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ZCCM-IH News

ZCCM-IH Zambia’s profit after tax up 480% to K510 million for Half Year 2019

ZCCM Investments Holdings PLC 2019 Half Year Report
Read the ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc HY2019 interim results
We have extracted the financial summary from the interim report of ZCCM Investments Holdings PLC, listed on the Lusaka Securities Exchange under the share code ZCCM.zm. ZCCM Investments is a diversified holdings company holding interests in the fields of energy and mining amongst others. The following is an excerpt from the interim report; Financial Performance “The Group recorded a turnover of K67.5 million for the six-month period ended 30th September 2018 which represents 80% over the turnover of K37.5 million reported during the six months to 30th September 2017. The increase is mostly on account of the consolidation of Investrust Bank following the Group’s increase in the Bank’s shareholding to 71.4%. The Group recorded an operating loss of K222 million (Sept 2017: loss K123 million) and received dividends of K44.8 million from Kansanshi Mining Plc (September 2017: Nil). The Group’s share of profit in associate companies was K437.5 million (September 2017: K227.3 million). The performance of the associate companies has continued to improve due to continued increase in demand for copper on the world market resulting in increased copper prices. Overall the Group recorded an after-tax profit of K510 million (September 2017: K87.8 million). Operations and Strategic developments Ndola Lime Company Limited In September 2018, Two (2) former employees of Ndola Lime Company Limited (NLC) instituted proceedings in the High Court of Zambia to place NLC under supervision pursuant to the Corporate Insolvency Act No. 9 of 2017. By order of the Court dated 5th October 2018, the Official Receiver was appointed as Interim Business Administrator of NLC. The application for the Business Rescue Proceedings will be heard in January 2019 at which all affected persons (including ZCCM-IH) will be heard. Investrust Bank Plc In April 2018, ZCCM-IH conducted a Mandatory Offer to purchase shares from all other minority shareholders in Investrust Bank Plc (Investrust) in accordance with Rule 56 of the Third Schedule of the Securities (Takeovers and Mergers) Rules, Statutory Instrument No 170 of 1993, issued pursuant to the Securities Act, Chapter 354 of the Laws of Zambia, now repealed and replaced by the Securities Act No 41 of 2016, (the “Securities Act”). The Mandatory Offer culminated into ZCCM-IH acquiring an additional 2,125,890 shares, representing a 26.0% shareholding in Investrust; ZCCM-IH effectively increased its shareholding from 45.4% to 71.4%. Subsequent to increasing its shareholding in Investrust, ZCCM-IH has committed to recapitalise and drive strategic performance improvements of the Bank. Cement Manufacturing Project During the period under review, ZCCM-IH signed a Shareholders’ Agreement with China Machinery Construction Group Limited (SinoConst) for the development of a cement plant to be located in Masaiti District in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia under the incorporated Special Purpose Vehicle, Central African Cement Limited. CBMI Construction Co., Limited (Sinoma) has been engaged as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractor for the project once it reaches financial close. Tailings Reprocessing In June 2018, ZCCM-IH and Horizon Mining Limited executed a Shareholders Agreement relating to the incorporated Joint Venture Company, Copper Tree Minerals Limited (Copper Tree), in which ZCCM-IH and Horizon Limited each have shareholdings of 15.58% and 84.42% respectively. Copper Tree was established to reprocess material at Tailing Dams 25, 26 and 27 located in Kitwe. Oil Exploration ZCCM-IH obtained licenses for two oil blocks situated in the Western and Muchinga provinces of Zambia. In order to undertake exploratory works on these oil blocks ZCCM-IH entered into a partnership with Oranto Petroleum (Oranto), where ZCCM-IH farmed out a 90% participating interest on the oil blocks to Oranto and retained 10%. Under the partnership, Oranto will fully fund all exploratory activities and development works as well as provide technical support for the project. Mushe Milling Limited As part of ZCCM-IH’s strategic intent to participate in the agriculture, agri-business or agro-processing [sub] sectors, ZCCM-IH began discussions regarding the potential acquisition of Mushe Milling Limited (Mushe), a maize milling company located in Lusaka. The opportunity to acquire Mushe has been assessed and discussions have reached an advanced stage with the terms and conditions of the transaction close to finalisation. Real Estate/Property During the period under review ZCCM-IH expressed interest to invest in the development and purchase of Leopards Square, a mixed commercial property with a unique tenant mix. The opportunity would allow for ZCCM-IH to invest into this property through the purchase into the capital structure of the property at pre-development stage and earn an enhanced return due to development profits/savings. This transaction is nearing finalization, upon completion of a Subscription Agreement and a Shareholders Agreement. ZCCM-IH also acquired Village Villas Complex in Roma area in Lusaka pursuant to its strategy in investment property. Silica Sand Mining and Glass Manufacturing During the period under review ZCCM-IH placed a formal offer to acquire the assets held by Kapiri Glass Manufacturing Company (2008) Limited (In Receivership), including the mining rights to the primary silica sand deposit in Kapiri Mposhi. However, the transaction has not been completed or finalised, as an injunction has been placed against to halt any further progression on the transaction due to legal action taken against the Kapiri Glass Manufacturing Company (2008) Limited (In Receivership). Kariba Minerals Limited Subsequent to the period under review, ZCCM-IH acquired an additional 50% shareholding in Kariba Minerals Limited from Gemfields Limited at a total consideration of US$2.5 million. The completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals. Going forward, ZCCM-IH will implement a robust strategic plan aimed at improving production, processing and marketing activities in order to increase profitability of the mine.”
Source: African Financials
Investee Company News

ZCCM-IH | Further Cautionary Renewal

ZCCM Investments Holdings PLC (“ZCCM-IH”) Files a Notice of Arbitration against Kansanshi Holdings Limited and Kansanshi Mining PLC.

On 26 October 2016, ZCCM-IH filed a Notice of Arbitration in London against Kansanshi Holdings Limited and Kansanshi Mining PLC for various Claims arising from transactions between Kansanshi Mining Plc and FQM Finance Limited. ZCCM-IH applied to the Arbitral Tribunal to bring a derivative claim on behalf of Kansanshi Mining PLC which application was heard on 10-12 January 2018.

Further to the Cautionary Renewal released by ZCCM-IH on 6th February 2018, regarding these matters and in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act No 41 of 2016 and the General Obligations of Disclosure under the Continuing Obligations of the Listings Requirements of the Lusaka Securities Exchange, shareholders are informed that on 22nd February the Tribunal denied ZCCM-IH permission to bring its proposed derivative claim on behalf of Kansanshi Mining PLC.

On 22nd March 2018, following the award denying permission, ZCCM-IH filed an Arbitration Claim in the Commercial Court in London applying to challenge the award dated 22nd February 2018.

Shareholders of ZCCM-IH are accordingly advised to exercise caution when dealing in securities of the Company until further information is published.

By Order of the Board
Chabby Chabala
Company Secretary

Issued in Lusaka, Zambia on Tuesday, 10th April 2018

Lusaka Securities Exchange Sponsoring Broker
T | +260-211-232456
E | advisory@sbz.com.zm
W | www.sbz.com.zm
Stockbrokers Zambia Limited (SBZ) is a founder member of the Lusaka Securities Exchange and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia

First Issued on 1 November 2016
Annual Report Summaries

METS Extract from 2018 Annual Report

Misenge Environmental and Technical Services Limited (METS) earned a total of K5.48 million (unaudited) as revenue for the year ended 31st March 2018 (2017: K8.80 million). Of the revenue, K4.6 million was realised from recurring services to ZCCM-IH (2017: K2.63 million) and K0.88 million was from non ZCCM-IH sources (2017: K6.17 million). METS recorded a net loss of K4.5 million (2017: K1.22 million loss).

During the year under review, ZCCM-IH purchased and installed the Fume and Dust extractors at the Kabwe Analytical Laboratory. The process of Accreditation of the Analytical Laboratory to the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Services (SADCAS) begun during the year under review.

There were no dividends declared during the year under review (2017: Nil).
Annual Report Summaries

Investrust Plc Extract from 2018 Annual Report

nvestrust Bank Plc (“Investrust”) recorded a 19.9% decrease in net interest income to K48.91 million during the year ended 31st December 2017 (2016: K40.82 million). Total operating expenses increased marginally by 1% on a year-on-year basis to K149.65 million (2016: K148.23 million). During the year under review, the Bank recorded a loss of K38.00 million (2016: K47.40 million loss).

Subsequent to the year-end, ZCCM-IH increased its shareholding in Investrust from 45.4% to 71.4% through the mandatory offer that commenced on 9th April 2018 and closed on 30th April 2018.

The Bank’s share price on the LuSE closed the period under review at K13.50 (2016: K13.50).There were no dividends declared during the financial year under review (2016: Nil).
Annual Report Summaries

CEC Extract from 2018 Annual Report

During the financial year ending 31st December 2017, revenue of K 3,724 million (US$390 million) (2016:
K3,503 million (US$355 million) was recorded driven mostly by the increase to the end-user mining tariff. Adjusted Earnings Before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) was K964 million (US$101 million) [(2016: K923.54 million (US$90 million)].

As at 31 March 2018, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of K645 million (US$68 million) compared to total borrowings of K835 million (US$88 million) out of which K133 million (US$14 million) is payable in 2018. The Company’s net current assets as at that date was K664 million (US$70 million). Based on the financial forecast, it is expected that the working capital of the business over the next 12 months will be positive and that the Company will be profit-making during the same period.

The telecoms subsidiaries (CEC Liquid Telecom and Hai Telecoms) has been expanding its market share in the wholesale and retail segments and have been profitable two years consecutively; exhibiting potential for further growth prospects. The CEC board further recognises that the Company is primarily a power business and that there is need to continuously review its strategy around its continued investment in the telecoms operations going forward.

On 23 January 2018, the Company received a firm intention by Zambian Transmission LLP to buy all the shares in the capital of CEC. The board considered the offer and appointed an Independent Committee of the Board to consider the offer. The offer was sent, through an offer document to all shareholders, with an offer period commencing 20 February 2018.

Total Dividend paid for 2017 was K209 million (US$21 million) [(2016: K161.8 (US$16.4 million)].

Download Full Report
Annual Report Summaries

NFC Africa Mining Plc Extract from 2018 Annual Report

NFC Africa Mining Plc (NFCA) recorded a turnover of K1,523.9 million (US$159.6 million) for the financial year ending 31st December 2017 [(2016: K1,171.87 million (US$114.2 million)] due to increased copper prices.

NFCA recorded a profit after tax of K153.73 million (US$16.1 million) [(2016: K203.18 million (US$ 19.8 million loss)].

NFCA continues to work on the development of the South East Ore Body project. The company reported project expenditure of K4,408.42 million (US$461.7 million) as at 31st December 2017. Total planned project investment is 8,280.27 million (US$832 million). Once completed the project is expected to extend the life of mine by 20 years. The design and annual capacity at full production is estimated at 3.3 million tonnes of ore containing 60,000 tonnes of copper.

There were no dividends paid during the year ended 31st December 2017 (2016: Nil).
Annual Report Summaries

Ndola Lime Company Ltd Extract from 2018 Annual Report

Ndola Lime Company Limited (NLC) reported total revenues for the financial year ended 31st March 2018 of K60.1 million (2017: K89.6 million) and a loss after tax of K190 million (2017: K1.1 billion loss).

Major contributors to the loss were the below budget sales figures, huge finance costs; and penalties on overdue statutory obligations totalling K100 million.

On 21st September 2017, NLC’s Vertical Kiln 2 (VK2) was engulfed in flames, an occurrence that damaged several components of the kiln, rendering it dysfunctional. VK1 underwent refurbishments to its refractory bricks but could not be fired up due to NLC’s lack of working capital, a situation that eventually led to production at the company grounding to a halt with only limited repacking activity going on.

Subsequent to the year end, two (2) former employees of Ndola Lime Company Limited (NLC) instituted proceedings to the High Court of Zambia to place NLC under supervision pursuant to the Corporate Insolvency Act No. 9 of 2017. By order of the Court dated 5th October 2018, the Official Receiver was appointed as Interim Business Administrator of NLC. The application for the Business Rescue Proceedings will be heard in January 2019 at which all affected persons (including ZCCM-IH) will be heard. However, ZCCM-IH remains committed to the affairs of NLC and will continue to pursue all activities that better the Company and ZCCM-IH’s investments.

There were no dividends declared during the year under review (2017: Nil)
Annual Report Summaries

Mopani Copper Mines Plc Extract from 2018 Annual Report

During the financial year ending 31st December 2017, Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) recorded net revenue of K3,366.62 million (US$352.59) million [(2016: K5,994,62 million (US$584.18 million)]. The net loss was at K2,770.14 million (US$290.12 million) [(2016: K1,823.08 million (US$177.66 million net loss )].

MCM produced a total of 98,869 tonnes of finished copper during the period under review and this was 11,178 tonnes lower than the prior year (2016: 110,047 tonnes). Total copper production was lower than the previous year mainly due to the 45 day planned smelter shutdown in 2017. Total copper produced from own sources was at 41,738 tonnes (2016: 41,100).

MCM continues to invest heavily in infrastructure projects to increase the copper production and increase the life of the mine by twenty five years. The Mindola Deeps and Mufulira Deeps Projects progressed well during the year under review with total investment in the two projects amounting to US$578.00 million as at 31st December 2017. The forecasted completion is March 2019 for all works in Mindola Deeps and Mufulira Deeps Projects. MCM already invested over K3,884.71 million (US$406.85 million) in the Synclinorium Shaft Project and is planning another estimated K2,005.13 million (US$210.00 million) planned for a new Synclinorium Concentrator (the Concentrator). Site preparation and demolition works at Nkana site for the Concentrator commenced and were 80.00% completed.

There were no dividends declared during the year under review (2016: Nil).
Annual Report Summaries

Lubambe Copper Mines Extract from 2018 Annual Report

Lubambe continued with restructuring through downsizing of output and the reduction of related labour cost. The largest contributors to the unit cost savings were a reduction in labour cost due to a 66.00% reduction in expatriate labour, a reduction in stoping dilution obtained through an improvement in the mining stoping method, and a 4.00% increase in plant recoveries obtained through plant optimisation initiatives.

This is the first reporting period in which Lubambe operated in accordance with the reduced production target of 80,000 tonnes of ore per month. The reduced target was implemented in March 2016 to curtail operating losses, save cash and preserve the ore body whilst implementing a strategy to upgrade the underground dewatering infrastructure.

During the period under review a labour restructuring programme was successfully concluded which aligned the total labour complement with the revised lower production rate of 80,000 tonnes per month. Ongoing capital expenditure was curtailed to preserve cash with the majority of expenditure being incurred for mine ramp development.

The Lubambe Extension Project was put on hold until an opportune time when conditions are suitable for additional investment. This high-grade area remains an integral part of the future development of the Lubambe ore body.

Lubambe Copper Mine Limited (Lubambe) reported revenues of K517.37 million (US$54.18 million) for the year ended 31st March 2018 [(2017: K824.92 million (US$ 83.65 million)]. Operating costs were above budget at K1,021.84 million US$107.01 million compared to the K973.62 million (US$101.96 million) target due to increased engineering activity as production was being increased. The loss for the year was K350.4 million (US$36.70 million). Lubambe’s financial year was changed to now run from 1st January to 31st December.

For the 9 months to 31st March 2018 Lubambe’s mined volumes were 840, 376 tons of copper ore, above the target of 808,122 tons as activity was being ramped up. Total contained copper produced over the same period was 14,891 tons, above the target of 14,566 tons.

The historical losses had been caused by the initial challenges Lubambe had faced during the project’s development phase which included flooding, dilution during the mining process due a thin ore body thereby increasing running costs. Dilution was further exacerbated by the wide inter-level vertical spacing which was upwards of 17 meters ramp spacing.

During the year under review, EMR Capital of Australia completed the purchase of the ARM and VALE stakes in Konnoco, thereby gaining an 80% ownership of Lubambe. After the acquisition, EMR Capital put in place various interventions at the mining and ore treatment processes to improve production.

Production had initially been capped at 80,000 tonnes of ore to contain costs but in EMR’s business model this level is deemed to be unsustainable. EMR have ramped up and are targeting to reach the 200,000 tonnes of ore production level by 2019.

There were no dividends declared during the year under review (2016: Nil).