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EXX - Exxaro Resources Limited - Audited group financial results and unaudited

Release Date: 23/02/2012 07:11
Code(s): EXX
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EXX - Exxaro Resources Limited - Audited group financial results and unaudited physical information for the year ended 31 December 2011 EXXARO RESOURCES LIMITED Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa (Registration Number: 2000/011076/06) JSE share code: EXX ISIN code: ZAE000084992 ADR code: EXXAY ("Exxaro") NEWS RELEASE AUDITED GROUP FINANCIAL RESULTS AND UNAUDITED PHYSICAL INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011 HIGHLIGHTS * Lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) down 20% to 0,20 * MPower scheme testimony to meaningful employee empowerment, distributing over R1 billion to 9 694 beneficiaries * Revenue increased by 24% to R21,3 billion * Net operating profit up 53% to R4 billion, excluding the impact of impairment reversals and charges * Headline earnings per share up 40% to 2 098 cents per share * Final dividend of 500 cents per share; total dividend of 800 cents per share for 2011 LOWLIGHTS * Regrettably, three fatalities * Cessation of zinc production at the Zincor refinery COMPARABILITY OF RESULTS Comments are based on a comparison of the group`s audited financial results and unaudited physical information for the years ended 31 December 2011 and 2010 respectively. These results are not comparable due to the R869 million partial impairment reversal of the carrying value of property, plant and equipment at KZN Sands, which was initially accounted for in the year ended 31 December 2009, and a R516 million impairment of the carrying value of property, plant and equipment at the Zincor refinery. After fulfilment of all suspensive conditions, the Glen Douglas dolomite mine was sold to Afrimat Limited effective 1 January 2011. The investment was therefore effectively only accounted for one day in the year ended 31 December 2011. Diversified South African-based resources group Exxaro Resources Limited (Exxaro) today reported group consolidated revenue of R21,3 billion for the year ended 31 December 2011, a 24% increase when compared with the same period in 2010. REVENUE Sipho Nkosi, Exxaro`s chief executive officer, attributed the increased revenue mainly to higher selling prices across the group`s commodities, despite lower coal sales and the adverse impact of a strong local and Australian currency. "Coal revenue was 21% higher mainly due to higher export sales at higher prices despite the lower volumes at the mines captive to Eskom, combined with lower other domestic sales volumes," said Nkosi. "Revenue from the mineral sands business increased by 42% to R6,6 billion with lower sales volumes at higher prices. "Base metals revenue increased marginally by 3% as a 1% higher average realised zinc price of USD2 191 per tonne partially offset the lower zinc metal sales volumes," he added. NET OPERATING PROFIT Group consolidated net operating profit was R1,4 billion or 53% higher at R4 billion after exclusion of the R869 million partial reversal of the impairment of the carrying value of property, plant and equipment at KZN Sands accounted for in 2009, as well as the R516 million impairment of the carrying value of property, plant and equipment at the Zincor refinery. Coal The coal business reported a 24% increase in net operating profit to R3,4 billion at an operating margin of 26% as higher selling prices and stronger international demand were only partially negated by lower local demand. The weaker domestic performance was partially as a result of lower demand from ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited (AMSA Limited) as well as lower sales volumes from the operations tied to Eskom. Despite the lower sales volumes from the mines tied to Eskom, these operations recorded a 66% increase in net operating profit to R309 million, resulting from a revised manner by which the group applies the discount rates on the calculation and recovery of rehabilitation costs contributing R132 million to this number. The net impact of the revised calculation results in additional rehabilitation costs recovered from Eskom. Mineral Sands The higher revenue recorded translated into a higher consolidated net operating profit of R1,7 billion even after excluding the partial impairment reversal of property, plant and equipment at KZN Sands of R869 million and non-recurring profit recognised on the Tronox buy back transaction amounting to R107 million. Sales volumes at Namakwa Sands and Australia Sands increased on the back of higher demand. KZN Sands` sales were lower due to furnace unavailability (Furnace 1 down for four months in 2011 and Furnace 2 down for eight months in 2011). The stronger AUD against the USD has been partially mitigated by the hedging of USD receivables of the Australian operation, with realised foreign exchange gains of R90 million in 2011. Base Metals Despite the marginally higher revenue recorded, a net operating loss of R629 million, excluding the impairment of carrying amount of property, plant and equipment at the Zincor refinery, was reported mainly due to the previously announced decision to cease zinc production resulting in an under recovery of fixed expenses. The impact of continued higher than inflation increases in electricity and maintenance expenses also continued to contribute negatively to the base metals results. Rosh Pinah`s operating results were also lower based on lower zinc concentrate production and sales. Other Net expenditure increased, primarily from non-recurring costs associated with the implementation of Exxaro`s new operating model and associated technology enablement as well as other project related costs. . EARNINGS Attributable earnings, inclusive of Exxaro`s equity accounted investment in associates, amounted to R7,7 billion or 2 199 cents per share, up 47% from 2010`s 1 501 cents per share. Equity accounted investments in the post-tax profits of associates consists of Exxaro`s 19,98% interest in Sishen Iron Ore Company (Pty) Limited (SIOC) of R4,5 billion, 26% in Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Limited (Black Mountain) of R210 million and 22% in the Chifeng zinc refinery of R2 million. Headline earnings which exclude, inter alia, the impact of the impairment and partial impairment reversal, were R7,3 billion or 2 098 cents per share. This represents a 41% increase on the comparable 2010 earnings of R5,2 billion or 1 495 cents per share. CASH FLOW Cash retained from operations was R6,5 billion for the group. This was primarily used to fund net financing charges of R94 million, taxation payments of R502 million, dividend payments of R2,1 billion, and capital expenditure of R4,9 billion of which R3,3 billion was invested in new capacity and R1,6 billion applied to sustaining and environmental capital. A total of R3,07 billion of the expansion capacity expenditure was for the Grootegeluk Mine Expansion Project (GMEP) for the Medupi power station. After the receipt of R3,5 billion in dividends, primarily from SIOC, the group had a net cash inflow of R2,5 billion for the year. The final dividend for 2011 will amount to a further cash outflow of approximately R1 771 million offset by the dividend inflow from SIOC of approximately R1 958 million. Net debt of R2,2 billion at 31 December 2010 has inverted to a net cash position of R263 million at 31 December 2011. SAFETY & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Regrettably three fatalities were suffered during the first seven months of 2011. The group continues to pursue its commitment to a zero injury and fatality environment. In 2012, Exxaro will implement further initiatives to enhance the current safety and risk assessment and control effectiveness drive. The average LTIFR per 200 000 man-hours worked improved to 0,20 from 0,25 in 2010, reflecting a 20% improvement year on year and below the group`s target at 0,21. The 2011 HIV/AIDS programme target for testing was 75%. This target was exceeded when 86% of employees, including contractors, underwent voluntary testing. The HIV prevalence rate is estimated at 12% of permanent employees (12,8% including contractors) as compared to the industry average of 25%. Exxaro has trained 153 community peer educators around six of the Mpumalanga business units as part of the HIV community awareness programme. The training will be extended to business units in the Waterberg region in 2012. In addition to the 16 Integrated Water Use Licences (IWULs) already granted in terms of National Water Act, No 36 of 1998, two further IWULs were approved and five Environmental Authorisations were granted in terms of the National Environmental Act, No107 of 1998 in 2011. All 16 Exxaro operated business units have retained their ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification in 2011. CREATING WEALTH FOR EMPLOYEES THROUGH MEANINGFUL EMPOWERMENT When Exxaro was created in November 2006 following the unbundling of Kumba Resources, an employee share scheme, MPower, was created as part of the group`s commitment to broad based ownership. Only employees up to lower management level qualified to be beneficiaries of the scheme as middle and senior management participate in management share incentives schemes. MPower held approximately 3% of Exxaro`s issued shares with each of the 9 694 beneficiaries` assigned units notionally linked to the shares held by the scheme. Shares held by MPower were sold in the last quarter of 2011, generating over R1 billion for distribution among the beneficiaries. The distribution varied dependant on number of units assigned; in turn based on individual length of MPower membership. Each beneficiary that participated for the full five years of the scheme received a pre-tax distribution of R135 102. In addition to this distribution, MPower has already paid a total of R81,5 million in dividends to participants. CONVERSION OF MINING RIGHTS All of Exxaro`s old order mining licenses have been converted to mining rights. The converted mining rights for Grootegeluk and Gravelotte have been executed in the second half of 2011. The Department of Mineral Rights has confirmed the granting of converted mining rights for Tshikondeni, Matla, Strathrae, Arnot and Glisa. These rights still need to be scheduled for execution by the Department of Mineral Rights. Exxaro is continuously in consultation with the different regional offices of the Department of Mineral Rights to expedite the execution process. OUTLOOK FOR 2012 "Greater emphasis will be placed to create and maintain a safe, healthy and environmentally friendly working environment," said Nkosi. The group`s consolidated results for 2012 will continue to be impacted by the trading levels of the local currency and the AUD against the USD. At 31 December 2011 Exxaro had USD 200 million of hedging in place at an average exchange rate of R7,56 for the local operations as well as USD17 million at an average rate of USD0.97 to the AUD for the Australian operation. "The coal business will continue to focus on optimising and growing its market position in the supply of coal to Eskom as well as the domestic and export markets. Exxaro continues to seek alternatives to export increased coal volumes. Coal export prices are expected to decrease in 2012. Continued good performance is expected from TFR and stable Eskom demand is expected in 2012, which will be partially offset by a decrease in export prices and lower coking coal prices. "Mineral sands` short to medium term focus remains the granting of relevant regulatory approvals for the construction of Fairbreeze, as well as the finalisation of the New Tronox transaction," said Nkosi. "Base metals` finalisation of the sale of Rosh Pinah to a subsidiary of Glencore International AG is expected in the second quarter of 2012, whilst the future application of the Zincor plant is still under investigation," he added. The financial information on which the outlook statement is based has not been reviewed nor reported on by the group`s auditors. CHANGES TO THE BOARD Ms N Langeni resigned as non-executive director effective 18 January 2012. The board expressed its sincere appreciation for her contribution during her term of office. As a result of the resignation, Ms S Dakile-Hlongwane was appointed as non-executive director of the board on 21 February 2012, as the Basadi Ba Kopane Investments (Pty) Limited nominated representative. Maria Susanna (Marie) Viljoen, Company Secretary of first, Kumba Resources Limited, and then Exxaro since 1 August 2001, retired with effect 30 June 2011. The board expressed its sincere appreciation for her service during her term of office. The board of directors appointed Catharina Helena (Carina) Wessels as Group Company Secretary with effect 1 July 2011. Carina holds LLB and LLM degrees, is an admitted advocate of the High Court of South Africa, and is a Fellow and Senior Vice- President of the Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa. FINAL DIVIDEND The board of directors has declared a final cash dividend number 18 of 500 cents per share in respect of the 2011 final dividend. The dividend has been declared in South African currency and is payable to shareholders recorded in the register of the company at close of business on Friday, 30 March 2012. In compliance with the requirements of Strate, the electronic and custody system used by the JSE, the following dates are applicable: Last date to trade cum dividend Friday, 23 March 2012 Shares trade ex dividend Monday, 26 March 2012 Record date Friday, 30 March 2012 Payment date Monday, 02 April 2012 Ends * View or download the full results announcement on www.exxaro.com * See Addendum 1 for Operational highlights; Addendum 2 for Capital expenditure and project pipeline Editor`s Note:Exxaro is one of the largest South African-based diversified resources groups, with interests in the coal, mineral sands, base metals and iron ore commodities. www.exxaro.com Enquiries: Wim de Klerk Finance director Tel: + 27 12 307 4848 Mobile: +27 82 652 5145 Email: wim.deklerk@exxaro.com ADDENDUM 1: OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS Coal Production Power station coal production at the Eskom tied operations was 24% lower due to previously reported adverse geological conditions, the closure of the Mooifontein open cast operation at the Arnot mine in March 2011 as well as the flooding in Mine 2 at Matla in February and June respectively. Production volumes at the commercial mines remained relatively in line with the previous year. Coking coal production declined by 11% because of lower demand from AMSA Limited, partially offset by higher production at Tshikondeni due to the higher contribution from the mini-pits initiated in April 2011. Steam coal production was 2% lower due to lower production at the NBC and NCC mines. The open pit operation at NCC reached the end of its economic life in the first quarter of 2011. This, together with challenging underground conditions, resulted in lower production than in 2010. NBC experienced a combination of challenging geological and equipment problems which led to lower production. Higher production was, however, recorded at Leeuwpan as a result of improved feed tempo to the dense medium separation plant and at Inyanda due to higher plant availability and demand. The Char plant production was 25% higher due to improved availability and higher feed rate per hour. Sales Sales of power station coal tonnes to Eskom were 11% lower as a result of lower production at Matla and Arnot. This was partially offset by higher sales recorded at Leeuwpan. Domestic non-Eskom sales decreased by 9% mainly due to production challenges at NBC. Export sales tonnes were 19% higher than in 2010, mainly as a result of increased performance by Transnet Freight Rail (TFR). Mineral Sands Production The consolidated mineral sands business reported an increase in production of most of its products. Lower heavy minerals concentrate production, as the KZN Sands Hillendale mine nears its end of life resulting in lower grades was offset by higher production in Australia as well as at Namakwa Sands from increased side feed. Titanium slag production was also lower at KZN Sands as Furnace 1 and 2 were down for four and eight months respectively. Zircon production reflects a volume increase at Namakwa Sands from better head grades. Lower production in Australia due to lower mineral grades was offset by improved recovery. Rutile production was 6% higher as increased production at Namakwa Sands from improved recovery and higher mineral assemblage was only partially offset by lower production in Australia. Synthetic rutile production in Australia was 22% higher in 2011 due to the 2010 plant shut which limited production in 2010. Record pigment production was achieved in 2011 as a result of a 28% improvement in performance from the existing plant, complemented by production volume from the pigment plant expansion commissioned in the previous year. Sales The welcomed increase in mineral sands product prices, coupled with higher demand resulted in increased sales volumes at Namakwa Sands and Australia Sands, offset by lower volumes at KZN Sands due to furnace downtime. Base Metals On 27 July 2011 it was announced that Exxaro was planning to cease zinc production at the Zincor refinery. Following the necessary consultations, Zincor ceased zinc production on 12 December 2011. Production Production of zinc metal at the Zincor refinery of 73kt was 17kt lower than in 2010. Zinc concentrate and lead production at Rosh Pinah were 12kt and 3kt lower than in 2010, respectively. Zinc production grades were however 2% higher due to recovery improvements on the floatation plant. Sales Zinc metal sales at Zincor were 4% lower mainly due to lower production as a result of the planned ramp-down. ADDENDUM 2: CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND PROJECT PIPELINE Exxaro`s growth initiatives are focused on diversifying the business further with carbon, reductants, ferrous and energy projects aligned with the group`s approved commodity strategy. Coal Construction on GMEP, to supply Eskom with 14,6Mtpa of coal for the Medupi power station, continues to progress to deliver first coal in May 2012 and is expected to be completed within budget. Overall project progress has increased to 72% completion. The total project spend to date is R4,4 billion with total capital expenditure for the project still forecast at R9,5 billion. Total funds committed to date amount to approximately R6,5 billion. The Thabametsi development project, as a supplier of coal to a base load Independent Power Producer (IPP), is expected to reach first coal production by 2016/17, dependant on the Waterberg IPP and water supply development schedule. Exxaro continues to engage with the relevant stakeholders for the conclusion of implementation plans for an integrated infrastructure for the Waterberg coalfields which will include the supply of water, rail, road and housing requirements. Exxaro entered into a prospecting joint venture agreement with Sasol Mining to investigate the commercial viability of the development of a new coal mine in the Waterberg to also supply Sasol`s potential new 80,000 barrels per day inland coal to liquids facility (Project Mafutha). The detailed pre-feasibility study for Project Mafutha has now been completed. Based on the findings of the pre- feasibility study, global environmental risks, and in the absence of a commercially viable carbon emission solution which is realistically not anticipated before 2020, the decision has been taken to not proceed with Project Mafutha at this stage. Studies regarding the evaluation of the Phase 2 expansion of the Sintel Char plant to produce an additional 140Ktpa of char and the production of market coke from semi-soft coking coal at Grootegeluk continue to progress. The studies are still expected to be completed in the second half of 2012. Exxaro`s application for a mining right for the Belfast project has been accepted by the Department of Mineral Resources. The bankable feasibility study is expected to be completed by the second half of 2012. Specialist studies, as required by the National Environmental and National Water Acts, were submitted to the relevant authorities in the fourth quarter of 2011. Start-up and first production is expected to be 2014. A concept study completed on the Moranbah South project indicated high potential for a dual long wall mine to produce between 10 and 12 Mtpa of premium quality hard coking coal. The pre-feasibility study commenced in 2011 and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2012. Mineral Sands On 26 September 2011, Exxaro and Tronox announced that New Tronox will acquire Exxaro`s mineral sands operations, which include Exxaro`s 50 percent interest in the Tiwest Joint Venture with Tronox in Western Australia, along with 74 percent of Exxaro`s KZN Sands and 74 percent of Namakwa Sands operations in South Africa, in exchange for approximately a 38,5 percent shareholding in New Tronox. The long term partnership is expected to enhance production capabilities and implement technical efficiencies in the integrated process, creating a truly global, vertically integrated titanium dioxide pigment producer. This is expected to result in a strong platform for future growth uniquely positioned to capitalise on favourable market dynamics and to serve the needs of the ever growing pigment and zircon customer base across the globe. It is still expected that the transaction will close in the second quarter of 2012 following New Tronox shareholder and regulatory approvals. Exxaro awaits the customary regulatory and environmental approvals for the Fairbreeze project before construction can commence. Such approvals were not obtained in the second half of 2011, as previously expected. Detailed design was however completed in the second half of 2011. The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development requires additional information of Fairbreeze`s Basic Assessment Report on air quality, traffic and agricultural studies, as well as rehabilitation reports. This report, with the requested information, was sent on 9 February 2012 to Interested and Affected Parties for review by 9 March 2012 and Exxaro also awaits the decision from the relevant authorities by the end of June 2012. Commissioning is now only expected in the first half of 2014. A partial reversal of the previous impairments of property, plant and equipment at KZN Sands was made in the second half of 2011. A decision on the reversal of the remaining portion will be taken once the regulatory and environmental approvals for Fairbreeze have been obtained. Base Metals The formal process to divest from the base metals business commenced early in May 2011. Exxaro received several offers for the Rosh Pinah zinc and lead mine in Namibia, following which it has entered into an agreement relating to the disposal of its 50,04% shareholding in, and claims against, Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation to a subsidiary of Glencore International AG. The transaction agreement contains terms and conditions that are customary for transactions of this nature, including, inter alia, regulatory approvals to be obtained in Namibia and South Africa. It is expected that the transaction will be completed by the second quarter of 2012. No offer was received for the Zincor zinc refinery in Springs, South Africa. It was consequently decided to cease zinc production at Zincor due to the refinery becoming uneconomical as a result of the high cost of zinc feedstock as well as escalating transport, electricity and labour costs. Zinc production was ramped down and finally ceased during December 2011. The refinery has been put on care and maintenance with a team appointed to evaluate any potential future use of the facility`s assets. In addition to the impairment of the carrying value of property, plant and equipment at Zincor made on 30 June 2011, additional impairments were also made in the second half of 2011 arising from capital commitments for the remainder of 2011. Although discussions for the divestment of Exxaro`s shareholding in the Chifeng zinc refinery in China were well advanced, the potential buyer was unable to meet contractual obligations and the transaction was terminated. Exxaro still plans to sell this business and renewed efforts will be made during 2012 to divest from this asset. Energy Exxaro continues to explore opportunities in the energy markets with a focus on cleaner energy initiatives. To this end, Exxaro has signed definitive agreements with a third party resulting in the formation of a new energy company Cennergi (Pty) Limited. Exxaro intends submitting five renewable energy projects in terms of the South African government`s drive to procure 3 725 MW of renewable energy electricity from the private sector. These projects will be submitted in the second window of submission, which closes on 5 March 2012, through the Department of Energy`s Request for Qualification and Proposals for new Generation Capacity under the IPP Procurement Programme issued on 3 August 2011. The five projects entail two solar projects and three wind projects. The board of directors approved the outcome of the bankable feasibility study for a 14MW co-generation plant at Namakwa Sands in the third quarter of 2011. Construction of the power plant is expected to start in the second quarter of 2012, with commercial operation date planned for fourth quarter of 2012. The Clean Development Mechanism registration of this project is underway. The pre-feasibility study for the 60MW co-generation plant at Grootegeluk mine is in the final stages and is now expected to be completed in the first half of 2012. The facilitation for the development of a 600MW coal-fired base load power station in the Waterberg is underway. Non-binding term sheets for the off-take of 1,150MW of electricity have been signed between Exxaro and industrial off- takers. Four base load IPPs have been selected, with the preferred bidder expected to be selected in the first half of 2012. The pre-feasibility study of the project will progress during 2012 and a bankable feasibility study is planned conditional to the establishment of appropriate enabling environment in which such a development can proceed. A clearer indication of the potential for economic gas flow by means of the evaluation of opportunities for underground coal gasification in both South Africa and Botswana, is now only expected in the first half of 2012. Ferrous AlloyStream`s large scale demonstration facility to commercialise the technology for beneficiation of manganese ore into high carbon ferromanganese alloy together with Assmang Limited, is expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2012. The Ferromanganese furnace (Project Letaba) demonstration facility was completed in the fourth quarter of 2011. Subsequent to the reporting date of 31 December 2011 and further to the unsuccessful off market takeover bid for Australian junior miner Territory Resources, Exxaro, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Exxaro Australia Iron Investments (Pty) Limited, launched an off market takeover bid for African Iron Limited. This offer initially remained open for acceptances until 14 February 2012. By 14 February 2012 Exxaro obtained a shareholding of 66,6% in African Iron Limited, with the offer automatically extended by a further 14 days until 28 February 2012, in line with the Australian stock exchange takeover rules. African Iron Limited is an Australian-listed and domiciled iron ore development company working on the exploration and evaluation of the Mayoko Iron Ore and Ngoubou-Ngoubou Projects, located approximately 300km north-east of Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo in central West Africa. It owns a 92% interest in the Mayoko Iron Ore Project which currently has a Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) code compliant mineral resource of 121 million tonnes of iron ore. The Mayoko Iron Ore Project represents a near term development opportunity in an emerging iron ore province in central West Africa with an existing underutilised, heavy haulage mineral railway passing within 2km of the main prospect. African Iron`s second opportunity is its 85% interest in the 944km2 Ngoubou-Ngoubou Authority to Prospect, which is contiguous with Mayoko. African Iron Limited`s assets provide an excellent match to Exxaro`s stated objective of gaining operational exposure in iron ore and represent a reasonably sized opportunity, which will allow Exxaro to leverage its bulk commodity and iron ore expertise. Ends Pretoria 23 February 2012 Sponsor Deutsche Securities (SA) (Pty) Limited Date: 23/02/2012 07:11:09 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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