
25th
("Arkle" or the "Company")
Interim Statement for the period ended
Chairman's Statement
Arkle has two flagship projects, a 22.36% interest in five zinc prone licences in the Limerick area of
Our second active project is in
While the focus is on the zinc and lithium ground, Arkle also holds hard rock lithium prospective licences in
Zinc in
We hold a 22.36% interest in five licences in the Stonepark area of Limerick. Our partner, Group Eleven, holds the balance and is also the operator, so it decides the exploration programme. Group Eleven holds a number of licences to the South East of Stonepark. They have been successful in discovering zinc in the Carrickittle area directly adjacent to Stonepark and on their Ballywire block further south. Group Eleven believes that there is a base metal bearing trend running from Ballywire through Carrickittle through our Stonepark block to the discovery licence in the north of the block. Stonepark is adjacent to the 45 million tonne
Group Eleven has announced good results from both Carrickittle and Ballywire. Ballywire in particular is producing high grades. Three drill rigs are working in Ballywire. The Group Eleven share price has reflected these good results more than tripling in the past two years.
Work done by Group Eleven on the Carrickittle ground, which is partially on our Stonepark ground, produced a high-grade target at depth on the Arkle side of the ground. While the current focus is on Ballywire, it is the intention of Group Eleven to drill the Carrickittle target.
Lithium in
In recent months, Arkle obtained a third licence in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. We now hold over 1,600sq km of ground. Lithium is critical for the transition to green energy. Most lithium is currently obtained from hard rocks. Recent years have seen rapid growth in lithium extraction from brines mainly in salt pans particularly in
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) is a fast-growing technology using membranes which extract the metals from the brine solution. Of particular relevance to Arkle is the fact that DLE extracts magnesium before going on to extract lithium. So, instead of one steam of revenue in your brines, you now have two.
So, it is with our
The next steps are to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment, then drill a significant number of short holes, 30 metres each to obtain bulk samples which will be shipped to
Other Activities
We renewed our three lithium licences in
There has been no activity on our Irish based hard rock lithium licences. Earlier work identified traces of lithium on all licences.
We maintain one gold licence in the Meeneragh area of Donegal. Earlier work has identified a gold bearing vein on the block.
Metal Markets
It is worthwhile reminding shareholders about the markets for zinc, lithium and now magnesium. At today's price of almost
Lithium is a vital ingredient in batteries, so the future looks very bright. Declared a critical mineral by the
Magnesium is a lightweight metal with growing use in alloys, electronics and aerospace. It is also used in fertilizers and has growing uses in medicine. The current price is
Corporate Activities
In
I have written in earlier reports of interest being shown by companies is our licence portfolio and our AIM listing. In recent months three proposals were presented to the Arkle board. All involve new projects and / or new management. Bringing fresh funds to finance the proposed activities is critical. We have ongoing contact with the principals of two of the three projects.
Arkle has potential. There is growing excitement around the discoveries in the Limerick area. We were fortunate to move early to obtain the brine licences in
Chairman
24th
Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as it forms part of
Enquiries:
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+353 (0) 1 833 2833 |
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+353 (0) 1 833 2833 |
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+44 (0) 203 470 0470 |
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Joint Broker |
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+44 (0) 207 374 2212 |
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BlytheRay |
+44 (0) 207 138 3204 |
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Teneo |
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+353 (0) 1 661 4055 |
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Financial Information (Unaudited) |
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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income |
Six Months Ended |
Year Ended |
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unaudited |
unaudited |
audited |
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€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
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Administrative expenses |
(122) |
(175) |
(271) |
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Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets |
- |
- |
(1,770) |
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OPERATING LOSS |
(122) |
(175) |
(2,041) |
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Profit/(Loss) due to fair value volatility of warrants |
6 |
17 |
39 |
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PROFIT/(LOSS) BEFORE TAXATION |
(116) |
(158) |
(2,002) |
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Income tax expense |
- |
- |
- |
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PROFIT/(LOSS) FOR THE PERIOD AND TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
(116) |
(158) |
(2,002) |
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PROFIT PER SHARE - basic and diluted |
(0.02)c |
(0.03)c |
(0.43)c |
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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position |
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unaudited |
unaudited |
audited |
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€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
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NON-CURRENT ASSETS |
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Intangible Assets |
2,570 |
4,199 |
2,570 |
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CURRENT ASSETS |
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Other receivables |
2 |
4 |
- |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
3 |
169 |
27 |
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5 |
173 |
27 |
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TOTAL ASSETS |
2,575 |
4,372 |
2,597 |
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LIABILITIES |
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CURRENT LIABILITIES |
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Trade and other payables |
(578) |
(387) |
(478) |
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Warrants |
(131) |
(159) |
(137) |
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(709) |
(546) |
(615) |
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NET CURRENT LIABILITIES |
(704) |
(373) |
(588) |
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NET ASSETS |
1,866 |
3,826 |
1,982 |
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EQUITY |
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Share Capital - Deferred Shares |
992 |
992 |
992 |
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Share Capital - Ordinary Shares |
1,412 |
1,412 |
1,412 |
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Share Premium |
7,064 |
7,064 |
7,064 |
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Share based payments reserve |
156 |
156 |
156 |
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Retained deficit |
(7,758) |
(5,798) |
(7,642) |
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TOTAL EQUITY |
1,866 |
3,826 |
1,982 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders Equity |
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Called-up |
Called-up |
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Share |
Share |
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Share |
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Capital |
Capital |
Share |
Based |
Retained |
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Deferred |
Ordinary |
Premium |
Reserves |
Deficit |
Total |
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€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
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As at |
992 |
1,142 |
7,015 |
156 |
(5,640) |
3,665 |
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Shares issued |
- |
270 |
49 |
- |
- |
319 |
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Profit for the period |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(158) |
(158) |
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As at |
992 |
1,412 |
7,064 |
156 |
(5,798) |
3,826 |
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Shares issued |
- |
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- |
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Loss for the period |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(1,844) |
(1,844) |
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As at |
992 |
1,412 |
7,064 |
156 |
(7,642) |
1,982 |
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Loss for the period |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(116) |
(116) |
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As at |
992 |
1,412 |
7,064 |
156 |
(7,758) |
1,866 |
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Six Months Ended |
Year Ended |
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Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow |
unaudited |
unaudited |
audited |
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€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
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Loss for the year |
(116) |
(158) |
(2,002) |
Impairment |
- |
- |
1,770 |
Fair value movement of warrants |
(6) |
(17) |
(39) |
Foreign exchange |
- |
- |
(1) |
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(122) |
(175) |
(272) |
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(Increase)/Decrease in trade and other receivables |
(2) |
(5) |
- |
Increase in trade and other payables |
100 |
48 |
138 |
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(24) |
(132) |
(134) |
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CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
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Payments for exploration and evaluation |
- |
(109) |
(250) |
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- |
(109) |
(250) |
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CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
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Proceeds from issue of equity shares |
- |
319 |
319 |
NET CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
- |
319 |
319 |
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NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
(24) |
78 |
(65) |
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Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of the period |
27 |
91 |
91 |
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Effects of exchange rate changes on cash held in foreign currencies |
- |
- |
1 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE PERIOD |
3 |
169 |
27 |
Notes:
1. INFORMATION
The financial information for the six months ended
The interim financial statements do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended
The interim financial statements have not been audited or reviewed by the auditors of the Group pursuant to the Auditing Practices board guidance on Review of Interim Financial Information.
2. No dividend is proposed in respect of the period.
3. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the profit after taxation for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue and ranking for dividend during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the profit after taxation for the year by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue, adjusted for the effect of all dilutive potential ordinary shares that were outstanding during the year.
The following table sets out the computation for basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS):
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Profit/(loss) per share - Basic and Diluted |
(0.02) c |
(0.03) c |
(0.43) c |
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Basic profit/(loss) per share |
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The earnings and weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of basic loss per share are as follows: |
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Numerator |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
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Loss after taxation |
(116) |
(158) |
(2,002) |
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Denominator |
Number |
Number |
Number |
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Weighted average number of ordinary shares |
564,810,997 |
487,583,600 |
470,126,065 |
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Basic and diluted loss per share are the same as the effect of the outstanding share options is anti-dilutive.
4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
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Exploration and evaluation assets: |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
Cost at 1 January |
2,570 |
4,090 |
4,090 |
Additions |
8 |
109 |
250 |
Re-imbursement of costs |
(8) |
- |
- |
Impairment |
- |
- |
(1,770) |
Closing Balance |
2,570 |
4,199 |
2,570 |
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In 2007 the Group entered into an agreement with Teck Cominco which gave Teck Cominco the option to earn a 75% interest in a number of other licences held by the Group. Teck Cominco had to spend
On
The Group's share of expenditure on the licences continues to be capitalised as an exploration and evaluation asset. The Group is subject to cash calls from Group Eleven Resources Corp. in respect of the financing of the ongoing exploration and evaluation of these licences. In the event that the Group decides not to meet these cash calls its interest in
On
On
On
Up to
The realisation of the intangible assets is dependent on the discovery and successful development of economic reserves which is subject to a number of risks as outlined below. Should this prove unsuccessful the carrying value included in the balance sheet would be written off to the statement of comprehensive income.
The group's activities are subject to a number of significant potential risks including;
- Uncertainties over development and operational risks;
- Compliance with licence obligations;
- Ability to raise finance to develop assets;
- Liquidity risks; and
- Going concern risks.
The directors are aware that by its nature there is an inherent uncertainty in such exploration and evaluation expenditure as to the value of the asset. Having reviewed the carrying value of exploration and evaluation of assets at
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Segmental Analysis |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
Limerick |
1,802 |
1,720 |
1,802 |
Rest of |
673 |
2,418 |
672 |
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29 |
29 |
32 |
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66 |
32 |
64 |
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2,570 |
4,199 |
2,570 |
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5. SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARE PREMIUM
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2025 €'000 |
2024 €'000 |
Authorised |
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2,000,000,000 Ordinary shares of 0.25c each |
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5,500 |
5,000 |
500,000,000 Deferred shares of 0.75c each |
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3,750 |
3,750 |
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8,750 |
8,750 |
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Number |
Share Capital €'000 |
Share Premium €'000 |
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Deferred Shares - nominal value of 0.75c |
132,311,593 |
992 |
- |
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Ordinary Shares - nominal value of 0.25c |
Number |
Share Capital €'000 |
Share Premium €'000 |
Allotted, Called Up and Fully Paid: |
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Balance at |
456,810,977 |
1,142 |
7,015 |
Issued during the period |
108,000,000 |
270 |
49 |
Balance at |
564,810,977 |
1,412 |
7,064 |
Issued during the period |
- |
- |
- |
Balance at |
564,810,977 |
1,412 |
7,064 |
Issued during the period |
- |
- |
- |
Balance at |
564,810,997 |
1,412 |
7,064 |
Movement in shares
There was no movement in the share capital for the six months to
On
6. SHARE BASED PAYMENTS - OPTIONS
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant.
The Group plan provides for a grant price equal to the average quoted market price of the ordinary shares on the date of grant.
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Weighted average exercise price in pence |
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Weighted average exercise price in pence |
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Weighted average exercise price in pence |
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'000 |
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'000 |
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'000 |
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Outstanding at beginning of period |
16,100 |
1.32 |
16,100 |
1.32 |
16,100 |
1.32 |
Granted during the period |
- |
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- |
- |
- |
- |
Expired during the period |
- |
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- |
- |
- |
- |
Outstanding at end of period |
16,100 |
1.32 |
16,100 |
1.32 |
16,100 |
1.32 |
Exercisable at end of period |
16,100 |
1.32 |
16,100 |
1.32 |
16,100 |
1.32 |
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7. SHARE BASED PAYMENTS - WARRANTS
Number
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'000 |
'000 |
'000 |
Outstanding at beginning of period |
169,429 |
111,429 |
111,429 |
Granted during the period |
- |
108,000 |
108,000 |
Expired during the period |
- |
- |
(50,000) |
Closing Balance |
169,429 |
219,429 |
169,429 |
Fair Value
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€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
At beginning of period |
137 |
176 |
176 |
Issued during the period |
- |
106 |
106 |
Movement in fair value |
(6) |
(123) |
(145) |
Closing Balance |
131 |
159 |
137 |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
Profit/(Loss) due to Fair Value Volatility of Warrants |
|
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Fair Value movement on warrants brought forward |
6 |
123 |
144 |
Fair value of warrants expired |
- |
- |
1 |
Fair value of new warrants granted |
- |
(106) |
(106) |
Movement for the period |
6 |
17 |
39 |
As at
8. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
On
Each Placing Share has one warrant attached with the right to subscribe for one new ordinary share at 0.3p for a period of two years.
9. The Interim Report for the six months to
10. The Interim Report will be available on
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