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PAM - Palabora Mining - Unaudited interim report and dividend announcement

Release Date: 01/08/2011 15:18
Code(s): PAM
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PAM - Palabora Mining - Unaudited interim report and dividend announcement for the six months ended 30 June 2011 Palabora Mining Company Limited and its Subsidiaries (a member of the Rio Tinto Group) (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration Number: 1956/002134/06) JSE Code: PAM ISIN: ZAE000005245 ("Group" or "Palabora" or "Company") UNAUDITED INTERIM REPORT AND DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENT for the six months ended 30 June 2011 COMMENTARY Group financial highlights Six months Six months ended ended For the period ended 30 June 30 June 2011 2010
Net profit for the period R`million 758 306 Basic earnings per share Cents 1 568 632 Earnings before interest, tax, R`million 1 429 668 depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) Headline earnings R`million 764 304 Headline earnings per share Cents 1 580 630 Dividend per share (declared) Cents 931 207 Overview The Managing Director, Anthony (Tony) Lennox said, "Palabora continued to deliver operational improvements that have led to a strong performance in the first half of the year with profit after tax of R758 million, 148% higher than R306 million for the comparative period in 2010 and exceeding full year 2010 profit after tax of R595 million on the back of firming product prices. We are confident these improvement initiatives will continue to deliver positive results on the prospects for the remainder of the year if copper and magnetite prices maintain current trends and levels. Exploratory and developmental works are ongoing on the Lift II project below the current Lift I footprint. The order of magnitude studies have been finalised and the Palabora Board has approved the project to proceed to the pre-feasibility stage. The approval highlights Palabora`s ability to develop and mine the additional copper and magnetite deposit which if approved will extend the life of the copper operations by up to 12 years from the end of the current Lift I operations. Palabora is positive that the additional studies will confirm our expectation of the ore reserve body to further extend the life of mine for the mutual benefit of all our stakeholders. To this end Tony said, "I am pleased to advise that Palabora now has a dedicated growth team led by Nick Fouche to spearhead growth projects including the magnetite expansion." Both winder drums were replaced in February and April and we anticipate increased hoisting rates of underground material. The various measures implemented from mid-2010 have seen improvement in the smelter performance and we anticipate further improvements after the shutdown in August to rebuild the reverb furnace. The Board declared an interim dividend of R9,31 per share. Safety The safety of all our employees and contractors remains a top priority throughout our operations. The progressive Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) improved to 0,20 from 0,34 for the same period in 2010. The importance of safety and safe work practices continues throughout the organisation by creating more awareness and implementation of the current safety programmes. Production Underground dry ore hoisted at 5,3 million tonnes at an average head grade of 0,66% is in line with the 5,5 million tonnes at an average head grade of 0,65% for the corresponding period in 2010. Production was impacted by the slowing down of hoisting rates in the first quarter pending the replacement of both winders, one each in February and April 2011. A steady increase in hoisting rates is expected for the remainder of the year. Business improvement initiatives are currently undertaking a winder optimisation project with recommendations for further improvement in hoisting rates anticipated towards the end of the year. Underground ore treated at 5,8 million tonnes was higher than both ore hoisted and the comparative period in 2010 of 5,6 million. Production was however impacted by a primary crusher failure during the first quarter and overruns in the scheduled girth gear replacement at the automills at the end of May and beginning of June. The overrun impact was mitigated through increased slag processing and suspension of toll milling to ensure throughput to the smelter. Normal operations together with commencement of toll milling were quickly restored through effective disaster recovery and maintenance planning to ensure uninterrupted copper supplies to our customers. Concentrate produced was 120kt at an average grade of 30,1% and in line with the corresponding period in 2010 at an average copper grade of 30,4%. New anode production increased 22% to 33kt compared to 27kt for the comparative period in 2010. The operational challenges experienced at the smelter in 2010 are being resolved through intervening measures implemented from mid 2010 with expected continued performance improvements after the August reverb furnace rebuild. Production was constrained by acid disposal challenges due to excess supply in the local market. Palabora continues to explore alternative markets in the SADC region. Improved throughput from the smelter resulted in refined copper increasing 23% to 32kt from 26kt for the corresponding period in 2010. The tankhouse operated an average of 14 sections compared to the 10 sections during the first half of 2010. Sales volume Whilst copper sales volumes at 34kt have remained in line with the comparative period in 2010, there has been a significant improvement in the sales mix with copper rod increasing 44% to 27.1kt compared to 18.8kt for the period ended 30 June 2010. Rod sales for 2010 included 4.9kt of imported rod to meet customer contractual commitments following operational challenges at the smelter and rod plant during the first half of 2010. The improvement in the copper sales mix towards rod reflects our continued commitment to the local rod market and the additional value this delivers to Palabora and its stakeholders. Lower margin rod imports were substituted by higher margin cathode imports of 6.7kt against 1.8kt for the period ended 30 June 2010. The rod casting plant benefitted from increased throughput from the smelter. The plant however suffered a taphole blockage which affected rod supply to the market in April. The causes of the blockage were investigated and findings and improvements are being finalised before implementation. Six months ended Six months ended
30 June 2011 (kt) 30 June 2010 (kt) % change Copper rod 27,1 18,8 44 Cathode 3,4 6,2 (45) Reverts 1,7 5,1 (67) Refined copper scrap 1,8 4,1 (56) Total copper 34,0 34,2 (1) Magnetite volumes were 24% higher at 1 693kt compared to 1 366kt for the period ended 30 June 2010 as a result of improved train availability to transport material to port. We continue to restrict production below the current operational capacity due to logistical constraints on wagon availability. Magnetite (kt) 1 693 1 366 24% Transnet has informed Palabora of the expected suspension and closure of the Brakspruit rail bridge for a period of three weeks from September as the existing bridge needs to be repaired. Palabora will consult with all relevant stakeholders including Transnet to ensure the continued supply of magnetite and vermiculite to our customers. Following these discussions, it is anticipated that Palabora will use road transport to facilitate the movement of magnetite and vermiculite to Gravelotte and Hoedspruit for onward railage to the ports of Maputo, Richards Bay and Durban. The unexpected disruption will impact on magnetite and vermiculite sales volumes as the use of the alternative transport centres of Gravelotte and Hoedspruit do not allow for similar transport volumes and capacity while additional maintenance activities on the rail network will also result in additional disruptions. The proposed arrangements are consistent with the disaster management plans undertaken by the Group during last year`s Brakspruit bridge incident. Palabora will endeavour to replicate and implement the successful Brakspruit disaster management plans to ensure minimum impact on the local communities while continuing to supply our customers given the constraints. Turnover Post hedge turnover increased by 38% to R4 billion from R2,9 billion for the comparative period in 2010 on the back of firming product prices and higher magnetite sales volumes. The LME copper price averaged USc/Ib 426, 31% up from USc/Ib 324 for the comparative period in 2010. Post hedge copper revenue increased by 19% to R1,7 billion on 34kt compared to R1,5 billion on 34.2kt for the previous period. Magnetite revenue increased by 68% to R2 billion on 1.7Mt compared to R1,2 billion on 1.4Mt realising average prices of R1 162 and R857 per ton for 2011 and 2010 respectively. Demand for magnetite in the Asian market especially China remains strong. Magnetite contribution to Group operating profitability was at 80% due to increasing prices and volumes over a fairly constant cost base due to the historical stock piles which do not carry any historical mining costs. Vermiculite revenue increased 26% to R234 million on 82kt compared to R186 million on 85kt for the six months to 30 June 2010. Sales volumes were impacted by inland and sea logistical constraints. Realised prices firmed to R2 862 from R2 177 per ton for the six months period ending 30 June 2011 and 2010 respectively. Cost of sales Cost of sales increased by 6% to R1,6 billion compared to R1,5 billion for the comparative period in 2010. Supplementary copper purchases were lower at R444 million on 6.7kt compared to R536 million on 9.7kt in 30 June 2010 following improved operational performance at the smelter. Selling and administration expenses Selling expenses increased by 25% to R900 million compared to R718 million mainly as a result of increased magnetite sales volumes of 1.7Mt against 1.4Mt in 2010 as well as higher railage costs. Administration expenses increased by 69% to R364 million mainly due to above inflation increase in salaries and power costs, the effects of the initial costs associated with the business improvement initiatives, costs associated with the programme designed to improve the operating image of Palabora across all stakeholders, costs associated with the outsourcing of the internal audit function and implementation of King III Code of Corporate Governance and cost overruns associated with the unexpected additional decontamination of land arising from the ZBS plant site. Net finance income Higher net finance income is associated with the weakening ZAR against the US$ on US$ net debt balances where the ZAR ended at R6,83/US$ compared to R6,64/US$ at the end of 2010. Working capital Anode and refined copper inventory has increased compared to 31 December 2010 due to both improved smelter and refinery performance and additional production ahead of the planned smelter August shut-down to rebuild the reverb furnace which will result in no anode production. The Company will continue to mine and treat ore during this period which will be smelted and refined once the reverb furnace is brought back on-line. Trade and other receivables increased by 37% to R1 184 million compared to R864 million at 31 December 2010 in line with growth in revenue. Cash and cash equivalents increased to R1,7 billion, up from R1,6 billion as at 31 December 2010. Cash flow from operating activities and capital expenditure Cash flow from operating activities before interest, dividends and tax increased by 206% to R948 million from R310 million in 2010 on the back of increased profitability associated with higher prices across all main products and higher magnetite volumes. Net cash generated for the six months ended 30 June 2011 is R239 million compared to cash utilised of R280 million for the comparative period in 2010. Net cash generated for the six-month period to 30 June 2011 increased by R18 million due to higher final 2010 dividend, provisional tax payment and higher sustaining capital expenditure over the same period in 2010. Sustaining capital expenditure increased to R129 million in the six months to June 2011 from R53 million in the comparative prior year from the scheduled replacement strategies of production assets as these reach the end of their economic life. Capital expenditure also includes R36 million relating to the acquisition of the nickel plant following the dissolution of the Nickel Plant joint venture with a third party, scheduled reverb smelter shut down costs of R16 million and R37 million relating to the replacement of the winder drums earlier in the year. Palabora has maintained a strong cash balance of R1,7 billion compared to R1,1 billion at 30 June 2010. Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment ("BBBEE") Palabora concluded a BBBEE transaction with its new Black Economic Empowerment ("BEE") partners on 10 June 2010. The agreements were lodged with the Department of Mineral Resources on 2 July 2010, for final approval. The BBBEE transaction was approved by Palabora`s shareholders on 15 October 2010 with 99 percent of the shareholders present voting in favour. The transaction is not yet effective as the suspensive conditions in terms of the agreement have not yet been met. Palabora is awaiting for approval of its application for conversion of old order mining rights to new order mining rights from the DMR. Palabora continues to engage with the DMR to ensure the implementation of the transaction. National Treasury has proposed in its latest Tax amendment bill the suspension of Section 45 of the Income Tax Act. This section would have resulted in the BBBEE transaction being effected in a tax neutral manner. Palabora has made representations on the impact of this suspension on the proposed BBBEE transaction to National Treasury and discussions are ongoing. Declaration of dividend An interim cash dividend of 931 cents per share has been declared. Payment in South African Rand will be made on Monday, 5 September 2011 to shareholders recorded in the register of Palabora Mining Company as at 2 September 2011. The last day to trade to qualify for the dividend will be Friday, 26 August 2011 and the shares will trade ex-dividend from Monday, 29 August 2011. Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday, 29 August 2011 and Friday, 2 September 2011, both days inclusive. This financial report does not reflect this dividend payable, which will be recognised in shareholders` equity as an appropriation of retained earnings for the year ended 31 December 2011. The final dividend relating to the 2010 financial year of R350 million was paid during the period. Corporate governance Mr Nhlanhla Hlubi was appointed as an independent non-executive director of the Company, with effect from 1 February 2011. Mr Hlubi is currently a director and Head of Compliance and Risk Management in the retail division at Alexander Forbes. He is an admitted Attorney with over 10 years` post admission experience in financial planning, legal, regulatory compliance and risk management. He has held numerous positions in the financial services industry as a Financial Consultant and Regional Legal Advisor. Mr Lindsay Kirsner resigned as non-executive director of the Board, with effect from 3 February 2011. Mr Kirsner has changed roles within Rio Tinto from Rio Tinto Copper to Business Development. With effect from 4 February 2011, Mr Craig Kinnell was appointed as non- executive director of the Company. Mr Kinnell is currently a Chief Marketing Officer within Rio Tinto Copper since July 2010 and has global responsibility for the marketing strategy, logistics, customer relationship management, product stewardship and sales of all copper products, molybdenum, precious metals, rhenium, nickel and all associated by-products at Kennecott Utah Copper, Northparkes, Oyu Tolgoi and Eagle Nickel mines. He also leads the development of marketing strategy for Copper projects and works closely with Operations and Rio Tinto`s Executive Committee. The Board would like to express its utmost gratitude and thanks to Mr M B Snyder, for his hard work and dedication to the Group. Mr M B Snyder was the interim acting Chief Financial Officer, while a comprehensive recruitment process was concluded. The Board welcomes Ms Dikeledi Nakene who has been appointed Chief Financial Officer from 18 April 2011. Mr M B Snyder will continue to work within the Rio Tinto Group. Ms Dikeledi Nakene was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Ex Officio Board member with effect from 18 April 2011. Ms Nakene joins the Company with board experience in finance, management and internal and external auditing. She is a chartered accountant - CA(SA) and certified internal auditor (CIA). She has held numerous senior positions including Executive General Manager, Audit Partner, Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as well as chairperson of the Audit Committee for Food and Beverage SETA. Ms Nakene holds a BCom Accounting cum laude (University of the North); BCompt Honours (University of South Africa); and a higher diploma in Taxation Law (Wits). In addition she is a member of several professional organisations including the Institute of Internal Auditors and South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. At 30 June 2011 the Palabora Board was constituted as follows: Directors Alternate directors 1. Clifford N Zungu (Chairman) 2. Anthony W Lennox (Managing Director)* 3. Dikeledi Nakene (Chief Financial Officer)* 4. Francine A du Plessis 5. Ray Abrahams 6. Nhlanhla A Hlubi 7. Willan J Abel 8. Jo-Anne S Yuen Coen H Louwarts# 9. Craig Kinnel+ *Executive Director Australian #Dutch +British Appreciation These good results are testimony to the diligence and hard work from the Board of Directors, management and staff. We remain grateful to our customers and the Phalaborwa community for their continuing support. CN Zungu AW Lennox DL Nakene Chairman Managing Director Chief Financial Officer 28 July 2011 GROUP SELECTED STATISTICS There have been no material changes to the information disclosed in the annual report in compliance with paragraph 8.63(m) of the JSE Listings Requirements for the year ended 31 December 2010. Six Six months months ended ended 30 June 30 June 2010
2011 Revenue Copper (net of hedge) R`million 1 725 1 454 Magnetite R`million 1 967 1 170 Other by-products R`million 86 102 Industrial minerals R`million 234 186 Net profit before tax R`million 1 104 439 Copper Dry ore hoisted millions 5,3 5,5 tonnes Average copper grade % Cu 0,66 0,65 Copper in concentrates kilo 36,0 36,4 produced tonnes Cathode produced kilo 32,1 25,8 tonnes Average copper price USc/lb 438,2 331,1 realised Average LME copper USc/lb 425,8 324,3 price for half year Average sales ZAR/US$ R/US$ 6,90 7,52 exchange rate Spot ZAR/US$ exchange R/US$ 6,83 7,64 rate Average copper price R/ton 66 516 54 919 realised (pre hedge) Average copper price R/ton 50 809 42 570 realised (post hedge) Vermiculite Vermiculite sold tonnes 81 874 85 249 Average vermiculite R/ton 2 862 2 177 prices realised Magnetite Magnetite sold tonnes 1 693 1 365 997 090 Average magnetite R/ton 1 162 857 price realised Anode slimes Anode slimes sold tonnes 95 43 Nickel sulphate Nickel sulphate sold tonnes 168 127 Average nickel R/ton 34 365 28 815 sulphate prices realised Sulphuric acid Sulphuric acid sold tonnes 53 241 20 243 Average sulphuric acid R/ton 98 97 prices realised Marginal ore concentrate purchased Volumes tonnes - 800 Cost R`million - 30 Unit purchased price - 37 705 Imported blister Volumes Tonnes - 2 149 Cost R`million - 119 Unit purchased price - 55 248 Imported cathode Volumes Tonnes 6 726 1 800 Cost R`million 444 96 Unit purchased price 65 980 53 353 Imported rod Volumes Tonnes - 4 913 Cost R`million - 289 Unit purchased price - 58 887 Cash flow Net cash from R`million 239 (280) operating activities Cash and cash R`million 1 708 1 091 equivalents as at 30 June Costs Production cost R`million 1 131 1 040 (excluding concentrate purchases) Cost of sales R`million 1 603 1 504 Capital expenditure and commitments Capital expenditure R`million 218 53 Contracts placed at R`million 138 74 end of period Investments Fair value of unlisted R`million 410 368 investments Share capital Authorised ordinary R`000 100 000 100 000 shares of R1 each Issued ordinary shares 000 48 337 48 337 of R1 each Net asset value per R/share 61 46 share CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT Six months Six months
ended ended 30 June 30 June 2011 2010 Note R`m R`m
Sale of products 4 543 3 332 Hedge loss realised (531) (420) Revenue 4 012 2 912 Cost of sales (1 603) (1 504) Gross profit 2 409 1 408 Selling and distribution costs (900) (718) Administration expenses (364) (216) Other operating costs (50) (55) Other income 17 16 Exploration costs 4 (40) - Other expenses (7) (2) Profit before net finance cost 5 1 065 433 and tax Net finance income 6 39 6 Finance cost (31) (30) Finance income 70 36 Profit before tax 1 104 439 Income tax expense 7 (346) (133) Profit for the half year 758 306 Profit attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 758 306 Earnings per share attributable to the equity holdersof the parent (expressed in cents per share) - Basic and diluted earnings per 8 1 568 632 share (cents) - Headline earnings per share 9 1 580 630 (cents) The notes are an integral part of these condensed Group results. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Six months Six months
ended ended 30 June 30 June 2011 2010 R`m R`m
Profit for the half year 758 306 Other comprehensive income/(loss): Available-for-sale investments - Valuation gains arising during the half year 7 4 Exchange differences on translation of foreign 6 - operations Cash flow hedges: - Mark to market (loss)/gain arising during the (77) 342 half year - Transferred to profit for the half year 531 420 - Hedge ineffectiveness 2 2 Income tax relating to components of other (131) (216) comprehensive income Other comprehensive income for the half year, 338 552 net of tax Total comprehensive income for the half year 1 096 858 Total comprehensive income attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 1 096 858 The notes are an integral part of these interim condensed Group results. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at As at 30 June 31 Dec 2011 2010 Note R`m R`m
Assets Non-current assets 4 002 4 281 Property, plant and equipment 2 712 2 877 Intangible assets 7 8 Other financial assets 410 398 Deferred income tax assets 10 873 998 Current assets 3 927 3 298 Stores 107 113 Product inventories 928 680 Trade and other receivables 1 184 864 Cash and cash equivalents 1 708 1 641 Total assets 7 929 7 579 Equity Equity attributable to owners of the parent Share capital and premium 629 629 Other reserves (1 463) (1 801) Retained earnings 3 798 3 390 Total equity 2 964 2 218 Liabilities Non-current liabilities 2 971 3 385 Other financial liabilities 11 1 296 1 672 Close down and restoration obligation 612 617 Retirement benefits obligation 172 168 Deferred income tax liabilities 10 891 928 Current liabilities 1 994 1 976 Other financial liabilities 11 960 1 049 Close-down and restoration obligation 2 - Retirement benefits obligation 8 8 Borrowings 12 99 98 Trade and other payables 619 573 Related party payables 246 203 Current income tax liabilities 60 45 Total liabilities 4 965 5 361 Total equity and liabilities 7 929 7 579 The notes are an integral part of these interim condensed Group results. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY Attributable to owners of parent Share Share Other Retained capital premium reserves earnings Total
R`m R`m R`m R`m R`m Balance at 1 January 2010 48 581 (2 151) 3 201 1 679 Total comprehensive - - 350 589 939 income for the year Dividends paid - - - (400) (400) Balance at 31 December 48 581 (1 801) 3 390 2 218 2010 Total comprehensive - - 338 758 1 096 income for the half year Dividends paid - - - (350) (350) Balance at 30 June 2011 48 581 (1 463) 3 798 2 964 The notes are an integral part of these interim condensed Group results. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Six months Six months ended ended 30 June 30 June
2011 2010 R`m R`m Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operating activities 948 310 Interest paid (4) (3) Interest received 19 14 Dividends paid (350) (300) Income tax paid (374) (301) Net cash generated/(utilised in) from operating 239 (280) activities Cash utilised in investing activities Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (218) (53) Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and - 3 equipment Investment in available-for-sale financial asset (5) (3) Dividend income 2 2 Net cash used in investing activities (221) (51) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash 18 (331) equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the 1 641 1 395 year Effects of exchange rate changes on the balance 49 27 of cash held in foreign currencies Cash and cash equivalents at end of half period 1 708 1 091 The notes are an integral part of these interim condensed Group results. NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONDENSED GROUP RESULTS 1. CORPORATE INFORMATION Palabora extracts and beneficiates copper, magnetite and vermiculite from its mines in the Limpopo Province. It is the primary aim of the Group, a member of the worldwide Rio Tinto Group, to achieve excellence in all aspects of its activities and to develop the Group`s resources and assets in a socially and environmentally responsible way for the maximum benefit of its shareholders, employees, customers and the community in which it operates. It is the Group`s firm belief that efficient and profitable operations go hand in hand with high-quality products and comprehensive and effective safety, health and environmental protection programmes. The Group is incorporated and domiciled in South Africa and is listed on the JSE Limited ("JSE"). The address of its registered office is 1 Copper Road, Phalaborwa, 1389. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Palabora for the half year ended 30 June 2011 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors passed on 28 July 2011. 2. BASIS OF PREPARATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES 2.1 Basis of preparation The condensed consolidated interim financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2011 has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 34, Interim Reporting, as well as Schedule 4 of the South African Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008, IFRS and the AC 500 standards as issued by the Accounting Practices Board and the disclosure requirements of the JSE`s Listing Requirements. The interim financial report does not include all the information and disclosure requirements in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Group`s annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2010. 2.2 Significant accounting policies The condensed consolidated interim financial report has been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention except for certain financial instruments, which are stated at fair value, and is presented in Rand, which is Palabora`s functional and presentation currency. Except as described below, the accounting policies applied in the preparation of the interim condensed consolidated Group results are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group`s annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2010. The following new standards and amendments to standards are mandatory for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 January 2011: - IFRS 1 (Amendment): First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards - Limited Exemptions from Comparative IFRS 7 Disclosures for First-time Adopters (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010) - The additional amendment relieves first-time adopters of IFRS from presenting comparative information for new three level classification disclosures required by March 2009 amendments to IFRS 7 `Financial Instruments: Disclosures`. The amendment is not applicable to the Group; - IAS 24 (Revised): Related Party Disclosures (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011) - The revision simplifies the disclosure requirements for government-related entities and clarifies the definition of related parties. The amendment may require additional disclosure at year end; - IAS 32 (Amendment): Financial Instruments: Presentation (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 February 2010) - Accounting for rights issues (including rights, options and warrants) that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the issuer; - IFRIC 13: Customer loyalty programmes (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011) - The meaning of the term `fair value` is clarified in the context of measuring award credits under customer loyalty programmes. The amendment is not applicable to the Group; - IFRIC 14 (Amendment): The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction- Prepayment of minimum funding requirements (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011) - This amendment applies in the limited circumstances when an entity is subject to minimum funding requirements and makes an early payment of contributions to cover those requirements. The amendment permits such an entity to treat the benefit of such an early payment as an asset. The amendment does not have an impact on the Group pension scheme; - IFRIC 19: Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010) - This interpretation provides guidance on how to account for the extinguishment of a financial liability by the issue of equity instruments. The amendment is not currently applicable; and - Improvements to IFRS 2010 - (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010 or 1 January 2011) - A collection of amendments to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). These amendments are the result of conclusions the Board reached on proposals made in its annual improvements project. 3. PRESENTATION CHANGE 3.1 Operating segments The magnetite joint product cost and overhead allocation methods have been restated to align these with the manner the segments are monitored and reported by management. The revised allocation method implemented and presented in the Groups`s annual financial statements for the year ended 31 Decemeber 2010 reports operating results in a manner that is consistent with the operating and production profile of each segment. Costs allocated to the magnetite joint product relate to those costs incurred to mine the magnetite material from the underground operations and processed through the concentrator (new arisings material). No mining or concentrator costs are allocated to the historic magnetite stockpiles. The change resulted in a restatement of previously reported operating segment profits. Joint- By- product: products: Industrial
Copper Magnetite Other minerals Total Period ended 30 June R`m R`m R`m R`m R`m 2010 Reportable segment 20 309 92 - 421 operating profit - as reported previously Change in overhead 20 (23) (7) 10 - allocation Change in joint- 75 (75) - - - product allocation Change in 27 (27) - - - depreciation allocation Reportable segment 142 184 85 10 421 operating profit - as reported currently 4. EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT COST Six months ended Six months ended 30 June 2011 30 June 2010 R`m R`m
Lift II Development Cost (40) - Lift II development costs relate to pre-feasibility drilling and development of a copper mineralisation area under the current footprint. 5. PROFIT BEFORE TAX AND NET FINANCE COST Six months ended Six months ended 30 June 2011 30 June 2010 R`m R`m Profit before tax and net finance cost is stated after charging, amongst other items: Depreciation on property, plant and (363) (234) equipment Amortisation on intangible assets (1) (1) Employee benefit expense (496) (406) 6. NET FINANCE)/INCOME Six months ended Six months ended
30 June 2011 30 June 2010 R`m R`m Finance cost (31) (30) Interest expense on borrowings (4) (3) Unwinding of discount on close-down (22) (19) and restoration costs Net foreign exchange loss on (5) (8) operating activities Finance income 70 36 Interest income on short-term bank 16 12 deposits Interest income on available-for- 3 2 sale financial asset Net foreign exchange gain on 51 22 financing activities Net finance income 39 6 7.INCOME TAX EXPENSE The major components of income tax expense are: Six months ended Six months ended 30 June 2011 30 June 2010
R`m R`m Normal income tax (354) (172) South African - Mining tax: current (336) (166) - Mining tax: prior year - 1 - Non-mining tax: current - (1) Foreign - Current (18) (6) Secondary tax on companies (35) (29) Deferred income tax South African - Current 43 68 Income tax expense reported in the (346) (133) income statement The tax rate reconciliation is as follows: % % Current standard rate 28,0 28,0 Adjusted for: - Actual state share and state - 0,6 share deduction on mining tax - Dividend income (1,7) (0,1) - Disallowable expenditure - 0,5 - Tax rate differential of foreign 1,9 - subsidiaries - Secondary tax on companies 3,1 7,0 - Prior year provision - (1,8) - Other - (3,9) Effective tax rate 31,3 30,3 8. EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic and diluted Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. There are no potential or actual dilutive effects on the Group`s share capital. Six months ended Six months ended
30 June 2011 30 June 2010 R`m R`m Reconciliation of net profit for earnings per share Net profit attributable to equity 758 306 holders of parent Reconciliation of weighted average number of ordinary shares Weighted average number of ordinary 48 48 shares of basic and diluted earnings per share Earnings per share (cents) 1 568 632 9. HEADLINE EARNINGS Profit before Tax Profit after tax expense tax R`m R`m R`m
Six months ended 30 June 2011 Profit per income statement 1 104 (346) 758 Loss on disposal of property, 6 - 6 plant and equipment Headline profit 1 110 (346) 764 Six months ended 30 June 2010 Profit per income statement 439 (133) 306 Profit on disposal of property, (2) - (2) plant and equipment Headline profit 437 (133) 304 Six months ended Six months ended 30 June 2011 30 June 2010
R`m R`m Headline earnings per share (cents) 1 580 630 10. DEFERRED INCOME TAX Six months ended Year ended
30 June 2011 31 December 2010 R`m R`m At beginning of period 70 130 Tax charged to income statement 43 82 Tax charged to statement of other (131) (142) comprehensive income At end of period (18) 70 Deferred tax assets arising from: Provisions 241 237 Derivative financial instruments 632 761 Other - - 873 998
Deferred tax liabilities arising from: Accelerated capital allowances (762) (808) Available-for-sale investment (115) (111) Other (14) (9) (891) (928) Net deferred tax (18) 70 (liabilities)/assets Comprising: Deferred income tax asset 873 998 Deferred income tax liabilities (891) (928) (18) 70
11. OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES Derivative financial instruments - Cash flow hedges At 30 June 2011, the Group held a commodity swap contract designated as a hedge of expected future sales to local customers under which the Group receives a fixed price in Rand in relation to a monthly notional quantity of copper sales as detailed below and pays a floating price based on the arithmetic average (mean) of the US$ LME Cash Settlement Price, converted to Rand at the average SA Rand/US dollar exchange rate for the calculation period. The cash flows paid under the terms of the hedging instrument are designed to reduce variability in the Rand proceeds of the copper sales as set out in the table below. As at 30 June 2011 the cash flow hedges of the expected future sales were assessed to be highly effective and the ineffective portion of R2 million was recognised directly in the statement of other comprehensive income. Table of terms: 30 June 2011 Average
hedged Hedged Derivative Maturity Quantity price value liability Year tonnes ZAR/t R`m R`m 2011 10 913 15 739 172 596 2012 21 137 15 739 333 990 2013 16 330 15 739 257 670 48 380 762 2 256 Unamortised - component of non- observable inception gain Total of derivative 2 256 financial instrument Non-current Derivative financial 1 296 instrument Total non-current 1 296 portion Current Derivative financial 960 instrument Total current 960 portion Total of derivative 2 256 financial instrument Table of terms: 31 December 2010 Average hedged Hedged Derivative Maturity Quantity price value liability Year tonnes ZAR/t R`m R`m 2011 21 825 15 739 344 1 038 2012 21 137 15 739 333 969 2013 16 330 15 739 257 703 59 292 934 2 710
Unamortised 11 component of non- observable inception gain Total of derivative 2 721 financial instrument Non-current Derivative financial 1 672 instrument Total non-current 1 672 portion Current Derivative financial 1 038 instrument Unamortised 11 component of non- observable inception gain Total current 1 049 portion Total of derivative 2 721 financial instrument 12. BORROWINGS Effective Six months ended Year ended interest rate 30 June 2011 31 December 2010 Description of Currency % R`m R`m loan Revolving credit ZAR Jibar+2 48 48 facility - Tranche A Revolving credit USD Libor+2 51 50 facility - Tranche B Total borrowings 99 98 The revolving credit facility (RCF) consists of a tranche A of 47,5 million Rand, and a tranche B of 7,5 million US dollars. Each revolving facility loan is repayable on the last day of its interest period (quarterly). 13. DIVIDENDS PAID The following dividends were declared and paid: Six months ended Year ended 30 June 2011 31 December 2010
R`m R`m Previous year final dividend: 724 cents per qualifying ordinary 350 300 share (2010: 620 cents) Interim dividend: 207 cents per qualifying ordinary - 100 share 350 400
After the respective reporting dates the following dividends were proposed by the directors. The dividend declared is recognised in the period it is paid. Dividends declared: 931 cents per qualifying ordinary 450 350 share (2010: 724 cents) Secondary tax on companies due on 45 35 closing date of dividend cycle 14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Six months ended Year ended
30 June 2011 31 December 2010 R`m R`m The following transactions were carried out with related parties: Recovery of travel and staff costs 2 1 Purchases of goods and services 318 316 Key management compensation 5 8 (executive directors) 15. OPERATING SEGMENTS Management has determined the operating segments based on the reports reviewed by the strategic steering committee that are used to make strategic decisions. The committee considers the business from a product perspective. The products are divided in the following segments: Copper - Produces and markets refined copper; Joint-product: Magnetite - markets processed current arisings and built-up stockpiles of magnetite, a joint-product from the copper mining process; By-products: Includes anode slimes, sulphuric acid and nickel sulphate; and Industrial minerals - Produces and markets vermiculite. Reportable segments are as follows: Joint- By-
product: products: Industrial Copper Magnetite Other minerals Total R`m R`m R`m R`m R`m Period ended 30 June 2011 External customers revenue Sales from products 2 256 1 967 86 234 4 543 Hedge loss realised (531) - - - (531) Reportable segment 1 725 1 967 86 234 4 012 revenue Reportable segment 414 943 38 42 1 437 operating profit before depreciationand amortisation Depreciation (251) (52) (7) (7) (317) Reportable segment 163 891 31 35 1 120 operating profit Period ended 30 June 2010 External customers revenue Sales from products 1 874 1 170 102 186 3 332 Hedge loss realised (420) - - - (420) Reportable segment 1 454 1 170 102 186 2 912 revenue Reportable segment 329 211 88 15 643 operating profit before depreciation and amortisation Depreciation (187) (27) (3) (5) (222) Reportable segment 142 184 85 10 421 operating profit Reconciliation of reportable segment operating profit to profit after tax: Six months ended Six months ended
30 June 2011 30 June 2010 R`m R`m Reportable segment operating profit 1 120 421 Unallocated amounts: - Other (8) 25 - Depreciation and amortisation of (47) (13) tangible and intangible assets - Net finance income cost 39 6 Profit from operations before tax 1 104 439 Income tax expense (346) (133) Profit after tax 758 306 16. COMMITMENTS Commitments contracted for at the balance sheet date were R138 million (31 December 2010: R119 million). Capital expenditure that was approved by the Board, but not contracted for at 30 June 2011 amounts to R220 million (31 December 2010: R245 million). 17. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Legal matters Various legal matters, including labour cases before the CCMA, are in progress. The potential exposure is approximately R1 million. Land claims Presently four land claims have been filed regarding the government-owned property that Palabora uses for its mining operations. The four tribes have joined together and are represented by one legal advisor. Clarifications of the claims and Palabora`s defences are being pursued through legal channels. The legal exposure is uncertain. 18. EVENTS AFTER REPORTING DATE Dividend declaration The Board resolved to declare a dividend of 931c per share at a meeting held on 28 July 2011. This financial report does not reflect this dividend payable, which will be recognised in shareholders` equity as an appropriation of retained earnings in the year ending 31 December 2011. Company secretary: KN Mathole Transfer Secretaries: Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107 Registered Office: 1 Copper Road, Phalaborwa, 1389 PO Box 65, Phalaborwa, 1390 The full report is available on our website at: www.palabora.com Date: 01/08/2011 15:18:01 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited (`JSE`). The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information published on SENS. The JSE, their officers, employees and agents accept no liability for (or in respect of) any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind or nature, howsoever arising, from the use of SENS or the use of, or reliance on, information disseminated through SENS.

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