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Mon 6 Feb 2012, 17:14 PAM - Palabora Mining Company Limited - Reviewed Preliminary results and
PAM
PAM                                                                             
PAM - Palabora Mining Company Limited - Reviewed Preliminary results and        
dividend announcement for the year ended 31 December 2011                       
Palabora Mining Company Limited                                                 
and its Subsidiaries                                                            
(a member of the Rio Tinto Group)                                               
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)                                  
(Registration Number: 1956/002134/06)                                           
JSE Code: PAM        ISIN: ZAE000005245                                         
("Group" or "Palabora" or "Company")                                            
Reviewed Preliminary results and dividend announcement for the year ended 31    
December 2011                                                                   
The preparation of the condensed consolidated preliminary financial information 
was supervised by:                                                              
Dikeledi Nakene (CA) SA                                                         
Chief Financial Officer                                                         
COMMENTARY                                                                      
                                                                                
Group financial                                                                 
highlights                                                                      

                                        Reviewed    Audited                     
For the year ended                       31          31 December                
                                        December    2010                        
2011                                    
                                                                                
Net profit for the year  R`million        1 464        595                      
Basic earnings per       Cents            3 028       1 231                     
share                                                                           
Earnings before          R`million        2 432       1 533                     
interest, tax,                                                                  
depreciation and                                                                
amortisation (EBITDA)                                                           
Headline earnings        R`million        1 468        594                      
Headline earnings per    Cents            3 036       1 228                     
share                                                                           
Dividend per share       Cents            1 138        931                      
(declared)                                                                      
Overview                                                                        
The Managing Director, Anthony (Tony) Lennox said, "I am pleased to announce    
that Palabora continues to build on its diverse commodity platform to deliver an
excellent performance for 2011. Combined with enhanced operational efficiencies,
an improving sales mix including higher magnetite volumes and firming commodity 
prices, Palabora posted net profit of R1.464 billion compared to R595 million in
2010."                                                                          
Shareholders are referred to the announcement of the Broad Based Black Economic 
Empowerment (BBBEE) transaction published on 19 December 2011 wherein Palabora  
announced the conversion, subject to certain administrative corrections, of     
seven of its eight existing old order mining rights into new order mining       
rights, a key step to enabling Palabora to move forward with the implementation 
of the BBBEE transaction.  The remaining old order mining right is subject to a 
third party dispute, but such dispute will not prevent the implementation of the
BBBEE transaction insofar as the other new order mining rights are concerned. As
part of Palabora`s transformation strategy, Palabora embraced a fundamental     
responsibility to participate and contribute meaningfully towards Enterprise    
Development (ED) and Socio-economic Development (SED) in order to continue to   
develop the community of Ba-Phalaborwa. To this end, the Board of Palabora (the 
Board) approved R35 million for ED and SED projects to provide local            
entrepreneurs with training, operational and/or financial assistance to         
strengthen and grow their businesses.                                           
During 2011 Palabora established a program called the Four Pillars of Growth    
which are significant projects designed to move the company forward for the next
20 years. Tony said, "During the course of 2011 the Board endorsed the business 
strategy which identified four areas for additional growth, comprising Lift II  
mine development, magnetite expansion, vermiculite expansion and smelter        
extension prefeasibility. A total of R196 million was spent on Lift II and      
growth initiatives for the year. The business has established a formal dedicated
capability with the necessary leadership and structures to support the execution
of our strategy."  This includes the trucking of magnetite to Maputo which      
commenced in December 2011 with an expected 40kt to 60kt to be moved monthly and
complement the existing rail capability.                                        
The Board declared a final dividend of R2.07 per share, which together with the 
interim dividend of R9.31 per share brings the 2011 dividend to R11.38 per      
share.                                                                          
Safety                                                                          
Tony said, "Palabora continues to set progressive targets to improve its safety 
record and it is for that reason I am disappointed that our safety record       
deteriorated compared to 2010, with all injuries increasing from 21 in 2010 to  
24. I personally took time to interact with about 3 800 employees and           
contractors during our Leadership Through Dialogue LeKgotla training programme  
which was a huge success. All employees had a daylong session to share their    
views on safety with the entire leadership. We are in the process of            
implementing the safety and leadership recommendations adopted from the         
interactions with our members of staff."                                        
Production                                                                      
Ore hoisted decreased 3% to 10.7Mt compared to 11.0Mt in 2010 mainly due to the 
replacement of the winder drums during the first and second quarters of 2011 and
lower LHD availability in the fourth quarter due to the consolidation of the    
maintenance contracts.                                                          
Total ore treated increased 1% to 11.8Mt compared to 11.7Mt in 2010 mainly due  
to increased processing of slag and other material which increased 89% to 1.2mt 
to mitigate the impact of lower underground ore supply and the impact of the    
girth gear replacement overrun in the second quarter.                           
Copper concentrate production declined 7% to 228kt compared to 246kt in 2010 due
to lower mined ore milled and the impact of lower recoveries from minor         
equipment failures and increased lower grade slag material.                     
Anode production increased 7%  to 59.4kt compared to 55.7kt in 2010 due to      
improvements in operational efficiencies and recovery rates at the smelter      
following initiatives undertaken from the end of 2010 as well as utilisation of 
prior year reverts stockpiles.                                                  
Magnetite production increased 13% to 3.4mt compared to 3.0mt in 2010 due to    
increased export capacity available during 2011 arising from the absence of port
strikes that occurred in the second quarter of 2010 and the Brakspruit bridge   
collapse in the third quarter of 2010.                                          
Sales volumes                                                                   
Whilst total copper sales decreased 3% to 70.1kt compared to 72.5kt, including  
4.9kt of imported rod in 2010, the sales mix improved significantly in favour of
higher premium copper rod. Copper rod sales increased 21% including imported rod
in 2010 and 36% excluding imported rod for the previous year. A deliberate      
decision was taken to retain higher copper cathode inventory of 3.5kt compared  
to 1.3kt in 2010 to ensure adequate start up inventory for the 2012 financial   
year.                                                                           

Details of copper sales                                                         
volumes:                                                                        
                        For the year      For the year                          
ended             ended                                 
                        31 December       31 December                           
                        2011              2010                                  
                        kt                kt              % change              
Copper rod               51.6              42.8            21%                  
Cathode                  6.7               12.1            (45%)                
Reverts                  5.3               9.1             (42%)                
Refined copper scrap     6.5               8.5             (24%)                
Total copper             70.1              72.5            (3%)                 
                                                                                
Magnetite volumes were 21% higher at 3 182kt compared to the previous year of   
2 640kt as a result of improved train availability to transport material to     
port.                                                                           
Turnover                                                                        
Post hedge turnover increased 31% to R8.1 billion from R6.1 billion in 2010 on  
the back of firming product prices and higher magnetite sales volumes. The LME  
copper price averaged Usc/lb 400, 18% higher from Usc/lb 340 for 2010.  Post    
hedge copper revenue increased 5% to R3.4 billion on 70.1kt compared to R3.2    
billion on 72.5kt in 2010. Copper profitability contribution at 10% remains     
weighed down by the hedge facility which reduced copper profitability by R1.04  
billion.                                                                        
Magnetite revenue increased 68% to R3.9 billion on 3.2Mt compared to R2.3       
billion on 2.6Mt for the same comparative period, realising average prices of R1
233 and R886 per tonne for 2011 and 2010 respectively. The Asian region remains 
the dominant market. Magnetite contribution to the Group operating profitability
was at 80% as a result of increasing prices and volumes over a relatively low   
cost base due to the historical stock piles which do not carry any historical   
mining costs.                                                                   
Vermiculite revenue increased 35% to R518 million on 163kt compared to R385 on  
179kt for 2010. Sales volumes were impacted by inland and sea logistical        
constraints. Realised prices firmed to R3 181 from R2 156 per tonne for 2011 and
2010 respectively.                                                              
Cost of sales                                                                   
Cost of sales increased 9% to R3.4 billion compared to R3.1 billion for the 2010
comparative period reflecting the above inflation increases in electricity rates
and labour cost increases, raw material price increases and maintenance         
undertaken during the scheduled smelter shut down. Supplementary copper         
purchases were higher at R671 million on 10.2kt compared to R614 million on     
11.4kt due to increased copper prices.                                          
Selling and administration expenses                                             
Selling expenses increased 34% to R1.9 billion compared to R1.4 billion in 2010 
mainly due to increased magnetite sales volumes and rail rates.                 
Administration expenses increased 48% to R711 million from R482 million in 2010 
mainly due to costs associated with the business improvement initiatives,       
facelift costs on the premises, compliance and risk management related costs,   
implementation of King III Code of Corporate Governance including an expanded   
communities and communications function, additional costs associated with the   
preparation of the site for the IMBS pilot plant, above inflationary increases  
in overhead labour costs and Ba-Phalaborwa community spend. The board also      
approved a social and community enterprise development cost of R35 million in   
December 2011 as part of Palabora`s BEE scorecard compliance.                   
Other costs include R39 million paid to employees in advance of the             
implementation of the BBBEE transaction expected in the early part of 2012.     
Cash flow from operating activities and capital expenditure                     
Cash flow from operating activities before dividends and STC increased by 61% to
R1.6 billion from R1 billion in 2010 on the back of increased profitability     
associated with higher prices across all main products and higher magnetite     
volumes.                                                                        
Sustaining capital expenditure increased 100% to R445 million from R222 million 
in 2010 mainly due to scheduled replacement strategies of production assets as  
these reached the end of their economic life. Capital expenditure also includes 
the acquisition of the nickel plant following the dissolution of the Nickel     
Plant arrangement with a third party for R36 million, scheduled reverb smelter  
shut down costs of R41 million and R51 million relating to the replacement of   
the winder drums earlier in the year.                                           
Declaration of dividend                                                         
A final cash dividend of 207 cents per share has been declared. The final       
dividend together with the interim dividend paid in September 2011 brings the   
total dividend for 2011 to 1 138 cents. The final dividend proposal reflects    
Palabora`s focus on the Four Pillars of Growth to ensure a viable business model
to 2030 and the belief in the growth options currently available.               
Payment in South African Rand will be made on Monday, 5 March 2012 to           
shareholders recorded in the register of Palabora Mining Company as at Friday, 2
March 2012. The last day to trade to qualify for the dividend will be Friday, 24
February 2012 and the shares will trade ex-dividend from Monday, 27 February    
2012. Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between    
Monday, 27 February 2012 and Friday, 2 March 2012, both days inclusive.         
This financial report does not reflect this dividend payable, which will be     
recognised in shareholders` equity as an appropriation of retained earnings in  
the year ending 31 December 2012. The final dividend relating to the 2010       
financial year of R350 million was paid during the year.                        
Directorship                                                                    
Nhlanhla Hlubi was appointed as an independent non-executive director of the    
company, with effect from 1 February 2011. Nhlanhla is currently a director and 
Head of Compliance and Risk Management in the retail division at Alexander      
Forbes. He is an admitted Attorney with over 10 year`s post admission experience
in financial planning, legal, regulatory compliance and risk management. He has 
held numerous positions in the financial services industry as a Financial       
Consultant and Regional Legal Advisor.                                          
Lindsay Kirsner resigned as non-executive director of the Board, with effect    
from 3 February 2011. Lindsay has changed roles within Rio Tinto from Rio Tinto 
Copper to Business Development.                                                 
With effect from 4 February 2011, Craig Kinnell was appointed as non-executive  
director of the company. Craig joined Rio Tinto in 1985 as a graduate trainee,  
after successfully completing a degree in Marketing and Economics. He           
subsequently completed a Rio Tinto sponsored MBA in 1992 and has acquired       
extensive international knowledge and experience within minerals marketing and  
the commercial mining environment over the past 25 years. He has held several   
board positions within Rio Tinto in South Africa, Namibia, China, Singapore,    
Canada, USA, UK and Germany and filled a number of senior management positions, 
including Managing Director of Rio Tinto Uranium and Senior Vice President Rio  
Tinto Iron & Titanium. Craig is currently Chief Marketing Officer within Rio    
Tinto Copper Group.                                                             
Dikeledi Nakene joins Palabora with broad experience in finance, management,    
internal and external auditing. She has held numerous senior positions including
executive general manager, audit partner, chief financial officer for the       
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as well as chairperson of the Audit       
Committee for the Food and Beverage SETA. Dikeledi holds a BCom Accounting cum  
laude degree from University of the North, BCompt (Hons) degree from University 
of South Africa and a higher diploma in Taxation law (University of the         
Witwatersrand). She is also a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Certified    
Internal Auditor.                                                               
Jo-Ann Yuen resigned as non-executive director from the Board with effect from  
30 November 2011. Jo-Ann has changed roles within Rio Tinto moving from Rio     
Tinto Copper to Kennecott Utah Copper as Chief Financial Advisor.               
With effect from 1 December 2011, Jean-Sebastien Jacques has been appointed as a
non-executive director of the company. Jean-Sebastien is currently President of 
International Operations within the Rio Tinto Copper group. He has extensive    
experience in the metal and mining industry and in the management of            
international teams. He has held several senior positions including group       
strategy director for TATA Steel and corporate development and strategy director
for Corus group. Jean-Sebastien holds a Master of Science with honours from     
Ecole Centrale, Paris.                                                          
The Board would like to express its thanks to Bruce Snyder, for his efforts in  
the role of interim Chief Financial Officer, while a comprehensive recruitment  
process was concluded. The Board welcomes Dikeledi Nakene who has been appointed
Chief Financial Officer from 18 April 2011. Bruce will continue to work within  
the Rio Tinto Group.                                                            
At 31 December 2011 the Palabora Board was constituted as                       
follows:                                                                        
                                                                                
Directors                             Alternate directors                       
1.  Clifford N Zungu                                                            
   (Chairman)                                                                   
2.  Anthony W Lennox (Managing                                                  
   Director)*                                                                   
3.  Dikeledi L Nakene (Chief                                                    
   Financial Officer)*                                                          
4.  Francine A du                                                               
   Plessis                                                                      
5.  Ray Abrahams                                                                
6.  Willan J Abel                                                               
7.  Nhlanhla A Hlubi                                                            
8.  Craig Kinnell+                                                              
9.  Jean-Sebastien                    Coen H.                                   
   Jacques>                          Louwarts#                                  
*Executive Director     #Dutch                                                  
Australian              +British                                                
>French                                                                         
Appreciation                                                                    
We are grateful to all the Board members for their active participation in      
providing strategic direction to the company. The good results would not have   
been achieved without the dedicated contribution from the management and all    
staff members.                                                                  
CN Zungu            AW Lennox                DL Nakene                          
Chairman            Managing Director        Chief Financial Officer            
6 February 2012                                                                 
                                                                                
GROUP SELECTED STATISTICS                                                       
                                                                                
31 December     31 December         
                                            2011            2010                
Revenue                                                                         
Copper (net of hedge)            R`           3 387           3 213             
million                                         
Magnetite                        R`           3 924           2 339             
                                million                                         
Other by-products                R`            225             194              
million                                         
Industrial minerals              R`            518             385              
                                million                                         
                                                                                
Net profit before tax            R`           2 176            863              
                                million                                         
                                                                                
Copper                                                                          
Dry ore hoisted                  million                                        
                                tonnes      10.7            11.0                
Average copper grade             % Cu                                           
                                            0.64            0.64                
New copper in concentrate        kilo                                           
produced                         tonnes      68.0            75.0               
Cathode produced                 kilo                                           
                                tonnes      59.0            58.0                
Average copper price realised    USc/lb                                         
                                            394.6           347.0               
Average LME copper price for     USc/lb                                         
the year                                     399.8           340.0              
Average ZAR/US$ exchange rate    R/US$                                          
                                            7.26            7.32                
Spot ZAR/US$ exchange rate       R/US$                                          
                                            8.19            6.64                
Average copper price realised    R/tonne      63 145          55 947            
(pre hedge)                                                                     
Average copper price realised    R/tonne      48 342          44 273            
(post hedge)                                                                    

Vermiculite                                                                     
Vermiculite sold                 tonnes       162 828         178 599           
Average vermiculite price        R/tonne      3 181           2 156             
realised                                                                        
                                                                                
Magnetite                                                                       
Magnetite sold                   tonnes      3 182 367       2 640 489          
Average magnetite price          R/tonne      1 233            886              
realised                                                                        
                                                                                
Anode Slimes                                                                    
Anode slimes sold                tonnes        195             126              
Average anode slimes price                   1 033 540       1 436 508          
realised                                                                        
                                                                                
Nickel sulphate                                                                 
Nickel sulphate sold             tonnes        424             372              
Average nickel sulphate price    R/tonne      30 136          27 673            
realised                                                                        

Sulphuric acid                                                                  
Sulphuric acid sold              tonnes       95 681          51 593            
Average sulphuric acid price     R/tonne       113             59               
realised                                                                        
                                                                                
Marginal ore concentrate                                                        
purchased                                                                       
Volumes                          tonnes                        800              
                                            -                                   
Cost                             R`                            30               
                                million     -                                   
Unit purchased price             R/tonne                      37 500            
                                            -                                   
                                                                                
                                                                                

                                                                                
                                            31 December     31 December         
                                            2011            2010                
Imported blister                                                                
Volumes                          tonnes                                         
                                            -               1 858               
Cost                             R`                                             
million     -               100                 
Unit purchased price             R/tonne                                        
                                            -               53 802              
                                                                                
Imported cathode                                                                
Volumes                          tonnes       10 168          3 801             
Cost                             R`            671             192              
                                million                                         
Unit purchased price             R/tonne      65 969          50 513            
                                                                                
Imported rod                                                                    
Volumes                          tonnes                                         
-               4 913               
Cost                             R`                                             
                                million     -               290                 
Unit purchased price             R/tonne                                        
-               58 974              
                                                                                
Cash flow                                                                       
Net cash from operating          R`            780             592              
activities                       million                                        
Cash and cash equivalents        R`           2 210           1 641             
                                million                                         
                                                                                
Costs                                                                           
Production cost (excluding       R`           2 393           2 004             
purchases)                       million                                        
Cost of sales                    R`           3 376           3 104             
million                                         
                                                                                
Capital expenditure and                                                         
commitments                                                                     
Capital expenditure              R`            445             222              
                                million                                         
Contracts placed at end of each  R`            79              119              
period                           million                                        

Investments                                                                     
Fair value of unlisted           R`            445             398              
investments                      million                                        

Share capital                                                                   
Authorised ordinary shares of    R`000        100 000         100 000           
R1 each                                                                         
Issued ordinary shares of R1     000          48 337          48 337            
each                                                                            
Net asset value per share        R/share                                        
                                            76              46                  

REVIEWED PRELIMINARY CONDENSED GROUP RESULTS                                    
                                                                                
                                                                                
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT                                         
for the year ended 31 December 2011                                             
                                                                                
                                                 Reviewed    Audited            
2011        2010               
                                        Note     R`m         R`m                
                                                                                
Sale of products                                   9 092       6 976            
Hedge loss realised                               (1 038)     (845)             
Revenue                                            8 054       6 131            
                                                                                
Cost of sales                                     (3 376)     (3 104)           
Gross profit                                       4 678       3 027            
                                                                                
Selling and distribution costs                    (1 869)     (1 391)           
Administration expenses                           (711)       (482)             
Mineral and petroleum royalty                     (79)        (88)              
Other income                                        30          30              
Exploration development and growth       5        (196)       (40)              
costs                                                                           
Other expenses                           6        (53)        (6)               
Profit before net finance cost and tax   7         1 800       1 050            
                                                                                
Net finance income / (cost)              8          376       (187)             
Finance cost                             8        (47)        (216)             
Finance income                           8          423         29              
                                                                                
Profit before tax                                  2 176        863             

Income tax expense                       9        (712)       (268)             
                                                                                
Profit for the year                                1 464        595             

                                                                                
Profit for the year attributable to:                                            
Equity holders of the parent                       1 464        595             

                                                                                
Earnings per share attributable to the                                          
equity holders                                                                  
of the parent (expressed in cent per                                            
share)                                                                          
- Basic and diluted earnings per share  10        3 028       1 231             
(cents)                                                                         

                                                                                
The notes on pages 14 to 24 are an integral part of these condensed             
consolidated preliminary financial information.                                 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE                               
INCOME                                                                          
for the year ended 31                                                           
December 2011                                                                   
                                                                                
                                           Reviewed     Audited                 
                                           2011         2010                    
R`m          R`m                     
                                                                                
Profit for the year                          1 464         595                  
                                                                                
Other comprehensive income:                                                     
Available-for-sale                                                              
investments                                                                     
- Valuation gains arising                    37           30                    
during the year                                                                 
Exchange differences on                       36         (20)                   
translation of foreign                                                          
operations                                                                      
Cash flow hedges                                                                
- Mark to market losses                     (49)        (365)                   
arising during the year                                                         
- Transferred to profit or                  1 038         845                   
loss for the year                                                               
- Hedge ineffectiveness                      6            4                     
Actuarial loss on defined                   (2)          (  8)                  
benefit plans                                                                   
Income tax relating to components of        (290)        (142)                  
other comprehensive income                                                      
                                                                                
Other comprehensive income                    776          344                  
for the year, net of tax                                                        
                                                                                
Total comprehensive income                   2 240         939                  
for the year                                                                    

Total comprehensive income                                                      
attributable to:                                                                
Equity holders of the                        2 240         939                  
parent                                                                          
                                                                                
                                                                                
The notes on pages 14 to 24 are an integral part of these                       
condensed consolidated preliminary financial information.                       
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL                                   
POSITION                                                                        
As at 31 December 2011                                                          

                                         Reviewed      Audited                  
                                         2011          2010                     
                                 Note    R`m           R`m                      

Assets                                                                          
Non-current assets                         3 891         4 281                  
Property, plant and equipment              2 702         2 877                  
Intangible assets                           7             8                     
Financial assets                            445           398                   
Deferred income tax asset         12        737           998                   
                                                                                
Current assets                             4 048         3 298                  
Stores                                      136           113                   
Product inventories                         921           680                   
Trade and other receivables                 781           864                   
Cash and cash equivalents                  2 210         1 641                  
                                                                                
Total assets                               7 939         7 579                  
                                                                                

Equity                                                                          
Equity attributable to owners                                                   
of the parent                                                                   
Share capital and premium                   629           629                   
Other reserves                            (1 023)       (1 801)                 
Retained earnings                          4 053         3 390                  
Total equity                               3 659         2 218                  

Non-current liabilities                    2 486         3 385                  
Financial liabilities             13        754          1 672                  
Close-down and restoration        3.1       665           617                   
obligation                                                                      
Retirement benefit obligation     3.2       177           168                   
Deferred income tax liabilities   12        890           928                   
                                                                                
Current liabilities                        1 794         1 976                  
Financial liabilities             13        968          1 049                  
Retirement benefit obligation     3.2       9             8                     
Borrowings                                                98                    
-                                      
Trade and other payables                    641           573                   
Related party payables                      111           203                   
Current income tax liabilities              65            45                    

Total liabilities                          4 280         5 361                  
                                                                                
Total equity and liabilities               7 939         7 579                  

                                                                                
The notes on pages 14 to 24 are an integral part of these condensed             
consolidated preliminary financial information.                                 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY                           
for the year ended 31                                                           
December 2011                                                                   

                            Attributable to owners of parent                    
                    Note    Share   Share    Other    Retained  Total           
                            capital premium  reserves earnings                  
R`m     R`m      R`m      R`m       R`m             
                                                                                
Balance at 1                   48      581    (2 151)   3 201     1 679         
January 2010                                                                    

Total comprehensive          -       -          350      589       939          
income for the year                                                             
Dividends paid       14      -       -        -        (400)     (400)          

Balance at 31                  48      581    (1 801)   3 390     2 218         
December 2010                                                                   
                                                                                
Total comprehensive                             778     1 462     2 240         
income for the year          -       -                                          
Dividends paid       14                                (799)     (799)          
                            -       -        -                                  

Balance at 31                  48      581    (1 023)   4 053     3 659         
December 2011                                                                   
                                                                                

The notes on pages 14 to 24 are an integral part of these condensed             
consolidated preliminary financial information.                                 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS                                  
for the year ended 31 December 2011                                             
                                                                                
                                                  Reviewed     Audited          
                                                  2011         2010             
Note    R`m          R`m              
                                                                                
Cash flows from operating activities                                            
Cash generated from operating activities            2 308        1 343          
Interest paid                                      (3)          (5)             
Interest received                                    33           29            
Dividends paid                             14      (799)        (400)           
Income tax paid                                    (759)        (375)           
Net cash generated from operating                    780          592           
activities                                                                      
                                                                                
Cash flows from investing activities                                            
Acquisition of property, plant and                 (442)        (217)           
equipment                                                                       
Acquisition of intangible assets                   (3)          (5)             
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant            1                          
and equipment                                                   3               
Investment in available-for-sale                   (10)         (7)             
financial asset                                                                 
Dividend income                                                   4             
-                             
Net cash used in investing activities              (454)        (222)           
                                                                                
Cash flow from financing activities                                             
Repayment of borrowings                            (107)                        
                                                               -                
Net cash used in financing activities              (107)                        
                                                               -                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents            219          370           
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of           1 641        1 395          
year                                                                            
Effects of exchange rate changes on the              350        (124)           
balance of cash held in foreign                                                 
currencies                                                                      
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year            2 210        1 641          

                                                                                
The notes on pages 14 to 24 are an integral part of these condensed             
consolidated preliminary financial information.                                 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED PRELIMINARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION           
For the year ended 31 December 2011                                             
1.   CORPORATE INFORMATION                                                      
Palabora Mining Company Ltd ("the Company") and its subsidiaries (together  
    "the Group") extracts and beneficiates copper, magnetite and vermiculite    
    from its mines in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. It is the primary aim 
    of the Company, a member of the worldwide Rio Tinto Group, to achieve       
excellence in all aspects of its activities and to develop the Company`s    
    resources and assets in a socially and environmentally responsible way for  
    the maximum benefit of its shareholders, employees, customers and the       
    community in which it operates. It is the Company`s firm belief that        
efficient and profitable operations go hand-in-hand with high quality       
    products and comprehensive and effective safety, health and environmental   
    protection programmes.                                                      
    The Group is incorporated and domiciled in South Africa. The address of its 
registered office is 1 Copper Road, Phalaborwa, 1389. The Company is a      
    public limited company which is listed on the Johannesburg Securities       
    Exchange Limited (JSE).                                                     
    The condensed consolidated preliminary financial statements of Palabora for 
the year ended 31 December 2011 were authorised for issue in accordance     
    with a resolution of the Board of Directors passed on 2 February 2012.      
2.   BASIS OF PREPARATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES                               
2.1  Basis of preparation                                                       
The condensed consolidated preliminary financial information for the year   
    ended 31 December 2011 has been prepared in accordance with International   
    Accounting Standard (IAS) 34, `Interim financial reporting`.                
    The condensed consolidated preliminary financial information should be read 
in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 31   
    December 2010, which have been prepared in accordance with International    
    Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Interpretations, the AC 500        
    standards (as issued by the Accounting Practices Board or its successor),   
requirements of the South African Companies Act and regulations of the JSE  
    Limited.                                                                    
2.2  Independent audit review                                                   
    The preliminary financial statements have been reviewed by the company`s    
independent auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. Their unmodified review   
    conclusion is available for inspection at the company`s registered office.  
2.3  Significant accounting policies                                            
    The condensed consolidated financial report has been prepared in accordance 
with the historical cost convention except for certain financial            
    instruments, which are stated at fair value, and is presented in Rand,      
    which is Palabora`s functional and presentation currency.                   
    The accounting policies applied in the preparation of the condensed         
consolidated preliminary financial information are consistent with those    
    followed in the preparation of the Group`s annual financial statements for  
    the year ended 31 December 2010.                                            
3.   CHANGES IN ESTIMATES                                                       
3.1  Close down and restoration obligation                                      
    The provision for close-down and restoration costs was impacted by the      
    following movements during the year ended 31 December 2011:                 
    *    R13 million increase due to increased closure costs estimates          
following a closure review;                                            
    *    Rehabilitation of Loole Creek and ZBS resulted in a decrease of R9     
         million; and                                                           
    *    Finance charges (unwinding of discount) through the income statement   
resulted in an increase of R44 million in the provision.               
3.2  Retirement benefits obligation                                             
    The cost of post employment medical benefits is determined using actuarial  
    valuations. The actuarial valuation involves making assumptions about       
discount rates, mortality rates and income at retirement. Due to the long   
    term nature of these plans, such estimates are subject to significant       
    uncertainty. The net employee liability at 31 December 2011 is valued at    
    R186 million compared with R176 million at 31 December 2010.                
The valuation resulted in a pre-tax actuarial loss of R2 million (2010: R8  
    million loss) being recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.    
4.   PRESENTATION CHANGE                                                        
    Operating segments                                                          
Direct magnetite production costs were previously allocated under the       
    copper segment.                                                             
    The presentation change resulted in a change in previous reported amounts   
    as follows:                                                                 

                                                                                
                                        Copper      Joint-    Total             
                                                    product:                    
Magnetite                   
                                        R`m         R`m       R`m               
    Year ended 31 December                                                      
    2010                                                                        
Reportable segment operating          522        823       1 345            
    profit before depreciation  - as                                            
    reported previously                                                         
    Cost reallocation                     61        (61)                        
-                 
    Reportable segment operating          583        762       1 345            
    profit before depreciation  - as                                            
    reported currently                                                          

    Reportable segment                    150         762       912             
    operating profit - as                                                       
    reported previously                                                         
Cost reallocation                     61        (61)                        
                                                              -                 
    Reportable segment                    211         701       912             
    operating profit - as                                                       
reported currently                                                          
5.   EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT COST                                           
                                              2011        2010                  
                                              R`m         R`m                   

    Lift II exploration and growth              196         40                  
    related costs                                                               
                                                                                
Lift II exploration and growth costs relate to pre-feasibility              
    drilling and exploration of a copper mineralisation area under              
    the current footprint and early development activities.                     
                                                                                
6.   OTHER EXPENSES                                                             
                                              Reviewed    Audited               
                                              2011        2010                  
                                              R`m         R`m                   

    Hedge ineffectiveness                       6           4                   
    Impairment of accounts                      2           2                   
    receivable                                                                  
Loss on disposal of property, plant         6                               
    and equipment                                         -                     
    BBBEE Donation                              39                              
                                                          -                     
53          6                   
7.   PROFIT BEFORE TAX AND NET FINANCE COST                                     
                                              Reviewed    Audited               
                                              2011        2010                  
R`m         R`m                   
                                                                                
    Profit before tax and net finance cost                                      
    is stated after charging,                                                   
amongst other items:                                                        
    Depreciation of property, plant and         628         481                 
    equipment                                                                   
    Amortisation of intangible                  4           2                   
assets                                                                      
    Employee benefit expense                   1 002        819                 
8.   NET FINANCE INCOME/ (COST)                                                 
                                              Reviewed    Audited               
2011        2010                  
                                              R`m         R`m                   
                                                                                
    Finance cost                              (47)        (216)                 
Interest expense on                       (3)         (5)                   
    borrowings                                                                  
    Unwinding of discount on close-down       (44)        (41)                  
    and restoration costs                                                       
Net foreign exchange loss on operating                (50)                  
    activities                                -                                 
    Net foreign exchange loss on financing                (120)                 
    activities                                -                                 

    Finance income                              423         29                  
    Interest income on short-term bank          26          19                  
    deposits                                                                    
Interest income on available-for-sale       6           5                   
    financial asset                                                             
    Interest income on accounts receivable      1                               
    balances                                              5                     
Net foreign exchange gain on operating      49                              
    activities                                            -                     
    Net foreign exchange gain on financing                                      
    activities                                341         -                     

                                                376       (187)                 
9.   INCOME TAX EXPENSE                                                         
    The major components of income tax                                          
expense are:                                                                
                                              Reviewed    Audited               
                                              2011        2010                  
                                              R`m         R`m                   

    Normal income tax                         (699)       (311)                 
    South African                                                               
     - Mining tax: Current                    (638)       (315)                 
- Mining tax: Prior year                 (21)                              
                                                          18                    
                                                                                
    Foreign                                                                     
- Current                                (40)        (14)                  
                                                                                
    Secondary tax on companies                (80)        (39)                  
                                                                                
Deferred income tax                         67          82                  
    South African                                                               
     - Current                                  67          84                  
     - Prior year                                         (2)                   
-                                 
                                                                                
    Income tax expense reported in the        (712)       (268)                 
    income statement                                                            

   The tax rate reconciliation is as                                            
   follows:                                                                     
                                              %          %                      

   Current statutory rate                                                       
                                              28.0       28.0                   
   Adjusted for:                                                                
- Estimated state share (after                                              
   tax) rate                                  -          3.6                    
    - Actual state share and state share                                        
   deduction on mining tax                    -          (3.8)                  
- Disallowable expenditure                                                  
                                              -          0.4                    
    - Deferred tax on unutilised STC                                            
   credits                                    -          0.1                    
- Secondary tax on                                                          
   companies                                  3.7        4.8                    
    - Tax rate differential of foreign                                          
   subsidiaries                               0.1        -                      
- Prior year under /                                                        
   (over) provision                           0.9        (2.0)                  
    - Other                                                                     
                                              -          0.1                    

   Effective tax rate                                                           
                                              32.7       31.2                   
                                                                                
The state share tax on mining was replaced by the new royalty act with       
   effect from 1 March 2010.                                                    
10.  EARNINGS PER SHARE                                                         
    Basic and diluted                                                           
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit               
    attributable to equity holders of the parent by the weighted                
    average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.                 
    There are no potential or actual dilutive effects on the                    
Group`s share capital.                                                      
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
Reviewed    Audited                
                                             2011        2010                   
                                             R`m         R`m                    
                                                                                
Reconciliation of net profit for                                            
    earnings per share                                                          
    Net profit attributable to equity         1 464        595                  
    holders of parent                                                           

    Reconciliation of weighted average                                          
    number of ordinary shares                                                   
    Weighted average number of ordinary        48          48                   
shares of basic and diluted earnings                                        
    per share (million shares)                                                  
                                                                                
    Earnings per share (cents)                3 028       1 231                 
11.  HEADLINE EARNINGS                                                          
                                   Profit    Tax         Profit                 
                                   before    expense     after                  
                                   tax                   tax                    
R`m       R`m         R`m                    
                                                                                
    Year ended 31 December 2011                                                 
    Profit per income statement     2 176    (712)        1 464                 
Loss on disposal of              6       (2)           4                    
    property, plant and                                                         
    equipment                                                                   
    Headline profit                 2 182    (714)        1 468                 

    Year ended 31 December 2010                                                 
    Profit per income statement      863     (268)         595                  
    Profit on disposal of          (2)         1         (1)                    
property, plant and                                                         
    equipment                                                                   
    Headline profit                  861     (267)         594                  
                                                                                
Reviewed    Audited                
                                             2011        2010                   
                                                                                
    Headline earnings per share               3 036       1 228                 
(cents)                                                                     
12.  DEFERRED INCOME TAX                                                        
                                             Reviewed    Audited                
                                             2011        2010                   
R`m         R`m                    
                                                                                
    At 1 January                               70          130                  
    Tax charged to income                      67          82                   
statement                                                                   
    Tax charged to statement of other        (290)       (142)                  
    comprehensive income                                                        
    At 31 December                           (153)         70                   

    Deferred tax assets arising                                                 
    from:                                                                       
    Provisions                                 255         237                  
Derivative financial                       482         761                  
    instruments                                                                 
                                               737         998                  
                                                                                
Deferred tax liabilities                                                    
    arising from:                                                               
    Accelerated capital                      (758)       (808)                  
    allowances                                                                  
Available-for-sale                       (125)       (111)                  
    investment                                                                  
    Other                                    (7)         (9)                    
                                             (890)       (928)                  

    Net deferred tax                         (153)         70                   
    (liabilities) / assets                                                      
                                                                                
Comprising:                                                                 
    Deferred income tax assets                 737         998                  
    Deferred income tax                      (890)       (928)                  
    liabilities                                                                 
(153)         70                   
13.  FINANCIAL LIABILITIES                                                      
    Derivative financial instrument - Cash flow hedges                          
    At 31 December 2011, the Group held a commodity swap contract designated as 
a cash flow hedge of expected future sales to local customers under which   
    the Group receives a fixed price in rand and in relation to a monthly       
    notional quantity of copper sales as detailed below and pays a floating     
    price based on the arithmetic average (mean) of the US$ LME Cash Settlement 
Price, converted to rand at the average SA rand/US dollar exchange rate for 
    the calculation period.  The cash flows paid under the terms of the hedging 
    instrument are designed to reduce variability in the rand proceeds of the   
    copper sales as set out in the table below.                                 
As at 31 December 2011 the cash flow hedges of the expected future sales    
    were assessed to be highly effective and the ineffective portion of R6      
    million was recognised directly under "Other expenses" in the income        
    statement.                                                                  

                                                                                
    Table of terms: 2011                                                        
                            Quantity  Average   Hedged      Derivative          
hedged    value       liability           
                                      price                                     
    Maturity year           tonnes    ZAR/t     R`m         R`m                 
                                                                                
2012                     21 137    15 739     333         754               
    2013                     16 330    15 739     257         968               
                             37 467               590        1 722              
                                                                                
Unamortised component of non-observable                                     
    inception gains                                         -                   
    Total of derivative financial                            1 722              
    instrument                                                                  

    Non-current                                               754               
    Current                                                   968               
    Total of derivative financial                            1 722              
instrument                                                                  
                                                                                
      Table of terms: 2010                                                      
                              Quantity   Average    Hedged     Derivative       
hedged     value      liability        
                                         price                                  
      Maturity year           tonnes     ZAR/t      R`m        R`m              
                                                                                
2011                     21 825     15 739      344       1 038           
      2012                     21 137     15 739      333        969            
      2013                     16 330     15 739      257        703            
                               59 292                 934       2 710           

      Unamortised component of non-observable                    11             
      inception gain                                                            
      Total of derivative financial                             2 721           
instrument                                                                
                                                                                
      Non-current                                                               
      Derivative financial                                      1 672           
instrument                                                                
      Unamortised component of non-observable                                   
      inception gains                                          -                
      Total non- current                                        1 672           
portion                                                                   
                                                                                
      Current                                                                   
      Derivative financial                                      1 038           
instrument                                                                
      Unamortised component of non-observable                    11             
      inception gains                                                           
      Total current portion                                     1 049           

      Total of derivative financial                             2 721           
      instrument                                                                
14.  DIVIDENDS PAID                                                             
The following dividends were declared and paid:                             
                                                 Reviewed    Audited            
                                                 2011        2010               
                                                 R`m         R`m                
Previous year final                                                      
       dividend:                                                                
       724 cents per qualifying ordinary           349         300              
       share (2009: 620 cents)                                                  

       Interim dividend:                                                        
       931 cents per qualifying ordinary           450         100              
       share (2010: 207 cents)                                                  
799         400              
                                                                                
       After the respective reporting dates                                     
       the following dividends were proposed                                    
by the directors. The dividend                                           
       declared is recognised in the period                                     
       it is paid.                                                              
                                                                                

                                                                                
       Dividends declared:                                                      
       207 cents per qualifying ordinary                       350              
share (2010: 724 cents)                   100                            
                                                                                
       Secondary tax on companies due on                       35               
       closing date of dividend cycle            10                             
15.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS                                                 
                                                 Reviewed    Audited            
                                                 2011        2010               
                                                 R`m         R`m                

       The following significant transactions were                              
       carried out with related parties:                                        
       Purchases of goods and services (Rio                  655                
Tinto Group)                              733                            
       Marketing fee (Rio Tinto Iron                         28                 
       Ore Asia)                                 145                            
       Management fee (Rio                                   40                 
Tinto Group)                              21                             
                                                                                
                                                                                
16.  OPERATING SEGMENTS                                                         
Management has determined the operating segments based on the reports       
    reviewed by the strategic steering committee that are used to make          
    strategic decisions. The committee considers the business from a product    
    perspective. The products are divided in the following segments:            
*    Copper - produces and markets refined copper;                          
    *    Joint-product: Magnetite - markets processed current arisings and      
         built-up stockpiles of magnetite, a joint-product from the copper      
         mining process;                                                        
*    By-products: Includes anode slimes, sulphuric acid and nickel          
         sulphate;  and                                                         
    *    Industrial minerals - produces and markets vermiculite.                
         Reportable segments are as follows:                                    

                                                                                
                                                                                
                 Copper      Joint-       By-          Industrial    Total      
product:     products:    minerals                 
                             Magnetite    Other                                 
                 R`m         R`m          R`m          R`m           R`m        
   Year ended                                                                   
31 December                                                                  
   2011                                                                         
   External customers                                                           
   revenue                                                                      
Sales from     4 425       3 924         225          518          9 092     
   products                                                                     
   Hedge loss    (1 038)                                             (1         
   realised                  -            -            -             038)       
Reportable     3 387       3 924         225          518          8 054     
   segment                                                                      
   revenue                                                                      
                                                                                
Reportable      654        1 707         107          125          2 593     
   segment                                                                      
   operating                                                                    
   profit                                                                       
before                                                                       
   depreciation                                                                 
   Depreciation  (450)       (89)         (10)         (11)          (560)      
   Reportable      204        1 618         97           114          2 033     
segment                                                                      
   operating                                                                    
   profit                                                                       
                                                                                
Copper    Joint-       By-          Industrial    Total       
                            product:     products:    minerals                  
                            Magnetite    Other                                  
                  R`m       R`m          R`m          R`m           R`m         
Year ended 31                                                               
    December 2010                                                               
    External customers                                                          
    revenue                                                                     
Sales from     4 058     2 339         194          385          6 976      
    products                                                                    
    Hedge loss    (845)     -            -            -             (845)       
    realised                                                                    
Reportable     3 213     2 339         194          385          6 131      
    segment                                                                     
    revenue                                                                     
                                                                                
Reportable      583       762          104          27           1 476      
    segment                                                                     
    operating                                                                   
    profit                                                                      
before                                                                      
    depreciation                                                                
    Depreciation  (372)     (61)         (6)          (10)          (449)       
    Reportable      211       701          98           17           1 027      
segment                                                                     
    operating                                                                   
    profit                                                                      
                                                                                
Reportable segment operating profit before depreciation include:            
                                                                                
    Year ended                                                                  
    31 December                                                                 
2011                                                                        
    Joint           198     (198)                                               
    product                              -            -             -           
    allocation                                                                  
Overhead      (510)     (116)        (21)         (37)          (684)       
    allocation                                                                  
    costs                                                                       
    Selling and   (16)      (1 653)      (19)         (181)         (1 869)     
distribution                                                                
    costs                                                                       
                                                                                
    Year ended                                                                  
31 December                                                                 
    2010                                                                        
    Joint           149     (149)                                               
    product                              -            -             -           
allocation                                                                  
    Overhead      (374)     (85)         (15)         (26)          (500)       
    allocation                                                                  
    costs                                                                       
Selling and   (11)      (1 218)      (1)          (164)         (1 394)     
    distribution                                                                
    costs                                                                       
                                                                                
Reconciliation of reportable segment                                        
    operating profit to profit after tax:                                       
                                                      Reviewed      Audited     
                                                      2011          2010        
R`m           R`m         
                                                                                
    Reportable segment                                 2 033         1 027      
    operating profit                                                            
Unallocated                                                                 
    amounts:                                                                    
    -   Other including growth and Lift II            (162)           57        
    exploration expenditure                                                     
-   Depreciation and amortisation of tangible     (71)          (34)        
    and intangible assets                                                       
    -   Net                                             376         (187)       
    finance                                                                     
income cost                                                                 
    Profit from                                        2 176          863       
    operations before                                                           
    tax                                                                         
Income tax                                        (712)         (268)       
    expense                                                                     
    Profit after                                       1 464          595       
    tax                                                                         
17.  COMMITMENTS                                                                
    Commitments contracted for at the reporting date was R79 million (2010:     
    R119 million). Capital expenditure that was approved by the Board, but not  
    contracted for at 31 December 2011 amounts to R314 million (2010: R245      
million).                                                                   
18.  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES                                                     
    Legal matters                                                               
    Various legal matters, including labour cases before the CCMA, are in       
progress. The potential exposure is approximately R2 million (2010: R3      
    million).                                                                   
    Land claims                                                                 
    Presently four land claims have been filed regarding the government owned   
property that Palabora uses for its mining operations. The four tribes have 
    joined together and are represented by one legal advisor. Clarifications of 
    the claims and Palabora`s defences are being pursued through legal          
    channels. The legal exposure is uncertain.                                  
Taxation penalty on the closure rehabilitation trust fund                   
    During the year, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) issued Palabora   
    with a taxation penalty on its 2008 taxable income relating to the closure  
    rehabilitation trust fund. Palabora has objected to the penalty applied by  
SARS with a response pending. The financial implication of the penalty is   
    not material to the underlying results as published.                        
19.  EVENTS AFTER REPORTING DATE                                                
    Dividend declaration                                                        
The Board resolved to declare a dividend of R2.07 per share at a meeting    
    held on 2 February 2012. This financial report does not reflect this        
    dividend payable, which will be recognised in shareholders` equity as an    
    appropriation of retained earnings in the year ending 31 December 2012.     
Company Secretary:                                                              
KN Mathole                                                                      
Sponsor:                                                                        
One Capital                                                                     
Transfer Secretaries:                                                           
Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited                                   
70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001                                          
PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107                                                
Registered address:                                                             
1 Copper Road, Phalaborwa, 1389                                                 
PO Box 65, Phalaborwa, 1390                                                     
Date: 06/02/2012 17:14:01 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.                  
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