First Tin Plc: Final Audited Results
("First Tin" or "the Company")*Final Audited Results for the year ended 31 December 2021*
LONDON, May 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Tin, a tin development company with advanced, low capex projects in both Germany and Australia, today publishes its final audited results for the year ended 31 December 2021.
*Highlights*
· Activities undertaken during the period under review created the platform for the Company's successful IPO on the Standard List of the London Stock Exchange in April 2022 raising £20 million (before expenses) of new equity capital which it intends to use to complete further resource drilling and feasibility studies on both its core Tellerhäuser and Taronga assets.· The material activities undertaken during the period under review include: · Significant strengthening of the Board and executive management team which now benefits from over 150 years of combined experience in the exploration, development, mining, and processing of tin.
· Conversion of all outstanding debt and completion of a £6m equity placement leaving the Company debt free with significant available cash resources for investment.
· The signing of a Sale and Purchase agreement to acquire the advanced staged Taronga tin asset in Australia, a deal that was completed post period end alongside the IPO.
· Successful application for a significant amount of new exploration ground in Germany called the Auersberg license, which sits directly between the Company's Tellerhäuser and Gottesberg assets, meaning that First Tin currently holds a single contiguous land package of over 23,000 hectares in a highly under-explored tin district in Saxony, Germany.
· The Company also completed CPRs on both its Tellerhäuser tin asset in Germany and its Taronga tin asset in Australia, which included a review of the underlying economic models of both mining projects and reported attractive economic returns assuming a price of US$30,000 per tonne of tin as follows:
· Tellerhäuser's NPV US$265 million at 8% discount rate and IRR of 58%;
· Taronga's NPV US$169 million at 8% discount rate and IRR of 59%.
*Thomas Buenger, Chief Executive Officer, commented:*
"We are delighted to present our maiden set of preliminary results following an exciting and busy period for the Company which culminated post period end in our successful IPO, £20m fundraising and the acquisition of the advanced Taronga tin asset in Australia.
"We enter life as a listed company with a portfolio of high value, low capex tin assets located in Tier 1 jurisdictions with near term production and exploration upside potential. Both assets are ideally located to deliver a sustainable answer to the ongoing supply shortage currently facing many industrial users of tin.
"Moving into 2022, we have made an encouraging start to the new financial year and expect to provide regular updates to shareholders regarding the exploration and development activities currently underway as we push both of our core assets towards completion of their respective feasibility studies. With a strong balance sheet and experienced management team, we are well positioned to take advantage of the sizeable, rapidly growing tin market."
The Company's Annual General Meeting ("AGM") will be held at 16:00pm on Thursday 30 June 2022 at 47/48 Piccadilly, London, W1J 0DT. The Annual Report and AGM notice and proxy will be posted to shareholders today and are available to view on the First Tin website, https://firsttin.com/. Both documents will be available shortly on the FCA's National Storage Mechanism, https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.
*Enquiries:*
*First Tin* Via SEC Newgate below
Thomas Bunger - Chief Executive Officer * * * *
*Arlington Group Asset Management Limited (Financial Advisor and Joint Broker)*
Simon Catt
020 7389 5016
*WH Ireland Limited (Joint Broker)*
Harry Ansell 020 7220 1670
*SEC Newgate (Financial PR)*
Elisabeth Cowell / Molly Gretton 07900 248 213
*Notes to Editors*
First Tin is an ethical, reliable, and sustainable tin production company led by a team of renowned tin specialists. The Company is focused on becoming a tin supplier in conflict-free, low political risk jurisdictions through the rapid development of high value, low capex tin assets in Germany and Australia.
Tin is a critical metal, vital in any plan to decarbonise and electrify the world, yet Europe has very little supply. Rising demand, together with shortages, is expected to lead tin to experience sustained deficit markets for the foreseeable future. Its assets have been de-risked significantly, with extensive work undertaken to date.
First Tin's goal is to use best-in-class environmental standards to bring two tin mines into production in three years, providing provenance of supply to support the current global clean energy and technological revolutions.
*Chairman's Statement*
I am delighted to report the first full year results of First Tin Plc (the "Company" or "First Tin") and its subsidiary undertakings (the "Group") since the Company's admission to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") on 8 April 2022. The period under review was focused on putting the necessary building blocks in place to provide a solid foundation for the Group's future growth.
In this regard, the Company successfully closed a £6m equity financing in April 2021 which allowed it to invest further into its German tin operations. At its core Tellerhäuser asset, an optimisation study was completed by Bara Consulting Ltd which both highlighted the financial robustness of the asset but also provided a new, streamlined development path to production. At its Gottesberg asset, the Group started a drill program to target both shallow resources within the existing resource as well as target areas outside the known deposit where there is evidence of historical mining activities. The Group also successfully applied for a significant amount of new exploration ground sitting directly between Tellerhäuser and Gottesberg, called the Auersberg license, meaning that First Tin currently holds a single contiguous land package of over 23,000 hectares in what we believe to be a highly under-explored tin district in Saxony, Germany.
Furthermore, during the period under review, the Company initiated plans to list on the Main Market of the LSE and also signed a Sale and Purchase agreement with ASX listed Aus Tin Mining Limited ("Aus Tin") to acquire 100% of their Australian tin asset called Taronga. The acquisition was contingent on a minimum £20m equity fundraising and a successful IPO and I am delighted to be able to report that both these conditions were completed post period end meaning that First Tin now holds mature, tin assets located in the low-risk, conflict-free jurisdictions of Germany and Australia. Both Tellerhäuser and Taronga benefit from good infrastructure, with established reserves, granted mining licenses, and have simple mineralogy creating a quick path to production. In aggregate, the Company's two core assets represent the 5th largest undeveloped tin reserve globally, outside Russia, Kazakhstan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
During the period, First Tin also refreshed the Board, appointing Thomas Buenger as Chief Executive Officer while I joined the Board as Chairman. Thomas has all of the required experience to develop and manage First Tin's tin portfolio as a result of his many years of working as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer of Aurubis AG, Germany's largest copper and tin producer. Thomas is also backed up by a seasoned, executive team of renowned global tin specialists with over 150 years of combined experience in the exploration, development, mining, and processing of tin.
Following the activities undertaken during 2021, on which Thomas will provide further detail in his Chief Executive Officer's Report, we are proud to commence life as a publicly listed company in a cash-rich, debt-free position, with quality assets in Tier 1 jurisdictions. To have been able to close a £20 million equity fundraising in early April, in what were extremely adverse macro-economic conditions reflects both the quality of our tin portfolio and also the ever-growing demand for new environmentally sensitive sources of tin production from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD") countries.
The next year will be an incredibly busy time for First Tin as we develop our German and Australian tin assets towards production, and we look forward to updating all shareholders with positive news flow as we begin our life on the Main Market.
*Mr C Cannon Brookes*
Non-executive Chairman
*Chief Executive's Statement*
*Introduction*
This has been a very busy period for the Company, primarily focused on getting First Tin ready to become a publicly listed company that can successfully develop its high value, low capex German and Australian tin assets. I am delighted to have joined First Tin at such an exciting time for the Company.
Having previously worked as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer and on the Board at Aurubis AG, Germany's largest copper and tin producer, for 16 years, I have gained considerable experience and knowledge of tin mining and development. I look forward to applying this to our advanced and scalable portfolio of assets, to drive the business towards a prosperous future. I would like to thank the former Board members for all their hard work and determination in creating the foundations for what we are today.
The period under review saw us undertake a thorough refinancing of the business including converting the Baker Steel Resources Trust Limited ("Baker Steel") convertible loan note, the completion of a £6 million equity funding round, and the disposal of the Company's equity investment in Panthera Resources, all of which enabled the Group to become a cash-rich, debt-free business, poised for future growth.
This financing enabled us to undertake activities to build value within our portfolio. In our German assets, we undertook a Competent Persons Report ("CPR") and optimisation study at Tellerhäuser, commenced exploration drilling at Gottesberg, and successfully secured a new exploration licence which has enabled us to secure a large, strategic land package in a highly prospective, Tier 1 jurisdiction. In conjunction, we completed milestones towards the purchase of our late stage Taronga tin project in Australia, a deal which was completed post period end.
First Tin's German and Australian tin assets are ideally located to deliver sustainable and conflict-free tin production in the future, and we are committed to best-in-class environmental responsibility with a 'leave no trace' philosophy including using low carbon and low waste production methods. Our aim is become a leading global tin producer that will supply fully traceable and verifiable tin units into fast-growth global industries which have a high requirement for tin.
*Tellerhäuser - Germany*
Our Tellerhäuser project forms part of the Rittersgrün license and is one of the world's most advanced tin deposits with an exceptionally long history of mining and an active Mining Licence already in place until 30 June 2070 for the extraction of mineral resources.
Located within a tin district in Saxony, this asset is a former East German mine with good conditions underground and major existing infrastructure benefits which ensures future development capital cost will remain low. For example, Tellerhäuser benefits from an existing 180,000m of underground development, 500m of internal shafts, a 7.8km main adit, and over 141km of drilling in 2,112 drill holes.
During the period, we undertook economic analysis to Scoping Study level, which showed the Tellerhäuser project is financially robust. The project's proximity to infrastructure means that it has a very low projected start-up capital expenditure of US$49 million, which, at US$30,000 per tonne of tin, suggests a net present value ("NPV") of US$264 million (using 8% discount rate) and an internal rate of return ("IRR") of 58%. This is based on a production rate of 500,000 tonnes per annum over the life of the mine.
In addition to the Mining Licence, First Tin also holds two Exploration Licences ("EL") in Germany. The "Gottesberg" EL was secured in 2019, while an EL for the "Auersberg" field, which connects the licences of Rittersgrün and Gottesberg, was successfully secured during the period.
First Tin intends to continue active drilling programmes at each of its German project areas.
At the Tellerhäuser project, we will undertake both surface and underground diamond drilling targeting both existing, and potential extensions to the known mineralisation. At Gottesberg, whose drill program commenced in Q4 2021, surface diamond drill holes will be completed to target shallower parts of the existing resource but also to explore areas outside the known deposit where there is evidence of historical mining activities. The Auersberg EL will also be drilled around various historical tin workings and will be targeting vein style greisens which were historically mined to a maximum depth of approximately 50m due to water ingress.
*Taronga - Australia*
Our Taronga asset, which we acquired alongside our successful IPO last month, is also an asset which has had over one century of development, including extensive drilling, tunnelling, and mining.
Like with Tellerhäuser, Taronga is surrounded by excellent existing infrastructure and abundant underexplored tin showings, providing major exploration upside potential. Significant exploration work was undertaken by BHP in 1933, 1958, and 1964, and by the Newmont Joint Venture from 1979 to 1982. Between 2012 and 2018, the former owners of Taronga completed a Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates as well as completing a pre-feasibility study ("PFS") on the asset and were granted a mining lease over part of the deposit.
Based on a mine production schedule that called for a total production of 23.2 million tonnes at 0.16% Sn, the PFS showed robust economics, at US$30,000 per tonne of tin, with an NPV (at 8% discount) of US$169 million and an IRR of 59%. Like with Tellerhäuser, the PFS also envisaged a low start-up capex figure of only US$76 million.
*A rapidly growing market*
Global demand for tin is currently strong with tin prices hovering near ten-year highs on the back of the accelerating use for tin as a solder in electronics and in electromobility products. The International Tin Association ("ITA") forecasts demand to grow from 355kt in 2020 to over 400kt in 2025 and that, even if the sharp demand growth seen in 2020-21 reduces, demand will still outstrip supply until at least 2025.
Supply is currently constrained following production disruptions in Myanmar and other leading production countries, as well as export restrictions imposed by the Indonesian government. In 2021, the combination of strong demand with constrained supply resulted in a critically low global tin inventory with London Metal Exchange inventories reaching c.30-year lows. We believe that the supply-demand dynamics of the tin market will remain compelling for many years to come.
Furthermore, as consumers increasingly opt for traceable, conflict-free and Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") compliant sources of tin, an opportunity exists for responsible mining companies such as First Tin whose operations and assets are located within OECD member countries to take advantage of the rapidly growing market.
*ESG*
First Tin is supporting a decarbonised future and is committed to best-in-class environmental responsibility. The impacts of climate change are increasingly being felt around the world and First Tin is committed to being a zero-carbon emissions company as agreed to by nations participating in the Paris Agreement of 2015. As we progress towards production in the next three years, it is important to note that First Tin's operations will be designed to be as low-waste and low carbon as possible.
The Group applies stringent environmental controls and procedures to minimise and mitigate its impact on land, water, air quality, climate, and biodiversity and complies with the requirements of all applicable legislation, regulation, and rules. In that regard, First Tin has formed an internal ESG committee which will ensure that the Company is meeting its ESG key performance indicators ("KPIs") and the Group is also undertaking a third party independent ESG audit to provide an independent assessment of its operations and development plans.
*IPO and near-term activities*
After the year end, the Company's successful IPO and admission to trading on the Main Market of the LSE was a significant milestone in our history, raising £20 million of new funds to support the Group's growth strategy and we are delighted to welcome our new shareholders, both institutional and retail, to the register. We will use the net proceeds of the fundraise to execute the necessary steps to obtain the operational permits for both the Taronga and Tellerhäuser projects, as well as to conclude definitive feasibility studies ("DFS") for both projects. As part of this DFS work, further drilling programmes will be completed both to further prove up existing tin resources but also to undertake exploration drilling on new exploration targets of the Group.
*Outlook*
Looking forward, First Tin will continue to rapidly develop both its German and Australian tin assets, with the aim to create shareholder value while also delivering a sustainable answer to the ongoing supply shortage currently facing many industrial users of tin.
With a strong balance sheet and experienced management team comprising of renowned tin specialists, the Group is well positioned to take advantage of the sizeable, rapidly growing tin market. As a result, the Board looks forward to the future with great confidence.
*Mr T Buenger*
Chief Executive Officer
*Strategic Report*
*Principal activity*
The Company owns two advanced tin projects, one in Germany and one in Australia, and is seeking to bring both projects into production in order to be able to deliver a sustainable answer to the material supply issues faced by industrial tin consumers.
The Company's aim is to become a global tin producer supplying fully traceable and verifiable tin units into global industries with high tin usage needs.
*Review of the business*
A review of the business is set out in the Chief Executive Officer's report.
*Financial review*
The Group reported a loss after tax of £1,212,677 (2020: £682,289) and a net asset value of £7,569,316 (2020: £1,552,297) for the year ending December 31 2021.
The Group completed the following material financial transactions during the year:
· In April 2021, 27,691,781 Ordinary Shares were issued at 8p each to Baker Steel as part of the conversion of their outstanding £2,200,000 convertible loan notes, realising an overall gain of £167,795 for the year. Post conversion the Group was in a debt free position;
· In April 2021, 40,000,000 Ordinary Shares were issued at 15p each to complete a £6,000,000 equity funding round;
· In June 2021, the Company sold its AIM listed equity investment in Panthera Resources Plc for £333,000 cash, realising an overall loss of £582,750 for the year;
· In November 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with Aus Tin Mining Limited ("Aus Tin") to acquire its wholly owned subsidiary, Taronga Mines Pty Ltd ("Taronga") and its tin mining licences on a debt-free cash-free basis, paying an initial cash consideration of £734,182 (AUD$1,350,000) with a subsequent issue of 60,000,000 ordinary shares in the Company. The acquisition completed after the Company's year end on 8 April 2022 at the same time as the Company's IPO on the Standard List of the London Stock Exchange ("LSE"); and
· During November and December 2021, prior to the closing of the Taronga acquisition, the Company advanced £813,762 (AUD$1,505,000) to Taronga as an unsecured interest free loan to provide working capital to fund a strategic land acquisition which will assist the efficient future development of the Taronga asset.
During the year, the Group also completed CPRs on both its Tellerhäuser tin asset in Germany and its Taronga tin asset in Australia which included a review of the underlying economic models of both mining projects and reported satisfactory economic returns, assuming a price of US$30,000 per tonne of tin, as follows:
· Tellerhäuser's NPV US$265 million at 8% discount rate and IRR of 58%;
· Taronga's NPV US$169 million at 8% discount rate and IRR of 59%.
At the year end, the Group had considerably improved its balance sheet position:
· Overall net assets increased by £6,017,019 to £7,569,316 (2020: £1,552,297);
· Cash reserves increased by £2,257,974 to £2,503,714 (2020: £245,740); and
· Current liabilities decreased by £2,364,748 to £301,452 (2020: £2,666,200).
*Financial review (continued)*
The Group completed its IPO on the Standard List of the LSE in April 2022 raising £20 million (before expenses) of new equity capital which it intends to use to complete further resource drilling and feasibility studies on both its Tellerhäuser and Taronga assets. These studies will provide the basis to secure additional funding and to accelerate a path to mining production on both projects.
For the year under review, the Group's financial objectives under its key performance indicators were to secure additional funding, reduce debt, divest of non-core assets, improve its balance sheet and secure the further acquisition of another core asset as outlined above in preparation for the IPO in 2022.
*Principal risks and uncertainties*
The Directors consider the following to be the key risks and uncertainties applicable to the Group's activities:
*Dependence on two projects*
At the date of the Company's admission to the London Stock Exchange the Company owns two projects. The Company's success will be dependent on those two projects and issues at one project may adversely affect the other and, in turn, the Company.
*Licences and permissions*
The ability of the Group to progress its projects is highly dependent on it maintaining existing licences, successfully applying for extensions to such licences and acquiring future necessary licences and permissions. In the event that the Company does not do so its results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
On 16 September 2020, Saxony Minerals and Exploration AG ("SME") filed an objection with the Saxon Mining Office (being the awarding body in Saxony for mining licences) against a notice dated 13 August 2020 pursuant to which the Company's subsidiary in Germany, Saxore Bergbau GmbH ("Saxore"), was granted a permit by the Saxon Mining Office for the exploration and mining over the "Rittersgrün" field which contains the Tellerhäuser project. On 26 January 2021, the Saxon Mining Office ordered the immediate enforcement of the permit awarded to Saxore. SME applied to the Chemnitz Administrative Court on 12 April 2021 for a ruling that its September 2020 objection would suspend the permit but this was rejected by the Court on 12 July 2021 with the Court noting that it considered the permit to be lawfully granted and that the objection was unfounded.
SME filed an appeal on 22 July 2021 with the Saxon Higher Administrative Court but this was rejected on 22 March 2022. In its decision, the Saxon Higher Administrative Court noted that the appeal was unfounded, that the immediate enforcement of the "Rittersgrün" permit was lawful and that the granting of the "Rittersgrün" permit to Saxore did not violate any rights of SME. The decision of the Saxon Higher Administrative Court on the immediate enforcement of the permit is final, and no further appeal by SME is possible against this decision. Neither Saxore nor the Company were directly party to such proceedings and the two Court decisions, confirming that the immediate enforcement of the "Rittersgrün" permit (mining licence) was lawful, is a strong sign that the Courts regard the granting of the permit itself as lawful and the objection of SME as unfounded.
*Requirement for further capital*
Whilst the Company has sufficient working capital for its plans in the short-medium term, to bring both of its projects into production, it will need to raise additional capital. Such capital could be by way of equity financing, which will dilute existing shareholders or by way of debt funding which could see the Company subject to various banking covenants.
*Commodity prices*
The Company's future value and its potential future revenues will be highly dependent on global tin prices. Although tin is, as at the date of these financial statements, at record highs, there can be no guarantee that the tin price will remain at such price levels. A depressed tin price will adversely affect the Company's revenues.
*Nature of mineral exploration and development*
Mineral exploration and development can be highly speculative in nature and involve a high degree of risk. The economics of developing mineral properties are affected by many factors including the cost of operations, variations of the grade of ore mined, fluctuations in the price of minerals, costs of development, infrastructure and processing equipment and such other factors as government regulations, including regulations to royalties, allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection.
*Litigation risk*
The Company may face litigation from third parties aimed at delaying or stopping the Company's operations or could potentially be impact by a third party attempting to litigate against a licensing authority. Such litigation could be brought by environmental pressure groups or competitors and could result in the Company having to spend management time and cash on dealing with such proceedings.
*Mining industry risks and hazards*
The Company's operations will be subject to typical hazards and risks present in exploiting natural resources. This includes accidents, industrial disputes and litigation from third parties. Any such events could materially impact the Company's financial condition.
*Foreign exchange risk*
The Company will be exposed to foreign exchange risk as it is domiciled in the UK but with operations in Germany and Australia, and, in addition as tin is priced in US Dollars. There can be no guarantee that exchange rates between the Pound, Euro, Australian Dollar and US Dollar will not become more volatile in the future.
*Environmental, social and governance considerations*
First Tin is committed to the environmentally sensitive development of advanced hard rock tin projects in conflict free, low political risk jurisdictions. The Company's goal is to develop and operate zero carbon sustainable tin mines that support the current global clean energy and technological revolutions.
First Tin is also supporting a decarbonised future and is committed to best-in-class environmental responsibility. The impacts of climate change are increasingly being felt around the world and First Tin is committed to being a zero-carbon emissions company as agreed to by nations participating in the Paris Agreement of 2015. The Company applies stringent environmental controls and procedures to minimise and mitigate its impact on land, water, air quality, climate and biodiversity and complies with the requirements of all applicable legislation, regulation and rules. First Tin is currently in the process of undertaking a third party independent ESG audit assessment and is a qualified candidate for European Raw Material Alliance funding and support.
*Events after the reporting date*
On 9 March 2022 the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, First Tin Australia Pty Ltd, was incorporated in Australia.
On 8 April 2022 the Company's shares were admitted to the Official List (by way of a Standard Listing under Chapter 14 of the Listing Rules) and to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. This follows a subscription, institutional placing and retail offer which raised in aggregate £20 million (before expenses) at a placing price of 30 pence per share.
Also on 8 April 2022, the Company issued 60,000,000 shares to Aus Tin to complete the acquisition of Taronga.
This report was approved by the board on 27 May 2022 and signed on its behalf:
*Mr C Cannon Brookes*
Director
*CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME*
*FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021*
*Notes* *2021* *2020* *£* *£*
Administrative expenses (1,321,977 ) (589,002 )
*Operating loss* 6 *(1,321,977* *)* *(589,002* *)*
Other gains and losses 8 167,795 110,321
Finance costs 9 (58,495 ) (203,608 )
*Loss on ordinary activities before taxation* *(1,212,677* *)* *(682,289* *)*
Income tax expense 10 - -
*Loss after taxation* *(1,212,677* *)* *(682,289* *)*
*Other comprehensive income:*
Exchange differences on translation of
foreign operations (117,093 ) 112,557
Changes in the fair value of equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income 16 (582,750 ) 749,250
*Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year* *(1,912,520* *)* *179,518*
*Loss per share*
Basic (pence) 11 *(1.02* *)* *(1.02* *)*
* *
* *
Diluted (pence) 11 *(1.02* *)* *(1.02* *)*
The Statement of Comprehensive Income has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
The notes below form part of these financial statements.
*CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION*
* AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021*
*Notes* *2021* * * *2020*
*Assets* * * *£* * * *£*
*Non-current assets* * *
Intangible assets 13 3,380,913 2,950,227
Investments deposit and long-term receivables 14 1,543,670 -
Property, plant and equipment 15 28,851 10,930
Financial assets at fair value through other
comprehensive income 16 - 915,750 * 4,953,434* * * * 3,876,907*
* *
*Current assets* * *
Trade and other receivables 17 413,620 95,850
Cash and cash equivalents 2,503,714 245,740 * 2,917,334* * * * 341,590*
* *
*Total assets* * * * 7,870,768* * * * 4,218,497*
* *
*Liabilities* * *
*Current liabilities* * *
Convertible loan notes 18 - (2,478,479 )
Trade and other payables 19 (301,452 ) (187,721 ) * (301,452* *)* * * * (2,666,200* *)*
* *
*Net current assets/(liabilities)* * * * 2,615,882* * * * (2,324,610* *)*
* *
*Total assets less current liabilities* * * * 7,569,316* * * * 1,552,297*
* *
*Net assets* * * * 7,569,316* * * * 1,552,297*
* *
*Equity* * *
Called up share capital 22 138,868 70,177
Share premium account 22 17,931,296 10,264,409
Share to be issued 23 - 50,411
Warrant reserve 24 95,372 -
Retained earnings 24 (10,507,856 ) (8,861,429 )
Translation reserve 24 (88,364 ) 28,729 * * * * * *
*Total equity* * * * 7,569,316* * * * 1,552,297*
The notes below form part of these financial statements.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board on 27 May 2022 and were signed on its behalf by:
*Mr C Cannon Brookes*
Director
*Company number 07931518*
*
*
*CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY*
*FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021*
* *
*Share*
*capital* *Share premium*
*account* * *
*Shares to be issued* * *
*Warrant*
*reserve* * *
*Retained*
*earnings* * *
*Translation reserve* * *
* *
*Total equity*
* * *£* *£* *£* *£* *£* *£* *£*
*At 1 January 2020* *63,702* *9,686,028* *50,411* *-* *(8,928,390* *)* *(83,828* *)* *787,923*
Comprehensive income: * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Loss for the year - - - - (682,289 ) - (682,289 )
Other comprehensive income - - - - 749,250 112,557 861,807
*Total comprehensive income* *-* *-* *-* *-* *66,961* *112,557* *179,518*
Transactions with owners:
Accrued interest on convertible loan notes - - 200,548 - - - 200,548
Issuance of shares 6,475 578,381 (200,548 ) - - - 384,308 6,475 578,381 - - - - 584,856 * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*At 1 January 2021* *70,177* * 10,264,409* * 50,411* *-* *(8,861,429* *)* * 28,729* * 1,552,297*
Comprehensive income: * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Loss for the year - - - - (1,212,677 ) - (1,212,677 )
Other comprehensive income - - - - (582,750 ) (117,093 ) (699,843 )
*Total comprehensive income* *-* *-* *-* *-* *(1,795,427* *)* * (117,093* *)* *(1,912,520* *)*
Transactions with owners:
Accrued interest on convertible loan notes - - 54,247 - - - 54,247
Issuance of shares 68,691 7,747,650 (104,658 ) - - - 7,711,683
Share based payments - (80,763 ) - 95,372 149,000 - 163,609 68,691 7,666,887 (50,411 ) 95,372 149,000 - 7,929,539 * * * * * *
*At 31 December 2021* * 138,868* * 17,931,296* *-* * 95,372* *(10,507,856* *)* * (88,364* *)* * 7,569,316*
* CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS*
* FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021*
*Note* *2021* *2020* *£* *£*
*Cash flows from operating activities*
*Operating loss* *(1,321,977* *)* *(589,002* *)*
*Adjustments for:*
Depreciation 8,845 9,575
Share based payment expense 163,609 -
Increase in trade and other receivables (317,770 ) (7,642 )
Increase in trade and other payables 113,731 64,165
Cash used in operations (1,353,562 ) (522,904 )
Interest paid (4,248 ) (3,060 )
*Net cash used in operating activities* *(1,357,810* *)* *(525,964* *)*
*Cash flows from investing activities*
Purchase of intangible fixed assets (588,255 ) (286,779 )
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (28,165 ) -
Initial consideration to acquire Taronga (734,182 ) -
Loan advanced to Taronga (813,762 ) -
Proceeds from sale of investment 333,000 100,000
*Net cash used in investing activities* *(1,831,364* *)* *(186,779* *)*
*Cash flows from financing activities*
Proceeds from issue of shares 5,601,000 384,308
Proceeds from issue of convertible loans - 200,000
Interest paid in respect of convertible loans (200,000 ) -
*Net cash generated from financing activities* *5,401,000* *584,308*
*Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents* *2,211,826* *(128,435* *)*
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 245,740 363,264
Currency translation 46,148 10,911
*Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year* *2,503,714* *245,740*
The notes below form part of these financial statements.
As disclosed in note 22, the material non-cash transactions relate to the equity conversion of convertible loan notes and the issued of new shares to Mr T Buenger.
*NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS*
*FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021*
*1 General Information*
The Company is a public company limited by shares, incorporated in England and Wales under the Companies Act 2006. The Company's registered address is First Floor, 47/48 Piccadilly, London, England, W1J 0DT.
On 3 August 2021 the Company changed its name from Anglo Saxony Mining Limited to First Tin Limited and on 15 March 2022 the Company re-registered as a public company in the name of First Tin Plc.
The financial statements comprise of financial information of the Company and its subsidiary (the "Group"). The principal activities of the Company and the Group and the nature of their operations are disclosed elsewhere in these financial statements.
*2 Presentation of financial statements*
The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, as this is the currency of the primary economic environment that the Group operates in.
*3 Significant accounting policies*
*3.1 Basis of preparation*
These financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the UK and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial assets which are measured at fair value.
*3.2 Going concern*
The Group currently has no income and meets its working capital requirements through raising development finance. In common with many businesses engaged in exploration and evaluation activities prior to production and sale of minerals the Group will require additional funds and/or funding facilities in order to fully develop its business plan. Ultimately the viability of the Group is dependent on future liquidity in the exploration period and this, in turn, depends on the availability of funds.
During the year the Company raised net proceeds of £5.6 million from a private placing of new shares. Subsequent to the year end, the Company's shares were admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange raising equity of £20 million.
The Directors have prepared financial projections and plans for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. Based on the current management plan, management believes that these funds are sufficient for the expenditure to date as well as the planned forecast expenditure for the forthcoming twelve months.
The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and the Company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the Directors consider it appropriate for the Group and the Company to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.
*3 Significant accounting policies (continued)*
*3.3 Basis of consolidation*
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries). Control is achieved where the Company has power over the investee, is exposed or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.
Changes in the Group's interests in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions.
The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of are included in the consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.
Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial information of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by the Group.
All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation.
*3.4 Intangible assets other than goodwill*
Exploration and evaluation assets
The Group capitalises costs which directly relate to exploration and evaluation activities in areas for which it has obtained appropriate legal rights and there is a high degree of confidence in the feasibility of the project.
Capitalised exploration and evaluation costs include acquisition of rights to explore, topographical, geological, geochemical and geophysical studies, exploration drilling, sampling and activities in relation to the evaluation of the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource. General and administrative costs directly associated with such activities are also capitalised.
Exploration and evaluation costs are carried at cost less any impairment and are not amortised prior to the conclusion of the appraisal activities. If the appraisal activities establish the existence of commercial reserves and the decision is made to develop the site, then the carrying value of the associated exploration and evaluation assets is tested for impairment and subsequently reclassified as development and production assets. If commercial reserves have not been found, or exploration and evaluation activities have been abandoned, then the associated exploration and evaluation assets are fully impaired.
Impairment charges and exploration costs incurred prior to obtaining legal rights are expensed in the profit and loss as incurred.
*3.5 Property, plant and equipment*
Items of property, plant and equipment that do not form part of the exploration and evaluation assets are carried as cost less accumulated depreciation and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the following expected useful economic lives:
Motor vehicles 3 years
Fixtures and fittings 3 - 15 years
Computer equipment 5 years
*3 Significant accounting policies (continued)*
*3.6 Impairment of non-financial assets*
At each reporting date, the Directors assess whether there is any indication that a Group's asset, other than deferred tax assets, may be impaired. Where an indicator of impairment exists, the Directors make an estimate of the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised in profit and loss whenever the carrying amount of the asset or cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and "value-in-use". In assessing "value-in-use", the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time-value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in the profit and loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in the profit and loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount greater than cost, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
*3.7 Segment reporting*
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors.
*3.8 Cash and cash equivalents*
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
*3.9 Financial assets*
Financial assets are recognised in the Statement of Financial Position when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets are classified into specified categories. The classification depends on the Group's business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows. Financial assets are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs, other than those classified as "fair value through profit or loss" or "fair value through other comprehensive income", which are measured at fair value.
*3 Significant accounting policies (continued)*
*3.9 Financial assets (continued)*
*Loans and receivables*
Trade receivables are recognised initially at the amount of consideration that is unconditional, unless they contain significant financing components, in which case they are recognised at fair value. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less loss allowance.
Loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments and are held for collection of contractual cash flows, where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less any impairment.
Interest is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial. The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a debt instrument and of allocating the interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the debt instrument to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.
*Financial assets at fair value through "other comprehensive income"*
Financial assets at fair value through "other comprehensive income" comprise of equity securities which are not held for trading, and which the Group has irrevocably elected at initial recognition to recognise in this category.
Changes in the fair value of these assets are recognised in "other comprehensive income".
*Impairment of financial assets*
The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit loss associated with its receivables carried at amortised cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. For trade receivables, the Group applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, resulting in trade receivables recognised and carried at original invoice amount less an allowance for any uncollectible amounts based on expected credit losses.
The Group recognises a loss allowance for expected credit losses on investments in debt instruments that are measured at amortised cost or at "fair value through other comprehensive income". The amount of expected credit losses is updated at each reporting date to reflect changes in credit risk since initial recognition of the respective financial instrument.
*Derecognition of financial assets*
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity.
*3 Significant accounting policies (continued)*
*3.10 Financial liabilities*
Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss or other financial liabilities.
*Other financial liabilities*
Other financial liabilities, including trade and other payables, are initially measured at fair value, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method*.*
*Derecognition of financial liabilities*
Financial liabilities are derecognised when, and only when, the Group's obligations are discharged, cancelled, or they expire.
*3.11 Equity instruments*
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the Company.
*3.12 Derivative financial instruments*
Derivatives are recognised initially at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each reporting date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit and loss immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in profit and loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship.
*Embedded derivatives*
An embedded derivative is a component of a hybrid contract that also includes a non-derivative host - with the effect that some of the cash flows of the combined instrument vary in a way similar to a standalone derivative. The convertible loan is measured at amortised cost and the conversion option is subsequently measured at fair value. The Group's policy is to offset the financial asset and liability in relation to the single hybrid instrument and show them on a single line.
*3.13 Taxation*
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
*Current tax*
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.
*3 Significant accounting policies (continued)*
*3.13 Taxation (continued)*
*Deferred tax*
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled, or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
*3.14 Foreign exchange*
*Functional and presentation currency*
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the "functional currency"). The consolidated financial statements are presented in pound sterling, which is the Group's functional and presentation currency.
*Transactions and balances*
Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting date. Gains and losses arising on translation are included in profit or loss for the period.
*Group companies*
For the purpose of presenting the consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group's foreign operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the reporting date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for each period, unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the date of transaction are used. All resulting exchange differences are recognised in "other comprehensive income" and accumulated in equity.
*3.15 Leases*
The Directors assess whether a Group's contract is, or contains, a lease at inception of the contract.
Payments associated with short-term leases or leases of low value assets are recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss. Short-term leases are leases with a lease-term of 12 months or less without a purchase option.
*3 Significant accounting policies (continued)*
*3.16 Share-based payments*
Equity-settled share-based payments to employees and others providing similar services are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date. The fair value excludes the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions. Details regarding the determination of the fair value of equity-settled share-based transactions are set out in note 12 to these financial statements.
The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Directors' estimate of the number of equity instruments that will eventually vest. At each reporting date, the Directors revises their estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest as a result of the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognised in profit or loss such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to reserves.
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions with parties other than employees are measured at the fair value of the goods or services received, except where that fair value cannot be estimated reliably, in which case they are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments granted, measured at the date the entity obtains the goods or the counterparty renders the service.
*3.17 New and amended standards adopted by the Group*
The Group has applied the following amendments for the first time for the annual reporting period commencing 1 January 2021:
· Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions - amendments to IFRS 16; and
· Interest Rate Benchmark Reform - Phase 2 - amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16.
The amendments listed above did not have any impact on the amounts recognised in prior periods and are not expected to significantly affect the current or future periods.
*3.18 New standards and interpretations not yet adopted*
Certain new accounting standards, amendments to accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 31 December 2021 reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the Group. These standards, amendments or interpretations are not expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.
*4 Critical accounting estimates and judgements*
The preparation of the Group's financial statements under IFRS requires the Directors to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Details of the Group's significant accounting judgements used in the preparation of these financial statements include:
*Recoverability of intangible exploration and evaluation assets*
Where a project is sufficiently advanced, the recoverability of intangible exploration and evaluation assets is assessed by comparing the carrying value to internal and operator estimates of the net present value of projects. Intangible exploration assets are inherently judgemental to value. The amounts for intangible exploration and evaluation assets represent active exploration projects. These amounts will be written-off to the profit and loss as exploration costs unless commercial reserves are established, or the determination process is completed and there are no indications of impairment.
*5 Segmental analysis*
In the opinion of the Board of Directors the Group has one operating segment, being the exploitation of mineral rights.
Non-current assets by region are summarised below:
*2021* * * *2020*
* * *£* * * *£*
Germany 3,409,764 3,876,907
Australia 1,543,670 - 4,953,434 3,876,907
*6 Operating loss*
* * The operating loss for the year is stated after charging the following:
*2021* * * *2020*
* * *£* * * *£*
Depreciation 8,845 9,575
Expenses relating to short-term leases 44,586 36,398
*Auditor's remuneration:*
Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Company and consolidated financial statements 35,000 -
Fees payable to the Company's auditor for other services:
Other transaction work 130,800 -
Less: amounts reclassified as prepayments (130,800 ) - 35,000 -
*7 Staff costs and Directors' remuneration*
*2021* * * *2020*
* * *£* * * *£*
Wages and salaries 309,857 171,415
Social security costs 52,298 11,015
Total staff cost 362,155 182,430
Less: amount capitalised as intangible asset (117,548 ) (82,147 )
Total staff cost recognised in the profit and loss 244,607 100,283
The average number of staff employed by the Group, including Directors, is detailed below: *2021* * * *2020* *No.* * * *No.*
Management and administration 3 3
Geology and environment 3 3 6 6
Directors' remuneration and fees are disclosed in note 21.
The Directors are regarded as the key management personnel.
*8 Other gains and losses*
*2021* * * *2020*
* * *£* * * *£*
Gain on fair value of conversion option (167,795 ) (60,462 )
Profit on disposal of subsidiary - (49,859 ) (167,795 ) (110,321 )
*9 Finance costs*
* * *2021* * * *2020*
* * *£* * * *£*
Interest on convertible loan notes 54,247 200,548
Bank charges and other finance costs 4,248 3,060 58,495 203,608
*10 Income tax expense*
* * *2021* * * *2020*
* * *£* * * *£*
Current tax - -
Deferred tax - - - - *2021* * * *2020*
* * *£* * * *£*
Loss before taxation on continued operations (1,212,677 ) (682,289 )
Loss on before taxation multiplied by standard rate of UK corporation tax of 19% (2020 - 19%) (230,409 ) (129,635 )
Difference in overseas tax rate (61,154 ) (45,824 )
Expenses not deductible for tax 31,519 16,605
Income and gains not subject to tax - (9,473 )
Effect of tax losses not recognised as deferred tax assets 260,044 168,327
Total tax charge for the year - -
The Group has tax losses carried forward of approximately £7.4 million (2020: £5.9 million). The unutilised tax losses have not been recognised as a deferred tax asset due to uncertainty over the timing of future profits and gains.
*11 Loss per Ordinary Share*
* * *2021* * * *2020*
Loss for the year attributable to the ordinary equity
holders of the Company (£) (1,212,677 ) (682,289 )
Basic: * * * * * *
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares issued (No.) 118,813,650 66,291,393
Adjustment for accrued shares to be issued for interest on convertible loan notes (note 17) (No.) - 727,199
Total weighted average number of Ordinary Shares issued used in basic and diluted loss per Ordinary Share calculation (No.) 118,813,650 67,018,593
Basic loss per Ordinary Share (1.02 ) (1.02 )
Diluted:
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares issued (No.) 122,593,003 66,291,393
Adjustment for accrued shares to be issued for interest on convertible loan notes (note 17) (No.) - 727,199
Total weighted average number of Ordinary Shares issued used in basic and diluted loss per Ordinary Share calculation (No.) 122,593,003 67,018,593
Diluted loss per Ordinary Share (1.02 ) (1.02 )
For diluted loss per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all potential dilutive warrants, options and convertible loans over ordinary shares. Potential ordinary shares resulting from the exercise of warrants, options and the conversion of convertible loans have an anti-dilutive effect due to the Group being in a loss position. As a result, diluted loss per s