TIDMBSE
AIM and Media Release
12 October 2017
BASE RESOURCES LIMITED
Quarterly Activities Report - September 2017
HIGHLIGHTS
* Significant zircon price increases achieved for current quarter sales and
further price increase locked in for contracted December quarter sales.
* Hydraulic mining operations successfully increased from 400tph to 800tph.
* Kwale South Dune Mineral Resources estimate increased following completion
of extensional and infill drilling, delivering a 19% or 560kt increase in
contained in situ heavy mineral within the Measured and Indicated Resource
categories.
* Net debt further reduced by US$11.9 million to US$86.6 million.
* Increase in FY2018 production guidance for both ilmenite and zircon.
* No lost time injuries.
* Awarded "Flagship Project" status within Kenya's Vision 2030 economic
development framework.
African mineral sands producer, Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) ("Base
Resources" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a quarterly corporate and
operational update for its Kwale Mineral Sands Operations ("Kwale Operations")
in Kenya. The quarter was characterised by continuing improvement in zircon
markets, stabilising ilmenite prices and a positive outlook for rutile. The
continued strong performance of Kwale Operations has reduced net debt by a
further US$11.9 million in the quarter.
"Figures" (graphics) referenced in this release have been omitted. A full PDF
version of this release, including all Figures, is available from the Company's
website: www.baseresources.com.au.
KWALE OPERATIONS
PRODUCTION Sept 2016 Dec 2016 Mar 2017 June 2017 Sept 2017
& SALES Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
Production (tonnes)
Ilmenite 121,821 113,806 112,368 119,364 119,376
Rutile 21,886 22,870 23,107 22,762 22,789
Zircon 9,050 8,591 8,212 8,375 9,136
Zircon low grade(1) 2,160 2,550 2,474 3,026 1,425
Sales (tonnes)
Ilmenite 139,441 97,047 122,783 142,405 106,260
Rutile 23,023 19,773 21,416 27,779 12,594
Zircon 8,525 9,432 8,069 8,540 9,283
Zircon low grade(1) - 3,397 3,059 3,045 -
[Note (1): Zircon low grade tonnes contained in concentrate, equivalent to
approximately 70-80% of the value of primary zircon.]
Mined tonnage remained steady at 3.0 million tonnes ("Mt") while ore grade
remained high at 8.0% Heavy Mineral ("HM") (8.4% HM last quarter) as mining
continued in the same high-grade area of the Central Dune mined during the
previous quarter.
The staged increase in the throughput of the hydraulic mining unit ("HMU")
progressed according to plan, with the HMU successfully increasing from 400
tonnes-per-hour ("tph") to 800tph during the quarter, with a mining rate of
859tph achieved in September. The increase in HMU capacity has commensurately
reduced the demand on dozer mining operations.
MINING & WCP PERFORMANCE Sept 2016 Dec 2016 Mar 2017 June 2017 Sept 2017
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
Ore mined (tonnes) 2,325,174 3,049,333 2,664,738 2,975,694 3,023,550
HM % 7.51 5.83 6.70 8.40 8.01
HMC produced (tonnes) 164,192 152,259 159,379 232,574 238,580
WCP heavy mineral concentrate ("HMC") production for the quarter increased
slightly to 238.6kt, lifting HMC stocks from 83.6kt to 131.7kt by quarter end
as a result of continued high ore grades, mined tonnages and concentrator
availability (91% versus 90% last quarter). HMC inventory is being built up to
enable uninterrupted Mineral Separation Plant ("MSP") feed during the final
implementation stage of the Kwale Phase 2 Project, where a one month shut of
the WCP is scheduled to tie in plant modifications and equipment upgrades.
The tailings storage facility ("TSF") sand wall stacking, lining and slimes
deposition continued according to plan, with the final wall lift now underway.
Once this lift is complete, sand stacking will move to the mined-out area of
the Central Dune representing the start of rehabilitation in this section.
Rehabilitation of the TSF outer wall continued during the quarter with 15,000m2
vegetated to date.
Moderate rainfall of 252mm was received during the quarter, ensuring the
Mukurumudzi Dam capacity remained high at 89% or 7.5GL of storage ahead of the
'short rains' in the December quarter, which should provide a further
opportunity to replenish water storage levels.
MSP PERFORMANCE Sept 2016 Dec 2016 Mar 2017 June 2017 Sept 2017
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
MSP Feed (tonnes of HMC) 193,349 191,576 186,814 192,432 190,499
MSP feed rate (tph) 92 91 91 92 91
MSP recovery %
Ilmenite 100 99 101 101 100
Rutile 94 98 99 98 100
Zircon 73 73 74 73 75
The MSP availability decreased slightly to 95% (96% last quarter) with a total
of 190.5kt of HMC processed (192.4kt last quarter).
Rutile production remained steady at 22.8kt (22.8kt last quarter) with an
increased rutile recovery of 100%2 (98% last quarter) offsetting the lower feed
tonnage.
Ilmenite production also remained steady at 119.4kt (119.4kt last quarter) with
higher contained ilmenite in the feed offsetting the reduced recoveries of 100%
(2) (101% last quarter) and lower feed tonnage.
[Note (2): The presence of altered ilmenite species that are not defined as
either "rutile" or "ilmenite" in the Resource but are recovered in the
production of both, results in calculated recoveries above 100% being
achievable for both products.]
Zircon production increased significantly to 9.3kt (8.4kt last quarter) due to
higher contained zircon in the feed and average recoveries increasing to 75%
(73% last quarter) with 78% achieved for the month of September following
process optimisation and circuit changes.
In addition to primary zircon, in July 2016, Kwale Operations commenced
production of a lower grade zircon product ("zircon low grade") from
re-processing of zircon tails into a zircon rich concentrate. Zircon low grade
typically realises 70-80% of the value of each contained tonne of zircon.
Reported zircon low grade represents the volume of zircon contained in the
concentrate. The current production cycle for zircon low grade ended in
September 2017, when feed stockpiles were exhausted. During the quarter, 1.4kt
of zircon low grade was produced (3.0kt last quarter) with a final shipment
scheduled in early October. Zircon tails are again being stockpiled and
production of zircon low grade will recommence once sufficient stocks have been
accumulated.
Bulk loading operations at Base Resources' Likoni Port facility continued to
run smoothly, dispatching more than 116kt of ilmenite and rutile during the
quarter (178kt last quarter). Containerised shipments of rutile and zircon
through the Mombasa Port proceeded according to plan.
SUMMARY OF UNIT COSTS Sept 2016 Dec 2016 Mar 2017 June 2017 Sept 2017
& REVENUE PER TONNE (US$) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
Unit operating costs per tonne $77 $84 $87 $96 $90
produced
Unit cost of goods sold per tonne $90 $106 $111 $103 $102
sold
Unit revenue per tonne of product $200 $250 $258 $297 $271
sold
Revenue: Cost of goods sold ratio 2.2 2.4 2.3 2.9 2.7
Total operating costs were lower than last quarter (due to the prior quarter
including recognition of typical end of financial year costs) which, with
similar production volumes, resulted in a lower unit operating cost of US$90
per tonne produced (rutile, ilmenite, zircon and zircon low grade) (US$96 per
tonne last quarter). Cost of goods sold of US$102 per tonne sold (operating
costs, adjusted for stockpile movements, and royalties) were in line with last
quarter.
Revenue per tonne of product sold varies significantly each quarter, with the
number of bulk rutile sales during that quarter being the primary factor. In a
normal year, there are usually seven or eight bulk rutile sales of
approximately 10kt each, which means any given quarter will typically contain
either one or two of these sales. As annual rutile sales account for
approximately 40% of revenue but only 15% of volume, the number of bulk rutile
sales in a quarter has a significant bearing on revenue, but not sales volume.
The September quarter had only one bulk rutile sale taking total rutile sales
to 12.6kt, lower than the prior quarter's 27.8kt total rutile sales due to
shipment timing. When combined with the reduced ilmenite price and higher
zircon prices achieved in the quarter, the average revenue per tonne decreased
to US$271 per tonne (US$297 last quarter).
KWALE PHASE 2 MINE OPTIMISATION PROJECT
To counter declining ore grades expected from mid-2018 onwards, and to fully
exploit the increase in MSP capacity now available, the Board approved, in May
2017, the implementation of the Kwale Phase 2 ("KP2") Project (refer to the
announcement on 23rd May 2017(3)).
[Note (3): Refer to announcement "Board approves Kwale Phase 2 mine
optimisation project to deliver enhanced economics" released on 23rd May 2017,
which is available at http://www.baseresources.com.au/investor-centre/
asx-releases/ or through Base Resources' AIM Rule 26 web page.]
The KP2 Project aims to maximise HMC feed to the MSP, and therefore maintain
final production volumes at around current levels for the remaining life of
mine, by increasing mining rates as ore grade declines. This will be achieved
through increasing the hydraulic mining capacity to three 800tph HMUs, while
gradually phasing out the existing dozer trap mining unit ("DMU"). The
combined mining rate will therefore increase to 2,400tph, representing an
uplift of 60% compared to the 1,501tph achieved in the current quarter. The
WCP and water supply infrastructure are being upgraded in parallel to
accommodate the higher mining rates.
Construction is on track for completion in the June quarter of 2018. The
implementation schedule will see the second and third 800tph HMUs commissioned
in the June quarter of 2018. The three HMUs will ramp up to full capacity
through the course of 2018, with the DMU gradually being phased out over the
same period.
Engineering and design work for the transition of mining from the Central Dune
to the South Dune will commence in mid-2018, with construction completion
scheduled for the second half of 2019.
FY2018 PRODUCTION GUIDANCE Previous FY2018 New FY2018
Guidance Range Guidance Range
Rutile (tonnes) 88,000 to 94,000 no change
Ilmenite (tonnes) 400,000 to 430,000 420,000 to 450,000
Zircon (tonnes) 32,000 to 37,000 33,000 to 38,000
Zircon contained in zircon low grade (tonnes) 1,500 to 2,500 no change
The above production guidance is based on the following assumptions for FY2018:
* Mining of 10.6Mt (previously 10.2Mt) at an average HM grade of 7.50%
(previously 7.32%), all from Ore Reserves(4).
* MSP feed rate at an average of 91tph (previously 89tph), consistent with
recent performance.
* MSP product recoveries of 100% for ilmenite and 99% for rutile, and 77% for
zircon, consistent with past performance and anticipated recovery
improvements from ongoing MSP optimisations.
[Note (4): The Ore Reserves estimates underpinning the above production
targets were prepared by Competent Persons in accordance with the JORC Code
(2012 edition). The above production targets are the result of detailed
studies based on the actual performance of the Kwale mine and processing
plant. These studies include the assessment of mining, metallurgical, ore
processing, environmental and economic factors.]
MARKETING
The global TiO2 pigment industry continued its strength through the quarter.
High plant utilisation rates and low inventory levels among the major western
pigment producers have led to further price improvement - with the latest round
of pigment price increases to take effect from the beginning of the December
quarter. However, a build-up of Chinese pigment stocks towards the end of the
June quarter resulted in Chinese domestic pigment prices retreating from the
very high levels they had reached to that point. This, in turn, tempered
demand for ilmenite in China at the same time as domestic and imported ilmenite
supply was increasing, leading to ilmenite price discounting in China during
the early part of this quarter.
Chinese domestic ilmenite production dropped sharply through July and August on
the back of renewed central government environmental inspections. Ilmenite
supply from Vietnam into China has also decreased significantly since June, as
it appears that export quotas from the Vietnamese government have finally been
exhausted with no new quotas being issued at this time. These supply
constraints, when combined with improving ilmenite demand from increased
pigment production during the seasonally strong northern Autumn, has seen
ilmenite prices begin to move upwards again through the latter part of the
September quarter and into the December quarter. It is expected that prices
will experience continued modest improvement through the December quarter.
An emerging supply deficit in the high-grade feedstock sector (which includes
rutile) is resulting in continued upward price momentum. Contract renewals for
sales of bulk rutile to large mainstream customers in the second half of
calendar year 2017 are reported to be at price premiums in the order of 10%.
However, overall average market prices are constrained by the fact that most of
the global high-grade feedstock volume was contracted on a 12-month fixed price
basis for the 2017 calendar year - a common practice for high grade feedstocks
in recent years.
Zircon demand was again strong through the September quarter with enquiries and
volumes requested from customers continuing to exceed the Company's capacity to
supply. Lower than anticipated global zircon supply, from both inventories and
ongoing production, for calendar 2017 has led to an increasingly tight market
and solid price improvement since the start of the year. Base Resources has
secured an increase of US$150 per tonne on zircon contracts for the December
quarter - making a total gain of US$300 per tonne or 34% since the end of
FY2017. It is expected that prices will stabilise into the seasonally quieter
March quarter 2018.
SAFETY
With no serious injuries occurring during the quarter, Kwale Operations' lost
time injury frequency rate ("LTIFR") remains at zero. Base Resources'
employees and contractors have now worked 10.4 million man-hours LTI free, with
the last LTI recorded in the March quarter of 2014. The total recordable
injury frequency rate ("TRIFR") remained steady at 0.7 per 1 million man-hours
worked.
COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT
Agricultural livelihood programmes, run in conjunction with partners Business
for Development, DEG, FMO, Australia's DFAT and Kenya Red Cross, continue to
develop with encouraging support from both national and county Kenyan
governments. These programmes, covering cotton, potato, sorghum and poultry,
now involve around 900 smallholder farmers and community groups, with the
ultimate aim being to establish new agricultural opportunities that will
provide economic growth well beyond the life of mining activities.
Development of the farmers' cooperative to manage these programmes as they
expand is progressing well with the recent appointment of the CEO and finance
officer and a range of capacity building training programmes underway. The
proceeds from the agricultural programmes are now being managed by the
cooperatives, together with preparations for next planting season.
Rehabilitation of the TSF slopes continues with encouraging success. Rainfall
received during the quarter ensured good vegetative growth and erosion control
measures worked well. Irrigation will be installed during the next quarter to
ensure sustainability as the dry season approaches. Local women's groups have
continued to provide materials and labour, injecting significant incomes into
villages surrounding the mine site.
Base Resources participated in the 2017 Mombasa International Show run by the
Agricultural Society of Kenya and won first prize in the Best Local Stand in
Strategies of International Trade and Export category. It was an excellent
opportunity to showcase Base Resources' agricultural livelihood programmes and
engage with the public from across the region regarding mining and its links to
community development.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
EXTENSIONAL EXPLORATION - KENYA
As announced on 4th October 2017(5) an updated Mineral Resource estimate for
the Kwale South Dune (the "2017 Kwale South Dune Mineral Resource") has been
completed, incorporating the results of an extensional and infill drill
programme completed earlier this year. The updated Kwale South Dune Mineral
Resource delivered a:
* 19% or 560kt increase in contained in situ HM within the Measured and
Indicated categories.
* 29% increase in overall Mineral Resource tonnes to 114.1Mt.
* 13% increase in contained in situ HM to 3.47Mt.
* Significant increase in confidence with 76% of the heavy mineral tonnes now
within the Measured category.
The next phase of extensional exploration drilling at Kwale Operations is
anticipated to commence early in 2018 in the North-East Sector, adjacent to the
Kwale Central Dune.
[Note (5): Refer to announcement "Mineral Resource Increase for Kwale South
Dune" released on 4 October 2017, which is available at http://
www.baseresources.com.au/investor-centre/asx-releases/ and Base Resources' AIM
Rule 26 web page. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new
information or data that materially affects the information included in this
ASX announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters
underpinning the Mineral Resource estimates in this announcement continue to
apply and have not materially changed.]
EXPLORATION - TANZANIA
The Company holds five prospecting licences in northern Tanzania with a
combined area of 475km2.
The necessary consents and clearances ahead of a planned preliminary drilling
programme across all five licences are in place. Field work is planned to
start in the December quarter subject to drilling rig availability.
Total exploration expenditure for the quarter, across all licences in Kenya and
Tanzania, was US$0.1 million.
CORPORATE
KENYAN VAT RECEIVABLE
As previously announced, Base Resources has refund claims for VAT paid in
Kenya, relating to both the construction of the Kwale Project and the period
since operations commenced, totalling approximately US$21.1 million at 30
September 2017. These claims are proceeding through the Kenya Revenue
Authority process, although no refunds were received during the quarter (US$0.3
million last quarter). Base Resources is continuing to engage with the Kenyan
Treasury and the Kenya Revenue Authority, seeking to expedite the remainder of
the refunds.
In summary, at 30 September 2017:
* Net debt of US$86.6 million, consisting of:
+ Cash and cash equivalents were US$28.3 million (unrestricted) and an
additional US$26.2 million (restricted - debt service reserve account).
+ Debt of US$141.2 million.
* 742,231,956 shares on issue.
* 61,425,061 options (exercise price of A$0.40, expiring 31 December 2018).
* 67,088,421 performance rights issued pursuant to the terms of the Base
Resources Long Term Incentive Plan.
ENDS.
CORPORATE PROFILE
Directors
Keith Spence (Non-Executive Chairman)
Tim Carstens (Managing Director)
Colin Bwye (Executive Director)
Sam Willis (Non-Executive Director)
Michael Stirzaker (Non-Executive Director)
Malcolm Macpherson (Non-Executive Director)
Company Secretary
Chadwick Poletti
NOMINATED ADVISOR & BROKERS
RFC Ambrian Limited
As Nominated Adviser:
Andrew Thomson / Stephen Allen
Phone: +61 (0)8 9480 2500
As Joint Broker:
Jonathan Williams
Phone: +44 20 3440 6800
Numis Securities Limited
As Joint Broker:
John Prior / James Black / Paul Gillam
Phone: +44 20 7260 1000
SHARE REGISTRY: ASX
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited
Level 11, 172 St Georges Terrace
PERTH WA 6000
Enquiries: 1300 850 505 / +61 (3) 9415 4000
www.computershare.com.au
SHARE REGISTRY: AIM
Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
BRISTOL BS99 6ZZ
Enquiries: +44 (0) 870 702 0003
www.computershare.co.uk
AUSTRALIAN MEDIA RELATIONS
Cannings Purple
Annette Ellis / Andrew Rowell
Email: aellis@canningspurple.com.au /
arowell@canningspurple.com.au
Phone: +61 (0)8 6314 6300
UK MEDIA RELATIONS
Tavistock Communications
Jos Simson / Emily Fenton
Phone: +44 (0) 207 920 3150
KENYA MEDIA RELATIONS
Africapractice (East Africa)
Evelyn Njoroge / Joan Kimani
Phone: +254 (0)20 239 6899
Email: jkimani@africapractice.com
PRINCIPAL & REGISTERED OFFICE
Level 1, 50 Kings Park Road
West Perth, Western Australia, 6005
Email: info@baseresources.com.au
Phone: +61 (0)8 9413 7400
Fax: +61 (0)8 9322 8912
END
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