Jubilee Metals Group plc (LON:JLP), a leading diversified metals processor in Africa, with its expanding copper operations and its substantial contribution to global chrome concentrate production, has published its unaudited interim financial report for the six months ended 31 December 2023 (H1 FY2024).
Highlights
§ Strong operational performance was delivered by the Group with increased production across all operations delivering growth in revenue and earnings
§ Zambian copper operations continue to show strong growth, driven by the investment in the expansion projects with an expected further sharp increase on completion of the upgrade to the Roan copper concentrator (Roan)
§ Copper cathode and copper in concentrate (copper units) production increased by 46.5% to 1 683 tonnes (t) (H1 FY2023: 1 149t)
§ Chrome concentrate production increased by 7.4% to 718 189t (H1 FY2023: 668 809t)
§ Platinum group metals (PGM) production increased by 11.2% to 20 244 ounces (oz) (H1 FY2023: 18 208oz).
§ The Group invested £12.9 million (H1 FY2023: £30.1) in the expansion of its copper and chrome operations
§ Group revenue increased by 18.4% to £74.7 million (H1 FY2023: £63.1 million) driven by increased production during the period
§ Group earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 13.6% to £11.7 million (H1 FY2023: £10.3 million)
§ Group profit after tax increased by 7.3% to £4.4 million (H1 FY2023: £4.1 million)
§ Earnings per share increased by 6.7% to 0.16 pence per share (H1 FY2023: 0.15 pence per share)
§ Successfully concluded an oversubscribed placing of £13 million before costs at 5.5 pence per share on 4 January 2024 to mainly accelerate the copper expansion drive
§ Partnered with Abu Dhabi’s International Resources Holding RSC Limited (IRH) to develop the ‘Waste Rock Project’ in Zambia, to process an approximate 260 million tonnes (Mt) of copper-containing waste rock with the intention of closing the transaction mid-March
Statement from Leon Coetzer, Chief Executive Officer:
“The extent of our strong production performance, supported by the continued expansion of our copper and chrome operations, was able to offset a significant reduction in PGM metal prices to deliver growth in both revenue and earnings.
In Zambia, where we are investing and growing production, copper output improved by 46.5% despite the disruption caused by the implementation of the ongoing Roan concentrator front-end upgrade project. As a reminder, this project will allow Roan to process multiple feed sources of copper oxide and sulphides simultaneously with a capacity of 13 000t per annum of copper contained in copper concentrates. The timely completion of the Roan upgrade is key towards achieving the copper guidance for the full period due to the expected significant step-up in copper production this project brings. Initial delays suffered due to international logistical constraints have been addressed by reprioritising local production of key remaining components. The Jubilee technical team continues to actively push the implementation timelines.
At our Sable refinery, the expansion of the copper sulphide circuit is underway to better accommodate the expected sharp increase in copper production resulting from both our Roan operations and the development of the Munkoyo copper resource project located near Sable.
The exciting partnership on the new waste rock deposit with Abu Dhabi’s IRH, announced in December, highlights our commitment to leveraging innovative, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable mining solutions. This initiative is poised to unlock significant value from one of Zambia’s largest copper waste rock assets, aligning with our dedication to responsible mining practices.
Our South African operations, with stable production and incremental growth plans, delivered an increase of 7.4% in chrome concentrates reaching in excess of 718 000t over the six-month period, placing us well on track to meet and exceed guidance. Our additional chrome expansion projects are underway with the election to add further chrome processing modules to the Thutse operations as we move closer to achieving our goal of 2 Mt tonnes per annum of chrome concentrate. The PGM output as a by-product of the chrome operations further improved processing efficiencies to increase production by 11.2% for the period under review.
While unit costs increased in the period, largely as a result of the processing of more own-sourced chrome feed material and higher logistics costs for the PGM feeds, South Africa remains a stable, free cash flow-generating base for the Group, capable of funding its own growth projects.
Environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) efforts continue to be at the forefront of our operations, with renewable energy in Zambia and the roll-out of our Group safety management system providing incremental steps towards sustainable mining in the locations where we operate.”
Operational highlights
Zambia
§ Copper units produced increased by 46.5% to 1 683t (H1 FY2023: 1 149t). The improved copper production was achieved despite the operational disruptions at Roan as part of the ongoing front-end module upgrade project which is set to significantly increase copper production during the remaining half-year period
§ The safety performance in Zambia showed significant improvement, with the lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) reducing to 0.61 (H1 FY2023: 2.9)
South Africa
§ Chrome production increased by 7.4% to 718 189t (H1 FY2023: 668 809t)
§ Chrome revenue per tonne increased by 36.4% to US$90/t (H1 FY2023: US$66/t), supported by a strong chrome pricing environment and Jubilee’s strategy to process additional own-sourced material
§ Chrome cost per tonne increased by 19.7% to US$73/t (H1 FY2023: US$61/t), as a result of purchasing and processing more own-sourced chrome feed material
§ PGM production increased by 11.2% to 20 244oz (H1 FY2023: 18 208oz)
§ PGM cost per ounce increased by 16.4% to US$895/oz (H1 FY2023: US$769/oz), driven by higher logistics costs associated with the tailings material processed in the current reporting period
§ The South African operations’ safety remains a focus point, with LTIFR regressing to 2.17 (H1 FY2023: 1.0)
Financial highlights
Group
§ Group revenue increased by 18.4% to £74.7 million (H1 FY2023: £63.1 million) comprising:
o Copper units revenue increased by 23.5% to £6.3 million (H1 FY2023: £5.1 million), supported by improved average copper cathode market prices of US$8 262/t (H1 FY2023: US$7 864/t) achieved
o Chrome revenue increased by 46.2% to £51.9 million (H1 FY2023: £35.5 million) due to of chrome concentrate tonnes sold increasing by 13.9% to 721 974t (H1 FY2023: 634 111t), supported by the average chrome concentrate price per tonne received increasing by 36.4% to US$90/t (H1 FY2023: US$66/t)
o PGM revenue decreased by 26.7% to £16.5 million (H1 FY2023: £22.5 million), being negatively impacted by a 29.7% decrease in the average US$ PGM basket price received to US$1 021/oz (H1 FY2023: US$1 453/oz) while offset by PGMs sold increasing by 11.2% to 20 244oz (H1 FY2023: 18 208oz)
§ Group cost of production increased by 24.4% to £60.7 million (H1 FY2023: £48.8 million) predominantly due to an increase in our chrome feed purchases and higher logistical costs of PGM tailings materials processed during the period
§ Group EBITDA increased by 13.6% to £11.7 million (H1 FY2023: £10.3 million)
§ The Group’s capital investment in non-current assets decreased to £13.2 million (H1 FY2023: £30.5 million) because of expansion projects concluding in Zambia and South Africa during the period under review
§ The Group had £5.0 million in cash at the end of the period (30 June 2023: £12.6 million), noting that, on 4 January 2024, the Company raised £13 million before expenses through an equity placing to fund its Zambian strategy and growth
Zambia
§ Copper units revenue improved by 23.5% to £6.3 million (H1 FY2023: £5.1 million)
§ Copper units cost per tonne improved by 13.0% to US$4 554/t (H1 FY2023: US$5 232/t), mainly due to the improved copper production period-on-period
§ Copper units gross profit improved by 66.6% to £2.0 million (H1 FY2023: £1.2 million)
South Africa
§ Chrome revenue increased by 46.5% to £52.0 million (H1 FY2023: £35.5 million), benefiting from the new Thutse Project and the following:
o Chrome concentrate sales tonnes increased by 13.9% to 721 974t (H1 FY2023: 634 111t)
o The average chrome concentrate price per tonne received increased by 36.4% to US$90/t (H1 FY2023: US$66/t)
§ The average chrome cost per tonne increased by 19.7% to US$73/t (H1 FY2023: US$61/t), given the additional own-sourced chrome feed material purchased in the current reporting period
§ Chrome gross profit increased by 296.0% to £9.9 million (H1 FY2023: £2.5 million)
§ PGM revenue decreased by 26.7% to £16.5 million (H1 FY2023: £22.5 million), predominantly due to:
o PGM ounces sold increased by 11.2% to 20 244oz (H1 FY2023: 18 208oz)
o The US$ PGM average basket price per ounce received decreasing by 29.7% to US$1 021/oz (H1 FY2023: US$1 453/oz)
§ PGM cost per ounce increased by 16.4% to US$895/oz (H1 FY2023: US$769/oz) due to higher logistical costs associated with the tailings feed sources for the Inyoni plant in the current period
§ PGM gross profit decreased by 80.9% to £2.0 million (H1 FY2023: £10.5 million)
Outlook
§ The Group’s focus is on innovative modular processing technology to achieve low-cost, near-term production growth, with a strategic goal to expand operations to exceed 25 000t per annum of copper content in copper cathode and concentrates achieved by:
o Upgrading the Sable refinery and the Roan concentrator to increase production capacities, with Sable’s capacity expansion to 16 000t and Roan’s to 13 000t of copper units per annum. A significant upgrade includes the
construction of Sable’s sulphide circuit expected in Q3 CY2024 and the commissioning and ramp-up of a new copper processing module at Roan by the end of April 2024, aiming to boost copper production significantly
o Jubilee’s Project Munkoyo, advancing on schedule near Sable, anticipates its first test material delivery in Q4 FY2024, supporting long-term quality copper supply starting early in CY2025, aligning with the strategy to enhance copper resources and processing capacity through innovative projects and further opportunities in Zambia
o Concluding the Waste Rock Project acquisition with our partners IRH by mid-March 2024, which will provide the Group with a fully funded 30% position in one of Zambia’s largest waste rock dumps while being appointed under a management contract to design, implement and operate the project
§ The Group is uniquely positioned to enhance Thutse’s capacity by constructing two additional 50 000t per month modules, thereby achieving our long-term annual production target of 2Mt of chrome concentrates
§ The Group’s FY2024 production guidance:
o Guidance of 5 850t for copper units is unchanged pending the timely commissioning of the front-end upgrade of Project Roan
o Chrome operations expected to exceed guidance of 1.45Mt of chrome concentrate
o PGM production guidance of 42 000oz remains unchanged
Zambia renewable energy
Jubilee’s environmentally sustainable methods in copper production are highlighted by its ‘green copper’ processing in Zambia. In the period reviewed, 85% of the power generation for the Zambian operations came from renewable energy, mainly hydroelectricity. The renewable energy sources make the operations in Zambia a low source of Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, emitting less than 0.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent per month.
With this renewable energy profile and the secondary and historical waste rock and tailings sources, Jubilee reinforces its commitment and participation in eco-friendly ‘green copper’ mining and processing methods in its operations.
ESG highlights
§ Jubilee’s ESG performance over the past six months has demonstrated notable achievements and areas of improvement
§ Regarding safety, the Zambian operations achieved zero lost time injuries in the reporting period, significantly lowering the LTIFR from 2.36 to 0.61.
§ The successful roll-out of the mySHEQ safety management system is enhancing safety protocols by centralising all safety, health and environmental matters into one accessible system. This will help to enhance the safety performance of the South African operations in the future.
§ Scope 1 emissions increased by 20%, attributed predominantly to the increase in the Group’s chrome production profile and the increased diesel usage associated with the transport of ROM to our modular chrome processing facilities. This resulted in an increase in kilogramme CO2 emissions per chrome tonne to 6.62 (H1 FY2023: 4.95)
§ Scope 2 emissions increased marginally by 3%, with kilogramme CO2 emissions per chrome tonne reaching 7.71 (H1 FY2023: 7.49).
§ There has been a 30% reduction in water usage, averaging 1.6 (H1 FY2023: 2.3) cubic metres per chrome tonne produced
§ On a social responsibility front:
o In demonstrating Jubilee’s commitment to local communities, the Group invested in two additional boreholes in the Windsor 8 community
o Front end loader training was provided to Inyoni community members; similar training is underway for members of Windsor SA Plant 1-7
Operational review, strategy and growth projects
Zambia
Sable and Roan
Jubilee gained its footprint in Zambia when acquiring the Sable in 2019. In April 2021, Jubilee commenced site construction and, in May 2021, Jubilee established its inaugural copper concentrator, named Roan, in Ndola. Since operating these two facilities, the Jubilee Technical Services (JTS) team has been working tirelessly to develop low-cost, near-term production growth through innovative modular processing technology for its Zambian operations.
The Company’s strategy in Zambia is to expand its operations to reach an initial goal of
25 000t per annum of copper content in copper cathode and copper concentrates. The strategy includes the expansion of both Jubilee’s processing capacity and copper resource base.
Jubilee is currently in the process of upgrading its Sable refinery and Roan concentrator, to expand Sable’s capacity from 14 000t of copper units to 16 000t of copper units per annum. Roan will be able to process multiple feed sources of copper oxide and sulphides simultaneously with a capacity of 13 000t per annum of copper units.
Construction of Sable’s expansion to the sulphide circuit is expected to commence during Q3 CY2024. The upgrade forms part of Jubilee’s strategy to expand Sable’s capacity to produce up to 16 000t copper units per annum.
As announced on 8 February 2024, the manufacturing and testing of the new 50 000t per month copper processing module is now complete, with the final components being prepared for transit to Roan for commissioning and will be delivered within the nine-week timeline as previously communicated. The copper processing module will be in production and contributing to the copper production by the end of April 2024.
Project Munkoyo
The development of Project Munkoyo near Sable is progressing to schedule with the first feed material from this exciting copper resource expected to be delivered to Sable during Q4 FY2024. The material forms part of the development of a detailed surface copper resource definition, which offers the potential of a long-term quality copper supply to Sable from early in CY2025.
Project Munkoyo and the Waste Rock Project as detailed below, align with Jubilee’s strategy of unlocking overlooked copper resources through the application of processing capability. Jubilee has identified several further similar opportunities in Zambia which it seeks to secure in the near term as it drives to continuously increase its copper resource base as the catalyst for further expanding its processing capacity.
Waste Rock Project
In November 2023, Jubilee announced a partnership with Abu Dhabi’s IRH to develop the ‘Waste Rock Project’ in Zambia, targeting the production of 24 000t of copper units annually at a cost below US$4 000 per tonne. This project, leveraging Jubilee’s modular units and a potential US$50 million investment from IRH, aims to process a confirmed 260Mt of historical waste rock with copper grades over 1.5%. Jubilee and IRH are in the process of completing due diligence and documentation. Jubilee is finalising project details, including detailed drilling and processing trials, with a completion target of mid-March 2024, emphasising cost-effective and sustainable mining solutions.
The accelerated development of the newly secured large copper waste rock asset is being progressed along various work streams. This includes the development of a more detailed resource definition, undertaking bulk processing trials of the source material by the JTS to confirm detailed designs of the processing units and securing of manufacturing capacity for plant and equipment.
Mufulira Slag Project
The Mufulira Slag Project is a new project which targets the processing of all historical slag waste from the Mufulira smelter operations under a joint venture agreement with Mopani Copper Mines. The JTS has commenced the joint technical review of the project to create an environmentally friendly processing solution. More information about the project will be available once the JTS concludes this initial technical review.
South Africa
Jubilee’s ability and capacity to feed multiple types of material and produce multiple commodities are advantageous as this helps to mitigate the impact of market fluctuations. This diversified approach has provided stability and resilience for Jubilee during the period under review.
Five years ago, Jubilee installed its first chrome processing module in South Africa. Today, the Company has eight individual chrome modules, placing Jubilee as one of the world’s largest chrome concentrate producers. Jubilee’s chrome operations also contribute to its downstream capability to produce 44 000oz of PGMs per annum.
Chrome operations
The Group is making progress in negotiations to establish additional life-of-mine partnerships at its Thutse Project. At the same time, the Company is focusing on expanding its chrome operations through the implementation of two additional processing modules. This initiative is part of the strategic plan to achieve a future annual chrome concentrate production milestone in excess of 2Mt per annum. It is expected that these two chrome modules will be operational by Q3 CY2024 and will be capable of producing 300 000t of chrome concentrates per annum.
The modules will cost approximately US$12 million, funded through cash generated by the chrome operations. The project’s initiation is dependent on internal approvals and securing the necessary working capital funding to purchase and stockpile ROM material for the Thutse chrome processing modules.
PGM operations
The Group’s PGM operations are performing strongly and are on track despite the fluctuation of metals prices. The PGM operations will benefit from the targeted increased production of chrome concentrates. While the Group’s production capacity of 44 000 PGM ounces per annum will likely be exceeded with the expansion of the chrome production, we will look towards established relationships and surplus PGM concentrate refining capacity to be treated. In the current year, the Group processed no third-party material.
The table below sets out the operational and financial unit results contributing to revenue and gross profit for the period under review.
| Unaudited | Unaudited | Audited | |||
| H1 FY2024 | H1 FY2023 | % change* | FY2023 | ||
| GROUP | Unit | ||||
| Revenue | £’000 | 74 718 | 63 098 | 18.4% | 141 929 |
| Gross profit | £’000 | 13 995 | 14 312 | (2.2%) | 31 391 |
| Gross profit percentage | % | 19 | 23 | (17.4%) | 22 |
| EBITDA | £’000 | 11 657 | 10 286 | 13.3% | 24 783 |
| PGM | |||||
| Revenue | £’000 | 16 483 | 22 505 | (26.8%) | 44 477 |
| Revenue | US$’000 | 20 667 | 26 455 | (21.9%) | 53 556 |
| Gross profit | £’000 | 2 037 | 10 587 | (80.8%) | 16 815 |
| Gross profit | US$’000 | 2 554 | 12 445 | (79.5%) | 20 248 |
| Gross profit percentage | % | 12 | 47 | (74.5%) | 38 |
| Ounces sold | oz | 20 244 | 18 208 | 11.2% | 43 433 |
| Revenue per ounce | US$/oz | 1 021 | 1 453 | (29.7%) | 1 262 |
| Cost per ounce | US$/oz | 895 | 769 | 16.4% | 785 |
| Gross profit margin | US$/oz | 126 | 684 | (81.6%) | 477 |
| CHROME | |||||
| Revenue | £’000 | 51 954 | 35 500 | 46.3% | 80 575 |
| Revenue | US$’000 | 65 141 | 41 731 | 56.1% | 97 023 |
| Gross profit | £’000 | 9 970 | 2 501 | 298.6% | 9 773 |
| Gross profit | US$’000 | 12 501 | 2 940 | 325.2% | 11 768 |
| Gross profit percentage | % | 19 | 7 | 171.4% | 12 |
| Tonnes produced | t | 718 189 | 668 809 | 7.4% | 1 289 890 |
| Tonnes sold | t | 721 974 | 634 111 | 13.9% | 1 275 558 |
| Revenue per tonne | US$/t | 90 | 66 | 36.4% | 76 |
| Cost per tonne | US$/t | 73 | 61 | 19.7% | 67 |
| Gross profit margin | US$/t | 17 | 5 | 240% | 9 |
| COPPER UNITS | |||||
| Revenue | £’000 | 6 280 | 5 092 | 23.3% | 16 877 |
| Revenue | US$’000 | 7 874 | 5 986 | 31.5% | 20 322 |
| Gross profit | £’000 | 1 988 | 1 227 | 62.0% | 4 915 |
| Gross profit | US$’000 | 2 492 | 1 442 | 72.8% | 5 918 |
| Gross profit percentage | % | 31.7 | 24.1 | 31.5% | 29 |
| Tonnes sold | t | 1 182 | 868 | 36.2% | 2 728 |
| Revenue per tonne | US$/t | 6 663 | 6 893 | (3.3%) | 7 451 |
| Cost per tonne | US$/t | 4 554 | 5 232 | (13.0%) | 5 281 |
| Gross profit margin | US$/t | 2 109 | 1 661 | 27.0% | 2 171 |
* Due to rounding the percentages listed in the table above may differ to percentages listed in the highlights
Financial performance analysis
Exchange rates and their impact on results
Jubilee subsidiaries are incorporated in multiple jurisdictions including South Africa (ZAR), Zambia (ZMW), Mauritius (US$), the United Kingdom (£/GBP) and Australia (AUD). The Group’s operating subsidiaries are in South Africa and Zambia where revenue is invoiced in US$ and recorded in ZAR and ZMW, respectively. Costs incurred in South Africa are in ZAR. Costs incurred in Zambia are in both ZMW and US$. The functional currency for South Africa is ZAR and for Zambia it is ZMW, while the Group’s reporting currency is pound sterling (£/GBP).
Period-on-period changes in the currency rates, respectively, must be considered when comparing period-on-period results. During the period under review, spot and average exchange rates moved as illustrated below.
| SPOT | H1 FY2024 | H1 FY2023 | % change | |
| US$/GBP | 1.27 | 1.21 | 5.0% | |
| ZAR/GBP | 23.27 | 20.55 | 13.2% | |
| ZMW/GBP | 32.78 | 21.78 | 50.5% | |
| AVERAGE | H1 FY2024 | H1 FY2023 | % change | |
| US$/GBP | 1.25 | 1.18 | 5.9% | |
| ZAR/GBP | 23.41 | 20.33 | 15.1% | |
| ZMW/GBP | 26.44 | 19.20 | 37.7% | |
Revenue
Revenue for the period increased by 18.4% to £74.7 million (H1 FY2023: £63.1 million) mainly driven by increased chrome concentrate sales by 13.9% from H1 FY2023 to 721 974t in H1 FY2024 and a 36.4% increase in the US$ chrome price per tonne achieved. Chrome revenue contributed 69.5% (FY2023: 56.2%) to total Group revenue. PGM revenue decreased by 26.8% with PGM basket prices regressing by 29.7% to US$1 021/oz. Copper units revenue increased by 23.5% to £6.3 million (H1 FY2023: £5.1 million) mainly attributable to a 36.2% increase in copper units tonnes sold.
Cost of production
Cost of production increased by 24.4% to £60.7 million (H1 FY2023: £48.8 million). Cost of production for the chrome and PGM operations in South Africa contributed 93.1% of the Group’s cost of production amounting to £56.5 million (H1 FY2023: £44.9 million (92%)).
The main categories of cost of production for chrome and PGM operations include:
– Electricity costs increased by 41.7% in South Africa to £1.7 million (H1 FY2023: £1.2 million) due to tariff increases, higher production and diesel generation costs to counter the power challenges in South Africa
– Salaries and wages increased by 22.6% to £3.8 million (H1 FY2023: £3.1 million) contributing 6.3% of the Group’s total cost of production (H1 FY2023: 6.3%). As the chrome operations have expanded, the salaries and wages have commensurately increased
– Mining and processing costs increased by 25.6% to £51.0 million (H1 FY2023: £40.6 million), mainly driven by a 29.4% increase in run-of-mine (ROM) and tailings costs as the chrome operations expanded into own-sourced material during the period under review. ROM and tailings costs contributed 55.5% of the Group’s total cost of production (H1 FY2023: 53.3%).
Cost of production for the Zambian operations increased by 7.7% to £4.2 million (H1 FY2023: £3.9 million). The Zambian operations contributed 6.9% of the Group’s cost of production.
Other operating costs
Other operating expenses increased by 5.2% to £10.2 million (H1 FY2023: £9.7 million) predominantly due to inflationary increases during the period under review.
Finance cost
Finance cost increased 93.8% to £3.1 million (H1 FY2023: £1.6 million). The increase is a result of holding higher quantities of ROM and tailings which were funded by new working capital facilities.
Fair value adjustments
In 2018, Jubilee acquired 100% of Enviro Mining Limited from Kendrick Resources, thereby securing full ownership and control over Kabwe Operations Limited during June 2020. The acquisition resulted in a fair valuation of a £2.8 million liability, contingent on the earnings payable from the Kabwe Project. Following the acquisition, the fair value of this liability was reassessed due to recent project assessments, leading to a downward adjustment of £2.8 million in the liability’s fair value.
Capital expenditure
During the period, the Company invested £12.9 million (H1 FY2023: £30.5 million) in capital to expand its South African chrome operations and to continue with the upgrade and expansion of its Roan copper concentrator’s processing facility in Zambia.
Cash and debt facilities
As at 31 December 2023, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance was £5.0 million (FY2023: £12.6 million). Net cash generated from operating activities was £2.6 million (FY2023: £31.0 million), impacted predominately due to a lower change in working capital period-on-period of £1.3 million (FY2023: £17.4 million).
For the period under review the Company is reviewing strategies to consolidate debt and working capital facilities. Additionally, the Absa £12.9 million (ZAR300 million) revolving credit facility will be refinanced by mid-April 2024.
Analyst conference call and webcast
Jubilee Metals will host a conference call and webcast for analysts at 11:00 UK time on 28 February 2024. To attend the analysts’ call, please contact investor relations at [email protected]
