperson and together 
they decide on the most appropriate follow-up action:
	• reports that concern individuals that are at the highest level of 

management of the Group and/or individuals that are responsible for 
overseeing one or more departments, or

	• incidents that indicate a serious or pervasive violation which puts 

Tharisa at risk (whether from a reputational or financial perspective).

Based on this assessment, the Group Head of Internal Audit, in 
conjunction with the CFO and/or COO, determines whether to 
investigate the matter with internal audit resources or request the 
senior management within the function/region to investigate where 
this is appropriate or required. In certain circumstances it could be 
appropriate to engage an outside forensic expert to investigate. All 
incidents are investigated and the outcomes of the investigations are 
reported to the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis. Based on the 
outcome of the investigation, appropriate action is taken, which may 
include, where deemed necessary, a disciplinary process in accordance 
with the Tharisa Human Resources Disciplinary Process.

Whistle Blowers (Pty) Ltd operates and ensures confidentiality of the 
hotline/tip-off process and that the anonymity of the individual using 
the hotline is protected while they are in possession of the information, 
as well as protecting the rights of the individuals referred to in the 
complaint.

Investor relations
The CEO and CFO, supported by the Investor Relations function, 
interact with institutional investors and qualified private investors on 
the performance of the Group through presentations and scheduled 
meetings on a regular basis. 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. 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 76

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 the 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 the 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.

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 for 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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  77

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Leadership, ethics and corporate citizenship continued

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

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 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.

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

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 agrees with the principles of 
the 2015 Paris Agreement to mitigate climate change and the Group is taking steps to reduce its carbon 
footprint. Tharisa has evolved its approach to dealing with stakeholders and the environment, focusing 
actively on healing, rather than merely avoiding harm.

The Board focuses on these matters through its Risk; Safety, Health and Environment; Social and Ethics, 
and Climate Change and Sustainability 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:
	• the workplace, by ensuring employment equity, fair remuneration, safety, health, dignity and 
development of employees and the Group’s standing in relation to the International Labour 
Organisation Protocol on decent work and working conditions;

	• the economy, by working towards economic transformation;
	• the prevention, detection and response to fraud and corruption;
	• society, by upholding public health and safety, consumer protection, community development and 

protection of human rights; and

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

biodiversity.

The Climate Change and Sustainability Committee was established by the Board during the year under 
review. The purpose of the committee is to provide stewardship and enhance the Group’s, and in 
particular Tharisa Minerals’, efforts in fighting climate change and driving sustainability and attaining 
a social licence to operate within communities. Furthermore, the Committee will provide support 
to management in ensuring that the Company addresses issues of climate change and sustainability 
through the development and implementation of a Climate Change and Sustainability Policy and 
Sustainability framework. The Committee will also provide oversight on the Company’s sustainability 
strategy and reporting and all matters under the theme of climate change and sustainability.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 78

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

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:
	• developing the Company’s strategy and vision for Board consideration and approval;
	• developing and recommending annual business plans and budgets that support the Company’s 

long-term strategy to the Board;

	• monitoring and reporting to the Board on performance against and conformance with strategic 

imperatives;

	• ensuring that the Company has appropriate management structures and a management team to 

effectively carry out the Company’s objectives, strategy, and business plans.

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

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, 
Group Head of Internal Audit, 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 Audit Committee provides the Board with additional assurance regarding the quality and reliability 
of financial information and the financial statements of the Group. The Audit Committee also has an 
oversight role in the integrated reporting process and takes into account all factors and risks that may 
impact the integrity of the annual report.

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 Charter sets out the Board’s responsibilities in relation to reporting and the following are 
matters reserved for the Board:
	• adoption of any material change to or departure from the accounting policies and practices of the 

Company and its subsidiaries;

	• approval of annual financial statements and interim reports and of any ancillary documents related 

thereto.

The Board is 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’s approach to corporate governance strives to be 
stakeholder inclusive and based on good communication.

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, and 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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  79

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 discharge their duties effectively and competently, having 
regard to the strategic direction of the Group. The Nomination Committee has adopted a Board-level 
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.

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.

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.

Independent non-executive directors serving for more than nine years are subject to a rigorous annual 
review by the Board to evaluate their continued independence. The Board assesses, among others, the 
presence or absence of any interest, position, association, or relationship that could potentially influence 
or cause bias in their decision-making process.

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.

The Nomination Committee 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.

Board support for re-election is not automatic and directors who are seeking election or re-election 
are subject to a performance appraisal. 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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 80

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

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

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

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. Periodic visits are arranged for new and existing non-
executive directors to improve their understanding of the Group’s operations.

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 mentor and 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 interest
Disclosure of other directorships, personal financial interests, 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.

Lead Independent Director
The Lead Independent Director (LID) chairs the Nomination Committee and is a member of all other 
Board committees. The LID facilitates meetings of the non-executive directors, 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. In addition, the LID 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, and acts as an intermediary for the other Board members and shareholders with regard to 
concerns that have not been resolved through the normal channels.

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, New Business Committee and Climate Change and 
Sustainability 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.

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, and role and responsibilities are set out in 
the Integrated Annual Report.

The Board and its committees conduct annual or biennial self-evaluation of the performance of the 
Board, its committees, the Executive Chairman, CEO, CFO, Group 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 LID, assisted by the Group Company Secretary, coordinates 
the evaluation process. The Board is satisfied that the evaluation process assists in the improvement of 
performance and effectiveness of the Board. Due to the challenges presented by the global COVID-19 
pandemic, the evaluation that was due to have been undertaken in 2021 has been postponed to 2022.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  81

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Governing structures and delegation continued

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

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’s 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:
	• recommending or appointing the executive members and ensuring proper succession planning and 

performance appraisals;

	• ensuring that the assets of the Company are properly maintained and safeguarded and not 

unnecessarily placed at risk;

	• setting the tone from the top in providing ethical leadership and creating an ethical environment 

and not causing or permitting any decision or internal or external practice or activity by the Company 
that may be contrary to commonly accepted business practice, good corporate governance or 
professional ethics;

	• acting as the chief spokesperson of the Company.

The CEO is not a member of any Board committees other than the Risk and Climate Change and 
Sustainability Committees, which comprise 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.

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. 
The Board is satisfied that the approved delegation of authorities matrices contribute to role clarity and 
the effective exercise of responsibilities.

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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 82

KING IV APPLICATION continued

Principle

Summary of how Tharisa applies the King IV Principles

Governance functional areas

11.  Risk governance
The governing body should govern risk 
in a way that supports the organisation 
in setting and achieving its strategic 
objectives

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.

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

The Board Charter commits the Board to assuming ultimate responsibility for ensuring that effective 
IT systems, internal control, auditing and compliance policies, and 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 audit function and findings are reported to the 
Audit Committee, which ensures that any and all material findings are addressed appropriately.

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

Tharisa is incorporated in the Republic of Cyprus and is therefore subject to the Cyprus Companies Law 
CAP113. 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 shares, through the 
settlement of corresponding depositary interests, on the main market of the London Stock Exchange 
(LSE) and is thus subject to the Listing Rules, Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the 
Prospectus Regulation Rules, as well as the UK Market Abuse Regime as implemented through the 
EU Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014 and as amended by the Market Abuse Exit Regulations 2019.

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.

The Board is also 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, which has been mitigated 
by the appointment of a LID.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  83

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 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 employees, 
management, and directors with the necessary skills to effectively manage operations and grow 
the business, creating a strong performance-orientated environment and aligning employees’ 
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 well 
as key management, 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 separate 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 audit function, 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 auditor/s.

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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 84

KING IV APPLICATION continued

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, 
the Group Company Secretary, 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 the performance of the Group through presentations and scheduled meetings on a regular basis.

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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  85

REMUNERATION REPORT

Statement from the chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Summary of year
The focus of the Remuneration Committee during the year has been on 
ensuring that Tharisa’s remuneration policy and the implementation of 
the policy remain relevant in the context of the disruption caused by the 
COVID-19 pandemic. The committee has deliberated on the impact of 
the pandemic on the business and how this should be reflected in 
decisions around remuneration.

institutional investors based in the UK, a separate post-vesting holding 
period applies to Performance Share Awards granted to executive 
management. This means that any shares which vest at the end of the 
three-year performance period must be held for a minimum of a further 
two years before they can be sold (this excludes any shares which are 
required to be sold to satisfy tax liabilities due at the point of vesting). 
Once vested, these shares will not be forfeited if the participant resigns 
within the two-year period. Vested shares qualify for dividends.

We have again been impressed by the resilience of the business, the 
leadership shown by Tharisa’s executive team, and the dedication 
of the entire workforce, during an exceptionally challenging period. 
The committee is pleased to advise that throughout the South African 
national lockdown period, salaries were paid in full and there were 
no retrenchments.

For the financial year beginning 1 October 2021, the committee will 
continue to apply the existing remuneration policy, save for the Tharisa 
Share Award Plan (Share Award Plan 2014). A key change to the policy 
for the new financial year relates to the new Long-Term Incentive Plan 
(LTIP 2021).

LTIP 2021
As advised in the remuneration report in the 2020 Integrated Annual 
Report, the committee engaged an independent consulting firm, 
Korn Ferry, to assist with the design of a new long-term incentive 
arrangement to support Tharisa’s strategic objectives while also 
reflecting the expectations of leading institutional investors. This work 
was undertaken during FY2020 and shareholders approved the LTIP 
2021 at the AGM held on 10 February 2021. Following approval of the 
LTIP 2021, no further awards will be granted under the Share Award 
Plan 2014.

The committee believes that the LTIP 2021 will motivate and retain key 
employees, while strengthening the relationship between long-term 
performance and reward. The plan is designed to be fully consistent 
with good practice for companies listed in Johannesburg and London 
and introduces a number of features which help create long-term 
alignment with institutional investor expectations.

Under the LTIP 2021, executive directors and other members of senior 
management qualify to receive Performance Share Awards. These 
have a similar structure to the Conditional Awards granted under the 
existing Share Award Plan 2014. The LTIP 2021 does not provide for 
Appreciation Rights. It is the committee’s current intention to make 
grants of Performance Share Awards on an annual basis.

Central to the operation of the LTIP 2021 is a shift to measuring 
performance over a three-year period, consistent with standard 
practice for incentive schemes of this kind at listed companies in both 
South Africa and the UK. This differs from the approach under the 
Share Award Plan 2014, where performance is assessed over three 
one-year periods for each award of shares. Measuring performance 
over three years ensures focus on continued performance over a 
longer-term period. In addition, and recognising the preferences of 

Among other things, the LTIP 2021 also includes extended recovery 
and withholding provisions, giving the committee the flexibility to apply 
claw-back to awards in a broader set of circumstances than currently 
applies under the Share Award Plan 2014.

The LTIP 2021 also provides the flexibility for the committee to grant 
Restricted Stock Awards to employees, recognising that this is common 
practice among global companies. This approach will enable Tharisa 
to compete on a level playing field for the best executive talent. 
The committee intends to use Restricted Stock Awards for selected 
members of staff who will not receive Performance Share Awards. 
Executive directors will not receive Restricted Stock Awards.

More information on the terms of the LTIP 2021 is included in the 
remuneration policy section of this report.

The first award in terms of the LTIP 2021 will be made on 
8 December 2021 following release of the FY2021 results. Initial 
awards will be granted at a level of 125% of cost to company 
for executive management (including the Executive Chairman, 
but excluding the Chief Executive Officer) and 175% of cost-to-
company remuneration to the Chief Executive Officer.

The vesting of the first award on 8 December 2024 will be subject to 
continued employment in good standing (as determined by the 
Remuneration Committee) throughout the vesting period and the 
following performance targets:
	• 33.33% vesting based on PGM production measured against market 

guidance
 – 1st interim measurement based on performance against guidance 

for FY2022 (11.11%)

 – 2nd interim measurement based on performance against guidance 

for FY2023 (11.11%)

 – 3rd and final measurement based on performance against 

guidance for FY2024 (11.11%)

For the financial reporting period ending 30 September 2022, the 
minimum PGM production guidance is 165 koz.

	• 33.33% vesting based on chrome production measured against 

market guidance
 – 1st interim measurement based on performance against guidance 

for FY2022 (11.11%)

 – 2nd interim measurement based on performance against guidance 

for FY2023 (11.11%)

 – 3rd and final measurement based on performance against 

guidance for FY2024 (11.11%)

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 86

REMUNERATION REPORT continued

For the financial reporting period ending 30 September 2022, the 
minimum chrome concentrate production is 1.75 Mt.

	• 33.34% vesting on vesting date based on strategic measures
All three interim measurement periods based on an equal 
allocation to:
 – Return on invested capital (ROIC) exceeding the weighted average 

cost of capital (WACC) of the Group
 – Performance against the ESG Plan and
 – Tracking on achievement of Vision 2025.

The award will be reduced in each annual measurement period by 
one-third for each fatality during that measurement period.

For the avoidance of doubt, if any performance condition is not met in 
any annual measurement period and consequentially is forfeited (either 
wholly or partially) as a result of failure to achieve the performance 
condition, but the performance condition is achieved in subsequent 
measurement periods, and subject to continued employment, the 
awards will vest for that period as provided.

In considering the achievement of the production targets, the 
committee will also have regard to EBITDA performance over the 
performance period. The committee will have the discretion to reduce 
the level of vesting against the production measures if it is not satisfied 
with EBITDA performance over the period based on the Board’s 
planning at the start of the performance period. This is intended to 
reduce the risks of executives being incentivised on the basis of 
‘production at all costs’. In addition, and notwithstanding the extent to 
which any performance targets are satisfied, the committee also has the 
ability to reduce the level of vesting to ensure that the ultimate level of 
vesting is reflective of the underlying business performance of the 
Group or wider circumstances.

The committee is satisfied that this framework provides an appropriate 
mix of targets for the first award under the LTIP 2021. The committee 
will review on an annual basis the measures and targets to apply to 
future awards under the plan.

It is worth highlighting that the committee did consider whether to 
apply a Total Shareholder Return (TSR) measure to a portion of the 
award, recognising that TSR links reward closely to the shareholder 
experience and is commonly used in long-term incentives by companies 
in the mining sector. However, we have not gone down this route at 
this stage as we have been unable to identify an appropriate number 
of genuine comparator companies against which we can measure 
performance, and there is limited correlation between the historic 
TSR performance of other listed miners and Tharisa. As the Company 
continues to develop we will actively review whether it would be 
appropriate to use a TSR measure for long-term incentive awards 
to be made in the future.

Non-binding advisory vote at the AGM
In terms of King IV recommendations, and the JSE Listings 
Requirements, the Company’s remuneration policy and the 
remuneration implementation 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.

At the AGM held on 10 February 2021, the resolutions to approve 
the remuneration policy and the remuneration implementation report 
were passed, with the resolution approving the remuneration policy 
receiving 100% of the votes and the resolution approving the 
remuneration implementation plan receiving 90.84% support. 
The Remuneration Committee and the Board thank shareholders 
for this strong level of support.

At the forthcoming AGM to be held on 23 February 2022, shareholders 
will again be asked to approve the remuneration policy and the 
remuneration implementation report by way of separate resolutions. 
It is the recommendation of the Remuneration Committee and the 
Board that the remuneration policy and the remuneration 
implementation report be approved.

Remuneration committee
All members of the committee are independent non-executive directors. 
The committee comprises Antonios Djakouris, David Salter, Carol Bell 
and Roger Davey. During the year under review, the committee was 
chaired by Antonios Djakouris.

The responsibilities and duties of the committee are governed by terms 
of reference that are aligned with the recommendations of King IV and 
incorporate best practice. The terms of reference are available on the 
Company’s website.

While the 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 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:
	• inflation
	• commodity prices
	• bargaining unit negotiations and settlements in the industry
	• production
	• position on the cost curve
	• profitability and cash flows
	• skills availability and retention
	• individual productivity and key performance indicators

During the year, the committee
	• reviewed various aspects of the Group’s remuneration policy, 
structure, and performance-based remuneration schemes
	• considered the fixed total guaranteed packages and variable 

short-term and long-term incentives of executive management 
against market data of a comparator group comprising companies 
with a similar profile to Tharisa from an investor’s point of view and 
approved annual increases for all employment levels outside of the 
bargaining unit

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  87

	• reviewed and approved targets for the cash bonus scheme
	• deliberated extensively on the performance criteria of the 2018 and 
2019 awards in terms of the Share Award Plan 2014, which had 
been based on the respective budgets at the time of the awards, and 
the performance criteria of the 2020 awards, which had been based 
on market guidance. Taking into account the excellent production 
results achieved by the Group, despite interruptions, and 
management’s outstanding response to the COVID-19 pandemic 
by keeping operations running and employees safe, the committee 
exercised its discretion and approved the full vesting of the respective 
tranches of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 awards on 30 June 2021.

The main principles on which the committee based its decision, were:
	• the outstanding performance of management and all employees 

of the Group under extremely challenging circumstances

	• the experience of employees during the period, with no COVID-19 

related layoffs, and

	• the experience of shareholders during the period in the form of 
a significant improvement in the share price and return of cash 
to shareholders through the continued payment of dividends 
by the Company.

The committee considered the forecast results for FY2021 and believed 
that all stakeholders would benefit from a record performance during 
FY2021 with all key metrics forecast to be achieved. In addition, the 
committee considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 
construction of the Vulcan Plant and the consequential impact on 
production and economic KPIs, which were not achievable as a result 
of COVID-19 induced delays. Construction recommenced early 
October 2020, the cost of which was being funded internally.

Members of the committee are entitled to seek independent 
professional advice on any matter pertaining to the Company and 
the Group, at the Company’s expense.

The committee met formally twice during the year under review.

Carol Bell has been appointed as chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee with effect from 1 October 2021. Antonios Djakouris, 
David Salter and Roger Davey remain members of the committee.

Group remuneration policy
Objective and philosophy

The objective of the Group’s remuneration policy is to establish 
responsible, fair and equitable reward, which does not discriminate 
on the basis of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family 
responsibility, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, 
disability, religion, HIV status, conscience, belief, political opinion, 
culture, language, birth or on any other arbitrary ground.

The Group’s remuneration policy reflects the dynamics of the market 
and the context in which the Group operates. The policy plays a vital 
role in attracting, motivating and retaining high-calibre human 
resources with the necessary skills to effectively manage operations 
and grow the business, creating a strong performance-orientated 
environment and aligning employee interests with those of the Group’s 
stakeholders in order to achieve the Group’s strategic objectives and to 
promote an ethical culture and responsible citizenship among all Group 
companies and employees.

Furthermore, it aims to encourage and support a high performance 
and safety conscious culture while remaining flexible and adaptable 
to changes in the business and the market in which the Group 
operates. The Group regularly refers to independent remuneration 
surveys and benchmarks.

The remuneration policy applies to all employees who are permanently 
employed and is not applicable to employees of third-party contractors. 
The policy seeks to set out principles and practices around the 
management of employee remuneration.

Executive and employee remuneration comprises fixed and variable 
components, including:
	• a fixed basic annual package, including benefits
	• variable performance bonuses
	• ownership of shares through participation in a 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.

The continual striving for, and achievement of, increased volumes 
mined, improved plant recoveries and increased production together 
with the retention of high-calibre employees, supported by low 
management turnover are indicators that the policy is being achieved.

There is no dominant bargaining unit at the Group’s Tharisa Mine 
operation, with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction 
Union of South Africa (AMCU), Solidarity and the National Union 
of Mineworkers (NUM) being represented at the Tharisa Mine. As at 
30 September 2021, some 69% of employees eligible to belong to 
a union were unionised with 31% not being members of any of the 
bargaining units.

Executive directors

The remuneration of the executive directors is consistent with the 
remuneration policy principles as set out above. Each director is 
remunerated fairly and the remuneration paid to each director takes 
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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 88

REMUNERATION REPORT continued

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. The executive directors are eligible to participate in the 
short-term cash bonus scheme and long-term incentive arrangements, 
as set out below.

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.

Fixed remuneration

Across the Group, 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 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. While the employee remuneration is set at a 
guaranteed cost-to-company amount, the employee is required to 
participate in the compulsory group provident fund, medical aid and 
risk benefits with the costs thereof being deducted from the cost-to-
company amount. The risk benefits include life cover, disability, funeral 
and dread disease cover. 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. From FY2022, the percentage has been amended to 
between 15% and 30% of the guaranteed annual remuneration 
package for on-target 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 grade 
of employment. The bonus formulae include a number of factors, with 
varying weighting, including:
	• safety and fatality factors, which take into account the number of 
lost-time injuries (LTIs) and fatalities at the Tharisa Mine during the 
bonus period

	• the value-added factor applicable to employees, which is a combined 
calculation of the performances of a number of measures relating to 
the mining and processing plants at the Tharisa Mine compared to 
budget, such as reef tonnes delivered to ROM pad, chrome feed 
grade and PGM feed grade, tonnes milled, plant running time, 
chrome recoveries, PGM recoveries with a different percentage being 
allocated to threshold, on-target and exceptional performance, and 
a zero percentage being applied for unacceptable performance

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

	• the profit factor, which is determined with reference to the 

achievement of a specified EBITDA for the applicable bonus period 
as determined by the Remuneration Committee

	• the disciplinary factor, which is determined with reference to the 

aggregate number of written warnings received by an individual as a 
result of misconduct in terms of the Group’s policies and procedures.

In addition to the fatality and safety factors, the bonus formula for 
executive management (including executive directors) includes the 
performance factor applicable to executive management, which is 
dependent on:
	• the executive’s KPI factor
	• the value-added factor for executive management, which is 
measured with respect to the achievement of annual Group 
consolidated EBITDA against budget for the bonus period, with a 
different percentage being allocated to on-target and exceptional 
performance, and zero percentage being allocated for unacceptable 
performance.

The bonuses are payable bi-annually in arrears for executive 
management (including executive directors), quarterly in arrears for 
senior management, management and employees graded Patterson 
grade E2 and above, and monthly in arrears for employees of grades E1 
and below.

For employees at the Tharisa Mine working in various mining disciplines 
(drilling, blasting, loading and hauling, and engineering) a bonus 
scheme is in operation which pays bonuses based on individualised 
targets and performance, rather than on generic principles. 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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  89

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 bonus targets to 
ensure that they are fair and transparent and that they support the aim 
to achieve maximum shareholder return. With effect from 1 October 
2021, the cash bonus percentage has been increased to between 15% 
and 30% of the individual employee’s guaranteed annual remuneration 
package.

Long-term incentives: Share Award Plan 2014

To date, long-term incentives have been provided through the Share 
Award Plan 2014, approved by shareholders in 2014.

Under the Share Award Plan 2014, the following awards were made:
	• 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 were also established by the Remuneration Committee 
and vesting takes place in three equal tranches.

	• Appreciation Rights, which are rights to receive such number of 

shares in the Company equal to the increase in the market price of 
such shares on the JSE, between the date of grant and the date 
of exercise of the award. The award may be exercised between the 
vesting date as set by the Remuneration Committee and the fifth 
anniversary of the date of grant. Vesting of Appreciation Rights is 
contingent upon the achievement of performance conditions set by 
the Remuneration Committee and vesting takes place in two equal 
tranches.

Performance conditions have been attached to the vesting of the 
Conditional Awards and Appreciation Rights awarded to various 
employees at Paterson grade C5 and above, including:
	• the achievement of certain minimum safety standards to reinforce 

conditions attached to the awards is included in the remuneration 
implementation report.

The Share Award Plan 2014 makes provision for the partial vesting 
of awards in the event of a participant ceasing to be in the employ 
of the Group due to death, injury, disability, ill-health, redundancy or 
retirement (classified as ‘good leavers’) and in the event of certain 
corporate actions, including an offer to acquire the entire share capital 
of the Company, a scheme of arrangement, restructuring and voluntary 
winding up of the Company. Provided that the performance and safety 
metrics are met, the vesting is pro-rated based on the number of days 
served during the relevant vesting period under these circumstances.

The Share Award Plan 2014 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 2014. 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 2014. 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 2014. To date, the preferred approach has been to issue treasury 
shares to settle vested awards.

No new ordinary shares were issued into the treasury share account 
during the financial year and 2 808 065 ordinary shares were 
transferred from the treasury shares account to satisfy the vesting of 
the Conditional Awards and exercise of Appreciation Rights by the 
participants of the Share Award Plan 2014.

There is currently no minimum shareholding requirement for executive 
directors and executive management.

Long-term incentives: LTIP 2021

As set out in the Statement from the chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee, the LTIP 2021 replaces the Share Award Plan 2014 
following shareholder approval at the AGM on 10 February 2021.

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 2014 being conditional upon there being no fatality 
at the Tharisa Mine during the vesting period

	• continued employment in good standing at the date of vesting
	• the achievement of certain PGM and chrome concentrate production 

Under the LTIP 2021, the following awards may be made:
	• Performance Share Awards represent a right to acquire a specified 
number of shares in the Company, contingent on the achievement 
of performance conditions established by the committee. The vesting 
dates for these awards are also established by the committee and 
will be at least three years from the date of grant.

	• Restricted Stock Awards represent a right to acquire a specified 

metrics

	• the achievement of the individual key performance metrics set for 

the individual participant

	• the achievement of certain financial metrics.

The number of awards and the performance conditions attached 
thereto are determined by the Remuneration Committee at the date 
of grant and included in the notice of the award. A summary of the 
awards granted to the executive directors and the performance 

number of shares in the Company conditional on the achievement 
of performance conditions. The vesting dates for these awards are 
established by the committee.

Performance Share Awards are intended to be granted to executive 
directors and other senior executives. Restricted Stock Awards will be 
granted to selected other employees at the discretion of the committee 
typically with a Patterson Grade E2 and above.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 90

REMUNERATION REPORT continued

The number of awards and the performance conditions attached 
thereto will be determined by the committee at the date of grant and 
included in the notice of the award. The committee will set targets for 
the Performance Share Awards which are challenging but achievable 
and which are consistent with Tharisa’s long-term strategic goals. 
A summary of the measures which the committee intends to apply to 
the first awards are set out on page 91. These include targets linked 
to PGM and chrome concentrate production as well as strategic 
measures, always subject to profitability criteria, all of which are critical 
to the successful implementation of Group strategy over the longer-
term. Awards will also be reduced in the event of a fatality at 
the Tharisa Mine during the vesting period.

Notwithstanding the extent to which any performance targets are 
satisfied, the committee also has the ability under the rules of the plan 
to increase or reduce the level of vesting to ensure that the ultimate 
level of vesting is reflective of the underlying business performance 
of the Group or any wider circumstances that may have impacted 
on performance.

Dividends are payable on all vested shares.

The LTIP 2021 provides for a post-vesting holding period to be applied 
to awards at the discretion of the committee. Such a holding period 
only applies to Performance Share Awards granted to executive 
management, and requires these participants to hold any shares which 
vest at the end of the three-year vesting period for a further two years 
(subject to any sales which are required to settle any tax liabilities due 
at the point of vesting).

The LTIP 2021 makes provision for the partial vesting of awards in the 
event of a participant ceasing to be in the employ of the Group due 
to death, injury, disability, ill-health, redundancy, 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 and 
voluntary winding up of the Company. In these circumstances, and 
subject to the achievement of the relevant performance conditions, 
awards will vest and will be subject to a reduction based on the period 
between the award date and the date of leaving.

The LTIP 2021 includes recovery and withholding provisions, which 
permit the committee to require individuals to repay amounts in the 
event of the occurrence of certain specific circumstances, including 
a material misstatement of financial results, an error or miscalculation 
in the calculation of awards, fraud or gross misconduct having been 
committed by the relevant individual, or actions by the relevant 
individual which led to corporate failure or material reputational 
damage having been suffered by the Company.

The LTIP 2021 also makes provision for individual participant 
and plan limits. On an individual basis, the aggregate number 
of Performance Share Awards and/or Restricted Stock Awards 
which may be held by any individual participant may not exceed 
2 750 000 shares, being 1.0% of the ordinary issued share capital 
at the anticipated date of approval of the Long-Term Incentive Plan. 
The aggregate number of shares that can be issued to all participants 
is limited to 13 750 000 shares, being 5% of the ordinary issued share 
capital at the anticipated date of approval of the Long-Term Incentive 
Plan. Vested awards may, at the election of the committee, be either 
share-settled or cash-settled as provided in the rules of the LTIP 2021.

No award shall be granted under the LTIP 2021 more than ten years 
after the Adoption Date.

Remuneration of 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 of a 
non-executive director is not pensionable.

The Board has agreed to maintain the non-executive directors’ fees for 
the 2022 financial year unchanged, as follows:

US$

Annual fee
Committee chairman
Committee member

FY2021

42 500
25 000
18 000

FY2020

42 500
25 000
18 000

Remuneration implementation report
This remuneration implementation report explains the application of 
the remuneration policy for the 2021 financial year and sets out the 
remuneration received by the directors in respect of the year. The Group 
remuneration policy was complied with during the year under review.

Fixed remuneration

The majority of the employees of the Group are based in South Africa 
and the guaranteed remuneration is paid in ZAR. Employees at 
Patterson Grade C5 and above received a cost of living factor 
adjustment with effect from 1 October 2020 of 3%. The executive 
directors receive a USD denominated guaranteed remuneration, which 
was not adjusted during FY2021. All non-bargaining unit employees, 
including executive directors, received a cost of living adjustment of 
4.5% from 1 October 2021.

Short-term incentives

The committee reviewed the financial year and noted that it had been 
a record year for Tharisa on all metrics including safety, production, 
key financial metrics the interim dividend paid and the proposed 
final dividend. Notably, EBITDA almost doubled to US$224.3 million 
exceptional numbers in light of the pandemic. Taking into account the 
achievement of the safety factors, performance and EBITDA achieved 
it was agreed that the executive management had met the criteria of 
the short-term cash bonus scheme.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  91

Long-term incentives

2016 award

Awards of long-term incentives have to date been granted under the 
Share Award Plan 2014. Details of the performance conditions 
attaching to awards granted under this plan are set out below.

2015 award

The second awards under the Share Award Plan 2014 were made on 
30 June 2015, comprising both Conditional Awards and Appreciation 
Rights. The vesting of these awards was subject to:
	• There being no fatality at the Tharisa Mine during the vesting period. 
In the event of a fatality occurring during a particular vesting period, 
the vesting for that tranche would be forfeited.

	• Subject to there being no fatality during a vesting period, the vesting 

of each tranche was subject to the following conditions, 
as determined on the date of the awards:
 – 33.34% of the vesting was conditional upon the participant’s 

continued employment in good standing

 – 33.33% of the vesting was conditional on the achievement 

of certain PGM production metrics

 – 33.33% of the vesting was 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.

The Appreciation Rights granted on 30 June 2015 were scheduled to 
lapse on 30 June 2020, being five years from the date of the award. 
During the 2020 financial year, the committee exercised its discretion 
in terms of the rules of the Share Award Plan 2014 and approved 
an extension of the exercise period by 12 months to 30 June 2021. 
Against the backdrop of the considerable market volatility triggered 
by the COVID-19 global pandemic, the committee had agreed 
during FY2020 that, although the Appreciation Rights were not 
‘out the money (i.e. they could have been exercised as the market 
price remained above the exercise price at the time of extending the 
exercise window), it would not be in the interests of the Company for 
participants to be forced to exercise Appreciation Rights and sell shares 
(to settle the associated tax obligations) by 30 June 2020, recognising 
the negative external message that this may send. The committee’s 
decision to extend the exercise period applied to all participants 
holding vested but unexercised Appreciation Rights (not just executive 
directors). All 2015 Appreciation Rights were subsequently exercised 
prior to the deadline of 30 June 2021.

The third awards under the Share Award Plan 2014 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 was subject to:
	• There being no fatality at the Tharisa Mine during the vesting period. 
In the event of a fatality occurring during a particular vesting period, 
the vesting for that tranche would be forfeited.

	• Subject to there being no fatality during a vesting period, the vesting 

of each tranche was subject to the following conditions, as 
determined on the date of the awards:
 – 33.34% of the vesting was conditional upon the participant’s 

continued employment in good standing

 – 33.33% of the vesting was conditional on the achievement 

of certain PGM production metrics

 – 33.33% of the vesting was conditional on the achievement 

of certain chrome concentrate production metrics.

Vesting conditions for executive directors and members of the Group 
executive management were as follows:
	• 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 would be forfeited.

	• Subject to there being no fatality during a vesting period, the vesting 

of each tranche was subject to the following conditions, as 
determined on the date of the awards:
 – 65.0% of the vesting was conditional upon the achievement 

of the individual key performance metrics set for the participant

 – 17.5% of the vesting was conditional on the achievement of 

certain PGM production metrics

 – 17.5% of the vesting was 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.

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. 
Appreciation Rights granted on 30 June 2016 were scheduled to lapse 
on 30 June 2021 and all Appreciation Rights have now been exercised.

2017 award

The fourth awards under the Share Award Plan 2014 were made on 
30 June 2017, comprising both Conditional Awards and Appreciation 
Rights. The vesting of these awards was subject to:
	• There being no fatality at the Tharisa Mine during the vesting period. 
In the event of a fatality occurring during a particular vesting period, 
the vesting for that tranche would be forfeited.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 92

REMUNERATION REPORT continued

	• Subject to there being no fatality during a vesting period, the vesting 

 › 8.34% of which vesting on production above 155.5 k 6E PGM 

of each tranche was subject to the following conditions, as 
determined on the date of the awards:
 – 33.34% of the vesting was conditional upon the participant’s 

continued employment in good standing

 – 33.33% of the vesting was conditional on the achievement of 

certain PGM production metrics, being
 › 33.33% of which vesting on a minimum production of 147.4 k 

6E PGM ounces

ounces, but below 163.7 6E PGM ounces and

 › 16.67% of which forfeited in the event that production was 

below 155.5 k 6E PGM ounces

 – 16.67% of the vesting is conditional on the achievement of certain 

chrome concentrate production metrics, being
 › 16.67% of which vesting on a minimum production of 1.49 Mt 

of total chrome concentrates

 › 8.34% of which vesting on production above 1.42 Mt, but 

 › 16.67% of which vesting on production above 140.0 k 6E PGM 

below 1.49 Mt of total chrome concentrates and

ounces, but below 147.4 6E PGM ounces and

 › 16.67% of which forfeited in the event that production was 

 › 33.33% of which forfeited in the event that production was 

below 1.42 Mt of total chrome concentrates

below 140.0 k 6E PGM ounces

 – 33.33% of the vesting was conditional on the achievement of 

certain chrome concentrate production metrics, being
 › 33.33% of which vesting on a minimum production of 1.33 Mt 

of total chrome concentrates

 › 16.67% of which vesting on production above 1.26 Mt, but 

below 1.33 Mt of total chrome concentrates and

 › 33.33% of which forfeited in the event that production was 

 – 33.33% of the vesting is conditional on the achievement of certain 
financial metrics (measured against budgeted EBITDA (adjusted for 
actual commodity selling prices and USD:ZAR exchange rates) of 
Tharisa Minerals for employees in Patterson band D and lower, and 
measured against budgeted EBITDA of the Tharisa Group for 
executive directors, Group executive management and employees 
in Patterson band E and higher) being:
 › 33.33% of which vesting in the event that the budgeted 

below 1.26 Mt of total chrome concentrates.

(adjusted) EBITDA is achieved or exceeded

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. 
The first and second tranches of both the Conditional Awards and 
Appreciation Rights vested on 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2019 
respectively, and the third tranche of the Conditional Awards vested 
on 30 June 2020.

Based on the fact that the vesting period had been fatality free 
and taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on 
production, the committee exercised its discretion in determining 
the vesting percentages applicable to the third and final vesting on 
30 June 2020, and determined the third tranche to vest in full for 
participants employed in good standing at the vesting date, 
notwithstanding the fact that the 6E PGM production during the 
vesting period had been 142.1 koz. Chrome production during the 
vesting period qualified for full vesting (33.33%). All the tranches of 
the 2017 award have now vested.

The Appreciation Rights granted on 30 June 2017 are scheduled 
to lapse on 30 June 2022.

2018 award

The fifth awards under the Share Award Plan 2014 were made on 
30 June 2018, comprising both Conditional Awards and Appreciation 
Rights. The vesting of these awards is subject to:
	• there being no fatality at the Tharisa Mine during the vesting period. 
In the event of a fatality occurring during a particular vesting period, 
the vesting for that tranche is forfeited

	• subject to there being no fatality during a vesting period, the vesting 
of each tranche is subject to the following conditions, as determined 
on the date of the awards:
 – 33.33% of the vesting is conditional upon the participant’s 

continued employment in good standing

 – 16.67% of the vesting is conditional on the achievement of certain 

PGM production metrics, being
 › 16.67% of which vesting on a minimum production of 163.7 k 

6E PGM ounces

 › 16.67% of which vesting in the event that between 95% and 

100% of the budgeted (adjusted) EBITDA is achieved and
 › 33.33% of which forfeited in the event that the EBITDA was 

below 95% of the budgeted, adjusted EBITDA.

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.

As previously reported, the 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.

Based on the fact that the second vesting period was fatality free, the 
committee had determined during FY2020 that only 33.33% of the 
second tranches of both the Conditional Awards and Appreciation 
Rights vested on 30 June 2020 for participants employed in good 
standing on the vesting date. The remaining 66.67% was forfeited 
as a consequence of the production and EBITDA metrics not having 
been met.

Taking into account the excellent production results achieved by the 
Group, despite interruptions, and management’s outstanding response 
to the COVID-19 pandemic by keeping operations running and 
employees safe, the committee exercised its discretion and approved 
the full vesting of the third tranche of the 2018 Conditional Awards on 
30 June 2021. The main principles on which the committee based its 
decision, were the outstanding performance of management and all 
employees of the Group under extremely challenging circumstances, 
the experience of employees during the period, with no COVID-19 
related layoffs, and the experience of shareholders during the period 
in the form of a significant improvement in the share price and return 
of cash to shareholders through the continued payment of dividends 
by the Company. The committee considered the forecast results for 
FY2021 and believed that all stakeholders would benefit from a record 
performance during FY2021 with all key metrics forecast to be 
achieved. All tranches of the 2018 award have now vested.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  93

2019 award

The sixth awards under the Share Award Plan 2014 were made on 
30 June 2019, comprising both Conditional Awards and Appreciation 
Rights. The vesting of these awards is subject to:
	• there being no fatality at the Tharisa Mine during the vesting period. 
In the event of a fatality occurring during a particular vesting period, 
the vesting for that tranche is forfeited

	• subject to there being no fatality during a vesting period, the vesting 
of each tranche is subject to the following conditions, as determined 
on the date of the awards:
 – 33.33% of the vesting is conditional upon the participant’s 

continued employment in good standing

 – 16.67% of the vesting is conditional on the achievement of certain 

As was the case with the 2018 awards, the committee considered 
the excellent production results achieved by the Group, despite 
interruptions, and management’s outstanding response to the 
COVID-19 pandemic by keeping operations running and employees 
safe, and exercised its discretion to approve the full vesting of the 
second tranche of the 2019 awards on 30 June 2021. It was further 
agreed to re-align the performance conditions relating to PGM 
and chrome concentrate production to the market guidance 
publicly disclosed and referenced to at the commencement of the 
respective financial reporting period applicable to the vesting period 
going forward.

The committee based its decision on the same principles outlined under 
the 2018 award above.

PGM production metrics, being
 › 16.67% of which vesting on a minimum production of 177.6 k 

2020 award

6E PGM ounces

 › 8.34% of which vesting on production above 168.7 k 6E PGM 

ounces, but below 177.6 6E PGM ounces and

 › 16.67% of which forfeited in the event that production was 

below 168.7 k 6E PGM ounces

 – 16.67% of the vesting is conditional on the achievement of certain 

chrome concentrate production metrics, being
 › 16.67% of which vesting on a minimum production of 1.57 Mt 

of total chrome concentrates

 › 8.34% of which vesting on production above 1.49 Mt, but 

below 1.57 Mt of total chrome concentrates and

 › 16.67% of which forfeited in the event that production was 

below 1.49 Mt of total chrome concentrates

 – 33.33% of the vesting is conditional on the achievement of certain 
financial metrics (measured against budgeted EBITDA (adjusted for 
actual commodity selling prices and USD:ZAR exchange rates) of 
Tharisa Minerals for employees in Patterson band E1 and lower, 
and measured against budgeted EBITDA of the Tharisa Group for 
executive directors, Group executive management and employees 
in Patterson band E2 and higher), being
 › 33.33% of which vesting in the event that the budgeted 

(adjusted) EBITDA is achieved or exceeded

 › 16.67% of which vesting in the event that between 95% and 

100% of the budgeted (adjusted) EBITDA is achieved and
 › 33.33% of which forfeited in the event that the EBITDA was 

below 95% of the budgeted, adjusted EBITDA.

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.

Based on the fact that the vesting period has been fatality free, the 
committee determined that only 33.33% of the first tranches of both 
the Conditional Awards and Appreciation Rights vested on 30 June 
2020 for participants employed in good standing on the vesting date. 
The remaining 66.67% was forfeited as a consequence of the 
production and EBITDA metrics not having been met.

The seventh and final awards under the Share Award Plan 2014 were 
made on 30 June 2020, comprising Conditional Awards only. The 
vesting of these awards is subject to:
	• there being no fatality at the Tharisa Mine during the vesting period. 
In the event of a fatality occurring during a particular vesting period, 
the vesting for that tranche is forfeited

	• subject to there being no fatality during a vesting period, the vesting 
of each tranche is subject to the participant’s continued employment 
in good standing during the vesting period

	• vesting is also subject to the following conditions, as determined on 

the date of the awards:
 – 40% of the vesting is conditional upon the achievement of market 
guidance for PGM production publicly disclosed and referenced to 
the commencement of the respective financial reporting period
 – 40% of the vesting is conditional on the achievement of market 
guidance for chrome concentrate production publicly disclosed 
and referenced to the commencement of the respective financial 
reporting period, adjusted to exclude the production from the 
Vulcan Plant

 – 20% of the vesting is conditional on the achievement of specific 
targets linked to the construction of, and production from, the 
Vulcan Plant. These targets are currently considered commercially 
confidential but the current intention is to disclose them 
retrospectively at the end of the vesting period for the final tranche 
of the awards.

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.

Having achieved the publicly disclosed market guidance for PGM and 
chrome concentrate production and referenced to the commencement 
of the financial reporting period, the committee considered the impact 
of the COVID-19 pandemic on the construction of the Vulcan Plant 
and the consequential impact on production and economic KPIs, 
which were not achievable as a result of COVID-19 induced delays, 
and exercised its discretion to approve 100% vesting of the first tranche 
of the 2020 awards on 30 June 2021. Construction recommenced early 
October 2020, the cost of which was being funded internally.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 94

REMUNERATION REPORT continued

Executive directors’ and other key management remuneration

Fixed remuneration

Variable remuneration

Basic
salary

Expense
allowance

734
483
405
988

–
8
–
–

Provident
fund
contributions
and risk
benefits

–
47
35
97

Share-based
payments

1 314
1 264
737
1 034

US$’000

L Pouroulis 
P Pouroulis
M Jones
Other key management

Non-executive directors’ fees for the year under review

US$’000

JD Salter
A Djakouris
OM Kamal
C Bell
RO Davey
ZL Hong
VWY Chu1
SWM Lo2

Annual
fee

Audit
Committee

Nomination
Committee

Remuneration
Committee

SHE
Committee

43
43
43
43
43
43
15
27

18
25
18
18
–
–
–
–

25
18
–
–
–
–
–
–

18
25
–
18
18
–
–
–

25
18
–
18
18
–
–
–

1  Retired from the Board on 10 February 2021
2  Appointed to the Board on 10 February 2021

Bonus
paid

149
110
97
220

Other in
Group
companies

51
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Total
2021

2 197
1 912
1 274
2 361

Total
2021

180
129
61
97
79
43
15
27

Total
2020

906
706
551
1 574

Total
2020

174
129
61
97
79
43
2
–

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 FY2021 nor were any payments made to any former directors.

Executive directors’ interests in the Share Award Plan 2014
Conditional awards

Market 
value at 
date of 
award
ZAR

Value at 
the date 
of award 
ZAR

Allocated

Opening 
balance of 
unvested 

Director and offer date

L POUROULIS 
30 June 2018
30 June 2019
30 June 2020

Total

P POUROULIS 
30 June 2018
30 June 2019
30 June 2020

Total

M JONES
30 June 2018
30 June 2019
30 June 2020

Total

88 046
217 020 
578 424

883 490

79 864
239 712
635 664

955 240

64 492
130 776
345 804

541 072

17.96
20.08
13.27

17.96
20.08
13.27

17.96
20.08
13.27

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

As at 30 September 2021

Vesting 
price
ZAR

Forfeited

Total
unvested

Market 
value of 
unvested 
awards# 
US$’000

25.20
25.20
25.20

25.20
25.20
25.20

25.20
25.20
25.20

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
108 510
385 616

494 126

–
119 856
423 776

543 632

–
65 388
230 536

295 924

–
151
538

689

–
167
592

759

–
91
322

413

Vested

88 046
108 510
192 808

389 364

79 864
119 856
211 888

411 608

64 492
65 388
115 268

245 148

#  Market value based on closing share price of ZAR20.70 and ZAR/USD exchange rate of ZAR14.83 at 30 September 2021

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
95

Appreciation rights

Director and 
offer date

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

Market 
value at 
date of 
award

ZAR Allocated

Value 
at date 
of award
ZAR

Unvested 
balance

As at 30 September 2021

Total 
vested 
but not 

Vested Exercised

exercised Forfeited

Lapsed

Total 
unvested

–
–
–
–
–
162 765

162 765

–
–
–
–
–
179 784

179 784

–
–
–
–
–
98 082

98 082

38.00
6.44
10.14
17.53
17.96
20.08

38.00
6.44
10.14
17.53
17.96
20.08 

38.00
6.44
10.14
17.53
17.96
20.08

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
162 765

–

79 192*

402 306
–
–
–

–
–
–
321 588
110 054
217 015

162 765

481 498

648 657

–
–
–
–
–
179 784

–

65 993*

335 255
–
–
–

–
–
–
282 882
99 826
239 706

179 784

401 248

622 414

–
–
–
–
–
98 082

–

59 394*

301 730
–
–
–

–
–
–
238 212
80 612
130 773

98 082

361 124

449 597

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

80 526
–
–
–
–
–

80 526

67 105
–
–
–
–
–

67 105

60 394
–
–
–
–
–

60 394

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

* In terms of the rules of the Tharisa Share Award Plan, vested but unexercised Appreciation Rights lapse five years from the date of the award. Due to the extraordinary collapse 
of the global stock market as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential negative impact on the share price in the event that executive directors were forced 
to exercise Appreciation Rights that were due to lapse on 30 June 2020, the Remuneration Committee recommended and the Board approved the extension of the expiry 
date of the 2015 Appreciation Rights by 12 months to 30 June 2021.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
96

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 2021.

The Company is a Cypriot incorporated public company with a primary 
listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange under the general mining 
sector and a secondary, standard listing of its shares, through the 
settlement of corresponding depositary interests, on the main market 
of the London Stock Exchange.

Principal activity
The principal activity of the Company is that of an investment holding 
company with controlling interests in PGMs and chrome mining, 
processing operations and associated sales and logistics operations. 
The principal activity remains unchanged from the previous year. 
The principal activity of the Group is the exploitation of metals and 
minerals, principally PGMs and chrome, and associated sales and 
logistics operations. Its major investment is its 74% shareholding 
in Tharisa Minerals, which 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 
pages 102 to 141 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 3.50 cents per share was proposed by the Board on 
27 November 2020, approved by shareholders on 10 February 2020, 
and paid on 10 March 2021.

The following dividends were declared in respect of the year ended 
30 September 2021:
	• An interim ordinary dividend of US 4.0 cents per share was declared 

by the Board on 25 May 2021 and paid on 30 June 2021.

	• A final ordinary dividend of US 5.0 cents per share was proposed 
by the Board on 30 November 2021, and is subject to shareholder 
approval at the AGM.

The total dividend for FY2021 is therefore US 9.0 cents per share, 
equating to 18.5% of its consolidated net profit after tax (2020: 
US 3.5 cents per share).

Share capital and treasury shares
The authorised share capital of the Company comprises 10 000 million 
ordinary shares of US$0.001 each and 1 051 convertible redeemable 
preference shares of US$1 each.

No new shares were issued during the year under review.

During the financial year, the Company transferred 2 808 065 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, 
271 284 379 shares had voting rights and 3 715 621 were held in 
treasury at 30 September 2021. At 30 September 2021, the issued 
and fully paid ordinary share comprised 275 000 000 ordinary shares.

Main risks
The main financial risks faced by the Group are disclosed in note 34 of 
the consolidated annual financial statements, which are available on the 
Company’s website, www.tharisa.com.

Future developments
Karo Holdings

Tharisa has a 26.8% shareholding in Karo Holdings, with subsidiaries 
Karo Platinum and Karo Refining, which comprise the Karo Project, 
comprising an integrated PGM mining and refining complex, located 
on the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe.

Karo Platinum was awarded PGM rights under a Special Grant 
under the Zimbabwe Mines and Minerals Act, covering an area of 
23 903 ha in the Great Dyke to develop a PGM mining complex. The 
PGM complex is in the designated Karo Selous Special Economic Zone, 
providing numerous incentives. After the Special Grant award in 2018, 
Karo Platinum was awarded a Mining Lease in March 2021, over the 
mining area for the life of mine.

Two phases of exploration drilling have been completed over the 
project area. A maiden long-life open pit resource and reserve for 
Phase 1 of the operations has been declared. On 12 October 2021, 
Tharisa announced that the Karo Platinum implementation studies had 
been completed. The project is now progressing into project execution 
and development.

Zimplats had declared an indicated and inferred mineral resource over 
the Karo Project area, with the last declaration made in June 2017. 
The declaration states that the project area contains 96.4 Moz of PGMs 
(4E basis).

Tharisa is evaluating its farm-in rights to acquire a controlling interest.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  97

Branches
The Group did not operate any branches during the financial year 
ended 30 September 2021.

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

Members of the Board of Directors
The members of the Board as at 30 September 2021 and at the date 
of this report are:
	• Loucas Christos Pouroulis (Executive Chairman)
	• Phoevos Pouroulis (CEO)
	• Michael Gifford Jones (CFO)
	• John David Salter (Lead Independent Director until 

30 September 2021)

	• Carol Bell (Lead Independent Director from 1 October 2021)
	• Antonios Djakouris (Independent non-executive director)
	• Omar Marwan Kamal (Independent non-executive director)
	• Roger Owen Davey (Independent non-executive director)
	• Zhong Liang Hong (Non-executive director)
	• Shelley Wai Man Lo (Non-executive director)

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.

There has been no change in the allocation of responsibilities of the 
Board between 30 September 2020 and 30 September 2021.

During the year, the composition of the Board changed as follows:
	• Vaneese Wing Ye Chu retired by rotation on 10 February 2021
	• Shelley Wai Man Lo was appointed on 10 February 2021

Changes in the allocation of responsibilities of the Board 
with effect from 1 October 2021

Carol Bell was appointed as a member and chairman of the Nomination 
Committee and chairman of the Remuneration Committee. She 
replaced David Salter, who relinquished the chairmanship of the 
Nomination Committee, and Antonios Djakouris, who stepped down 
as the chairman of the Remuneration Committee. Both David Salter 
and Antonios Djakouris remain as independent non-executive 
directors and members of the Nomination Committee and 
Remuneration Committee.

In addition, David Salter stepped down as Lead Independent Director 
and Carol Bell, having served as an independent non-executive director 
on Tharisa’s Board since 2016, was appointed as Lead Independent 
Director.

There has been no other change in the composition or the allocation 
of responsibilities of the Board of Directors of the Company between 
30 September 2021 and the date of approval of the consolidated 
and Company financial statements.

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:

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

Lysandros Lysandrides
31 Evagoras Avenue
6th Floor Evagoras House
1066, Nicosia
Cyprus

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.

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 February 2021. Ernst & Young Cyprus Limited has expressed 
its willingness to continue in office and its reappointment will be 
proposed at the AGM.

On behalf of the Board

Phoevos Pouroulis
Michael Jones
Cyprus

30 November 2021

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 98

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee is pleased to present its report for the 2021 
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 (until 31 May 2021), Group Head of Internal Audit (from 
1 June 2021), Chief Finance Officer and Chief Executive Officer attend 
committee meetings by invitation. As with all other committees, all 
directors are encouraged to attend Audit Committee meetings by 
invitation according to King IV recommendations. The committee also 
meets with the external auditors and the Group Head of Internal Audit 
without any executive directors being present.

The committee met formally five 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, procedures 
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, IFRS as adopted by the EU, the 
Cyprus Companies Law and the JSE Listings Requirements. It also 
evaluated significant judgements by management, material factors 
and risks that could impact on the consolidated financial statements 
and the completeness of the financial and sustainability disclosures.

With the assistance of the Tharisa Subsidiaries’ Audit Review 
Committee, the committee considered all entities included in the 
consolidated Group IFRS financial statements, to ensure that it has 
access to all the financial information of the Company and the Group. 
The chairman of the Tharisa Subsidiaries’ Audit Review Committee 
reports on its meetings to the committee and minutes of the meetings 
of the Tharisa Subsidiaries’ Audit Review Committee are circulated to 
the committee.

The committee also assessed and confirmed the appropriateness of 
the going concern assumption used in the annual financial statements, 

taking into account amongst others, commodity prices, funding 
facilities and management’s 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 the external auditor 
and the Group’s internal audit function. It considered the nature and 
extent of the non-audit services that that the external auditor may have 
provided. 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. During the year, 
EY provided only tax compliance services as non-audit services. None 
of the non-audit services were provided on a contingent fee basis.

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 Lead independent Director 
was reiterated.

In addition, the committee evaluated the independence, effectiveness, 
expertise and performance of the external auditor. As part of this 
process, the committee considered and assessed the Partner 
Accreditation Pack provided by EY Cyprus in compliance with section 
22 of the JSE Listings Requirements, which comprised the following 
documents:
	• The most recent firm-wide control procedures review report for 

EY Cyprus as a firm (European Standards/ISQC1 inspection), issued 
by the Cyprus Public Audit Oversight Board (CyPAOB)

	• The most recent Association of Chartered Certified Accountants 
(ACCA) and Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus 
(ICPAC) inspection report of EY Cyprus as a firm (ISQC1 inspection) 
which also includes the engagement review inspection

	• A summary of the outcome of the engagement partner’s latest 

internal quality review

	• A copy of the EY Cyprus 2021 Transparency Report which contains 

the ISQC1 information as specified by the JSE

	• The results of the Audit Quality Review Programme, together with 
the most recent independent regulatory inspection visits, combined 
with other ongoing monitoring procedures which provide EY Cyprus 
with a basis to conclude that its internal quality control systems are 
designed appropriately and are operating effectively, and that no 
systemic deficiencies have been identified

	• A summary of legal and disciplinary proceedings against EY Cyprus, 

which were concluded within the past seven years (none).

	• The latest proof of registration of EY Cyprus as a JSE accredited 

audit firm.

Based on the information provided in the Partner Accreditation 
Pack, the committee confirmed that EY Cyprus and the designated 
individual audit partner, Stavros Pantzaris, are accredited on the 
JSE’s list of auditors and following an assessment of their suitability 
for appointment, it is the committee’s recommendation that 
EY Cyprus, and Stavros Pantzaris as the designated audit partner, 
be reappointed as external auditor at the Company’s AGM to be 
held on 23 February 2022.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  99

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 significant findings of any internal investigations into control 
weaknesses, fraud or misconduct, and management’s response 
thereto. During the year, the committee engaged Deloitte to conduct 
an assessment of the design adequacy of the key internal financial 
controls of the Group. The primary objective of the review was to 
assist management to strengthen the internal financial control 
environment if required and to give the Chief Executive Officer and 
the Chief Finance Officer a level of assurance with regard to making 
the required statement regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of 
internal financial controls as required in terms of section 3.84(k) of the 
JSE listing requirements, as recently amended. This workstream also 
provided additional assurance to management and the Audit and 
Risk Committees regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the 
controls in place to manage and monitor the financial reporting and 
its supporting processes.

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 audit function 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 Head if IT and 
monitors the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s information 
technology controls and risks. The Head of IT attends meetings of the 
Audit Committee by invitation to provide further information or 
clarification if required by the committee.

Having considered, analysed, reviewed and debated information 
provided by management, the Group’s internal audit function and 
external auditor, the committee considered that the internal controls 
of the Group were adequate and effective in all material aspects 
throughout the year under review.

Budget
The committee reviewed and recommended the FY2022 budget 
for approval by the Board.

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

Internal audit
The Audit Committee regularly reviewed the need for an in-house 
internal audit function. During the year under review, the Audit 
Committee concluded that the Group had grown to a size and stage 
of development that justified the creation of an in-house internal 
audit function and embarked on a process to bring the internal audit 
function in-house and to appoint an internal Group Head of Internal 
Audit. Suren Singh was appointed as Group Head of Internal Audit 
on 1 June 2021. Until 31 May 2021, the independent internal audit 
function was 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 Group’s internal audit function. It 
monitored the status of implementation of recommendations on 
identified control weaknesses by management and obtained the 
internal audit function’s 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, any deviations 
or changes thereto, and the internal audit plan for FY2022. It reviewed 
significant findings, management comments thereon and action plans. 
The committee discussed with the Group’s internal audit function 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 Lead 
Independent Director.

In addition, the committee considered and approved the Internal 
Audit Charter.

Combined assurance
The committee considered the combined assurance received from 
management and the internal and external auditors and is satisfied 
that the significant risks facing the Group were being appropriately 
addressed. To this end, the Audit Committee examined and encouraged 
the cooperation between the internal audit function and the external 
auditors.

Chief Finance Officer and finance function
The committee reviewed the performance, qualifications and expertise 
of Michael Jones, the Chief Finance Officer, and is satisfied with 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.

JSE Proactive monitoring process
The JSE implemented a proactive review and monitoring process in 
2010. In terms of this process, the financial statements of every listed 
company will be selected for review at least once every five years. 
The JSE has partnered with the Department of Accountancy at the 
University of Johannesburg (UJ) whose academic employees assist with 
the initial review process. The process involves the JSE identifying the 
companies to be reviewed during a particular calendar year and 
providing the names of these companies and the appropriate financial 
information to the UJ Team. The JSE and UJ have jointly developed a 
framework under which each review is to be conducted. The reviewed 
reports are then considered by the JSE who then engages with the 
listed company.

During the year under review, the committee considered the JSE’s 
Report on the proactive monitoring of financial statements for 2020, 
which outlined issues identified by the JSE during its normal proactive 
monitoring of listed companies’ financial statements for compliance 
with IFRS.

Tharisa’s annual financial statements for the year ended 
30 September 2019 and its interim results for the six months ended 
31 March 2020 had been selected as part of the JSE’s proactive review 
process. The committee studied the correspondence received from 
the JSE and considered and approved the responses prepared 
by the Company.

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 considered and approved the Whistleblower’s 
Investigation Procedure.

The chairman of the Audit Committee reported to the Board after 
each meeting of the Audit Committee.

On recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board approved:
	• the annual financial statements for the year ended 

30 September 2021

	• the Integrated Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2021 

and

	• the notice of the annual general meeting to be held on 

23 February 2022.

For more information on the composition and responsibilities of 
the Audit Committee, please refer to page 69.

A Djakouris
Chairman of the Audit Committee

29 November 2021

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 100

FINANCIAL REVIEW

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  101

100

Financial Review

102 Condensed consolidated financial statements

108 Notes to the annual financial statements

142

Shareholder Information

142 Investor relations report

144 Notice of annual general meeting

153 Form of proxy

155 Glossary

163 Stakeholder engagement

164 Corporate information

DISCOVER

DEVELOP

DELIVER

DIVERSIFY

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 102

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

The condensed consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2021 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.

Ernst & Young Cyprus Limited has expressed an unmodified audit opinion in the Independent Auditor’s Report dated 30 November 2021 on the 
audited consolidated financial statements. That report also includes the communication of key audit matters and is available on the Company’s 
website: www.tharisa.com.

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 30 November 2021.

The directors, whose names are stated below, hereby confirm that:
	• The condensed consolidated financial statements set out on pages 102 to 141 of this document, fairly present in all material respects the financial 

position, financial performance and cash flows of Tharisa plc and subsidiaries in terms of IFRS;

	• No facts have been omitted or untrue statements made that would make the condensed financial statements false or misleading;
	• Internal financial controls have been put in place to ensure that material information relating to Tharisa plc and its consolidated subsidiaries 

have been provided to effectively prepare the condensed consolidated financial statements of Tharisa plc;

	• The internal financial controls are adequate and effective and can be relied upon in compiling the annual financial statements, having fulfilled our 
role and function within the combined assurance model pursuant to principle 15 of the King IV Report on Governance for South Africa, 2016. 
Where we are not satisfied, we have disclosed to the Audit and Risk Committee and the auditors the deficiencies in design and operational 
effectiveness of the internal financial controls and any fraud that involves directors, and have taken the necessary remedial action.

Phoevos Pouroulis 

Cyprus
30 November 2021

Michael Jones

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  103

Condensed consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income
for the year ended 30 September 2021

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Other income
Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)
Other operating 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/(loss), net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year attributable to:

Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to:

Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share (US$ cents)
Diluted earnings per share (US$ cents)

Notes

5
6

7

21
21
11

8

9
9

2021
US$’000

596 345 
(388 926)

207 419 
764 
15 477 
(44 822)

178 838 
1 391 
(4 893)
10 540 
(370)
(251)

185 255 
(53 714)

131 541 

20 450 

20 450 

151 991 

100 469 
31 072 

131 541 

113 471 
38 520 

151 991 

37.4 
37.3 

2020
US$’000

405 995 
(275 563)

130 432 
918 
(8 378)
(35 327)

87 645 
944 
(6 926)
476 
(5 773)
(614)

75 752 
(20 801)

54 951 

(24 118)

(24 118)

30 833 

43 296 
11 655 

54 951 

27 431 
3 402 

30 833 

16.2 
16.2 

The notes on pages 108 to 141 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 104

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position
as at 30 September 2021

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investment accounted for using the equity method
Financial and other assets
Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Contract assets
Financial and other 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

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

10

11
12

13
14

12

15

16

17
18

18

19

380 461 
2 942 
10 274 
15 854 
1 177 

410 708 

58 269 
136 554 
2 440 
3 041 
8 949 
83 436 

292 689 

703 397 

289 818 
47 245 
(91 848)
199 217 

444 432 
6 842 

451 274 

19 931 
20 590 
87 565 

128 086 

16 260 
485 
286 
104 566 
2 440 

124 037 

252 123 

703 397 

278 960 
1 427 
10 303 
6 791 
1 140 

298 621 

41 864 
112 056 
2 101 
2 169 
497 
49 293 

207 980 

506 601 

286 929 
47 245 
(104 850)
122 085 

351 409 
(30 580)

320 829 

14 684 
16 132 
39 102 

69 918 

54 481 
6 144 
176 
52 952 
2 101 

115 854 

185 772 

506 601 

The condensed consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 30 November 2021.

Phoevos Pouroulis 
Director 

Michael Jones
Director

The notes on pages 108 to 141 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  105

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 30 September 2021

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share 
capital
US$’000

Share 
premium
US$’000

Other 
reserve
US$’000

Notes

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
US$’000

Retained
earnings
US$’000

Total
US$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest
US$’000

Total 
equity
US$’000

Balance at 1 October 2019

267

284 926

47 245

(88 985)

79 318 

322 771 

(33 982)

288 789 

Total comprehensive  
(loss)/income for the year
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation 
differences

Total comprehensive  
(loss)/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

Contributions by and 
distributions to owners  
of the Company

Total transactions with owners 
of the Company

Balance at  
30 September 2020

26
16

–

–

–

–
2

–

2

2

–

–

–

–
1 734

–

1 734

1 734

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

– 

43 296 

43 296 

11 655 

54 951 

(15 865)

– 

(15 865)

(8 253)

(24 118)

(15 865)

43 296 

27 431 

3 402 

30 833 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

(667)
– 

(667)
1 736 

138 

138 

(529)

1 207 

(529)

1 207 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

(667)
1 736 

138 

1 207 

1 207 

269

286 660

47 245

(104 850)

122 085 

351 409 

(30 580)

320 829 

The notes on pages 108 to 141 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 106

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 30 September 2021

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share 
capital
US$’000

Share 
premium
US$’000

Other 
reserve
US$’000

Notes

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
US$’000

Non-

Retained
earnings
US$’000

Total
US$’000

controlling 
interest
US$’000

Total 
equity
US$’000

Balance at 1 October 2020

269

286 660

47 245

(104 850)

122 085 

351 409 

(30 580)

320 829 

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

Contributions by and 
distributions to owners  
of the Company

Total transactions with owners 
of the Company

Balance at  
30 September 2021

26
16

–

–

–

–
2

–

2

2

–

–

–

–
2 887

–

2 887

2 887

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

– 

100 469 

100 469 

31 072 

131 541 

13 002 

– 

13 002 

7 448 

20 450 

13 002 

100 469 

113 471 

38 520 

151 991 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

(20 181)
– 

(20 181)
2 889 

(1 098)
– 

(21 279)
2 889 

(3 156)

(3 156)

– 

(3 156)

(23 337)

(20 448)

(1 098)

(21 546)

(23 337)

(20 448)

(1 098)

(21 546)

271

289 547

47 245

(91 848)

199 217 

444 432 

6 842 

451 274 

Companies which do not distribute 70% of their profits after tax, as defined by the relevant tax law, within two years after the end of the 
relevant tax year, will be deemed to have distributed as dividends 70% of these profits. Special contribution for defence at 17% and General 
Health System contribution at 1.7% to 2.65% for deemed distributions after 1 March 2019 will be payable on such deemed dividends to the 
extent that the ultimate shareholders are both Cyprus tax resident and Cyprus domiciled. The amount of the deemed distribution is reduced 
by any actual dividends paid out of the profits of the relevant year at any time. This special contribution for defence is payable by the Company 
for the account of the shareholders.

The notes on pages 108 to 141 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  107

Notes

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

131 541 

54 951 

10
10
11
13
10

12
12

10

20
10
11
12

18
18
18
18
26

15

36 024 
– 
251 
789 
4 950 
100 
3 560
(10 540)
370
(15 477)
(1 391)
4 893 
53 714 

27 949 
(9)
614 
(114)
3 090 
– 
138 
(476)
5 773 
8 378 
(944)
6 926 
20 801 

208 784

127 077 

(13 442)
(11 385)
39 674
2 150 

225 781
(17 412)

208 369

1 106 
(106 006)
– 
(3 079)
1 
– 
(2 282)

(110 260)

(15 553)
26 787 
(48 208)
(4 597)
(21 279)
(3 003)

(65 853)

32 256 
49 293 
1 887 

83 436 

(7 352)
(50 577)
5 419 
1 767 

76 334 
(3 376)

72 958 

597 
(70 558)
(311)
(1 486)
770 
(1 866)
(1 556)

(74 410)

2 487 
18 118 
(15 609)
(5 673)
(667)
(4 311)

(5 655)

(7 107)
59 201 
(2 801)

49 293 

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 30 September 2021

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Share of loss of investment accounted for using the equity method
Impairment loss/(reversal) and net realisable value write down of inventory
Write off of property, plant and equipment
Expected credit loss allowance
Equity-settled share-based payments
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)/loss
Interest income
Interest expense
Tax

Changes in:
Inventories
Trade and other receivables and contract assets
Trade and other payables and contract liabilities
Provisions

Cash generated from operations
Income tax paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Additions to intellectual property
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

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
Principal lease payments
Dividends 
Interest paid

Net cash flows used in financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) 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 on pages 108 to 141 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 108

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 30 September 2021

1. 

2.1 

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 2021 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 2020. 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). These 
condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 
30 September 2021, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS.

Statutory consolidated financial statements of the Company were additionally prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and 
the requirements of the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113. These have been approved and issued on the same date and there are no 
differences in the two sets of consolidated financial statements.

These condensed consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 30 November 2021.

Basis of measurement
The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis except as otherwise stated in the accounting 
policies set out below.

Functional and presentation currency
The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in United States Dollars (US$) which is the Company’s functional currency 
and presentation currency. Amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand.

The following US$: ZAR exchange rates were used in preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements:
	• Closing rate: ZAR15.05 (2020: ZAR16.70)
	• Average rate: ZAR14.83 (2020: ZAR16.22)

Going concern
These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

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 2021.

2.2 

STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS ADOPTED IN THE CURRENT YEAR
The Group has adopted the following new and/or revised standards and interpretations which became effective for the year ended 
30 September 2021:
	• IFRS 3 Business Combinations (Amendment)
	• IAS 1 and IAS 8 Definition of Material (Amendment)
	• Conceptual Framework

In addition to the above, the Group has early adopted Amendments to IAS 16: Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before 
Intended Use.

The nature and effect of the changes as a result of the adoption of these new accounting standards are described below. The adoption 
of all other standards, amendments or interpretations had no impact on the results for the year ended 30 September 2021.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
109

2.2 

STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS ADOPTED IN THE CURRENT YEAR continued
IFRS 3 Business Combinations (Amendment)
The IASB issued amendments to the definition of a business in IFRS 3 – Business Combinations to help entities determine whether an 
acquired set of activities and assets is a business or not. It clarifies the minimum requirements for a business, removes the assessment of 
whether market participants are capable of replacing any missing elements, includes guidance to help entities assess whether an acquired 
process is substantive, narrows the definitions of a business and of outputs, and introduces an optional fair value concentration test.

The amendment had to be applied to transactions that are either business combinations or asset acquisitions for which the acquisition 
date was on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after 1 January 2020. Consequently, entities do 
not have to revisit such transactions that occurred in previous periods. The Group acquired Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited 
during the year ended 30 September 2021 (refer to note 20) and by applying the amendments of IFRS 3 concluded that the activities and 
relevant outputs of Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited represents a business combination.

IAS 1 and IAS 8 Definition of Material (Amendment)
During October 2018, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statement and IAS 8 – Accounting Policies, 
Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors to align the definition of material across the standards and to clarify certain aspects of the 
definition. The new definition states that, information is material if omitting, misstating or obscuring it could reasonably be expected to 
influence decisions that the primary users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements, which 
provide financial information about a specific entity.

The amendments clarify that materiality depends on the nature or magnitude of information, or both. An entity needs to assess whether 
the information, either individually or in combination with other information, is material in the context of the financial statements.

The definition of material in the Conceptual Framework and IFRS Practice Statement 2: Making Materiality Judgements was amended 
to align with the revised definition of materiality in IAS 1 and IAS 8.

The amendments were effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020 and had to be applied prospectively.

Although the amendments to the definition of material did not have a significant impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements, 
the introduction of the term obscuring information in the definition could potentially impact how materiality judgements are made in 
practice, by elevating the importance of how information is communicated and organised in the financial statements.

Conceptual Framework
The IASB revised its Conceptual Framework. The primary purpose of the Framework is to assist the IASB (and the Interpretations 
Committee) by identifying concepts that it uses when setting standards.

Key changes include:
	• Increasing the prominence of stewardship in the objective of financial reporting, which is to provide information that is useful in making 

resource allocation decisions;

	• Reinstating prudence, defined as the exercise of caution when making judgements under conditions of uncertainty, as a component 

of neutrality;

	• Defining a reporting entity, which might be a legal entity or a portion of a legal entity;
	• Revising the definition of an asset as a present economic resource controlled by the entity as a result of past events;
	• Revising the definition of a liability as a present obligation of the entity to transfer an economic resource as a result of past events;
	• Removing the probability threshold for recognition, and adding guidance on derecognition;
	• Adding guidance on the information provided by different measurement bases, and explaining factors to consider when selecting 

a measurement basis.

Stating that profit or loss is the primary performance indicator and that, in principle, income and expenses in other comprehensive income 
should be recycled where the relevance or true representation of the financial statements would be enhanced.

The adoption of the revised Conceptual Framework did not have a material impact on the Group.

Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use – Amendments to IAS 16
The amendment prohibits entities from deducting from the cost of an item of property, plant and equipment any proceeds of the 
sale of items produced while bringing that asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner 
intended. Instead, an entity recognises the proceeds from selling such items, and the costs of producing those items, in profit or loss. The 
amendment must be applied retrospectively, effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022 only to items of property, 
plant and equipment made available for use on or after the beginning of the earliest period presented when the entity first applies the 
amendment. Earlier application is permitted. With the commissioning of the Vulcan Plant expected to be completed during the 2022 
financial year, the Group early adopted the amendment. As the Group did not generate sales from assets not fully operating as intended 
to during the financial years ended 30 September 2020 and 30 September 2021, the application had no impact on the Group’s results.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
110

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

2.3 

STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE
The new standards, interpretations and amendments to standards listed below are not effective and have not been early adopted, but 
will be adopted once these new standards, interpretations and amendments become effective. The Group notes the new standards, 
amendments and interpretations which have been issued but not yet effective and does not plan to early adopt any of the standards, 
amendments and interpretations. There are no other standards that are not yet effective and that would be expected to have a material 
impact on the Group in the current or future reporting periods.

	• Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current – Amendments to IAS 1
	• Onerous Contracts – Costs of Fulfilling a Contract – Amendments to IAS 37
	• Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction – Amendments to IAS 12
	• Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2 Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16

3. 

4. 

USE OF JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
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 2021. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2021 which contain detail of significant judgements and estimates.

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 four segments:
	• PGM segment
	• Chrome segment
	• Agency and trading segment
	• Manufacturing 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. The agency and trading segment performance is 
evaluated on third-party 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. For the manufacturing 
segment, performance is evaluated on sales and gross profit basis.

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.

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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
 
 
 
111

4. 

OPERATING SEGMENTS continued

2021
Revenue

Cost of sales

Manufacturing costs
Selling costs
Freight services

Gross profit

2020
Revenue

Cost of sales

Manufacturing costs
Selling costs
Freight services

Gross profit

PGM
US$’000

Chrome
US$’000

Agency and 
trading
US$’000

Manufacturing
US$’000

Total
US$’000

353 388 

203 875 

36 494 

2 588 

596 345 

(205 008)
(540)
– 

(205 548)

147 840 

(63 608)
(54 297)
(29 213)

(147 118)

56 757 

(13 600)
(14 915)
(5 194)

(33 709)

2 785 

(2 551)
– 
– 

(2 551)

37 

(284 767)
(69 752)
(34 407)

(388 926)

207 419 

218 619 

161 267 

24 109 

2 000 

405 995 

(132 038)
(396)
– 

(132 434)

86 185 

(58 761)
(44 140)
(17 979)

(120 880)

40 387 

(12 584)
(4 477)
(3 590)

(20 651)

3 458 

(1 598)
– 
– 

(1 598)

402 

(204 981)
(49 013)
(21 569)

(275 563)

130 432 

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 2021, 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 revised to 80.0% for PGM concentrate and 20.0% for chrome concentrates. The allocation basis of shared costs was 75.0% (PGM 
concentrates) and 25.0% (chrome concentrate) for the year ended 30 September 2020.

Cost of sales includes a charge for the write off of property, plant and equipment totalling US$5.0 million (2020: US$3.1 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:
(i) 
(ii) 

the Group’s revenue from external customers and
the Group’s property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and investment accounted for using the equity method (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 intellectual property and the location of the operation to which they are allocated in the case of goodwill.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
112

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

4. 
(i) 

OPERATING SEGMENTS continued
Revenue from external customers

2021
South Africa
China
Singapore
Hong Kong
United Arab Emirates
Australia
Japan
Other countries

2020
South Africa
China
Singapore
Hong Kong
United Arab Emirates
Other countries

PGM 
US$’000

Chrome 
US$’000

Agency and 
trading 
US$’000

Manufacturing 
US$’000

Total
US$’000

353 388 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

353 388 

218 619 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

218 619

37 502 
52 433 
43 796 
53 277 
7 923 
5 802 
3 142 
– 

203 875 

24 497 
39 719 
33 918 
50 005 
9 344 
3 784 

161 267 

4 961 
27 496 
– 
3 774 
– 
– 
– 
263 

36 494 

918 
12 108 
8 075 
2 382 
– 
626 

24 109 

2 567 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
21 

2 588 

2 000 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2 000 

398 418 
79 929 
43 796 
57 051 
7 923 
5 802 
3 142 
284 

596 345 

246 034 
51 827 
41 993 
52 387 
9 344 
4 410 

405 995 

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 5.0% (2020: 10.0%) of the Group’s revenues.

2021

2020

Segment

US$’000

Segment

US$’000

Customer 1
Customer 2

Customer 3

Customer 4
Customer 5

(ii) 

Specified non-current assets

South Africa
Zimbabwe
Cyprus

PGM
PGM and Agency 
and trading
Chrome and Agency 
and trading
Chrome
Chrome

296 020 

57 518 

41 036 
40 661 
35 167 

PGM
PGM and Agency 
and trading
Chrome and Agency 
and trading
Chrome
–

2021
US$’000

373 418 
19 874 
385 

393 677 

174 592 

44 433 

33 416 
24 507 
–

2020
US$’000

280 029 
10 303 
358 

290 690 

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

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
113

5. 

REVENUE

2021
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

2020
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

Manufacturing
US$’000

Total
US$’000

375 036 
(15 350)
– 

– 

359 686 
(6 298)

353 388 

191 066 
(2 465)
– 

– 

188 601 
30 018 

218 619 

138 169 
(1 009)
37 502 

29 213 

203 875 
– 

203 875 

119 081 
211 
23 996 

17 979 

161 267 
– 

161 267 

26 539 
(316)
5 077 

5 194 

36 494 
– 

36 494 

19 427 
(47)
1 139 

3 590 

24 109 
– 

24 109 

– 
– 
2 588 

– 

2 588 
– 

2 588 

– 
– 
2 000 

– 

2 000 
– 

2 000 

539 744 
(16 675)
45 167 

34 407 

602 643 
(6 298)

596 345 

329 574 
(2 301)
27 135 

21 569 

375 977 
30 018 

405 995 

During the year ended 30 September 2021, revenue from freight services of US$2.1 million (2020: US$1.0 million) was recognised which 
was classified as a contract liability at 30 September 2020.

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

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

(50 023)
64 369 

14 346 

(32 394)
32 238 

(156)

(35 296)
36 715 

1 419 

(35 153)
35 199 

46 

The year ended 30 September 2021 includes PGM revenue of US$78.4 million (2020: US$62.0 million) and chrome revenue of 
US$45.4 million (2020: US$32.4 million) that was based on provisional results as final prices and surveys were not yet available at 
30 September 2021.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
114

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

6. 

COST OF SALES

Mining
Drill and blast
Load and haul
Diesel
Salaries and wages
Provident fund contributions
Maintenance
Depreciation
Cost of commodities
Write off of property, plant and equipment

Processing
Salaries and wages
Provident fund contributions
Utilities
Materials and consumables
Contractor and equipment hire
Overhead
Depreciation

State royalties
Change in inventories – finished products and ore stockpile
Selling costs
Freight services

Cost of sales

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

29 573 
26 197 
25 614 
26 980 
3 727 
28 160 
18 932 
23 156 
4 950 

21 496 
16 011 
17 117 
19 546 
2 978 
23 090 
15 506 
14 870 
3 090 

187 289 

133 704 

15 122 
2 024 
15 129 
21 384 
12 115 
3 416 
16 085 

85 275 

23 788 
(11 585)
69 752 
34 407 

11 890 
1 697 
11 699 
15 862 
8 830 
2 250 
11 581 

63 809 

9 814 
(2 346)
49 013 
21 569 

388 926 

275 563 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  7. 

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

Directors and staff costs
Non-executive directors
Employees: salaries
bonuses
provident fund, medical aid and other contributions 

Audit – external audit services
Audit – other services
Bank charges and related fees
Consulting and business development cost
Corporate and social investment
Depreciation
Equity-settled share-based payment expense
Internal audit
Expected credit loss allowance
Listing fees and investor relations
Health and safety
Insurance
Legal and professional
Office administration, rent and utilities
Research and development
Security
Telecommunications and IT related
Training
Travelling and accommodation
Sundry

115

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

631 
17 504 
1 831 
1 823 

21 789 
579 
– 
809 
2 082 
246 
1 007 
3 560 
91 
100 
346 
1 818 
2 619 
1 763 
1 557 
605 
919 
3 929 
403 
94 
506 

44 822 

626 
14 701 
784 
1 854 

17 965 
436 
19 
711 
2 454 
366 
862 
1 939 
28 
– 
152 
1 426 
1 817 
556 
1 060 
183 
1 110 
3 259 
159 
304 
521 

35 327 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
116

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

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
Dividend withholding tax

Tax charge

* Amount is less than US$1 000.

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

1 774 
5 895 

7 669 
–
44 814 
1 231 

53 714 

1 032 
2 535 

3 567 
1 
17 128 
105 

20 801 

The entities within the Group are taxed in the countries in which they are incorporated and operate at the relevant tax rates as follows:

Country

Cyprus
South Africa
Zimbabwe*
Guernsey
Hong Kong
China

2021
%

12.5
28.0
–
–
16.5
25.0

2020
%

12.5
28.0
–
–
16.5
25.0

* Tax exempt for the first five years, thereafter 15% income tax rate (special economic zone companies).

Reconciliation between tax charge and accounting 
profit at applicable tax rates:

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

Profit before tax
Notional tax on profit before tax, calculated at the  
Cypriot/South African income tax rate of 12.5%/28.0%  
(2020: 12.5%/28.0%)

Tax effects of:

Different tax rates from the standard Cypriot/South African 
income tax rate
Tax exempt income

Fair value adjustments
Interest received
Currency gains
Other

Non-deductible expenses

Share of loss of equity-accounted investments
Investment related
Interest paid
Currency losses
Capital expenses

Special contribution for defence in Cyprus
Dividend withholding tax – accrued preference dividends
Dividend withholding tax – current year dividends
Recognition of deemed interest income for tax purposes

185 255 

75 752 

185 255 

75 752 

23 157 

9 469 

51 871 

21 211 

26 989 

10 895 

(6 097)

(1 388)

(722)
(6)
(37)
(5)

31 
558 
–
192 
240 
2 
2 068
1 232 
15 

(22)
(137)
(18)
(1)

77 
345 
9 
–
50 
1 
–
105 
28 

(1 616)
(14)
(82)
(11)

70 
1 249 
–
430 
538
5 
4 577
2 760 
34 

(50)
(306)
(41)
(1)

171 
773 
20 
–
111 
2 
–
236 
63 

Tax charge

53 714 

20 801 

53 714 

20 801 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
117

8. 

TAX continued
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%. In terms of the Double Taxation Agreement between Cyprus and South Africa, 
dividend withholding tax at a rate of 5.0% (2020: 5.0%) is charged on dividends declared.

The Group’s consolidated effective tax rate for the year ended 30 September 2021 was 29.0% (2020: 27.5%).

At 30 September 2021, the Group’s unredeemed capital balance available for offset against future mining taxable income in South Africa 
was fully utilised (2020: US$106.2 million).

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.

9. 

EARNINGS PER SHARE
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share and headline and diluted headline earnings 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.

2021

2020

Basic and diluted earnings per share
Profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders (US$’000)

Weighted average number of issued ordinary shares for basic earnings per share (‘000)
Dilutive impact of SARS (‘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)
Dilutive impact of SARS (‘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

2021

Gross
US$’000

Tax
US$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest
US$’000

100 469 

268 859 
599 

269 458 

37.4 
37.3 

103 107 
268 859 
599 

269 458 

38.3 
38.3 

43 296 

266 611 
744 

267 355 

16.2 
16.2 

44 938 
266 611 
744 

267 355 

16.9 
16.8 

2020

Net
US$’000

Net
US$’000

100 469 

43 296 

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Adjustments:

Impairment of property, plant  
and equipment
Profit on disposal of property, plant 
and equipment

Headline earnings

4 950 

(1 386)

(926)

2 638 

1 646 

–

–

–

–

(4)

103 107 

44 938 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
118

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

10. 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Freehold land 
and buildings
US$’000

Mining assets 
and
infrastructure
US$’000

Mining fleet
US$’000

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

Computer 

equipment 

community 

Right-of-use 

Motor 

vehicles

US$’000

and software

improvements

US$’000

US$’000

asset: 

buildings

US$’000

Total

US$’000

30 September 2021
Cost
Balance at 30 September 2020
Additions
Lease agreements entered into
Business combination (note 20)
Disposals
Re-measurement
Write offs
Transfers
Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2021

Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 30 September 2020
Charge for the year
Business combination (note 20)
Disposals
Write offs
Transfers
Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2021

30 September 2020
Cost
Balance at 30 September 2019
Additions
Lease agreements entered into
Transfers
Business combination
Disposals
Re-measurement
Write offs
Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2020

Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 30 September 2019
Charge for the year
Business combination
Disposals
Write offs
Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2020

14 280 
3 747 
–
–
–
–
(30)
(216)
1 512 

19 293 

982 
267 
–
–
–
–
104 

289 263 
73 004 
–
4 687 
–
–
(917)
159 
30 705 

396 901 

80 916 
16 244 
11 
–
(241)
(42)
8 624 

1 353 

105 512 

14 731 
303 
–
11 
660 
–
–
–
(1 425)

14 280 

865 
202 
–
–
–
(85)

982 

273 346 
44 067 
–
254 
682 
–
–
(2 759)
(26 327)

289 263 

79 483 
11 439 
340 
–
(2 759)
(7 587)

80 916 

70 885 
26 574 
–
–
–
–
(5 559)
237 
7 448 

99 585 

24 245 
14 803 
–
–
(1 693)
(73)
2 462 

39 744 

58 085 
24 731 
–
–
–
(3 017)
–
(3 040)
(5 874)

70 885 

16 719 
11 772 
–
(2 303)
(140)
(1 803)

24 245 

14 799 
–
1 985 
–
–
(175)
(624)
(810)
1 615 

16 790 

6 305 
3 028 
–
–
(518)
(499)
661 

8 977 

16 543 
–
617 
–
–
–
74 
(919)
(1 516)

14 799 

4 674 
2 867 
–
–
(745)
(491)

6 305 

Office 

equipment 

and furniture, 

and site office 

1 014 

567 

392 

–

17 

(1)

–

(11)

7 

43 

366 

128 

1 

–

(11)

–

25 

509 

807 

88 

40 

–

–

–

–

(308)

(60)

567 

586 

89 

29 

–

(298)

(40)

366 

3 868 

1 427 

–

–

–

(4)

(1 390)

(3)

351 

4 249 

3 528 

972 

–

(4)

(1 081)

–

365 

3 780 

5 338 

1 194 

–

(265)

25 

(8)

(4)

(1 912)

(500)

3 868

4 741 

1 086 

12 

(8)

(1 906)

(397)

3 528 

1 325 

862 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

12 

132 

2 331 

489 

190 

51 

730 

1 284 

175 

58 

(66)

(126)

1 325 

398 

122 

31 

(19)

–

(43)

489 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1 891 

172 

196 

(492)

201 

1 968 

1 087 

392 

(529)

115 

1 065 

2 108 

(31)

(186)

1 891 

796 

372 

(81)

1 087 

396 878 

106 006 

2 157 

4 704 

(5)

21 

(9 023)

(614)

42 007 

542 131 

117 918 

36 024 

12 

(4)

(4 073)

(614)

12 407 

161 670 

372 242 

70 558 

617 

–

1 465 

(3 091)

39 

(8 938)

(36 014)

396 878 

108 262 

27 949 

412 

(2 330)

(5 848)

(10 527)

117 918 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  119

10. 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Freehold land 

and buildings

US$’000

Mining assets 

and

infrastructure

Mining fleet

US$’000

US$’000

Right-of-use 

asset: mining 

fleet

US$’000

Motor 
vehicles
US$’000

Computer 
equipment 
and software
US$’000

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

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

30 September 2021

Cost

Additions

Balance at 30 September 2020

Lease agreements entered into

Business combination (note 20)

Disposals

Re-measurement

Write offs

Transfers

Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2021

Accumulated depreciation

Balance at 30 September 2020

Charge for the year

Business combination (note 20)

Disposals

Write offs

Transfers

Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2021

30 September 2020

Cost

Additions

Transfers

Balance at 30 September 2019

Lease agreements entered into

Business combination

Disposals

Re-measurement

Write offs

Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2020

Accumulated depreciation

Balance at 30 September 2019

Charge for the year

Business combination

Disposals

Write offs

Exchange differences on translation

Balance at 30 September 2020

14 280 

3 747 

(30)

(216)

1 512 

19 293 

982 

267 

104 

1 353 

14 731 

303 

–

11 

660 

(1 425)

14 280 

865 

202 

(85)

982 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

289 263 

73 004 

4 687 

–

–

–

(917)

159 

30 705 

396 901 

80 916 

16 244 

11 

–

(241)

(42)

8 624 

105 512 

273 346 

44 067 

254 

682 

–

–

–

(2 759)

(26 327)

289 263 

79 483 

11 439 

340 

–

(2 759)

(7 587)

80 916 

70 885 

26 574 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(5 559)

237 

7 448 

99 585 

24 245 

14 803 

(1 693)

(73)

2 462 

39 744 

58 085 

24 731 

(3 017)

(3 040)

(5 874)

70 885 

16 719 

11 772 

–

(2 303)

(140)

(1 803)

24 245 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

14 799 

1 985 

(175)

(624)

(810)

1 615 

16 790 

6 305 

3 028 

(518)

(499)

661 

8 977 

16 543 

617 

74 

(919)

(1 516)

14 799 

4 674 

2 867 

(745)

(491)

6 305 

1 325 
862 
–
–
–
–
–
12 
132 

2 331 

489 
190 
–
–
–
–
51 

730 

1 284 
175 
–
–
58 
(66)
–
–
(126)

1 325 

398 
122 
31 
(19)
–
(43)

489 

3 868 
1 427 
–
–
(4)
–
(1 390)
(3)
351 

4 249 

3 528 
972 
–
(4)
(1 081)
–
365 

3 780 

5 338 
1 194 
–
(265)
25 
(8)
(4)
(1 912)
(500)

3 868

4 741 
1 086 
12 
(8)
(1 906)
(397)

3 528 

567 
392 
–
17 
(1)
–
(11)
7 
43 

1 014 

366 
128 
1 
–
(11)
–
25 

509 

807 
88 
–
–
40 
–
–
(308)
(60)

567 

586 
89 
29 
–
(298)
(40)

366 

1 891 
–
172 
–
–
196 
(492)
–
201 

1 968 

1 087 
392 
–
–
(529)
–
115 

1 065 

2 108 
–
–
–
–
–
(31)
–
(186)

1 891 

796 
372 
–
–
–
(81)

1 087 

Total
US$’000

396 878 
106 006 
2 157 
4 704 
(5)
21 
(9 023)
(614)
42 007 

542 131 

117 918 
36 024 
12 
(4)
(4 073)
(614)
12 407 

161 670 

372 242 
70 558 
617 
–
1 465 
(3 091)
39 
(8 938)
(36 014)

396 878 

108 262 
27 949 
412 
(2 330)
(5 848)
(10 527)

117 918 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 120

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

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

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

17 940 
291 389 
59 841 
7 813 
1 601 
469 
505 
903 

380 461 

13 298 
208 347 
46 640 
8 494 
836 
340 
201 
804 

278 960 

Included in additions to mining assets and infrastructure are additions to the deferred stripping asset of US$25.8 million (2020: 
US$22.7 million).

The estimated economically recoverable proved and probable mineral reserve was reassessed at 1 October 2020 which gave rise to 
a change in accounting estimate. The remaining reserve that management had previously assessed was 97.5 Mt (at 1 October 2019). 
At 1 October 2020, the remaining reserve was assessed to be consistent at 97.5 Mt. Therefore, the reserve increased by 5.4 Mt which 
equals the depletion of the reserve during the year ended 30 September 2020.

As a result, 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$0.6 million. The change in estimate was recognised prospectively.

Included in mining assets and infrastructure are projects under construction of US$61.0 million (2020: US$25.6 million) and included 
in computer equipment and software are projects under construction of US$0.5 million (2020: no balance).

Freehold land and buildings comprises various portions of the farms Elandsdrift 467 JQ, Buffelspoort 343 JQ and Farm 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. No borrowing costs were capitalised during the year ended 30 September 2021 
(2020: no capitalisation of borrowing costs).

Capital commitments
At 30 September 2021, the Group’s capital commitments for contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment amounted to 
US$31.9 million (2020: US$30.7 million).

Securities
At 30 September 2021, the majority of the Group’s mining fleet was pledged as security against the equipment loan facility (refer to 
note 18).

Write offs
During the year ended 30 September 2021, the Group scrapped individual assets totalling US$5.0 million (2020: US$3.1 million). The 
write offs during both the financial years relate to certain computer software programmes no longer in use and yellow fleet equipment 
identified as no longer fit for use and premature component failures.

The mining component premature failures are identified through the measurement of the hours depreciated for each component 
in relationship to the expected useful live. A write off is recognised for each component that did not reach its expected useful life. 
Further to this, mining fleet is also written off as identified from fleet that is confirmed as obsolete by management.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
121

11. 

INVESTMENT ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD
The investment accounted for using the equity method represents the investment of 26.8% of the issued share capital of Karo Mining 
Holdings Limited (Karo Holdings), a company incorporated in Cyprus.

Karo Holdings’ principal place of business is in Cyprus. The functional and presentation currency of Karo Holdings and its subsidiaries 
is the US$. The table below details Karo Holdings’ interest in subsidiaries as at 30 September 2021 and 30 September 2020.

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

Country of incorporation 
and principal place 
of business

Principal activity

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe

Investment holding
Platinum mining 
Coal
Power generation
PGM smelting and refining

*  50% of the shareholding in this company will be transferred to an investment entity owned by the Republic of Zimbabwe, the communities and employees.
**  25% of the shareholding in this company will 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, a related party, whereby management of the Karo Project will 
exclusively vest in the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Any decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the 
shareholders. The Group has determined that a joint arrangement exists and consequently has classified its investment in Karo Holdings 
as a joint venture. The Group accounts for joint ventures using the equity method in the consolidated financial statements.

The Company has an option, at its election, to subscribe for shares directly in Karo Platinum by way of a farm-in agreement. In terms of 
the option, the Company has the right but not the obligation, to fund Karo Platinum in return for a direct shareholding in Karo Platinum. 
As a consequence of the farm-in arrangement, the Company may at its election, in addition to its indirect shareholding through the 
26.8% shareholding in Karo Holdings, acquire a direct shareholding in Karo Platinum of up to 40.0% of the issued share capital of 
Karo Platinum.

The price payable for any new equity shares to be subscribed for in Karo Platinum will be determined with reference to an independent 
valuation of Karo Platinum at that time in accordance with the South African code for the reporting of mineral asset valuation ‘SAMVAL 
Code’, taking into account factors including country risk and the leverage of Karo Platinum. Depending on the status of the project, the 
following valuation methodologies as provided for in the SAMVAL Code together with the agreed discount rates shall be applied:
	• Up to an inferred resource – historical cost multiple, less a 60% discount;
	• Up to a measured resource and reserve – comparable company market multiples less a 50% discount;
	• On or after completion of a bankable feasibility study – income approach (which is determined using a discounted cash flow valuation) 

less a discount of 30%.

Karo Holdings will retain a minimum 10% indirect shareholding in Karo Platinum should the Company exercise its farm-in option in full.

During the year ended 30 September 2021, Karo Platinum completed the mining section of the pre-feasibility study with the objective 
to declare a Mineral Reserve that is compliant with the SAMREC Code (2016). A detailed LOM plan was completed to declare the Mineral 
Reserve estimate for the open pit operations. The Mineral Reserve estimate was derived from the Measured and Indicated Mineral 
Resources contained within the LOM plan. Consequently, at 30 September 2021, a measured resource and reserve exist which in terms 
of the Shareholders Agreement will attract a discount of 50% to the comparable company market multiple valuation. Refer to notes 12 
and 21.

Investment in Karo Holdings

Opening balance
Interest capitalised
Advances during the year
Share of total comprehensive loss

Shares acquired
Loan advance
Total share of comprehensive loss from joint venture

Total investment

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

10 303 
222 
–
(251)

10 274 

4 500 
8 353 
(2 579)

10 274 

8 781 
270 
1 866 
(614)

10 303 

4 500 
8 131 
(2 328)

10 303 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
122

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

11. 

INVESTMENT ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD continued

Summarised consolidated financial information of Karo Holdings

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

Summarised statement of financial position
Non-current assets
Current assets (excluding cash and cash equivalents)
Cash and cash equivalents
Loan payable
Trade and other payables and income tax payable

Net deficit (100%)

Summarised statement of comprehensive income
Operating expenses
Finance costs
Tax

Total comprehensive loss

Summarised statement of changes in equity

Share 
capital
US$’000

1 
–

1 

2021

Retained 
earnings
US$’000

(8 687)
(938)

(9 625)

Total
US$’000

(8 686)
(938)

(9 624)

Share 
capital
US$’000

1 
–

1 

Balance at 1 October
Net loss for the year

Balance at 30 September

207 
360 
54 
(8 353)
(1 892)

(9 624)

(696)
(223)
(19)

(938)

2020

Retained 
earnings
US$’000

(6 395)
(2 292)

(8 687)

216 
107 
227 
(8 131)
(1 105)

(8 686)

(2 004)
(274)
(14)

(2 292)

Total
US$’000

(6 394)
(2 292)

(8 686)

Arxo Finance plc, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company provided funding of US$7.9 million (2020: US$7.9 million) to Karo Holdings 
as a repayable debt facility. In addition, interest receivable of US$0.5 million (2020: US$0.3 million) was capitalised to the loan receivable. 
The loan bears interest at US Libor plus 250 basis points and is unsecured.

12. 

FINANCIAL AND OTHER ASSETS

Fair value hierarchy

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

Non-current assets
Financial assets
Investments in money markets, current accounts, cash funds and 
income funds
Right to acquire shares in Karo Platinum (Private) Limited
Other assets
Prepaid investment in Karo Platinum (Private) Limited

Current assets
Financial assets
Discount facility
Investments in equity instruments 
Option to acquire shares in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited
Other assets
Prepaid investment in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited
Loan receivable

Level 2
Level 3

Amortised cost

Level 1
Level 1
Level 3

Amortised cost
Amortised cost

7 702 
5 870 

2 282 

15 854 

3 023 
18 
–

–
–

3 041 

6 791 
–

–

6 791 

–
8 
178 

1 976 
7 

2 169 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
123

12. 

FINANCIAL AND OTHER 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$6.3 million (2020: US$5.6 million) is managed by Centriq Insurance 
Company Limited (Centriq). The investment serves as security for the guarantee issued by Centriq to the Department of Mineral 
Resources and Energy for the rehabilitation provision. The guarantee issued by Centriq has a fixed cover period from 1 December 2020 
to 30 November 2023.

Investment in cash funds and income funds of US$1.4 million (2020: US$1.2 million) managed by Stanlib Collective Investments. 
The investment is ceded to Lombard Insurance Group (Lombard) against a US$0.8 million (ZAR12.0 million) (2020: US$0.7 million 
(ZAR12.0 million)) guarantee issued by Lombard on behalf of Arxo Logistics Proprietary Limited to Transnet Freight Rail, a division 
of Transnet SOC Limited.

These investments are separately administered and the Group’s right of access to these funds is restricted.

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.

Right to acquire shares in Karo Platinum (Private) Limited (Karo Platinum)
The Company had been granted the right to acquire up to 40% of the issued share capital of Karo Platinum, a company incorporated in 
Zimbabwe, at a discount to the market value (refer to note 11). The asset represents the fair value gain (50% discount to the market value 
as the project is at a measured resource and reserve stage) of the discount on the purchase.

Prepaid investment in Karo Platinum
As part of the evaluation of the right to acquire shares in Karo Platinum, the Company incurred exploration and evaluation costs which 
have been capitalised.

Discount facility
Discount facility relates to fair value adjustments on the limited recourse disclosed receivables discounting facility in terms of which 
98.0% of the sales value of platinum, palladium and gold (included in PGM) and 45% of the sales value of rhodium are discounted at 
LIBOR plus 302 basis points (2020: LIBOR plus 326 points). The facility is for US$33.0 million (2020: US$33.0 million). The balance is held 
at fair value through profit or loss.

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.

Option to acquire shares in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited
At 30 September 2020, the Company had a call option to acquire a 90.0% shareholding in Salene Chrome, a company incorporated 
in Zimbabwe, at an exercise price of US$90. At 30 September 2020, the Company completed a discounted cash flow model to determine 
the fair value of the project. A fair value gain of US$0.2 million was recognised in profit or loss. The call option originally expired on 
30 September 2020 but was extended to 31 March 2021.

The call option lapsed at 31 March 2021 and at the same date, the Company entered into a purchase agreement whereby the Company 
acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Salene Chrome at a purchase consideration of US$3.0 million. Consequently during the year 
ended 30 September 2021, the Company derecognised the fair value asset of the call option.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
124

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

13. 

INVENTORIES

Finished products
Ore stockpile
Consumables

(Impairment)/impairment reversal and net realisable value write down

Total carrying amount

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

15 972 
17 553 
25 533 

59 058 
(789)

58 269 

12 978 
8 962 
19 810 

41 750 
114 

41 864 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Low-grade chrome concentrates to the value of US$1.2 million are 
carried at the realisable value after a net realisable value write down of US$0.1 million. The net realisable write down was allocated to 
the chrome segment.

Certain PGM finished products, which were written down to the net realisable value (2020: US$0.5 million write down) during the 
year ended 30 September 2020, were impaired in full during the year ended 30 September 2021. The provision and net realisable 
value write down were allocated to the PGM segment. In addition, certain consumables and spares were provided for during the year 
ended 30 September 2021 as its operational use become doubtful. The provision is allocated 80.0% and 20.0% to the PGM and chrome 
operating segments respectively.

14. 

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables 
PGM discounting receivable

Total trade receivables
Other receivables – related parties (refer to note 22)
Deposits, prepayments and other receivables
Accrued income
Value added tax receivable (VAT)

2021
US$’000

33 596
77 286

110 882 
1 951 
8 901 
2 902 
11 918 

136 554 

2020
US$’000

61 474 
37 059 

98 533 
1 440 
4 250 
1 119 
6 714 

112 056 

Trade and other receivables of the Group are expected to be recoverable within one year from each reporting date. Trade receivables are 
unsecured, non-interest bearing and payment terms vary from 0 to 120 days (2020: 0 to 120 days). An expected credit loss allowance of 
US$0.1 million was recognised during the year ended 30 September 2021. The expected credit loss allowance relates to the manufacturing 
segment, is customer specific and is based on the respective customer’s observable current financial position. No impairment of trade 
receivables was recognised during the year ended 30 September 2020.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
125

2020
US$’000

98 011 
13 
509 

98 533 

70 873 
10 723 
8 890 
4 232 
–
3 815 

98 533 

58 783 
7 
–
34 

2021
US$’000

109 986 
53 
843 

110 882 

93 139 
5 923 
297 
9 827 
1 696 
–

110 882 

7 383 
–
103 499 
–

14. 

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES continued
The table below summarises the maturity of trade receivables:

Current
Less than 90 days past due but not impaired
Greater than 90 days past due but not impaired

The credit exposure of trade receivables by country is as follows:
South Africa
China
Hong Kong
Singapore
Australia
United Arab Emirates

The foreign currency denominated balances, translated to US$ included in trade receivables 
were as follows:
ZAR’000
EUR’000
US$’000
GBP’000

At 30 September 2021, the Group had certain unresolved tax matters. Included in trade and other receivables is an amount of 
US$5.5 million (ZAR82.3) million which relates to diesel rebates receivable from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in respect 
of the mining operations. SARS rejected diesel claims relating to the periods from September 2011 to April 2017 (US$3.6 million) and 
May 2017 to February 2018 (US$1.9 million). On 27 February 2020, a Founding Affidavit was filed with the High Court of South Africa 
to which no formal response has been received from SARS. The Group is in process of filing a supplementary affidavit to re-enforce 
its position, to which SARS has a period of 15 days to respond to. Failing which the Group will then put the matter on the Court’s 
unopposed roll for finalisation.

15. 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Bank balances
Short-term bank deposits and money market investments

The credit exposure by country is as follows:
South Africa
Hong Kong
Mauritius
United Kingdom
Zimbabwe
Cyprus
Other countries

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

72 945 
10 491 

83 436 

55 669 
18 831 
1 017 
2 338 
1 385 
3 872 
324 

83 436 

47 103 
2 190 

49 293 

29 093 
13 813 
644 
–
–
5 247 
496 

49 293 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
126

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

15. 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS continued
The credit exposure by bank and credit ratings are as follows:

Nedbank
HSBC
Bank of China
Bank of Cyprus
Citibank
Stanlib Corporate Money Market
Absa
Other

BB-
A+
A
B-
A
AA+
BB-
AA+ to BB-

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

42 597 
18 841 
6 350 
3 872 
4 409 
5 748 
1 272 
347 

83 436

19 679 
13 843 
6 345 
5 259 
2 652 
–
994 
521 

49 293

The amounts reflected 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 2021, an amount of US$1.0 million (2020: US$0.9 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 (2020: US$0.3 million) was provided as security against certain credit 
facilities of the Group.

16. 

SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES

Share capital

Authorised – ordinary shares of US$0.001 each
As at 30 September

Authorised – convertible redeemable preference 
shares of US$1 each
As at 30 September

Issued 
Ordinary shares
Balance at the beginning of the year
Issued to treasury shares

Balance at the end of the year

Treasury shares
Balance at the beginning of the year
Issued
Transferred as part of management share award plans

Balance at the end of the year

Issued and fully paid

Share premium
Balance at the beginning of the year
Shares issued 

Balance at the end of the year

Total share capital and premium

30 September 2021

30 September 2020

Number of
shares

US$’000

Number of
shares

US$’000

10 000 000 000 

10 000 

10 000 000 000 

10 000

1 051 

1 

1 051 

1

275 000 000 
–

275 000 000 

6 523 686 
–
(2 808 065)

3 715 621 

275 
–

275 

6 
–
(2)

4 

270 000 000 
5 000 000 

275 000 000 

3 389 678 
5 000 000 
(1 865 992)

6 523 686 

270 
5 

275 

3 
5 
(2)

6 

271 284 379 

271 

268 476 314 

269 

268 476 314 
2 808 065 

271 284 379 

286 660 
2 887 

289 547 

289 818 

266 610 322 
1 865 992 

268 476 314 

284 926 
1 734 

286 660 

286 929 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
127

16. 

SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES continued
Share capital
There were no allotments during the year ended 30 September 2021. Allotments during the year ended 30 September 2020 were in 
respect of 5 000 000 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 2021, 2 808 065 (2020: 1 865 992) ordinary shares were transferred from treasury shares to satisfy 
the vesting/exercise of Conditional Awards and Appreciation Rights by the participants of the Tharisa Share Award Plan.

At 30 September 2021, 3 715 621 (2020: 6 523 686) ordinary shares were held in treasury.

All shares rank equally with regard to the Company’s residual assets. The holders of ordinary shares, other than treasury shares, are 
entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company.

Share premium
The share premium represents the excess of the issue price of ordinary shares over their nominal value, to the extent that it is registered 
at the Registrar of Companies in Cyprus, less share issue costs. The share premium is not distributable for dividend purposes.

During the years ended 30 September 2021 and 30 September 2020, the increases in the share premium account related to the issue and 
allotment of ordinary shares granted in terms of the Share Award Plan.

17. 

PROVISIONS
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. The provision is determined using commercial closure cost assessments and not the inflation adjusted Department of 
Mineral Resources and Energy published rates.

2021

Decommis-
sioning
US$’000

Restoration
US$’000

Total 
provision
US$’000

Restoration
US$’000

2020

Decommis-
sioning
US$’000

Provision for rehabilitation
Opening balance
Recognised in profit and loss
Capitalised/(reversal) to mining assets 
and infrastructure
Unwinding of discount
Exchange differences

Closing balance

6 181 
6 333 

–
649 
574 

13 737 

8 503 
–

(4 182)
893 
980 

6 194 

14 684 
6 333 

(4 182)
1 542 
1 554 

19 931 

6 424 
(183)

–
541 
(601)

6 181 

6 677 
–

1 949 
562 
(685)

8 503 

Total
provision
US$’000

13 101 
(183)

1 949 
1 103 
(1 286)

14 684 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
128

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

17. 

PROVISIONS continued
The table below illustrates the movement in the provision as a result of mining operations and changes in variables.

30 September 2021
Provision for restoration
Provision for decommissioning

30 September 2020
Provision for restoration
Provision for decommissioning

Opening
balance
US$’000

Mining 
operations
US$’000

Changes in 
variables/
estimates
US$’000

Exchange 
differences
US$’000

Closing
balance
US$’000

6 181 
8 503 

14 684 

6 424 
6 677 

13 101 

3 049 
1 119 

4 168 

(363)
1 164 

801 

3 933 
(4 408)

(475)

722 
1 348 

2 070 

574 
980 

1 554 

(602)
(686)

(1 288)

13 737 
6 194 

19 931 

6 181 
8 503 

14 684 

The current estimated rehabilitation cost to be incurred mostly between financial years 2032 and 2046 (2020: between financial years 
2032 and 2046) taking escalation factors into account is US$60.5 million (ZAR911.1 million) (2020: US$24.2 million (ZAR404.9 million)). 
The estimate was calculated by an independent external expert. The increase is due to the changes in future inflation and discount rates, 
the considerations of the closure objectives as set out in the Environmental Management Plan and what is most likely to occur as these 
impacts are being reconsidered, and then also the expected timing of performing this work which is driven to a large extent by the most 
likely life of mine.

The current estimated rehabilitation cost is projected to a future value based on a weighted average long-term inflation rate of 6.8% 
(2020: 6.7%). The net present value of the rehabilitation estimated future value is discounted based on a weighted average SWAP curve. 
The calculated interest rate was 9.6% (2020: 9.3%).

An insurance company has provided a guarantee to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to satisfy the legal requirements 
with respect to environmental rehabilitation and the Group has pledged as collateral its investments in interest-bearing instruments to the 
insurance company to support this guarantee.

18. 

BORROWINGS

Non-current
Equipment loan facility
Lease liabilities
Atrafin loan
Property loans
Loan from related party

Current
Equipment loan facility
Lease liabilities
Atrafin loan
Property loans
Loan from related party
Bank credit facilities
Facilities
Loan

2021 
US$’000 

2020
US$’000

14 307 
2 273 
2 951 
617 
442 

20 590 

10 527 
3 112 
700 
47 
100 
1 774 
–
–

16 260 

12 738 
2 838 
–
556 
–

16 132 

7 730 
3 844 
–
43 
–
17 345 
23 849 
1 670 

54 481 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
129

18. 

BORROWINGS continued
Equipment loan facility
The equipment loan facility represents funding for certain Caterpillar mining equipment, both replacement parts and new mining 
equipment, from Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation. The total facility amounts to US$30 million, bears interest rates between 
the one-month US Libor plus 325 basis points and the one-month US Libor plus 350 basis points and is repayable over 48 months. 
The acquired equipment serves as security for the loan facility.

The equipment loan facility contains the following Group financial covenants:
	• Net debt to tangible net worth not higher than 1.4 times;
	• Net debt to EBITDA lower than 2.0 times; and
	• EBITDA to interest greater than 4.0 times.

At 30 September 2021, the Group complied with all financial covenants.

Lease liabilities
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 that have a lease term 
of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets such as computer equipment. Lease expenses of US$0.3 million (2020: US$0.1 million) 
and US$0.1 million (2020: US$0.1 million) were included in cost of sales and administrative expenses respectively for the year ended 
30 September 2021.

The duration of leases relating to buildings and premises is 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 2021, the remaining term of these leases vary between two and four and 
a half years (2020: three and three 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 and manufacturing equipment are for periods between twenty four and sixty months 
(2020: fourteen and sixty one months) and bear interest at interest rates between the South African prime interest rate and the South 
African prime interest rate plus 375 basis points (2020: South African prime interest rate plus 375 basis points). The leases are secured 
by the mining fleet leased.

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

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

3 406 
2 505 

5 911 
(526)

5 385 

3 302 
2 083 

5 385 

4 281 
3 018 

7 299 
(617)

6 682 

3 840 
2 842 

6 682 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
130

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

18. 

BORROWINGS continued
Atrafin loan
The loan from Atrafin LLC is for a total amount of US$3.7 million, bears interest at the six-month US Libor plus 200 basis points and 
is repayable in ten equal bi-annual instalments ending May 2026.

Property loans
As part of the business combination (refer to note 20), the Group acquired industrial premises and buildings. MetQ Proprietary Limited 
acquired these buildings and premises immediately before the business combination and secured funding in the form of loans owing 
to the previous owners. These loans bear interest at the RSA prime rate and are repayable in 10 years from 1 October 2019. The acquired 
properties serve as security for the loans.

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 one-month US Libor plus 1.6% pa and the three-month US Libor plus 
3.05% pa (2020: one-month US Libor plus 1.6% pa and three-month US Libor plus 3.0% pa). Inventory serves as security for credit 
facilities.

Loan from related party
The loan from related party arose as part of the business combination of Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited (refer to note 20). The 
loan is repayable in 36 equal monthly instalments commencing on 1 April 2022, bears interest at the three-month US Libor plus 500 basis 
points and is unsecured.

Facilities
The Facilities (ZAR800 million) comprised of:
	• a three year senior secured amortising term loan of US$26.6 million (ZAR400 million),
	• a three year secured committed revolving facility of US$19.9 million (ZAR300 million); and
	• an overdraft facility of US$6.6 million (ZAR100 million).

The Facilities were paid off in full during the year ended 30 September 2021.

Other 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 US$6.0 million (ZAR90 million). The loan was settled in full during the year ended 30 September 2021.

Commercial Asset Finance
Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited entered into a commercial asset finance facility with Absa Bank Limited to the value of US$10.0 million 
(ZAR150.0 million) during the year ended 30 September 2021. The facility bears interest at the South African Prime rate less 125 basis 
points and is repayable monthly in arrears over 36 months. In addition, Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited obtained a bank overdraft 
from Absa Bank Limited to the value of US$10.0 million (ZAR150.0 million). At 30 September 2021, neither the facility nor the overdraft 
has been drawn on.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
131

Equipment 
loan 
facility
US$’000

Facilities
US$’000

Lease 
liabilities
US$’000

Atrafin 
loan
US$’000

Bank 
credit 
facilities
US$’000

Other 
loan 
US$’000

Property 
loans
US$’000

Loan 
from 
related 
party
US$’000

Total 
borrowings
US$’000

23 849 

20 468 

6 682 

–

17 345 

1 670 

599 

–

70 613 

–

–

–

–

–
10 068 

–
13 349 

(37 095)

(9 232)

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

(4 597)

(447)

(775)

(560)

–

–

115 174 

(130 727)

–
3 370 

(15 553)
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

(1 881)

–

(151)

(70)

(28)

(27 474)

3 342 

(5 157)

3 370 

(15 704)

(1 951)

(28)

211 

65 

3 008 

2 211 

761 

(54)

–

–

–
617 

–

–

–
876 

2 354 

214 

–
567 

–

–

–
26 

–

–

–

–
133 

–

(2 063)

(36)

309 

–

617 

(1 187)

3 099 

335 

133 

–

–
–

–

24 834 

5 385 

3 651 

1 774 

14 307 
10 527 

24 834 

2 273 
3 112 

5 385 

2 951 
700 

3 651 

–
1 774 

1 774 

–

–

–
70 

–

70 

–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
28 

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

529 
13 

115 174 

(130 727)

(15 553)
26 787 

(48 208)

(4 597)

(2 031)

(43 602)

6 202 

2 354 

214 

529 
2 330 

–

–

(1 790)

28 

542 

3 637 

664 

542 

36 850 

617 
47 

664 

442 
100 

542 

20 590 
16 260 

36 850 

18. 

BORROWINGS continued

Balance  
30 September 2020

Changes from 
financing cash 
flows
Advances: bank 
credit facilities
Repayment: bank 
credit facilities

Net repayment of 
bank credit facilities
Advances received
Repayment of 
borrowings
Principal lease 
payments
Repayment of 
interest

Changes from 
financing cash 
flows

Foreign currency 
translation 
differences

Liability-related 
changes
Lease agreements 
entered into
Re-measurement of 
lease liabilities
Business combination 
(note 20)
Interest expense
Revaluation of 
foreign denominated 
loan

Total liability-
related changes

Balance at  
30 September 2021

Non-current 
borrowings
Current borrowings

Total borrowings

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 132

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

18. 

BORROWINGS continued

Equipment 
loan 
facility
US$’000

Lease 
liabilities
US$’000

Bank 
credit 
facilities
US$’000

Facilities
US$’000

Other 
loan 
US$’000

Property 
loans
US$’000

Other
US$’000

Total 
borrowings
US$’000

Balance  
30 September 2019

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
Re-measurement of 
lease liabilities
Business combination
Interest expense
Revaluation of foreign 
denominated loan

Total liability-related 
changes

Balance at  
30 September 2020

Non-current borrowings
Current borrowings

Total borrowings

29 279 

11 599 

11 580 

14 900 

3 858 

–

–

–
6 164 

(9 394)
–
(2 272)

–

–

–
11 954 

(4 323)
–
(865)

–

–

–
–

–
(5 673)
–

95 326 

(92 839)

2 487 
–

–
–
(269)

–

–

–
–

(1 886)
–
(273)

(5 502)

6 766 

(5 673)

2 218 

(2 159)

(2 612)

(1 359)

(948)

–

–
–
2 684 

–

–
–
957 

–

2 505 

715 

40 
–
906 

62 

–

–

–

(302)

–

–

227 

273 

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–
–
–

– 

(61)

–

–
660 
–

–

2 684 

3 462 

1 723 

227 

273 

660 

23 849 

–
23 849 

23 849 

20 468 

12 738 
7 730 

20 468 

6 682 

2 838 
3 844 

6 682 

17 345 

–
17 345 

17 345 

1 670 

–
1 670 

1 670 

599 

556 
43 

599 

–

–

–

–
–

(6)
–
–

(6)

–

–

–
6 
–

–

6 

–

–
–

–

71 216 

95 326 

(92 839)

2 487 
18 118 

(15 609)
(5 673)
(3 679)

(4 356)

(5 282)

715 

40 
666 
5 047 

2 567 

9 035 

70 613 

16 132 
54 481 

70 613 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  19. 

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

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

Trade payables in foreign currency balances translated to US$ were as follows:
US$
ZAR 
EUR 
GBP 

133

2021
US$’000

44 467 
22 767
5 328 
261 
30 953
509 
281 

104 566 

94 
44 366 
3 
4 

44 467 

2020
US$’000

23 924 
14 163 
4 481 
1 531 
8 571 
237 
45 

52 952 

1 483 
22 150 
291 
–

23 924 

The amounts above are unsecured, non-interest bearing and payable within one year from the reporting period. The amounts reflected 
above approximate fair value, due to the short-term thereof.

20. 

BUSINESS COMBINATION
Effective 31 March 2021, the Company acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited (Salene 
Chrome), a company incorporated in Zimbabwe from the Leto Settlement, a related party (refer to note 22) for a cash consideration of 
US$3.0 million. The cash consideration excludes capital expenses previously incurred by the Company on exploration activities. Salene 
Chrome holds six special grants on the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe for the prospecting and mining of minerals including chrome.

The Company previously had a call option to acquire 90.0% of the issued share capital of Salene Chrome for a consideration of US$90 and 
was required to fund and undertake an initial exploration programme with a spend of up to US$3.2 million. Leto Settlement would have 
retained a 10% free carried shareholding in Salene Chrome and would have been entitled to a 3% commission on the Cost, Insurance and 
Freight (CIF) sales value of the chrome concentrates and any other commodities sold.

The call option agreement lapsed at 31 March 2021. On the same day, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire 100% 
of the issued share capital of Salene Chrome. Commission payable to Leto Settlement on the CIF sales value of the chrome concentrates 
and any other commodities sold remains unchanged at 3% of CIF sales value, except that it is to be capped at US$10.0 million and subject 
to certain profitability measures. The commission payable represents a contingent consideration. The profitability measures will be 
impacted by a number of unknown future events of which certain are outside the control of the Group, and as such, no contingent 
consideration has been recognised.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
134

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

20. 

BUSINESS COMBINATION continued
The following table summarises the fair value of the assets and liabilities of Salene Chrome at 31 March 2021:

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

Liabilities
Borrowings
Trade and other payables

Total identifiable net assets at fair value
Less cash and cash equivalents acquired
Goodwill arising on acquisition

Total cash flow on acquisition
Less amounts already spent (note 12)

Cash outflow on business combination

Fair value 
recognised on 
acquisition
US$’000

4 692 
109 
2 

4 803 

(529)
(609)

(1 138)

3 665 
(2)
1 392 

5 055 
(1 976)

3 079

Below a summary of Salene Chrome’s statement of profit or loss for the year ended 30 September 2021 as if the acquisition has taken 
place as at 1 October 2020, as well as a summary of Salene Chrome’s statement of profit or loss since the acquisition date for the 
six months ended 30 September 2021 included in the consolidated statement of profit or loss for the year ended 30 September 2021.

Operating expenses
Profit on exchange differences

Operating loss
Finance costs

Net loss after tax

Year ended
30 September
2021
US$’000

Six months
ended
30 September
2021
US$’000

(359)
174 

(185)
(33)

(218)

(248)
174

(74)
(20)

(94)

The purchase consideration was funded from existing cash resources of the Group. The transaction cost was US$0.1 million.

The goodwill recognised is attributed to the Special Economic Zone status of Salene Chrome, existing bilateral relationships with the 
Government of Zimbabwe, supplier relationships and knowledge of the workforce. The goodwill is not tax deductible.

21. 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Fair values
The Board of Directors considers that the fair values of significant financial assets and financial liabilities approximate to their carrying 
values at each reporting date.

Financial instruments carried at fair value:
The following table presents the carrying values of financial instruments measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period across 
the three levels of the fair value hierarchy defined in IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, with the fair value of each financial instrument 
categorised in its entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to that fair value measurement.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
135

21. 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT continued
The impact of COVID-19 should already be priced into the inputs, which for the Group, mostly relates to commodity price risk used in the 
level 1 and 2 fair valuation techniques as determined by the market. The level 3 valuation techniques were adjusted internally by amending 
the cash flows associated with the discounted cash flow valuations.

The levels are defined 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.

Financial instrument

Financial assets measured at fair value

Investments in money markets, current accounts, cash 
funds and income funds

Right to acquire shares in Karo Platinum (Private) Limited

Level 3

5 870 

–

Fair value

Fair value
level

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

Valuation technique 
and key inputs

Level 2

7 702 

6 791  Quoted market price for 

similar instruments

Comparable company 
market multiple valuation 
and a Monte Carlo 
Simulation model 

Discount facility

Level 2

3 023 

– Quoted market metal 

Investments in equity instruments

Option to acquire shares in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe 
(Private) Limited

Trade and other receivables measured at fair value

Level 1

Level 3

18 

–

8  Quoted market price 

178  Discounted cash flow 

model

prices and exchange rate

PGM receivable

Level 2

85 472 

37 059  Quoted market metal 

Financial liabilities measured at fair value

Discount facility

Forward exchange contracts

prices and exchange rate 
(refer below)

Level 2

Level 2

–

6 035  Quoted market metal 

485 

prices and exchange rate

109  Quoted market closing 
exchange rates

There have been no transfers between fair value hierarchy levels in the current year.

Fair value gains and losses recognised in the financial instruments during the year:

Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Investments in equity instruments
Investments in money markets, current accounts, cash funds and income funds
Discount facility
Right to acquire shares in Karo Platinum (Private) Limited
Option to acquire shares in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited

Changes in fair value of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Discount facility
Forward exchange contracts

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

10 
223 
4 615 
5 870 
(178)

10 540 

–
(370)

(370)

(15)
313 
–
–
178 

476 

(5 940)
167 

(5 773)

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
136

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

22. 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES

Loans receivable
Karo Mining Holdings Limited
Alta Steenkamp

Trade and other receivables (note 14)
Thys and Alta Steenkamp
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 Mining Proprietary Limited

Loan payable (note 18)
Leto Settlement

Trade and other payables (note 19)
Karo Mining Holdings Limited
Karo Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited
Karo Platinum (Private) Limited
Rocasize Proprietary Limited

Amounts due to Directors
A Djakouris
J Salter
O Kamal
C Bell
R Davey
Z Hong
V Chu
Lo Wai Man
J Hu

Total other payables

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

8 353 
–

8 131 
7 

188 
65 
3 
796 
321
417 
146 
–
15 

169 
4 
27 
348 
255 
223 
135 
265 
14 

1 951 

1 440 

542 

–
315 
29 
55 

399 

21 
23 
12 
17 
16 
9 
–
10 
–

110 

509 

–

94 
6 
28 
1 

129 

20 
22 
12 
18 
15 
9 
2
–
10

108 

237 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  137

22. 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES continued

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

Property loans
Ross Two-10-Properties Proprietary Limited
Rohcon Engineering Proprietary Limited
PCMQ Proprietary Limited 
Thys & Alta Properties Proprietary Limited

Revenue
Salene Manganese Proprietary Limited
Karo Platinum (Private) Limited
Salene Technologies Proprietary Limited

Cost of sales
Rocasize Proprietary Limited
Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited

Other income
Karo Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited
Karo Platinum (Private) Limited
Rocasize Proprietary Limited

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

Rent paid
Ross Two-10-Properties Proprietary Limited
Rohcon Engineering Proprietary Limited
PCMQ Proprietary Limited 
Thys & Alta Properties Proprietary Limited

Donations paid
The Music for the Children Foundation

Interest receivable
Karo Mining Holdings Limited

Interest paid
Ross Two-10-Properties Proprietary Limited
Thys & Alta Properties Proprietary Limited
Rohcon Engineering Proprietary Limited

Dividends paid
Thari Resources Proprietary Limited
The Tharisa Community Trust

153 
193 
199 
119 

664 

420 
5 
–

511 
–

–
–
9 

14 
54 
183 
10 
10 

–
–
23 
9 

–

138 
174 
180 
107 

599 

80 
–
2 

331 
38 

3 
2 
9 

12 
88 
224 
133 
181 

4 
4 
34 
16 

25 

222 

270 

11 
4 
14 

845 
253 

11 
–
14 

–
–

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 138

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

22. 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES continued
Compensation to key management:

2021
Non-Executive Directors
Executive Directors
Other key management

2020
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

Bonus
US$’000

Total
US$’000

631 
1 622 
988 

3 241 

626 
1 637 
1 098 

3 361 

–
8 
22 

30 

–
7 
24 

31 

–
3 315 
1 034 

4 349 

–
387 
279 

666 

–
82 
97 

179 

–
73 
113 

186 

–
356 
220 

576 

–
59 
60 

119 

631 
5 383 
2 361 

8 375 

626 
2 163 
1 574 

4 363 

Share-based awards to the Directors and to the key management for the year under review are as follows:

2021 Ordinary shares

LTIP – executive directors
LTIP – key management

2020 Ordinary shares

LTIP – executive directors
LTIP – key management

2021 Ordinary shares
SARS – executive directors
SARS – key management

2020 Ordinary shares
SARS – executive directors
SARS – key management

Opening 
balance

2 379 802 
1 576 158 

Opening 
balance

1 626 960 
1 246 246 

Resignation

Allocated

Vested

Forfeited

Total

–
(272 700)

–
–

(1 046 120)
(608 182)

–
–

1 333 682 
695 276 

Inclusion 
of additional 
employee

Allocated

Vested

Forfeited

Total

–
–

1 559 892 
967 470 

(456 262)
(362 384)

(350 788)
(275 174)

2 379 802 
1 576 158 

440 631 
293 919 

–
(50 907)

1 229 864
913 032

–
–

–
–

–
–

(440 631)
(243 012)

–
–

–
–

(263 053)
(206 350)

(526 180)
(412 763)

440 631 
293 919 

Option to acquire shares in Salene Manganese Proprietary Limited
On 9 July 2019, the Company has been granted a call option to acquire a 70.0% shareholding in Salene Manganese Proprietary Limited 
(Salene Manganese), a company incorporated in South Africa. The purchase consideration to acquire 70.0% of the shareholding will be 
equal to 70.0% of the market value of Salene Manganese. Salene Manganese’s principal activity is a manganese exploration and mining 
company. Salene Manganese purchased a Mining Right issued over the farm Macarthy 559, Kuruman district in South Africa. The Mining 
Right is for the mining of iron ore and manganese ore. At 30 September 2021 the call option has not yet been exercised. The call option 
is exercisable on or before 14 August 2022.

Management assessed the terms and conditions of this call option and considered whether potential voting rights in Salene Manganese 
from the future exercise of the option are substantive, as defined in IFRS 10. This assessment took into account, among others, a number 
of conditions precedent, including the current status of the Group’s internal review and approval processes of the transaction, the status 
of the required internal Group approval, JSE Listings Requirements pertaining to related party transactions, as well as other regulatory 
approvals. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Group did not control Salene Manganese nor did it have the ability 
to exercise the right as at 30 September 2021.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
 
139

22. 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES continued
Relationships between parties:
Thari Resources Proprietary Limited
A shareholder of Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited.

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.

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

Salene Technologies Proprietary Limited, Salene Manganese Proprietary Limited and Salene Mining Proprietary Limited
A director of the Company is also a director of these companies.

Thys and Alta Steenkamp
Former shareholders of MetQ Proprietary Limited.

Ross Two-10-Properties Proprietary Limited, Rohcon Engineering Proprietary Limited, PCMQ Proprietary Limited & Thys & Alta 
Properties Proprietary Limited
A former director of MetQ Proprietary Limited is also a director of these companies.

The Leto Settlement
The beneficial shareholder of Medway Developments Limited, a material shareholder in the Company.

Salene Chrome Zimbabwe (Private) Limited
This company was a wholly owned subsidiary of the Leto Settlement, the beneficial shareholder of Medway Developments Limited, 
a material shareholder in the Company until 31 March 2021.

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
Diesel rebates
At 30 September 2021, the Group had certain unresolved tax matters. Included in trade and other receivables is an amount of 
US$5.5 million (ZAR82.3 million) which relates to diesel rebates receivable from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in respect 
of the mining operations. SARS rejected diesel claims relating to the period from September 2011 to February 2018. The Group is taking 
the necessary action to recover the amount due.

Mining royalty
The Group has objected and appealed to the assessments issued by SARS imposing an additional mining royalty in relation to the 2015 
and 2017 years of assessment in an amount of US$6.8 million (ZAR102.3 million) (inclusive of penalties and interest). Due to the technical 
nature of the matter at hand, the matter underwent two separate Alternate Dispute Resolution processes and the matter is now set to be 
heard at the tax court on a yet to be determined date. SARS increased the gross sales value of the PGM sales to the minimum specified 
condition (of 150 parts per million) as set out in the legislation by adjusting the average PGM grade on a linear basis. SARS did not take 
into account the increase in the associated costs to bring the concentrate to the minimum specified condition whether on a linear basis 
or otherwise. This is inconsistent with both past practice by SARS and industry applied norms. The Group objected and appealed against 
the assessment on the basis that it is not in terms of the applicable legislation. The Group, together with its legal adviser, has re-assessed 
the basis on which it is liable for payment of the mining royalty challenging both the linear basis of grossing up the sales value and 
determining the incremental costs which would be incurred in bringing the concentrate to the minimum specified standard.

In the event that SARS would be successful, the Group estimates the incremental mining royalty for the period up to the current year of 
assessment to be US$16.7 million (ZAR250.9 million) (2020: US$8.3 million (ZAR124.2 million)), with the amount net of tax estimated to 
be US$12.0 million (ZAR180.6 million) (2020: US$5.9 million (ZAR89.4 million)). If the Group is successful with a favourable outcome of 
calculating the mining royalty on the re-assessed basis, it would result in a refund of past royalty payments with a net inflow to the Group.

If the Group is successful with a favourable outcome of calculating the mining royalty on the re-assessed basis, it would result in a refund 
of past royalty payments with a net inflow to the Group.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
140

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS continued

23. 

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES continued
The principles being applied have not been tested by either SARS or the judiciary and there is therefore uncertainty on the possible 
outcome of the legal process which could lead to an outflow (royalty payable to SARS) or inflow (amount recovered by the Group from 
SARS). Furthermore, the time period to reach finality may be protracted. Accordingly, no estimate of the contingent amount receivable 
has therefore been made.

Rehabilitation provision
The Group’s mining and exploration activities are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations. The Group has made, and 
expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations, but cannot predict the full amount of such future 
expenditures. Estimated future rehabilitation costs are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements. Tharisa Minerals Proprietary 
Limited’s approved Environmental Management Plan (EMP) commits the Company to completely backfill the pit voids to natural ground 
level and restore the pre-mining land potential, namely agricultural land with grazing and wilderness capabilities. The Company 
has evaluated alternative mine closure strategies building on the establishment of a post-mining economy with socioeconomic benefits. 
An amended application has been submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) seeking its approval for 
a backfill of the pit voids concurrent with mining only, also called in-pit dumping, which results in a partial void and associated pit lake 
which is profiled and ‘made safe’ before rehabilitation of the surface with the residual waste rock stockpiles remaining on surface (pit-lake 
option). In conjunction with the submission of this application, the Company has also engaged with the relevant government departments 
to ensure their support for this submission. This application has been submitted supported by the necessary specialty studies. As there is 
uncertainty as to the successful outcome of the application, the Company has applied a probability weighted factor in calculating the mine 
closure liability applying a 60% probability to the successful approval of the pit-lake option. In the alternative, the Company has applied 
a 40% probability to an alternative ‘make safe’ option with the partial backfilling of the pit whereby the walls of the pit will be profiled 
at 24 degrees and, with the passage of time, result in a pit-lake forming in the void. The rehabilitation expense and provision referenced 
in note 17 has been accounted for on this basis. The Company is confident of the successful outcome in its engagement with the DMRE. 
No adjustment for any effects on the Company that may result from a complete backfill of the voids, if any, has been made in the financial 
statements. It is not possible to determine and measure any additional requirements that may be required as the amended EMP is at 
an advanced stage through the various approval levels, hence no provision has been made for these potential additional requirements.

Other
As at 30 September 2021, there is no litigation (2020: 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

2021
US$’000

2020
US$’000

30 639 
1 298 

31 937 

20 015 
10 682 

30 697 

The above commitments are with respect to property, plant and equipment and are outstanding at the respective reporting period. 
All contracted amounts will be funded through existing funding mechanisms within the Group and cash generated from operations. 
Balances denominated in currencies other than the US$ were converted at the closing rates of exchange ruling at 30 September 2021.

Guarantees
Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited entered into an equipment loan facility of US$30.0 million (2020: US$30.0 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 guarantees US$20 million (ZAR300.0 million) in respect of the Commercial Asset Finance and overdraft facilities available 
to Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited to Absa Bank Limited.

The Company has provided suretyship for the payment of certain consumables by Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited up to 
US$10.0 million (ZAR150 million) for a period up to 31 December 2030.

An insurance company has provided a guarantee to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to satisfy the legal requirements 
with respect to environmental rehabilitation and the Group has pledged as collateral its investments in interest-bearing instruments 
to the insurance company to support this guarantee. The total value of the guarantee is US$19.2 million (ZAR288.4 million) 
(2020: ZAR255.8 million).

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
141

24. 

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES continued
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) (2020: US$1.2 million (ZAR19.4 million)).

The Company guarantees performance of payment to a maximum amount of US$2.7 million (ZAR40.5 million) due from time to time 
between two third-party suppliers and Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited for the supply and sale of mining materials.

The Company issued guarantees limited to US$20.0 million (2020: US$30.0 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) (2020: US$0.7 million (ZAR12.0 million)).

The Company and Arxo Metals Proprietary Limited jointly indemnify a third party for any claims which may result from negligence 
or breach in terms of the plant operating agreement between Arxo Metals Proprietary Limited and the third party.

The Company holds an indirect 100% equity interest in Tharisa Fujian Industrial Co., Limited, the registered capital of which is 
US$10.0 million. Up to 30 September 2021, US$6.1 million has been paid up.

The Company issued guarantees limited to US$0.6 million (ZAR9 million) (2020: US$0.5 million (ZAR9 million)) as securities for bank 
facilities to be provided to MetQ Proprietary Limited.

25. 

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
On 30 November 2021, the Board has proposed a final dividend of US$5.00 cents per share, subject to the necessary shareholder approval 
at the Annual General Meeting.

The Board of Directors is 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 period ended 30 September 2021, the Company declared and paid a final dividend of US$3.5 cents per share in respect 
of the financial year ended 30 September 2020. In addition, an interim dividend of US$4.0 cents per share was declared and paid 
in respect of the financial year ended 30 September 2021.

A subsidiary of the Company, Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited, declared and paid an ordinary dividend of US$4.2 million 
(2020: no dividend) during the year ended 30 September 2021. The dividend paid to non-controlling shareholders amounted 
to US$1.1 million.

During the year ended 30 September 2020, the Company declared and paid a final dividend of US$0.25 cents per share in respect 
of the financial year ended 30 September 2019.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
142

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
ISIN
LEI
Sector
Issued share capital as at 30 September 2021
Issued share capital (excluding treasury shares) as at 30 September 2021

Market capitalisation as at 30 September 2021
Closing share price as at 30 September 2021
12-month high
12-month low

SHAREHOLDER ANALYSIS
Analysis of shareholders as at 30 September 2021

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
Fujian Wuhang Stainless Steel Co. Limited
Shareholders holding 5% or more

Tharisa plc
THA
THS
THA
CY0103562118
213800WW4YWMVVZIJM90
General mining
275 000 000
271 284 379

JSE

LSE

ZAR5.57 billion
ZAR20.70
ZAR31.01
ZAR14.00

GBP267.0 million
GBP1.00
GBP1.56
GBP0.70

Number of
shareholders

Number
of shares

Percentage
of issued
share capital

Percentage
of voting
rights

1 496 
146
63
18
7
1
–

1 262 321
5 382 205
21 752 963
31 796 108
101 463 776
109 627 006
3 715 621

0.46
1.96
7.91
11.56
36.90
39.86
1.35

1 731

275 000 000

100.00

0.47
1.98
8.02
11.72
37.40
40.41
–

100.0

Number
of shares

Percentage
of issued
share capital

Percentage
of voting
rights

109 627 006
39 226 509
27 870 211

39.86
14.26
10.13

176 723 726

64.25

40.41
14.46
10.27

65.14

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

1 713

83 820 746

15

3

10 739 907

176 723 726

1 731

271 284 379

30.48

3.91

64.26

98.65

30.90

3.96

65.14

100.00

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  143

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:

Director

Direct

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

2021

2020

Beneficial

Non-beneficial

Beneficial

Non-beneficial

Loucas Pouroulis
Phoevos Pouroulis
Michael Jones
David Salter
Antonios Djakouris 
Omar Kamal
Carol Bell
Roger Davey
Zhong Liang Hong
Vaneese Wing Yee Chu°
Shelley Wai Man Lo^

1 017 568
933 628
689 653
–
43 250
–
61 250
–
–
–
–

6 928 432

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

803 419
707 245
554 823
–
43 250
–
61 250
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

6 928 432

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

Total 

2 745 349

6 928 432

2 169 987

6 928 432

°  Retired by rotation on 10 February 2021
^  Appointed on 10 February 2021

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

There have been no changes in directors’ interests in the share capital between 30 September 2021 and the date of issue of this Integrated 
Annual Report.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 144

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 via remote electronic platform Microsoft Teams 
on Wednesday, 23 February 2022 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. Tharisa will be assisted 
by Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited, who will also act as scrutineers.

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.

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, 10 December 2021
Tuesday, 15 February 2022
Friday, 18 February 2022
Friday, 18 February 2022
Monday, 21 February 2022
Wednesday, 23 February 2022

Accordingly, the date on which a person must be registered as a shareholder in the register of the Company to be entitled to attend and vote at the 
AGM will be Friday, 18 February 2022.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  145

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 2021, including the management report and the 
report of the independent auditor, such annual financial statements having been approved by the Board on 30 November 2021.

Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 1
The condensed consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2021 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 2021, 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 
Group 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 2022, to hold office until 
conclusion of the next AGM of the Company, and that the remuneration for the financial year ending 30 September 2022 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, 3.2 AND 3.2)
Re-election of directors retiring by rotation
3.1 

 “RESOLVED THAT David Salter, who retires in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association and who, being eligible, 
offers himself for re-election, be re-elected as a director of the Company.”

3.2 

 “RESOLVED THAT Antonios Djakouris, who retires in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association and who, being 
eligible, offers himself for re-election, be re-elected as a director of the Company.”

Election of director appointed by the Board
3.3 

 “RESOLVED THAT Shelley Wai Man Lo, who retires in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association and who, being 
eligible, offers himself for election, be elected as a director of the Company.”

Additional information in respect of ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3
In terms of clause 110 of the Company’s Articles of Association, one-third of the non-executive directors of the Company for the time 
being are required to retire from office at each AGM. The directors of the Company to retire in every year shall be those who have been 
longest serving since their last election. A retiring director shall be eligible for re-election. David Salter and Antonios Djakouris are retiring 
by rotation.

In terms of clause 156 of the Company’s Articles of Association, the Board has the power to appoint any person as an additional director 
to the Board, provided that a director so appointed shall hold office only until the next AGM of the Company and shall then be eligible for 
election. Shelley Wai Man Lo was appointed by the Board on 10 February 2021, and is accordingly required to retire. Being eligible, she is 
offering herself for election.

A brief curriculum vitae in respect of the directors referred to in ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 above appears on pages 62 
and 63 of the Integrated Annual Report of which this notice of AGM forms part.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
146

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING continued

In terms of King IV, independent non-executive directors serving for more than nine years are subject to a rigorous annual review 
by the Board to evaluate their continued independence. Having served for more than nine years, David Salter and Antonios Djakouris’ 
independence was considered and reviewed by the Board during the year under review. In doing so, the Board considered and assessed 
the presence or absence of any interest, position, association or relationship which could potentially influence or cause bias in their 
decision-making process and concluded that it was satisfied that there were no such factors present that impaired their independence. 
Both David Salter and Antonios Djakouris continued to bring an independent and objective view and unfettered judgement distinct from 
that of shareholders and management and continue to be classified as independent non-executive directors.

The Board recommends to shareholders the re-election of the retiring directors as set out in ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3.

The percentage of voting rights required for ordinary resolutions numbers 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 to be adopted is more than 50% in favour 
of the voting rights exercised on such resolution by all shareholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the AGM.

SPECIAL BUSINESS
4. 

ORDINARY RESOLUTION NUMBER 4
General authority to directors to allot and issue ordinary shares
“RESOLVED THAT the authorised but unissued shares in the capital of the Company, limited to 27 500 000 (twenty seven million 
five hundred thousand) ordinary shares, being 10% of the number of listed equity securities in issue at the date of this notice, being 
275 000 000 (two hundred and seventy-five million) ordinary shares (for which purposes any shares approved to be allotted and issued 
by the Company in terms of the Share Award Plan for the benefit of employees shall be excluded), be and are hereby placed under the 
control and authority of the directors and that they be and are hereby authorised to allot, issue and grant options over and otherwise 
dispose of such shares to such persons on such terms and conditions and at such times as they may from time to time and at their 
discretion deem fit. 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.

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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
147

ii. 

iii. 

iv. 
v. 

vi. 

 Any such issue will only be made to “public shareholders” as defined in the JSE Listings Requirements and not to related parties, 
unless the JSE otherwise agrees.
 In respect of securities, which are the subject of the general issue of shares for cash, such issue may not exceed 27 500 000 
(twenty seven million five hundred thousand) ordinary shares, representing 10% of the number of listed equity securities in issue 
as at the date of this notice, being 275 000 000 (two hundred and seventy-five million) ordinary shares, provided that: any equity 
securities issued under this authority during the period must be deducted from the number above in the event of a subdivision 
or consolidation of issued equity securities during the period contemplated above, the existing authority must be adjusted 
accordingly to represent the same allocation ratio the calculation of the listed equity securities is a factual assessment of the 
listed equity securities as at the date of the notice of AGM, excluding treasury shares.
 This authority shall be valid until the Company’s next AGM.
 A SENS announcement giving full details of the issue will be published at the time of any issue representing, on a cumulative 
basis within the period of this authority, 5% or more of the number of ordinary shares in issue prior to the issue concerned.
 The maximum discount permitted at which equity securities may be issued is 10% of the weighted average traded price on the JSE 
of those shares measured over the 30 business days prior to the date that the price of the issue is agreed between the Company 
and the party subscribing for the securities. The JSE should be consulted for a ruling if the Company’s securities have not traded 
in such 30 business day period.”

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.

7. 
7.1 

ORDINARY RESOLUTION NUMBER 7 (COMPRISING ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS NUMBERS 7.1 AND 7.2)
Approval of remuneration policy
“RESOLVED THAT the Group remuneration policy, as described in the remuneration report on pages 87 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 85 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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
148

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING continued

ii. 

iii. 
iv. 

v. 

vi. 
vii. 

viii. 

ix. 

x. 

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.
 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).
 The Company has been given authority to repurchase its shares by its Articles of Association.
 This general authority shall only be valid until 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.
 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:
	• 5% of the weighted average of the market price at which such ordinary shares are traded on the JSE, as determined over the 

five business days immediately preceding the date of the repurchase of such ordinary shares by the Company

	• the price quoted for the last independent trade of, or the highest current independent bid for any number of shares on the JSE 

where the purchase is carried out.

 At any point in time, the Company may only appoint one agent to effect any repurchases on the Company’s behalf.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 The Board undertakes that it will not implement the proposed authority to repurchase shares, unless the directors are of the 
opinion that, for a period of 12 months after the date of the repurchase:
	• the Company and the Group will be able, in the ordinary course of business, to pay its debts
	• the assets of the Company and the Group, fairly valued in accordance with IFRS, will be in excess of the liabilities of the 

Company and the Group

	• the share capital and reserves of the Company and the Group will be adequate for ordinary business purposes and
	• the working capital of the Company and the Group will be adequate for ordinary business purposes.”

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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
149

In accordance with the Companies Law, this resolution specifies the maximum number of shares that may be acquired and the maximum 
and minimum prices at which shares may be bought. If granted, this authority will expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next AGM, 
provided that it shall not extend beyond 12 months from the date of passing of this special resolution number 1.

Please refer to the additional disclosure of information contained in this notice of AGM, which disclosure is required in terms of the 
JSE Listings Requirements.

The percentage of the voting rights required for special resolution number 1 to be adopted is 75% in favour of the voting rights exercised 
on this resolution by all shareholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the AGM.

Additional disclosure requirements in terms of the JSE Listings Requirements
In compliance with the JSE Listings Requirements, the information listed below has been included in the Integrated Annual Report 
of which this notice of AGM forms part:
	• Major shareholders – refer to page 142 of the Integrated Annual Report
	• Share capital of Tharisa – refer to page 142 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 pages 62 and 63 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 5.0 cents per ordinary share is declared for the financial year ending 
30 September 2021, 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, 4 March 2022.”

Additional information in respect of ordinary resolution number 8
The Board has proposed a final cash dividend of US 5.0 cents per ordinary shares for the financial year ended 30 September 2021.

If approved by shareholders, the recommended final dividend will be paid on Wednesday, 16 March 2022. 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 30 November 2021, 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 5.0 cents per share. Shareholders who are 
South African tax resident companies are exempt from dividend tax and will receive the dividend of US 5.0 cents per share. This does 
not constitute legal or tax advice and is based on taxation law and practice in South Africa. Shareholders should consult their brokers, 
financial and/or tax advisers with regard to how they will be impacted by the payment of the dividend.

UK tax residents
UK tax residents are advised that the dividend constitutes a foreign dividend and that they should consult their brokers, financial and/or 
tax advisers with regard to how they will be impacted by the payment of the dividend.

Cyprus tax residents
Individual Cyprus tax residents are advised that the dividend constitutes a local dividend and that they should consult their brokers, 
financial and/or tax advisers with regard to how they will be impacted by the payment of the dividend.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
150

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING continued

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, 30 November 2021
Thursday, 24 February 2022
Tuesday, 1 March 2022
Wednesday, 2 March 2022
Wednesday, 2 March 2022
Thursday, 3 March 2022
Friday, 4 March 2022
Wednesday, 16 March 2022

No dematerialisation or rematerialisation of shares within Strate will be permitted between Wednesday, 2 March 2022 and Friday, 
4 March 2022, both days inclusive. No transfers between registers will be permitted between Thursday, 24 February 2022 and 
Friday, 4 March 2022, 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 Group 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 virtual AGM is entitled to appoint a proxy or proxies to attend and act in his/her stead. 
A proxy need not be a member of the Company. For the convenience of registered members of the Company, a form of proxy is attached hereto.

In terms of section 128C of the Companies Law, shareholders and their proxies shall have the right to ask questions on the items to be discussed 
and resolutions proposed to be passed at the AGM. The Company shall endeavour to answer such questions, provided that they are relevant to 
the matters at hand, do not disrupt or delay proceedings, have not already been previously answered or contained in information readily available 
to shareholders elsewhere and the answers do not constitute sensitive information that may harm the Company or its business operations if 
disclosed.

Voting by shareholders whose shares are registered on the Cyprus principal register and the South African branch register (JSE)
The attached form of proxy is only to be completed by those ordinary shareholders who:
	• hold ordinary shares in certificated form or
	• are recorded on the sub-register in ‘own name’ dematerialised form.

Ordinary shareholders who have dematerialised their ordinary shares through a CSDP or broker other than with “own name” registration and who 
wish to attend the virtual AGM, must instruct their CSDP or broker to provide them with the relevant letter of representation to attend the AGM 
by electronic means and 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. Please also refer to “Electronic Participation” below.

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 for administrative reasons, it is requested that forms of proxy 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.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview   
 
 
 
 
 
 
151

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. To be valid, the form of instruction must be completed in 
accordance with the instructions set out in the form and returned as soon as possible to the offices of the depositary at Computershare Investor 
Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS99 6ZY, England so as to be received no later than 08:00 UTC on Friday, 18 February 2022. 
Please also refer to “Electronic Participation” below.

Depositary interest holders who are CREST members and who wish to issue an instruction through the CREST electronic voting appointment 
service may do so by using the procedures described in the CREST manual (available from www.euroclear.com/CREST). CREST personal members 
or other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members who have appointed a voting service provider(s), should refer to their CREST 
sponsor or voting services provider(s), who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.

In order for instructions made using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a CREST voting instruction) must be properly 
authenticated in accordance with the specifications of Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited (EUI) and must contain the information required for such 
instructions, as described in the CREST manual (available via www.euroclear.com/CREST).

The message, regardless of whether it relates to the voting instruction or to an amendment to the instruction given to the depositary must, 
in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be received by the issuer’s agent (ID 3RA50) no later than 08:00 UTC on Friday, 18 February 2022. 
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 (Private Bag X9000, Saxonwold, 2132, South Africa), 
or can be emailed to Computershare at proxy@computershare.co.za or to the Company at ir@tharisa.com, so as to be received by no later than 
10:00 (SA time) on Monday, 21 February 2022, 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 the virtual AGM, provided that he has obtained a letter of 
representation to attend the AGM from his CSDP and taken the necessary steps outlined below.

ELECTRONIC PARTICIPATION
The AGM will be held electronically and Tharisa has made provision for shareholders (or their proxies) to participate in the AGM by joining 
a Microsoft Teams virtual meeting room.

Shareholders or their duly appointed proxy(ies) (Participant/s) who wish to participate in the AGM via electronic communication, must apply 
to the Company’s transfer secretaries at proxy@computershare.co.za by no later than 10:00 on Friday, 18 February 2022.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 152

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING continued

Participants are advised that they will not be able to vote during the meeting. Should they wish to have their vote counted at the meeting, 
Participants must act in accordance with the general proxy and form of instruction submission instructions outlined on pages 153 and 154 
of this notice.

Shareholders must take note of the following:
	• A limited number of telecommunication lines will be available.
	• Each Participant will be contacted between 08:00 and 10:00 on Wednesday, 23 February 2022 via email and/or SMS. Participants will be provided 

with a link to the virtual meeting room and a PIN code to allow them to dial-in.

	• The cut-off time for dialling in on the day of the meeting will be at 10:10 on Wednesday, 23 February 2022, and no late dial-in will be possible.

The following information is required:
	• Full name of the shareholder
	• Identity number, passport number or other form of identification of the shareholder
	• Email address
	• Mobile phone number
	• Name of CSDP/broker (if the shares are in dematerialised form)
	• Contact person at the CSDP/broker
	• Contact number at the CSDP/broker
	• Number of shares held
	• Letter of representation issued by (name of broker/CSDP)

Terms and conditions for participation in the virtual AGM via electronic communication
1. 

The cost of dialling in using a telecommunication line to participate in the AGM is for the expense of the Participant and will be billed 
separately by the Participant’s own telephone service provider.
The Participant acknowledges that the telecommunication lines are provided by a third party and indemnifies Tharisa against any loss, 
damage, penalty or claim arising in any way from the use or possession of the telecommunication lines whether or not the problem 
is caused by any act or omission on the part of the shareholder/Participant or anyone else.
Shareholders who wish to participate in the meeting by dialling in must note that they will not be able to vote during the meeting. 
Such shareholders, should they wish to have their votes counted at the meeting, must act in accordance with the general instructions 
contained in this notice of AGM by:
(a) 
(b) 
The application will only be successful if the emailed application contains the required information and the terms and conditions have 
been complied with.

completing the form of proxy; or
contacting their CSDP/broker with their voting instructions.

2. 

3. 

4. 

By order of the Board

Sanet Findlay
Group Company Secretary

14 December 2021

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  153

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)

This form of proxy relates to the virtual annual general meeting (AGM) of shareholders of the Company to be held via remote electronic platform 
Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, 23 February 2022 at 10:00 SA time (UTC +2) and should be completed only 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 virtual 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. 
In order to have their votes counted, shareholders 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 whether or not they choose to attend the virtual AGM. These shareholders must 
not complete this form of proxy. Please also refer to notes 14 and 15 below.

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 David Salter as a director
Ordinary resolution number 3.2: Re-election of Antonios Djakouris as a director
Ordinary resolution number 3.3: Election of Shelley Wai Man Lo as 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 exercised to be adopted
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 

2021/2022

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 154

NOTES TO THE FORM OF PROXY

1. 

2. 

3. 
4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

A registered shareholder may appoint an individual as a proxy, including an individual who is not a shareholder of the Company, 
to participate in, speak and vote at a shareholders’ meeting on his/her behalf. Should this space be left blank, the proxy will be exercised 
by the chairman of the meeting.
The person whose name appears first on the form of proxy and who is present at the AGM will be entitled to act as proxy to the exclusion 
of those whose names follow.
A proxy may delegate his/her authority to act on your behalf to another person, subject to any restriction set out in this form of proxy.
A shareholder’s instructions to the proxy must be indicated by the insertion of an “X”, or the number of votes exercisable by that 
shareholder, in the appropriate box provided. The proxy is entitled to exercise, or abstain from exercising, any voting right of the 
shareholder at the AGM, but only as directed on this form of proxy.
If there is no clear indication as to the voting instructions to the proxy, the form of proxy will be deemed to authorise the proxy to vote 
or to abstain from voting at the AGM as he/she deems fit in respect of all the shareholder’s votes exercisable.
For administrative reasons, it is requested that the completed form of proxy be lodged with the transfer secretaries of the Company, 
Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited, Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, 2196, South Africa 
(Private Bag X9000, Saxonwold, 2132, South Africa) or emailed to proxy@computershare.co.za, so as to be received by them by 
no later than 10:00 SA time on Monday, 21 February 2022, being no later than 48 hours before the AGM to be held at 10:00 SA time 
on Wednesday, 23 February 2022. Forms of instruction must be lodged with Computershare Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, 
Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS13 8AE, United Kingdom, so as to be received by them by no later than 08:00 on Friday, 18 February 2022. 
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.
This form of proxy must be dated and signed by the shareholder appointing the proxy. The completion of blank spaces does not have 
to be initialled, but any alteration or correction made to this form of proxy must be initialled by the signatory/ies. A minor must be assisted 
by his/her parent or guardian unless the relevant documents establishing his/her legal capacity are produced or have been registered by 
the Company.
Documentary evidence establishing the authority of a person signing this form of proxy in a representative capacity must be attached 
to this form of proxy unless previously recorded by the Company or waived by the chairman of the AGM. CSDPs or brokers registered 
in the Company’s sub-register voting on instructions from beneficial owners of shares registered in the Company’s sub-register, are 
requested to identify the beneficial owner in the sub-register on whose behalf they are voting and return a copy of the instruction from 
such owner to the Company’s transfer secretaries, together with this form of proxy.
The chairman of the meeting shall be entitled to decline or accept the authority of a person signing the form under a power of attorney 
or on behalf of a company, unless the power of attorney is deposited at the Company’s transfer secretaries not later than 48 hours before 
the meeting.
The appointment of the proxy or proxies will be suspended at any time to the extent that the shareholder chooses to act directly and 
in person in the exercise of any of his/her rights as a shareholder at the AGM.
The appointment of the proxy is revocable unless expressly stated otherwise in this form of proxy. The proxy appointment may be revoked 
by cancelling it in writing, or making a later inconsistent appointment of a proxy and delivering a copy of the revocation instrument to 
the proxy and to the Company’s transfer secretaries. Please note the revocation of a proxy appointment constitutes a complete and final 
cancellation of the proxy’s authority to act on behalf of the shareholder, as of the date stated in the revocation instrument, if any, 
or the date on which the revocation instrument was delivered to the Company’s transfer secretaries and the proxy, as aforesaid.
The appointment of the proxy remains valid only until the end of the AGM or any adjournment or postponement thereof, unless 
it is revoked by the shareholder before then on the basis set out above.
Holders of depositary interests on the LSE must not complete this form of proxy. Holders of depositary interests will be sent a separate 
form of instruction by the depositary, Computershare Investor Services PLC. On receipt, holders of depositary interests should complete 
the form of instruction in accordance with the instructions printed thereon to direct Computershare Company Nominees Limited as 
the custodian of their shares how to exercise their votes.
The AGM will be held electronically and Tharisa has made provision for shareholders (or their proxies) to participate in the AGM by joining 
a Microsoft Teams virtual meeting room.
Shareholders or their duly appointed proxy(ies) are advised that they will not be able to vote during the meeting. Should they wish 
to have their vote counted at the meeting, they must provide their CSDP or broker with their voting instructions or lodge their proxies 
or letters of instruction with Computershare, whichever is applicable.

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  GLOSSARY

155

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

ART

Arxo Logistics

Arxo Metals

Arxo Resources

Award

Au

BAPS

BEE

BMI

Board

Bushveld Complex

Calibre

CBT

certificated shares

Platinum Group Metals comprising platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and gold

5PGE plus osmium

adult education and training

the Annual General Meeting of the Company

the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union of South Africa

the award which takes the form of a right to call for shares of an aggregate market value or 
receive a cash amount equal to the increase (if any) between the date an award is granted and the 
exercise date of the market value of such number of shares as is specified in the notice of award 
and has vested

antiretroviral treatment

Arxo Logistics Proprietary Limited (Registration number 2009/006720/07), a private company duly 
registered and incorporated in South Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company

Arxo Metals Proprietary Limited (Registration number 2011/143342/07), a private company duly 
registered and incorporated in South Africa, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company 

Arxo Resources Limited (Registration number HE221459), a public company duly registered and 
incorporated in Cyprus, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company 

the award granted under the Share Award Plan in the form of a conditional award or an 
appreciation right

gold

biodiversity action plans

Black Economic Empowerment, as defined in the MPRDA and “broad-based socioeconomic 
empowerment” as defined in the Mining Charter

BMI Drilling Proprietary Limited (Registration number 2010/001913/07)

the Board of Directors of the Company

a major intrusive igneous body in the northern part of South Africa, that has undergone remarkable 
magmatic differentiation, and the leading source of PGMs and chromium

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

computer-based training

Shares which are held and represented by a share certificate or other tangible document of title, 
which shares have not been dematerialised in terms of the requirements of Strate

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 156

GLOSSARY continued

Challenger or Challenger Plant

the integrated beneficiation plant adjacent to the Genesis Plant for the production of chemical 
and foundry grade concentrate owned by Arxo Metals

Charter Scorecard

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

chrome concentrate

chrome alloys

chromite

chromitite

chromitite layers

chromium or Cr

CIF

cm

Coffey

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

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

a chrome alloy produced directly through smelting using carbon as a reducing agent in the 
presence of fluxes, which alloy is used as primary raw material in the production of stainless steel

a hard, black, refractory chromium-spinel mineral consisting of varying proportions of the oxides 
of iron chromium, aluminium and magnesium

a rock composed essentially of chromite, that typically occurs as layers or irregular masses 
exclusively associated with magmatic complexes. The bulk of the world’s exploitable chromitite 
occurs almost exclusively in layered complexes

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

the process by which physical share certificates are replaced with electronic records of ownership 
in accordance with the rules of Strate

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  157

dematerialised shares

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

Eskom

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

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

foundry grade

g/t

GBP

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

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

grammes per tonne

British pound, the lawful currency of the United Kingdom

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

Impala Platinum

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

Impala Platinum Limited, a subsidiary of Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Registration 
number 1957/001979/06), a public company duly registered and incorporated in South Africa

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 158

GLOSSARY continued

Incoterms 2010

Indicated Mineral Resource

Inferred Mineral Resource

Investec Bank

Investment agreement

Ir

IWUL

the Incoterms rules are a series of pre-defined commercial terms published by the International 
Chamber of Commerce that are widely used in international commercial transaction or 
procurement processes

an Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, densities, 
shape, physical characteristics and mineral content can be estimated with a reasonable level of 
confidence. Designating a resource as “Indicated” is based on information from exploration, 
sampling and testing of material gathered from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, 
workings and drill holes. The locations are too widely or inappropriately spaced to confirm 
geological or grade continuity but are spaced close enough for continuity to be assumed

an Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which volume or tonnage, 
grade and mineral content can be estimated with only a low level of confidence. It is inferred from 
geological evidence and sample and assumed but not verified geologically or through analysis of 
grade continuity. Designating a Mineral Resource “Inferred” is based on information gathered 
through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and 
drill holes that may be limited in scope or of uncertain quality and reliability

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

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

Iridium

integrated water use licence

JSE 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 Refining

King IV

km

koz

kt

ktpm

Leto Settlement 

Listing

Karo Mining Holdings Limited (Registration number HE380340), a public company duly registered 
and incorporated in Cyprus

Karo Platinum (Private) Limited (Registration number 7178/2013), a private company duly 
registered and incorporated in Zimbabwe 

Karo Refining (Private) Limited (Registration number 666/2015), a private company duly registered 
and incorporated in Zimbabwe 

the King IV Code on Corporate Governance 2016 (South Africa)

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

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  159

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

MET Q

MG0

MG1

MG2

MG3

MG4

MG4A

MG Chromitite Layers

MHSA

MHSC

Mineral Reserve

MetQ Proprietary Limited Registration number 2003/018862/07 a South African registered 
business

chromitite layer that consists of chromitite dissemination with more chromitite layers and stringers, 
that are developed in the footwall pyroxenite of the MG1 Chromitite Layer

chromitite layer that typically has a massive chromitite content with minor feldspathic pyroxenite 
partings or layering. In some areas the MG1 Chromitite Layer has developed into two chromitite 
layers separated by a feldspathic pyroxenite

chromitite layer that consists of three groupings of chromitite layers which from the base are the 
MG2A Chromitite Layer, MG2B Chromitite Layer and the MG2C Chromitite Layer. The partings 
are typically feldspathic pyroxenite. The parting between the MG2B Chromitite Layer and MG2C 
Chromitite Layer includes a platiniferous chromitite stringer

chromitite layer that is occasionally a massive chromitite layer but more often a very irregular 
assemblage of chromitite layers and stringers within a norite and/or anorthosite. The top of the 
package typically consists of thin chromitite stringers and dissemination of chromite in norite 
which develops into a massive layer at the base

the MG4 Chromitite Layer consists of a lower chromitite (MG4(0) Chromitite Layer) (approximately 
0.6 m thick) immediately overlain by a norite (approximately 0.85 m thick) followed by the 
chromitite layer of the MG4 Chromitite Layer (approximately 1.8 m thick), overlain by another 
parting, of feldspathic pyroxenite composition, some 3.2 m thick and finally overlain by the 
chromitite of the MG4A Chromitite Layer (approximately 1.5 m thick)

the MG4A Chromitite Layer consists of a number of chromitite layers within a pyroxenite host rock

group of five chromite layers that are known in the lower and upper critical zone of the 
Bushveld Complex

the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 of South Africa

the Mine Health and Safety Council of South Africa

the economically mineable material derived from a measured or indicated Mineral Resource or 
both, which includes diluting and contaminating materials and allows for losses that are expected 
to occur when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments to a minimum of a 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)

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 160

GLOSSARY continued

Mineral Resource

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

Mining Right

MPRDA

MQA

Mt

MTC

Mtpa

MW

MWh

NEMA

NEMWA

NQF

NUM

NWA

OEM

the Broad-based Socio-economic Empowerment Charter for the South African Mining Industry 
(together with the Charter Scorecard), published pursuant to section 100(2)(a) of the MPRDA 
under Government Gazette No. 26661 of 13 August 2004 and thereafter amended by General 
Notice 1002 of 27 September 2018

a new order Mining Right, granted by the DMRE in terms of the MPRDA, which provides the 
holder thereof the required legal title to mine

Mineral Petroleum Resources Development Act

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

National Qualifications Framework of South Africa

the National Union of Mineworkers of South Africa

National Water Act of 1998 of South Africa

original equipment manufacturer

Official List

the official list of the FCA

oz

ozpa

pa

Pd

PDMRs

Pivot

PGE

PGMs

a troy ounce which is exactly 31.1034768 grams

oz per annum

per annum

Palladium

Person/s Discharging Managerial Responsibility – persons who have access to price sensitive 
information on a regular basis and who may therefore not deal in a company’s securities in 
a closed period

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

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  161

PGM concentrate

the commercially acceptable flotation concentrate containing PGMs

PRC or China

prill split

the Peoples Republic of China

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 the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and 
Mineral Reserves (The SAMREC Code) 2016 Edition

the South African Code for the Reporting of Mineral Asset Valuation (The SAMVAL Code) 
2016 Edition

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

Sibanye-Stillwater

SiO2

SLP

SOP

South Africa or SA

Standard listing

Strate

stripping ratio

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 Limited (Registration number 2014/243852/06) a public company duly 
incorporated and registered in South Africa

silicon dioxide

Social and Labour Plan aimed at promoting employment and advancement of the social and 
economic welfare of all South Africans while ensuring economic growth and socioeconomic 
development as stipulated in the MPRDA

standard operating procedures

the Republic of South Africa

a listing on the standard segment of the official list

Strate Limited (Registration number 1998/022242/06), a limited liability public company duly 
registered and incorporated in South Africa, which is a registered central securities depositary and 
which is responsible for the electronic settlement system used by the JSE

the ratio, measured in m3 to m3 at which waste and inter-burden are removed, relative to 
ore mined

STS

standard threshold shift

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 162

GLOSSARY continued

t

tCO2e

TB

Tharisa

Tharisa Mine

Tharisa Minerals

The Disclosure and Transparency Law

tonne

tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent

tuberculosis

Tharisa plc (Registration number HE223412), a public company duly registered and incorporated 
in Cyprus

Tharisa Minerals’ wholly owned PGM and chrome mining and processing operations located 
in the magisterial district of Rustenburg (North West region), South Africa, situated in the 
Bushveld Complex

Tharisa Minerals Proprietary Limited (Registration number 2006/009544/07), a company duly 
registered and incorporated in South Africa, held 74% by Tharisa 

Law 190(I)/2007, as amended (law providing for transparency requirements in relation to 
information about issuers whose securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market), 
governed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission

tpa

tpm

Transnet

UG1

UG2

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

Vulcan or Vulcan Plant

groundbreaking use of existing technologies in fine chrome recovery

WPIC

ZAR or R or rand

Zimbabwe

World Platinum Investment Council

South African rand, the lawful currency of South Africa

the Republic of Zimbabwe

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview  163

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

COMMUNITIES

	• Interim and integrated annual reporting
	• Quarterly production updates
	• Annual general meeting (AGM)
	• SENS/RNS announcements
	• Annual report
	• Company website
	• Face to face and online meetings

EMPLOYEES

	• Regular employee engagement forum 

meetings at the Tharisa Mine
	• Tharisa newsletters and posters
	• Tharisa induction and ongoing skills 

development training

	• Company website
	• Daily supervisor/manager interaction
	• Ongoing safety training on the 

Tharisa Mine

	• Tharisa wellness programmes 

and campaigns

	• Social media campaigns using LinkedIn 

and Twitter

LABOUR UNIONS

	• Union recognition and negotiations 

at Tharisa Minerals

	• Monthly liaison with shop stewards
	• Regular contact with union leadership
	• Tharisa Mine labour forum meets 

monthly

	• AET, leadership and bursaries
	• Community forums
	• Local upliftment and wellness 
programmes and projects

	• Regular meetings with various 

community leadership structures

	• CSI programmes
	• Career-sharing information for pupils

CUSTOMERS

	• Regular customer meetings
	• Electronic and telephonic 

communication
	• Customer site visits
	• Commodity conferences

GOVERNMENT

	• Monthly, quarterly and integrated 

annual reports to the DMRE
	• Regular engagement with local 
and provincial government and 
municipalities

	• Scheduled and unannounced site visits 

by regulators

SUPPLIERS

	• Procurement policies, tender process
	• Verbal and electronic communication
	• Contract terms negotiated and agreed
	• Standard contract terms for suppliers 

of goods

SOUTH AFRICAN 
STATE-OWNED ENTITIES

	• Regular face-to-face meetings
	• Electronic communication
	• Joint task team with Transnet to develop 

rail siding

FINANCIERS

	• Reporting on a monthly, bi-annual and 

annual basis

	• Presentations and meetings with 

management

	• Tharisa Mine site visits by debt providers
	• Telephonic and electronic 

communication, particularly on working 
capital facilities

	• Annual review of working capital 

facilities

ANALYSTS

	• Roadshows and analyst briefings
	• Interim and annual reporting
	• Annual report
	• Four quarterly production reports
	• Company website and social media
	• SENS/RNS announcements
	• Site visits

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plc 164

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

TRANSFER SECRETARIES
Cymain Registrars Limited
Registration number: HE174490
31 Evagoras Ave
Evagoras House
6th Floor
1066 Nicosia
Cyprus

REGISTERED ADDRESS
Office 108 – 110
S. Pittokopitis Business Centre
17 Neophytou Nicolaides and Kilkis Streets
8011 Paphos
Cyprus

POSTAL ADDRESS
PO Box 62425
8064 Paphos
Cyprus

WEBSITE
www.tharisa.com

DIRECTORS OF THARISA
Loucas Christos Pouroulis (Executive Chairman)
Phoevos Pouroulis (Chief Executive Officer)
Michael Gifford Jones (Chief Finance Officer)
Carol Bell (Lead Independent Director from 1 October 2021)
David Salter (Independent non-executive director)
Antonios Djakouris (Independent non-executive director)
Omar Marwan Kamal (Independent non-executive director)
Roger Davey (Independent non-executive director)
Shelley Wai Man Lo (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
31 Evagoras Ave
Evagoras House
6th Floor
1066 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
+44 020 7466 5000

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
+44 207 7418 8900

BMO Capital Markets Limited (UK joint broker)
95 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4HG
England, United Kingdom
+44 020 7236 1010

Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG (UK joint broker)
60 Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8HP
England, United Kingdom
+44 20 3207 7800

Nedbank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment 
Banking division) (RSA broker)
135 Rivonia Road 
Sandown, Sandton 2196
South Africa 
+27 11 295 6575

https://twitter.com/tharisa_sa

https://www.linkedin.com/company/8630834/admin/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCae5tLPf9W_CK5P024AKFyA 

2021 integrated annual report  tharisa plcSustainabilityStrategic ReviewOperational ReviewMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve StatementGovernanceFinancial ReviewShareholder InformationOverview About Tharisa

Tharisa is an integrated resource group critical to the energy transition and decarbonisation of economies. It incorporates mining, processing, 
exploration, and the beneficiation, marketing, sales, and logistics of PGMs and chrome concentrates, using innovation and technology as 
enablers. Its principal asset is the Tharisa Mine located in the south-western limb of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa. The mechanised 
mine has a 20-year open-pit life and the ability to extend operations underground by at least an additional 40 years. Tharisa also owns 
Salene Chrome, a development stage, low-cost, open-pit asset, located adjacent to the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe. Tharisa plc is listed 
on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE: THA) and the Main Board of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: THS).

 www.tharisa.com

CHROMIUM

PLATINUM

PALLADIUM

RHODIUM

PtCrPdRhRhPdCrPt